WHITE CAP HOLDINGS INC
S-1/A, 1997-09-25
CONSTRUCTION & MINING (NO PETRO) MACHINERY & EQUIP
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 25, 1997
    
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-33767
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
   
                                       TO
    
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                            WHITE CAP HOLDINGS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
            DELAWARE                       84-1380403                         5082
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER          (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)       IDENTIFICATION NO.)         CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
</TABLE>
 
                               3120 AIRWAY AVENUE
                                 P.O. BOX 1770
                          COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA 92626
                            TELEPHONE: 714-850-0900
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                MR. GREG GROSCH
                CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                               3120 AIRWAY AVENUE
                                 P.O. BOX 1770
                          COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA 92626
                            TELEPHONE: 714-850-0900
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
              LANCE C. BALK, ESQ.                        PHILIP E. COVIELLO, JR., ESQ.
                KIRKLAND & ELLIS                                LATHAM & WATKINS
              153 EAST 53RD STREET                        885 THIRD AVENUE, SUITE 1000
            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022                        NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
            TELEPHONE: 212-446-4800                         TELEPHONE: 212-906-1200
             TELECOPY: 212-446-4900                          TELECOPY: 212-751-4864
</TABLE>
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box.  [ ]
 
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
 
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
 
   
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
    
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
   
                SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 1997
    
 
PROSPECTUS
               , 1997
   
                                4,000,000 SHARES
    
 
                          [WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES LOGO]
                       [WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES COLOR LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                            ------------------------
 
     All of the shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common
Stock"), of White Cap Industries, Inc. ("White Cap" or the "Company") offered
hereby are being offered (the "Offering") by the Company.
 
   
     Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. It is currently anticipated that the initial public offering price will
be between $16.00 and $18.00 per share. See "Underwriting" for information
relating to the factors to be considered in determining the initial public
offering price.
    
 
     The Company has applied to have the Common Stock quoted on the Nasdaq
National Market ("Nasdaq") under the trading symbol "WHCP."
 
   
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY.
    
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>               <C>               <C>
================================================================================================
                                                               UNDERWRITING
                                             PRICE TO THE      DISCOUNTS AND    PROCEEDS TO THE
                                                PUBLIC        COMMISSIONS(1)      COMPANY(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share.................................         $                 $                 $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)..................................         $                 $                 $
================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
    See "Underwriting."
 
   
(2) Before deducting estimated expenses payable by the Company of $800,000.
    
 
   
(3) The Company and certain stockholders of the Company have granted the
    Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of 600,000
    additional shares of Common Stock, solely to cover over-allotments, if any.
    If such option is exercised in full, the total Price to the Public,
    Underwriting Discounts and Commissions, Proceeds to the Company and the
    proceeds to the such stockholders will be $          , $          ,
    $          and $          , respectively. See "Principal Stockholders" and
    "Underwriting."
    
 
                            -----------------------------
 
     The shares of Common Stock are being offered by the several Underwriters
subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject
to certain prior conditions, including the right of the
Underwriters to reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York, New York on or
about             , 1997.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE     ROBERTSON STEPHENS & COMPANY
    SECURITIES CORPORATION
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   3
 
                [PHOTOS OF COMPANY'S PRODUCTS AND/OR FACILITIES]
 
   
     CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVERALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING AND
MAY BID FOR AND PURCHASE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK IN THE OPEN MARKET. FOR A
DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
    
<PAGE>   4
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements contained elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Certain capitalized terms used in this summary are defined elsewhere in this
Prospectus. References in this Prospectus to the Company shall, as the context
requires, refer to White Cap Industries, Inc. (formerly known as White Cap
Holdings, Inc.), together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, White Cap
Industries, Corp. (formerly known as White Cap Industries, Inc.) ("WCI"), and
their respective predecessors, and references to "pro forma" or "pro forma
basis" mean the application of the pro forma adjustments described under
"Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data." Except where otherwise indicated,
the information in this Prospectus(i) assumes that the over-allotment option
granted to the Underwriters is not exercised and (ii) has been adjusted to
reflect the conversion of all outstanding shares of the Company's Series A-1 and
Series A-2 to Common Stock and a 1.74-for-1 stock split of the Common Stock
which will be effected immediately prior to the consummation of the Offering.
All references to years, unless otherwise noted, refer to the Company's fiscal
year, which, prior to January 1, 1996 ended on December 31 of each year and
since such date ends on March 31 of each year.
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
     White Cap is one of the leading business to business retailers to
professional contractors in the Western United States. The Company offers over
25,000 stock keeping units ("SKUs") of specialty tools and materials oriented to
professional contractors ("pro-oriented"). The Company markets its products
through 20 branch locations, its highly experienced outside sales force and
through the strategic distribution of its in-stock catalogs. The Company has
achieved substantial growth by acquiring leading contractor suppliers in new and
existing markets, expanding product offerings and opening new branch locations.
Since 1987, White Cap's net sales have increased at a compounded annual growth
rate of 23%, resulting from (i) acquisitions, (ii) same store sales growth,
which averaged 17% over the past four years, and (iii) new branch openings. The
Company's active customer base (customers that have purchased at least one item
on open credit during a given period) has grown from approximately 7,000 in 1994
to approximately 16,000 for the pro forma fiscal year ended March 31, 1997. For
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, the Company had pro forma net sales of
approximately $165 million.
    
 
   
     The Company operates in a highly fragmented, multi-billion dollar industry.
Management believes that small, regional contractor suppliers, with sales of
less than $50 million, supply over two-thirds of the pro-contractor market. With
pro forma fiscal 1997 net sales of approximately $165 million, the Company
believes it is one of the largest suppliers to its market niche nationwide. The
Company targets medium- and large-sized professional contractors, including
professional concrete, framing, waterproofing, landscaping, grading, electrical,
mechanical and general contractors.
    
 
   
     The Company sells a wide variety of pro-oriented products, including
construction materials, hand tools, fasteners, structural connectors, power
tools, light construction equipment, steel reinforcing bar (rebar), bulk and
collated gun nails and specialty cementatious products. In addition, at certain
branches the Company provides rental services on selected items such as brackets
and braces used in the construction of concrete "tilt-up" buildings, power tools
and miscellaneous light construction equipment. The Company's products are used
by professional contractors in new construction, maintenance and repair
projects.
    
 
   
     The Company believes that it has developed a business model that differs
substantially from that of traditional contractor suppliers and large home
center retailers. The model is based on offering the Company's customers
superior customer service and convenient "one-stop" shopping at its branch
locations. Unlike traditional contractor suppliers, who typically fill orders
from warehouses not accessible to customers, the Company encourages customers to
shop at its branches where they can browse through the warehouse aisles and
adjacent outdoor yards. The Company's prototypical store format consists of
approximately 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of interior floor space with an
adjacent outdoor yard of approximately equal square footage. The Company's focus
on merchandising exposes customers to a wide range of product offerings and
promotes significant add-on sales. As a result, approximately 60% of the
Company's net sales are generated from "walk-in" and "will call" business.
Customers can also select items from the Company's in-stock catalogs,
distributed to approximately 40,000 professional contractors, listing over
11,000 of the best selling SKUs maintained in stock. Customers can order
products by phone, fax, at a sales branch or through the outside
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
   
sales force. The Company's highly experienced sales force maintains frequent
customer contact, providing pro-oriented services on and off the job-site.
Through its high in-stock position and sophisticated inventory management
systems, the Company is able to fulfill approximately 95% of the items included
in each customer order and provide same-day or next-day delivery.
    
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
     In order to capitalize on its unique business model and the fragmented
professional contractor supply industry, the Company has initiated an aggressive
growth strategy consisting of: (i) pursuing acquisitions of leading contractor
suppliers in new and existing markets; (ii) increasing market share within
existing markets; (iii) expanding product offerings; and (iv) opening new branch
locations. The key elements of the Company's growth strategy are as follows:
 
   
          Strategic Acquisitions. The Company seeks to acquire leading
     contractor suppliers in existing and new markets that will provide:
     geographic diversification, product line expansion, an established customer
     base of medium- and large-sized pro-contractors and a direct sales force.
     The Company seeks to consolidate the operations of acquired companies and
     eliminate duplicative overhead expense. White Cap has established a
     successful track record for identifying and integrating acquisitions. Since
     February 1997, the Company has completed three acquisitions, A-Y Supply,
     Inc. ("A-Y Supply"), Stop Supply, Inc. ("Stop Supply") and Viking
     Distributing Company, Inc. ("Viking Distributing"), thereby strengthening
     its position as a market leader in the markets it serves and adding
     approximately $63 million to pro forma fiscal 1997 net sales. The Company
     believes that there are numerous attractive acquisition opportunities and
     that the Company's established reputation as an industry leader, access to
     capital, sophisticated management information systems and operating
     expertise provide it with competitive advantages in making acquisitions.
    
 
   
          Increased Market Share. The Company believes that its position as one
     of the largest suppliers in its market niche, combined with its reputation
     for providing superior customer service and a wide range of pro-oriented
     product offerings, will enable the Company to increase its market share.
     White Cap's direct sales force utilizes industry databases to continuously
     prospect for new customers and new projects. The Company also works closely
     with its suppliers and with licensed architects and engineers to ensure
     that the specialty product lines it carries are specified on projects. This
     effort focuses on targeting medium-and large-sized professional contractors
     engaged in construction projects throughout the Western United States. The
     Company believes its increased geographical presence will allow its
     customers to consolidate their purchases with White Cap.
    
 
          Expanded Product Offerings. The Company believes there are significant
     opportunities to expand its product offerings by distributing profitable
     specialty product lines sold by acquired companies but not previously
     offered at White Cap locations. As a result of its three most recent
     acquisitions, the Company anticipates that it will introduce at its
     Southern California locations approximately 3,500 new SKUs. As an example,
     the Company expects to expand A-Y Supply's rental business of brackets and
     braces used in the construction of concrete "tilt-up" buildings, as well as
     the sale of related products and accessories at certain of the Company's
     other branches. The Company also intends to expand the product offerings at
     its newly acquired branches by introducing approximately 2,500 new SKUs
     which have proven successful at White Cap. The Company has introduced the
     Simpson Strong-Tie line of structural connectors and fasteners to the A-Y
     Supply branches and has expanded the offering of the Simpson Strong-Tie
     products carried at the Viking Distributing branches. The Company
     anticipates regularly adding new products to expand its existing offerings
     and creating new product categories.
 
   
          New Branch Openings. The Company continues to evaluate opportunities
     to open new branch locations where it can service new customers and provide
     better service to its existing customer base. Pursuant to this strategy,
     the Company has opened three branch locations since 1994. These strategic
     branch openings in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver targeted high growth
     markets where management believed the Company could capture significant
     market share or further its acquisition strategy by having a competitive
     presence in the marketplace.
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>
Offering......................  4,000,000 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding
  after the Offering..........  10,294,028 shares(a)
Use of Proceeds...............  To repay (together with borrowings under the Credit
                                Agreement) outstanding indebtedness, redeem Senior
                                Redeemable Preferred Stock and pay accrued dividends on such
                                stock and on the Company's Convertible Preferred Stock. See
                                "Use of Proceeds."
Proposed Nasdaq Trading
  Symbol......................  WHCP
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) Excludes (i) 517,819 shares issuable upon the exercise of unvested options
    currently held by certain employees of the Company and (ii) 104,400 shares
    of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock held by
    the former owners of Viking Distributing which are subject to a repurchase
    right by the Company if certain performance targets are not achieved for the
    Northern California operations of the Company. Includes: (i) currently
    exercisable warrants to acquire 1,176,184 shares of Common Stock held by
    certain stockholders; (ii) 39,215 shares issuable to the former shareholders
    of A-Y Supply upon conversion of a subordinated convertible promissory note,
    which number is determined by dividing $500,000 by 75% of the midpoint of
    the range of the initial public offering price per share; (iii) 19,607
    shares issuable to the former owners of Stop Supply upon exercise of a
    warrant, which number is determined by dividing $250,000 by 75% of the
    midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price per share; (iv)
    129,454 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested options currently held
    by certain employees of the Company; and (v) 91,534 shares of restricted
    stock awarded to management which are not yet vested. See
    "Management -- 1997 Incentive and Stock Option Plan" and "Principal and
    Selling Stockholders."
    
 
     The Company was incorporated in Delaware in November 1996 and acquired all
of the outstanding stock of WCI on February 28, 1997. The Company's principal
executive offices are located at 3120 Airway Avenue, Costa Mesa, California,
92626, telephone (714) 850-0900.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
          SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION, OPERATING DATA AND UNAUDITED
                        PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
     The summary consolidated results of operations data set forth below for the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1997 and the three months
ended March 31, 1996 are derived from the Company's consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus; the summary consolidated
balance sheet data as of June 30, 1997 and the summary consolidated results of
operations data for the three months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 are derived
from the Company's interim consolidated financial statements included elsewhere
in the Prospectus; the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30,
1996 is derived from the Company's interim consolidated financial statements not
included herein. The summary unaudited pro forma data for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1997 and for the three months ended June 30, 1997 is derived from the
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data do not purport to
represent what the Company's results of operations actually would have been if
the transactions referred therein had been consummated on the date or for the
periods indicated, or what such results will be for any future date or for any
future period. The Company's business is seasonal and interim results are not
necessarily indicative of the results obtainable by the Company for a full
fiscal year or any other interim period. The data should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," "Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data," "Unaudited Pro
Forma Combined Financial Data" and the financial statements of the Company, of
Viking Distributing and of A-Y Supply and related notes thereto (collectively,
the "Financial Statements") included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   THREE                                    THREE
                                YEAR ENDED        MONTHS        FISCAL YEAR ENDED           MONTHS       THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                               DECEMBER 31,        ENDED          MARCH 31, 1997            ENDED                30, 1997
                             -----------------   MARCH 31,   ------------------------      JUNE 30,      ------------------------
                              1994      1995       1996        ACTUAL      PRO FORMA         1996          ACTUAL      PRO FORMA
                             -------   -------   ---------   ----------   -----------   --------------   ----------   -----------
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                          <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA(a):
 Net sales.................  $69,508   $77,840    $19,511    $  101,770   $   164,873      $ 23,509      $   37,311   $    46,831
 Gross profit..............   20,088    23,879      5,884        32,030        52,121         7,517          11,463        14,558
 Income from operations....    2,170     3,362        214         4,655         9,250         1,282           2,040         2,598
 Income tax provision
   (benefit)(b)............       30        40         --          (414)        3,396             9             318           966
 Net income (loss).........    1,318     1,937       (228)        2,796         4,886           849             403         1,389
 Pro forma net income......                                       1,405(c)         n/a                          n/a           n/a
 Pro forma net income per
   common equivalent
   share...................                                  $     0.19   $      0.43                    $     0.03   $      0.12
                                                                =======      ========                       =======       =======
 Pro forma weighted average
   common equivalent shares
   outstanding.............                                   7,284,332    11,284,332(d)                  7,398,112    11,398,112(d)
                                                                =======      ========                       =======       =======
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
 Branch locations..........       10        12         12            17            20            12              20            20
 Percentage change in
   comparable store
   sales...................     35.6%      6.1%       9.9%         15.3%         17.5%         13.6%           18.6%         16.2%
 Number of SKUs sold during
   period..................   10,787    11,223      9,346        15,765        26,265         9,521          10,830        20,448
 Active customers..........    7,023     8,735      6,892(e)     12,288        15,898         7,076(e)        8,640(e)     10,841(e)
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  AT JUNE 30, 1997
                                                                                               -----------------------
                                                                                                               AS
                                                                                               ACTUAL      ADJUSTED(f)
                                                                                               -------     -----------
<S>                                                                                            <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital..........................................................................    $24,727       $34,800
  Total assets.............................................................................     90,642        97,198
  Long-term debt, net......................................................................     60,382        10,663
  Total stockholders' equity (deficit).....................................................     (2,766)       54,958
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(a) The Company changed its fiscal year end to March 31, effective March 31,
1996.
    
 
   
(b) Reflects S Corporation status until February 28, 1997, when the Company
    converted to C Corporation status and recorded a tax benefit of
    approximately $500,000 to establish net deferred tax assets. However, the
    March 31, 1997 pro forma income tax expense provision is presented as if the
    Company was a C Corporation for the entire fiscal year.
    
 
   
(c) Reflects C Corporation status for the entire fiscal year.
    
 
   
(d) Includes 621,353 shares deemed issued in connection with the
    Recapitalization (as defined). See Note 2 to the Company's consolidated
    financial statements.
    
 
   
(e) Represents customers that have purchased at least one item on open credit
    during the specified three month period.
    
 
   
(f) Adjusted to give effect to the Offering and the application of the net
    proceeds thereof and contemplated borrowings under the Credit Agreement (as
    defined).
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus,
prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors
before making an investment in the Common Stock offered hereby.
 
RISKS RELATED TO COMPANY'S ACQUISITION STRATEGY
 
   
     In furtherance of the Company's growth strategy, the Company acquired A-Y
Supply in February 1997, Stop Supply in May 1997 and Viking Distributing in June
1997. White Cap is still in the process of completing the integration of these
acquisitions into the Company. The Company's historical operating results prior
to the acquisitions and pro forma results after giving effect to the
acquisitions are not necessarily indicative of the Company's future prospects.
There can be no assurance that these three acquisitions or any future
acquisitions will be successfully integrated into the Company and will achieve
the operating results that management expects.
    
 
   
     There can be no assurance that the Company's management and financial
controls, personnel, computer systems and other corporate support systems will
be adequate to manage the increase in the size and scope of the Company's
operations as a result of the Company's recent acquisitions. An important part
of the Company's plans is to integrate these acquisitions into the Company's
operations and business model. There can be no assurance that the Company will
be able to integrate these acquisitions or successfully convert them to the
Company's business model in a timely manner, without delays and without
substantially higher than budgeted costs resulting from the following issues,
among others: data conversion, training, data communications, computer hardware
obsolescence, reconfiguration of facilities, building permits and independent
third party contractors. Once integrated and converted, these acquisitions may
not achieve sales, profitability and asset productivity commensurate with the
Company's original stores. In addition, acquisitions involve a number of special
risks, including adverse short-term effects on the Company's reported operating
results, the diversion of management's attention, the dependence on retention,
hiring and training of key personnel, risks associated with unanticipated
problems or legal liabilities and the amortization of acquired intangible
assets, some or all of which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's operations and financial performance.
    
 
     The Company currently finances acquisitions, and intends to finance future
acquisitions, by using cash from operations, through borrowings under its credit
facilities and, in certain cases, through the issuance of additional equity. The
Company will need additional debt or equity financing to continue its
acquisition strategy. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
obtain such financing if and when it is needed or that, if available, such
financing will be available on terms the Company deems acceptable. If the
Company does not have sufficient cash resources or availability under the Credit
Agreement (as defined) or if the Common Stock does not maintain sufficient value
or potential acquisition candidates are unwilling to accept equity as part of
the consideration for the sale of their businesses, the Company will be unable
to continue its acquisition strategy. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
     Continued growth by the Company in the future could place strains on the
Company's management, operational and financial resources. In the future, the
Company will need to continue to develop the management skills of its managers
and supervisors and to recruit, train, motivate and manage its employees. The
Company's failure to manage growth effectively could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results. See "Business" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."
 
DEPENDENCE ON SYSTEMS
 
   
     The Company believes that its computer software programs are an integral
part of its business and growth strategies. The Company depends upon its
information systems generally to process orders, to manage inventory and
accounts receivable collections, to purchase, sell and ship products efficiently
and on a timely basis, to maintain cost-effective operations and to provide
superior service to its customers. While the Company has taken precautions
against certain events that could disrupt the operation of its information
systems, including implementation of an uninterruptable power source (UPS), a
disk drive redundancy
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
   
feature, third party off site vault data storage and telecommunications
rerouting capability, there can be no assurance that such a disruption will not
occur. If any such disruption were to occur, it might result in a partial or
complete loss of data, customer service disruptions, human resources issues and
vendor/supplier disruptions, among other problems, which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operation. The Company
is exploring whether and to what extent the Company's computer operating systems
will be disrupted upon the turn of the century as a result of the widely known
dating system flaw inherent in most operating systems (the "Year 2000 Problem").
There can be no assurance that the Company's systems will not be disrupted by
the Year 2000 Problem. Any such disruption could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business and results of operations.
    
 
COMPETITION
 
     The industry in which the Company conducts its business is highly
competitive. The Company faces competition in all customer categories of the
contractor supply industry. In the small- and medium-sized professional
contractor categories, the Company competes with traditional contractor
suppliers, mail order marketers, small hardware stores and large home center
chains. Historically, the large professional contractor has been served by
traditional specialty construction supply dealers and distributors. Recently,
however, some of the large home center chains have explored competing in this
category through in-house sales efforts. Certain existing competitors of the
Company have, and future competitors of the Company could have, substantially
greater resources, including financial resources, than the Company. There can be
no assurance that the Company will continue to compete effectively against
existing competitors or new competitors that may enter the markets in which it
conducts its business. See "Business -- Industry Overview" and "-- Competition."
 
GEOGRAPHIC DEPENDENCE; IMPACT OF REGIONAL WEATHER CONDITIONS
 
     All of the Company's operations are located in the Western United States
and all but three branches are located in California and, as a result, are
affected by local economic conditions, which are beyond the Company's control.
Any recession or period of slow growth in California or the Western United
States could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
     In addition, the Company's operations are affected by regional wet or dry
weather conditions which are beyond the Company's control. A prolonged or wet
winter season can and usually does adversely affect the Company's sales and
earnings due to construction delays or inactivity. Unusually dry winters can
result in regional water supply shortages resulting in government restrictions
on the number and or type of building permits issued which could also adversely
affect the Company's sales and earnings. While lower sales in any given quarter
resulting from the impact of weather conditions may be recaptured to a certain
extent in future periods, no assurances can be given that weather related
factors will not adversely affect the Company's sales and earnings in any given
fiscal year or reporting period.
 
FLUCTUATING OPERATING RESULTS
 
   
     The Company has experienced in the past and will experience in the future
quarterly variations in net sales and net income as a result of many factors,
including product cycles of suppliers that are not controlled or influenced by
the Company, product availability, supplier relationships, customer
relationships, catalog response rates, product mix, past and potential
acquisitions, the level of selling, general and administrative expenses, the
condition of the construction industry in general and shifts in demand for
contractor supplies. The construction industry which the Company supplies is
highly sensitive to economic cycles. The Company's planned operating
expenditures are based on sales forecasts. If net sales are below expectations
in any given quarter, operating results could be materially adversely affected.
    
 
     In the contractor supply industry, seasonality generally affects quarterly
sales performance. Historically, the Company's quarterly sales in the fourth
fiscal quarter (January through March) are lowest and quarterly sales in the
second fiscal quarter (July through September) are highest. See
"Business -- Industry Overview" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Quarterly Results of
Operations; Seasonality."
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
EFFECTIVE VOTING CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
   
     Upon the completion of the Offering, Greg Grosch, the Company's Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and President, KRG Capital Partners, LLC ("KRG
Capital"), Apex Investment Fund, III, L.P. ("Apex"), Bayview Investors, Ltd.
("Bayview"), Argentum Capital Partners, L.P. ("Argentum") and their respective
affiliates and certain other of the Company's directors and members of
management, consisting of Richard Gagnon, Dan Tsujioka and Chris Lane (who will
together own less than 5% of combined voting power of the Company's outstanding
voting Common Stock) will beneficially own, if taken together, 58.4% of the
combined voting power of the Company's outstanding voting Common Stock (not
including unvested options held by certain employees). If the foregoing
stockholders were to vote all of their shares of Common Stock in a similar
manner, they would effectively have sufficient voting power to elect the entire
Board of Directors of the Company and, in general, to determine (without the
consent of the Company's other stockholders) the outcome of any corporate
transaction or other matter submitted to the stockholders for approval,
including mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of
the Company's assets, and to prevent or cause a change in control of the
Company. Greg Grosch, KRG Capital and certain of its affiliates are parties to a
stockholders agreement relating to the voting of the Company's Common Stock,
which agreement will take effect upon the closing of the Offering. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transaction -- Stockholders Agreement" and "Principal
and Selling Stockholders."
    
 
DEPENDENCE OF KEY PERSONNEL AND SKILLED EMPLOYEES
 
     The Company's continued success depends to a large extent upon the efforts
and ability of key managerial and sales employees, including Greg Grosch, its
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of services of certain
of these key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations. The Company maintains a key-man life insurance policy on
Mr. Grosch, of which $10 million is currently assigned to the Company's existing
lenders. The Company's business also depends upon its ability to continue to
attract and retain senior managers, an outside sales force and skilled
employees, and failure to do so could adversely affect the Company's results of
operations. See "Management."
 
IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION
 
   
     The Offering will result in immediate and substantial dilution of $14.19
per share of Common Stock to investors purchasing shares of Common Stock
(assuming the midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price). See
"Dilution."
    
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") contain certain provisions that may have
the effect of inhibiting a non-negotiated merger or other business combination.
In addition, the Board of Directors will have the authority, without further
action by the stockholders, to fix the rights and preferences and issue shares
of preferred stock. These provisions, and other provisions of the Company's
Certification of Incorporation, may have the effect of deterring hostile
takeovers or delaying or preventing changes of control or management of the
Company, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a
premium for their shares over the then-current market prices. In addition, these
provisions may limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that
they may deem to be in their best interests. See "Description of Capital Stock."
 
RESTRICTIONS ON PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK
 
     In the past, the Company has not declared or paid any regular cash or other
dividends on the Common Stock and does not expect to pay dividends for the
foreseeable future. The Company is a holding company with limited assets and no
operations of its own. Consequently, the Company is dependent upon dividends and
other advances from WCI as its predominant source of cash flow. The Credit
Agreement is expected to contain restrictive covenants that restrain the ability
of the Company to pay dividends. If these restrictions are subsequently lifted,
any future cash dividends will depend upon the Company's results of operations,
financial
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
conditions, cash requirements and other factors. See "Dividend Policy" and
"Description of Certain Indebtedness."
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET AND POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
     Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. Although the Company has applied to have the Common Stock quoted on
Nasdaq, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Common
Stock will develop or be sustained. The initial public offering price of the
Common Stock offered hereby will be determined by negotiations among the Company
and the representatives of the Underwriters and may not be indicative of the
market price for the Common Stock after the Offering. See "Underwriting." After
the Offering, the market price for shares of the Common Stock may be volatile
and may fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including many which are
beyond the control of the Company, such as business performance, general
industry trends, news announcements by competitors of the Company or changes in
the regulatory environment or in general political, market and economic
conditions. See "Underwriting."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
     Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have 10,294,028 shares of
Common Stock outstanding. The shares of Common Stock sold in the Offering will
be freely tradeable without restriction or further registration under the
Securities Act unless held by an "affiliate" of the Company, as that term is
defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act, which shares will be subject to
the resale limitations of Rule 144. In addition, certain existing stockholders,
including holders of restricted Common Stock, have registration rights with
respect to Common Stock held by them. In connection with the Offering, existing
stockholders holding in the aggregate 6,118,314 shares (or 59.4% of total
outstanding shares) (5,863,314 shares or 55.1% of total outstanding shares if
the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) have agreed not to
dispose of any shares for a period of 180 days from the date of this Prospectus,
and the Company has agreed not to dispose of any shares (other than shares sold
by the Company in the Offering or issuances by the Company of certain employee
stock options and shares covered thereby) for a period of 180 days from the date
of this Prospectus, without the prior written consent of representatives of the
Underwriters. Upon expiration of such 180-day period, all of such shares of
Common Stock will be eligible for sale subject to certain volume and other
limitations of Rule 144 under the Securities Act applicable to "affiliates" of
the Company. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that market
sales of shares of Common Stock or the availability of shares of Common Stock
for sale will have on the market price of the Common Stock from time to time.
The sale of a substantial number of shares held by the existing stockholders,
whether pursuant to a subsequent public offering or otherwise, or the perception
that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the
Common Stock and could materially impair the Company's future ability to raise
capital through an offering of equity securities. See "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale" and "Underwriting."
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
                              RECENT TRANSACTIONS
 
THE RECAPITALIZATION
 
   
     In February 1997, KRG Capital formed the Company, which acquired all of the
outstanding stock of WCI from Greg Grosch, the then sole stockholder, Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of WCI, through a leveraged
recapitalization (the "Recapitalization"). The Company acquired the stock of WCI
for: (i) $10 million in cash; (ii) a $1.5 million subordinated note; (iii)
87,000 shares of Common Stock; and (iv) Convertible Preferred Stock which will
automatically convert into 2,795,390 shares of Common Stock upon consummation of
the Offering. In connection with the Recapitalization, shares of redeemable
preferred stock and warrants to purchase Common Stock were purchased by three
investment funds. Such shares of redeemable preferred stock will be redeemed
upon consummation of the Offering. See "Use of Proceeds," "Principal and Selling
Stockholders" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
    
 
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
 
     The Company has recently acquired three contractor suppliers for an
aggregate purchase price of approximately $37 million. In February 1997,
simultaneously with the Recapitalization, the Company acquired 100% of the stock
of A-Y Supply, which has stores located in Sacramento, Stockton, San Leandro,
Santa Rosa and Fresno, California. A-Y Supply generated net sales of
approximately $25.7 million for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The
acquisition of A-Y Supply was effective as of January 1, 1997. Effective May 1,
1997, the Company acquired 100% of the stock of Stop Supply, located in Fresno,
California. Stop Supply generated net sales of approximately $6.2 million for
its fiscal year ended January 31, 1997. In June 1997, the Company acquired 100%
of the stock of Viking Distributing, which has stores located in San Francisco,
Dublin and San Jose, California. Viking Distributing generated approximately
$35.2 million in net sales for its fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.
 
   
PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS
    
 
   
     The Company has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Burke
Concrete Accessories, L.P. ("Burke") for a total purchase price of $8.5 million,
subject to working capital adjustments as of the closing date (the "Burke
Acquisition"). Burke, with fiscal 1996 revenues of $24.9 million, is a full line
distributor of concrete accessories, construction chemicals and rental equipment
used in pour-in-place, precast and tilt-up concrete construction, renovation and
maintenance. Burke operates nine branch locations in the Western United States
(six of which are located in existing White Cap markets and three of which are
located in the Pacific Northwest). In addition, the Company has entered into a
letter of intent to acquire the assets of a one-branch contractor supplier, with
fiscal 1996 revenues of $5.4 million, which specializes in braces, inserts and
accessories for tilt-up concrete construction (together with the Burke
Acquisition, the "Proposed Acquisitions"). Completion of the Proposed
Acquisitions is expected to occur after the completion of the Offering and is
contingent upon satisfactory completion of due diligence and satisfaction of
customary closing conditions. The Offering is not contingent upon completion of
the Proposed Acquisitions.
    
 
   
     The Company continues to evaluate potential acquisitions and negotiates
with potential acquisition candidates from time to time. The Company is
currently in discussions with several acquisition candidates, but, other than
with respect to the Proposed Acquisitions, has not entered into binding
commitments or understandings with any of such candidates.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     The net proceeds to be received from the sale of the 4,000,000 shares of
Common Stock by the Company in the Offering (after deducting the underwriting
discounts and estimated expenses of the Offering payable by the Company) are
estimated to be approximately $62.4 million ($71.9 million if the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full), based on an assumed initial public
offering price of $17.00 per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on
the cover page of this Prospectus). The Company intends to use all of such
proceeds plus such amounts as may be necessary to borrow under the Credit
Agreement to repay approximately $58.5 million of outstanding indebtedness,
consisting of (i) revolving loans of approximately $28.9 million outstanding
under WCI's existing credit agreement, bearing interest at 0.25% over the bank's
prime rate and providing for a LIBOR option of 2.5% over the LIBOR rate (the
effective interest rates ranged from 8.22% to 8.75% at June 30, 1997) and
maturing on February 1, 2002; (ii) term loans of approximately $10.6 million
outstanding under WCI's existing credit agreement, bearing interest at 0.75%
over the bank's prime rate and providing for a LIBOR option of 3.0% over the
LIBOR rate (the effective interest rates ranged from 8.72% to 9.25% at June 30,
1997) and maturing on February 1, 2002; (iii) senior subordinated notes in an
aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million held by an institutional investor
and maturing on February 28, 2005, consisting of an aggregate principal amount
of $13.0 million accruing interest at a rate of 13.0% plus an additional
deferred rate of 6.25% and an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 million
accruing interest at a rate of 11.5%; (iv) a subordinated note in an aggregate
principal amount of $1.5 million issued to the Company's Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and President in connection with the Recapitalization,
accruing interest at a current rate of 13.0% and maturing on February 28, 2005;
and (v) subordinated notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2.5 million held
by the former owners of A-Y Supply, accruing interest at a rate of 10.0% and
maturing on February 25, 2000. In addition, the Company expects to pay
approximately $7.8 million in deferred interest and prepayment penalties
incurred in connection with the repayment of the indebtedness described above.
Approximately $3.0 million will be used to redeem the Company's Redeemable
Preferred Stock held by institutional investors consisting of Apex, Bayview and
Agentum and their respective affiliates and pay accrued dividends on such stock
and on the Company's Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding prior to the
completion of the Offering. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions." Pending such uses, the Company intends to invest the net proceeds
of the Offering in short-term, interest-bearing investment-grade securities.
    
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
   
     The Company has not paid dividends on its Common Stock and has no current
plans to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of future
dividends will be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in light
of conditions then existing, including the Company's financial condition and
requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business
conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. There
can be no assurance that the Company will determine to pay any cash dividends in
the future. The proposed terms of the Credit Agreement will limit the payment of
dividends on the Company's Common Stock. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                                    DILUTION
 
   
     The net tangible book value (deficit) of the Company as of June 30, 1997
was $(28,748,000), or $(4.57) per share. "Net tangible book value (deficit) per
share" is determined by dividing the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding into the net tangible book value of the Company (tangible assets
less liabilities). After giving effect to the Offering and use of proceeds
described herein, the pro forma net tangible book value of the Company at June
30, 1997 would have been approximately $28,976,000, or $2.81 per share based on
an initial public offering price of $17.00 per share (the midpoint of the price
range set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus). This represents an
immediate increase in the net tangible book value per share of $7.38 to present
stockholders and an immediate dilution of $14.19 per share to new investors
purchasing shares of Common Stock at the assumed public offering price.
    
 
     The following table illustrates this per share dilution:
 
   
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                  <C>        <C>
    Assumed public offering price per share............................             $17.00
      Net tangible book value (deficit) per share before the
         Offering......................................................  $(4.57)
      Increase resulting from the offering.............................    7.38
                                                                         ------
    Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share after the
      Offering.........................................................               2.81
                                                                                    ------
    Dilution per share to new investors................................             $14.19
                                                                                    ======
</TABLE>
    
 
     The following table summarizes the difference between existing stockholders
and new investors with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock purchased
from the Company, the total cash consideration paid, and the average price paid
per share (before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                PERCENT                           PERCENT OF         AVERAGE
                                   SHARES       OF TOTAL      TOTAL CASH            TOTAL             PRICE
                                 PURCHASED       SHARES      CONSIDERATION      CONSIDERATION       PER SHARE
                                 ----------     --------     -------------     ----------------     ---------
<S>                              <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>                  <C>
Existing stockholders..........   6,294,028(a)     61.1%(b)   $  5,226,659             7.1%          $  0.83
New investors..................   4,000,000        38.9         68,000,000            92.9           $ 17.00
                                 ----------       -----        -----------           -----
          Total................  10,294,028       100.0%      $ 73,226,659           100.0%
                                 ==========       =====        ===========           =====
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) Excludes (i) 517,819 shares issuable upon the exercise of unvested options
    currently held by certain employees of the Company and (ii) 104,400 shares
    of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock held by
    the former owners of Viking Distributing which are subject to a repurchase
    right by the Company if certain performance targets are not achieved for the
    Northern California operations of the Company. Includes: (i) currently
    exercisable warrants to acquire 1,176,184 shares of Common Stock held by
    certain stockholders; (ii) 39,215 shares issuable to the former shareholders
    of A-Y Supply upon conversion of a subordinated convertible promissory note,
    which number is determined by dividing $500,000 by 75% of the midpoint of
    the range of the initial public offering price per share; (iii) 19,607
    shares issuable to the former owners of Stop Supply upon exercise of a
    warrant, which number is determined by dividing $250,000 by 75% of the
    midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price are per share;
    (iv) 129,454 shares issuable upon exercise of vested options currently held
    by certain employees of the Company; and (v) 91,534 shares of restricted
    stock awarded to management which are not yet vested. See
    "Management -- 1997 Incentive and Stock Option Plan" and "Principal and
    Selling Stockholders."
    
 
   
(b) If the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, the
    percentage of shares retained by the existing stockholders would be reduced
    to 56.8% of the total shares of Common Stock outstanding after the Offering.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company as of June 30, 1997 and as adjusted to give effect to the Offering and
the application of the net proceeds thereof and contemplated borrowings under
the Credit Agreement. See "Use of Proceeds." This table should be read in
conjunction with "Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data," "Unaudited
Pro Forma Combined Financial Data" and the Financial Statements included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               JUNE 30, 1997
                                                                           ---------------------
                                                                           ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED
                                                                           -------   -----------
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN
                                                                                THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                        <C>       <C>
Short-term debt..........................................................  $ 3,106     $   706
                                                                           =======     =======
Long-term debt:
  Senior revolving debt..................................................  $28,330     $    --
  Senior term debt.......................................................    9,000       7,111
  Subordinated debt......................................................   19,500          --
  Other long-term debt...................................................    3,552       3,552
                                                                           -------     -------
          Total long-term debt...........................................   60,382      10,663
                                                                           -------     -------
Redeemable preferred stock...............................................    2,650          --
                                                                           -------     -------
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock...........................................................       11          90
  Convertible preferred stock............................................    2,256          --
  Additional paid-in capital(a)..........................................       --      65,367
  Accumulated deficit(b).................................................   (5,033)    (10,499)
                                                                           -------     -------
          Total stockholders' equity (deficit)(c)........................   (2,766)     54,958
                                                                           -------     -------
  Total capitalization...................................................  $60,266     $65,621
                                                                           =======     =======
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) As adjusted includes $83,000 related to the exercise of warrants by the
    former owners of Stop Supply at a 75% discount to the proposed offering
    price.
    
 
   
(b) As adjusted includes the recording of interest expense of $167,000 related
    to the conversion of the $500,000 of subordinated debt due the former owners
    of A-Y Supply at a 75% discount to the proposed offering price, prepayment
    penalties of approximately $7.8 million, and the write off of deferred
    financing costs of approximately $1.2 million net of income tax benefits of
    approximately $3.8 million.
    
 
   
(c) Following the consummation of the Offering, the authorized capitalization of
    the Company will consist of (i) 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which
    10,294,028 shares will be outstanding and (ii) 1,000,000 shares of Preferred
    Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of which 60,000 shares of Series B
    Preferred Stock will be outstanding. Options to purchase 647,273 shares of
    Common Stock will be outstanding immediately following consummation of the
    Offering.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
                  UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
     The following unaudited pro forma combined financial data for the year
ended March 31, 1997 and the three months ended June 30, 1997 (the "Unaudited
Pro Forma Combined Financial Data") give effect to (i) the 1997 acquisitions of
A-Y Supply, Stop Supply and Viking Distributing and (ii) the Offering and the
use of proceeds described herein to repay certain indebtedness and redeem
outstanding Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Financial Data are based on the historical financial statements of the Company,
A-Y Supply, Stop Supply and Viking Distributing and the assumptions and
adjustments described in the accompanying notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Data. The pro forma combined statements of operations were
prepared as if such transactions had occurred on April 1, 1996. The Unaudited
Pro Forma Combined Financial Data are not necessarily indicative of the results
which actually would have occurred if such transactions had occurred on the
dates indicated or which may occur in the future. The Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Data should be read in conjunction with the Financial
Statements contained elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
                           WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                      PRO FORMA COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             PRO
                                       A-Y        STOP         VIKING       PRO FORMA       FORMA      OFFERING        PRO FORMA
                     WHITE CAP(a)   SUPPLY(a)   SUPPLY(b)   DISTRIBUTING   ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED   ADJUSTMENTS     AS ADJUSTED
                     ------------   ---------   ---------   ------------   -----------     --------   -----------     -----------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                  <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>        <C>             <C>
Net sales...........   $101,770      $21,689     $ 6,222      $ 35,192       $    --       $164,873     $    --         $164,873
Cost of goods
  sold..............     69,740       14,952       3,532        24,528            --       112,752           --          112,752
                       --------      -------      ------       -------       -------       --------     -------       ----------
  Gross profit......     32,030        6,737       2,690        10,664            --        52,121           --           52,121
                       --------      -------      ------       -------       -------       --------     -------       ----------
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses..........     27,375        4,416       2,294         9,446          (660)(c)    42,871           --           42,871
                       --------      -------      ------       -------       -------       --------     -------       ----------
  Income from
    operations......      4,655        2,321         396         1,218           660         9,250           --            9,250
Interest expense,
  net...............      2,273           --         182           280            --         2,735       (1,767)(e)          968
                       --------      -------      ------       -------       -------       --------     -------       ----------
Income before
  provision
  (benefit) for
  income taxes......      2,382        2,321         214           938           660         6,515        1,767            8,282
Provision (benefit)
  for income
  taxes.............       (414)          51           2           402         2,630(d)      2,671          725(f)         3,396
                       --------      -------      ------       -------       -------       --------     -------       ----------
Net income..........   $  2,796      $ 2,270     $   212      $    536       $(1,970)      $ 3,844      $ 1,042           $4,886
                       ========      =======      ======       =======       =======       ========     =======       ==========
Pro forma net income
  per common
  equivalent
  share.............                                                                                                       $0.43
                                                                                                                      ==========
Pro forma weighted
  average common
  equivalent shares
  outstanding.......                                                                                                  11,284,332
                                                                                                                      ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
   
                           WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC.
    
 
   
                      PRO FORMA COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT
    
   
                                  (UNAUDITED)
    
   
                        THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PRO
                                                 STOP         VIKING       PRO FORMA       FORMA      OFFERING        PRO FORMA
                                WHITE CAP(a)   SUPPLY(b)   DISTRIBUTING   ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED   ADJUSTMENTS     AS ADJUSTED
                                ------------   ---------   ------------   -----------     --------   -----------     -----------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>        <C>             <C>
Net Sales.....................    $ 37,311       $ 538        $8,982         $  --        $46,831      $    --       $   46,831
Cost of goods sold............      25,848         287         6,138            --         32,273           --           32,273
                                  --------      ------       -------      ------ -        --------     -------       ----------
  Gross profit................      11,463         251         2,844            --         14,558           --           14,558
Selling, general and
  administrative expenses.....       9,423         185         2,198           154(c)      11,960           --           11,960
                                  --------      ------       -------      ------ -        --------     -------       ----------
  Income from operations......       2,040          66           646          (154)         2,598           --            2,598
Interest expense, net.........       1,319          18            20            --          1,357       (1,114)(e)          243
                                  --------      ------       -------      ------ -        --------     -------       ----------
Income before provision
  (benefit) for income
  taxes.......................         721          48           626          (154)         1,241        1,114            2,355
Provision (benefit) for income
  taxes.......................         318          20           257           (64)           531          435(f)           966
                                  --------      ------       -------      ------ -        --------     -------       ----------
Net income....................    $    403       $  28        $  369         $ (90)       $   710      $   679       $    1,389
                                  ========      ======       =======       =======        ========     =======       ==========
Pro forma net income per
  common equivalent share.....                                                                                       $     0.12
                                                                                                                     ==========
Pro forma weighted average
  common equivalent shares
  outstanding.................                                                                                       11,398,112
                                                                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
                           WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                NOTES TO PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
   
           UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT ADJUSTMENTS
    
 
     (a) A-Y Supply's results of operations are included in White Cap's income
statement from January 1, 1997 (acquisition date) forward. The A-Y Supply column
only includes the results of operations for the period April 1, 1996 through
December 31, 1996.
 
   
     (b) Stop Supply's fiscal year ended January 31, 1997. Stop Supply was
acquired effective May 1, 1997. Hence, the Stop Supply information only includes
the results of operations for the one month period ended April 30, 1997.
    
 
   
     (c) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of acquired companies' prior owners
compensation to a normalized ongoing amount reflecting current employment
agreements, which is offset, in part, by the amortization of goodwill and
covenants not to compete associated with the recent acquisitions.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          FISCAL YEAR     THREE MONTHS
                                                             ENDED         ENDED JUNE
                                                         MARCH 31, 1997     30, 1997
                                                         --------------   ------------
            <S>                                          <C>              <C>
            Reduction in compensation:
              A-Y Supply...............................      $  300          $   --
              Stop Supply..............................         170              --
              Viking Distributing......................       1,024              54
                                                              -----
                                                              1,494              54
            Goodwill amortization:
              A-Y Supply...............................        (278)            (69)
              Stop Supply..............................         (48)            (12)
              Viking Distributing......................        (308)            (77)
                                                              -----
                                                               (634)           (158)
            Covenant not to compete amortization:
              A-Y Supply...............................        (200)            (50)
                                                              -----
            Net expense (increase) reduction...........      $  660          $ (154)
                                                              =====
</TABLE>
    
 
     (d) Adjustment to record a tax provision at a combined federal and state
rate of 41% for the entire period presented. A-Y Supply and Stop Supply were S
Corporations prior to being acquired by White Cap. White Cap converted from S
Corporation to C Corporation status in February 1997.
 
   
     (e) Adjustment to reflect the change in interest expense upon repayment of
outstanding bank and subordinated debt.
    
 
   
     (f) Adjustment to reflect the elimination of the tax benefit associated
with the reduction of interest expense due to debt retirement.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
                SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
 
   
     The selected consolidated results of operations set forth for the years
ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1997 and the three months ended
March 31, 1996 and the selected balance sheet data set forth below as of
December 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996 and 1997 are derived from the Company's
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus; such
data as of December 31, 1992 and 1993 and for the years then ended and as of
December 31, 1994 are derived from the Company's consolidated financial
statements not included herein; such data as of March 31, 1995 and for the three
months then ended and the selected balance sheet data as of June 30, 1996 are
derived from the Company's interim consolidated financial statements not
included herein; the selected balance sheet data as of June 30, 1997 and the
selected consolidated results of operations data for the three months ended June
30, 1996 and 1997 are derived from the Company's interim consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Company's business is
seasonal and interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results
obtainable by the Company for a full fiscal year or any other interim period.
The data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Financial
Statements included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               THREE MONTHS                      THREE MONTHS
                                                                                   ENDED         FISCAL YEAR         ENDED
                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,              MARCH 31,          ENDED          JUNE 30,
                                     -------------------------------------   -----------------    MARCH 31,    -----------------
                                      1992      1993      1994      1995      1995      1996        1997        1996      1997
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -----------   -------   -------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA(A):
  Net sales........................  $45,125   $49,438   $69,508   $77,840   $15,841   $19,511    $ 101,770    $23,509   $37,311
  Cost of sales....................   31,119    34,373    49,420    53,961    11,246    13,627       69,740     15,992    25,848
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     --------    -------   -------
  Gross profit.....................   14,006    15,065    20,088    23,879     4,595     5,884       32,030      7,517    11,463
  Selling, general and
    administrative expenses........   13,530    14,342    17,918    20,517     4,259     5,670       27,375      6,235     9,423
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     --------    -------   -------
  Income from operations...........      476       723     2,170     3,362       336       214        4,655      1,282     2,040
  Interest expense, net............      486       487       822     1,385       274       442        2,273        424     1,319
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     --------    -------   -------
  Income (loss) before income
    tax............................      (10)      236     1,348     1,977        62      (228)       2,382        858       721
  Income tax provision
    (benefit)(b)...................        2        10        30        40         6        --         (414)         9       318
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------     --------    -------   -------
  Net income (loss)................  $   (12)  $   226   $ 1,318   $ 1,937   $    56   $  (228)   $   2,796    $   849   $   403
                                     =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======     ========    =======   =======
 
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
  Branch locations.................        9         9        10        12        11        12           17         12        20
  Percentage change in comparable
    store sales....................      0.7%      9.8%     35.6%      6.1%      4.0%      9.9%        15.3%      13.6%     18.6%
  Number of SKUs sold during
    period.........................      N/A       N/A    10,787    11,223     8,763     9,346       15,765      9,521    10,830
  Active customers.................      N/A       N/A     7,023     8,735     6,116(c)   6,892(c)     12,288    7,076(c)   8,640(c)
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                AT DECEMBER 31,                       AT MARCH 31,                AT JUNE 30,
                                     -------------------------------------   -------------------------------   -----------------
                                      1992      1993      1994      1995      1995      1996        1997        1996      1997
                                     -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -----------   -------   -------
<S>                                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital..................  $ 8,201   $ 8,104   $10,840   $12,712   $10,875   $14,566    $  17,410    $14,293   $24,727
  Total assets.....................   18,200    18,087    26,750    36,192    26,211    35,287       62,292     37,613    90,642
  Long-term debt, net..............    7,620     7,550    10,472    15,815     9,860    18,095       38,888     16,580    60,382
  Total stockholders' equity
    (deficit)......................    2,763     2,905     3,639     4,528     4,007     3,945       (3,030)     5,203    (2,766)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(a) The Company changed its fiscal year end to March 31, effective March 31,
1996.
    
 
   
(b) Reflects S Corporation status until February 28, 1997, when the Company
    converted to C Corporation status and recorded a tax benefit of
    approximately $500,000 to establish net deferred tax assets.
    
 
   
(c) Reflects customers that have purchased at least one item on open credit
    during the specified three month period.
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements which involve
risks and uncertainties. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe,"
"estimate," and "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company
or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The
Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially
from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those
discussed in "Risk Factors."
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company's revenues are generated by providing a wide variety of
specialty tools and construction materials to professional contractors. The
Company is executing an aggressive acquisition strategy, acquiring companies in
related lines of business. These acquisitions may change the Company's products,
product mix and operating margins. While the Company's management strategy,
operating efficiencies and economies of scale may present opportunities to
reduce costs, such benefits may initially be partially or completely offset by
the cost of integration such as transitional, management and administrative
costs. These various costs and possible cost savings may make historical
operating results not indicative of future performance. In connection with the
Company's rapid expansion, the Company expects to focus significant attention
and resources on technological investments that will increase productivity.
    
 
   
     The Company expects to incur significant one-time charges in the fiscal
quarter in which the Offering is consummated. These one time charges will
include approximately $7.8 million related to prepayment penalties on the
retirement of existing debt, the charge-off of approximately $1.2 million
associated with capitalized debt issuance costs and imputed interest charges of
approximately $167,000 associated with the issuance of Common Stock at a
discount to the initial public offering price per share in order to retire a
note held by the sellers of an acquired entity. In addition, the Company will
incur a one time compensation charge of approximately $890,000 in the quarter
ending September 30, 1997, reflecting the acceleration of an employee bonus.
    
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
     The following table sets forth various items as a percentage of net sales
or pro forma net sales, as applicable, for the actual fiscal years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995, the actual and pro forma fiscal years ended March
31, 1997 and the actual three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and June 30,
1996 and 1997 and the pro forma three months ended June 30, 1997. The pro forma
data were prepared as if the acquisitions of A-Y Supply, Stop Supply and Viking
Distributing had occurred on April 1, 1996.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       THREE MONTHS                           THREE MONTHS     THREE MONTHS
                        YEAR ENDED         ENDED         FISCAL YEAR ENDED       ENDED             ENDED
                       DECEMBER 31,      MARCH 31,         MARCH 31, 1997       JUNE 30,       JUNE 30, 1997
                       -------------   -------------     ------------------   ------------   -----------------
                       1994    1995    1995    1996      ACTUAL   PRO FORMA       1996       ACTUAL  PRO FORMA
                       -----   -----   -----   -----     ------   ---------   ------------   -----   ---------
<S>                    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>            <C>     <C>
Net sales............  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%     100.0%    100.0%        100.0%     100.0%      100.0%
Cost of sales........   71.1    69.3    71.0    69.8       68.5      68.4          68.0       69.3        68.9
                       -----   -----   -----   -----      -----     -----         -----      -----       ----- 
  Gross Profit.......   28.9    30.7    29.0    30.2       31.5      31.6          32.0       30.7        31.1
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses...........   25.8    26.4    26.9    29.1       26.9      26.0          26.5       25.3        25.5
                       -----   -----   -----   -----      -----     -----         -----      -----       ----- 
  Income from
     operations......    3.1     4.3     2.1     1.1        4.6       5.6           5.5        5.5         5.5
Interest expense,
  net................    1.2     1.8     1.7     2.3        2.2       0.6           1.8        3.5         0.5
                       -----   -----   -----   -----      -----     -----         -----      -----       ----- 
  Income (loss)
     before income
     tax.............    1.9     2.5     0.4    (1.2)       2.3       5.0           3.7        1.9         5.0
Income tax provision
  (benefit)..........     --      --      --      --       (0.4)      2.1           0.0        0.9         2.1
                       -----   -----   -----   -----      -----     -----         -----      -----       ----- 
  Net income
     (loss)..........    1.9%    2.5%    0.4%   (1.2%)      2.7%      3.0%          3.6%       1.1%        3.0%
                       =====   =====   =====   =====      =====     =====         =====      =====       =====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The pro forma results of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31,
1997, as compared to the actual results for such fiscal year, reflect an
increase in gross margin from 31.5% to 31.6% due to the increased margins
associated with the rental businesses of A-Y Supply and Stop Supply. Pro forma
operating expenses as a percentage of net sales for the fiscal year ended March
31, 1997, as compared to the actual results for such fiscal year, were 26.0%
versus 26.9%. The lower selling, general and administrative expenses reflect
reduced annual compensation for the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
reduced or eliminated compensation to the selling shareholders of the acquired
entities. The change in interest expense, net reflects the impact of paying off
the Company's outstanding bank and subordinated debt. The increase in the tax
provision reflects the elimination of the benefit of reinstating deferred income
taxes for the Company due to the conversion from S Corporation status to C
Corporation status in February 1997 and the recording of a 41% tax provision.
    
 
   
  THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
1996
    
 
   
     Net Sales. Net sales increased $13.8 million, or 58.7%, to $37.3 million
for the three month period ended June 30, 1997 from $23.5 million for the three
month period ended June 30, 1996. The growth in net sales for the 1997 period
was the result of a 18.6% increase in same store sales during the quarter ended
June 30, 1997, the expansion of product lines, sales growth at the new branch
stores and the acquisitions of A-Y Supply, Stop Supply and Viking Distributing.
    
 
   
     Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $3.9 million, or 52.5%, to $11.5
million for the three month period ended June 30, 1997 from $7.5 million for the
three month period ended June 30, 1996. The increase in gross profit was a
result of the increased net sales offset in part by a decrease in gross profit
margin. The gross profit margin for the three months ended June 30, 1997 was
30.7%, compared to 32.0% in the three months ended June 30, 1996. The decrease
in gross profit margin was primarily due to an aggressive promotion of certain
products in order to initiate relationships with new customers in Northern
California.
    
 
   
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $3.2 million, or 51.1%, to $9.4 million in the
quarter ended June 30, 1997 from $6.2 million in the quarter ended June 30,
1996. Selling expenses increased $2.1 million, or 51.2%, to $6.2 million for the
three month period ended June 30, 1997 from $4.1 million for the three month
period ended June 30, 1996. The increase in selling expenses was due to
increased advertising, increased commissions to the outside sales force due to
the sales growth and increased costs of customer service, principally the
addition of branch personnel. Selling expenses as a percent of net sales for the
three month period ended June 30, 1997 was 16.6%, as compared to 17.4% for the
three month period ended June 30, 1996.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
   
     General and administrative expenses increased $1.1 million, or 52.4%, to
$3.2 million for the three month period ended June 30, 1997 from $2.1 million
for the three month period ended June 30, 1996. General and administrative
expenses as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended June 30, 1997
was 8.6%, as compared to 8.9% for the three months ended June 30, 1996. The
increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to increased
distribution costs to process the increased sales volume and a planned increase
in corporate functions to position the Company for future growth.
    
 
   
     Income from Operations. Income from operations increased $0.8 million, or
59.1%, to $2.0 million for the three month period ended June 30, 1997 from $1.3
million for the three month period ended June 30, 1996. Income from operations
as a percentage of net sales remained constant at 5.5%. This reflects the
cumulative effects of the decrease in gross profit offset, in part, by the
increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net
sales.
    
 
   
     Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net of interest income, increased
$0.9 million, or 211.1%, to $1.3 million for the three month period ended June
30, 1997 from $0.4 million for the three month period ended June 30, 1996.
Interest expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 3.5% from 1.8% in the
three month period ended June 30, 1996. This increase was due to increased
levels of debt to support the Company's growth.
    
 
   
     Net Income. Net income decreased to $0.4 million, as compared to $0.8
million for the three month period ended June 30, 1996. The decrease in net
income was primarily related to a decrease in gross profit margins, the increase
in interest expense and the increase in the tax provision.
    
 
  FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
   
     Net Sales. Net sales increased $23.9 million, or 30.7%, to $101.8 million
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 from $77.8 million in the year ended
December 31, 1995. The growth in net sales for 1997 was the result of the
acquisition of A-Y Supply in January 1997, an approximately 15% increase in same
store sales for the rest of the year, expansion of product lines and sales
growth at the new branch stores opened in 1995.
    
 
   
     Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $8.2 million, or 34.1%, to $32.0
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 from $23.9 million in the year
ended December 31, 1995. The increase in gross profit was a result of the net
sales increase combined with an increase in gross profit margin as a percentage
of net sales. The gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 was 31.5%, compared to 30.7% in the year ended
December 31, 1995. The increase in gross profit margin as a percentage of net
sales was a result of White Cap's improved purchasing of products throughout the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1997. This improvement was offset by lower margins
at A-Y Supply during the fourth quarter due to the aggressive promotion of
certain products in order to initiate relationships with new customers in
Northern California.
    
 
   
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $6.9 million, or 33.4%, to $27.4 million in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 from $20.5 million in the year ended
December 31, 1995. Selling expenses increased $4.3 million, or 31.9%, to $17.8
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 from $13.5 million in the year
ended December 31, 1995. The increase in selling expenses was due to increased
advertising, increased commissions to the outside sales force due to the sales
growth and increased costs of customer service, principally the addition of
branch personnel. Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1997 increased to 17.5%, as compared to 17.3% in the year
ended December 31, 1995, as a result of the greater percentage growth than in
net sales.
    
 
   
     General and administrative expenses include corporate administrative costs
and the costs of operating the Company's central distribution center in Costa
Mesa, California. General and administrative expenses increased $2.6 million, or
37.1%, to $9.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 from $7.0 million
in the year ended December 31, 1995. General and administrative expenses as a
percentage of net sales for the year ended March 31, 1997 increased to 9.4%, as
compared to 9.0% in the year ended December 31, 1995. The increase in general
and administrative expense was primarily due to increased distribution costs to
process the
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
increased sales volume and a planned increase in corporate functions to position
the Company for future growth.
 
   
     Income from Operations. Income from operations increased $1.3 million, or
38.5%, to $4.7 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 from $3.4 million
in the year ended December 31, 1995. Income from operations as a percentage of
net sales was 4.6%, as compared to 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 1995.
This increase reflects the cumulative effects of the increase in gross profit,
partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative
expenses.
    
 
   
     Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net of interest income, increased
$0.9 million, or 64.1%, to $2.3 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997
from $1.4 million in the year ended December 31, 1995. Interest expense as a
percentage of net sales increased to 2.2% from 1.8% in the year ended December
31, 1995. This increase was due to increased levels of debt to support the
Company's growth and the new debt associated with the acquisition of A-Y Supply,
combined with the higher interest rate associated with the debt utilized to
acquire A-Y Supply.
    
 
   
     Net Income. Net income increased $0.9 million, or 44.3%, to $2.8 million in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997 from $1.9 million in the year ended
December 31, 1995. Net income as a percentage of net sales was 2.7%, as compared
to 2.5% for the year ended December 31, 1995. This increase reflects the
cumulative effects of the increase in gross profit and the increase in the
benefit for income taxes, offset by the increase in operating expenses and the
increase in net interest expense.
    
 
  THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
1995
 
   
     Net Sales. Net sales increased $3.7 million, or 23.2%, to $19.5 million for
the three month period ended March 31, 1996 from $15.8 million for the three
month period ended March 31, 1995. The growth in net sales for the 1996 period
was the result of a 9.9% increase in same store sales during the quarter ended
March 31, 1996, the expansion of product lines and sales growth at the new
branch stores opened in 1994 and 1995.
    
 
   
     Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $1.3 million, or 28.1%, to $5.9
million for the three month period ended March 31, 1996 from $4.6 million for
the three month period ended March 31, 1995. The increase in gross profit was a
result of the increased net sales combined with an increase in gross profit
margin. The gross profit margin for the three months ended March 31, 1996 was
30.2%, compared to 29.0% in the three months ended March 31, 1995. The increase
in gross profit margin was a result of White Cap's improved purchasing of
products.
    
 
   
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $1.4 million, or 33.1%, to $5.7 million in the
quarter ended March 31, 1996 from $4.3 million in the quarter ended March 31,
1995. Selling expenses increased $0.7 million, or 24.1%, to $3.6 million for the
three month period ended March 31, 1996 from $2.9 million for the three month
period ended March 31, 1995. The increase in selling expenses was due to
increased advertising, increased commissions to the outside sales force due to
the sales growth and increased costs of customer service, principally the
addition of branch personnel. Selling expenses as a percent of net sales for the
three month period ended March 31, 1996 was 18.5%, as compared to 18.4% for the
three month period ended March 31, 1995.
    
 
   
     General and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million, or 50.0%, to
$2.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 1996 from $1.4 million
for the three month period ended March 31, 1995. General and administrative
expenses as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 1996
increased to 10.6%, as compared to 8.9% for the three months ended March 31,
1995. The increase in general and administrative expense was primarily due to
increased distribution costs to process the increased sales volume and a planned
increase in corporate functions to position the Company for future growth.
    
 
     Income from Operations. Income from operations was nominal for the three
month periods ended March 31, 1996 and March 31, 1995. Income from operations as
a percentage of net sales was 1.1%, as compared to 2.1% for the three months
ended March 31, 1995. This decrease reflects the cumulative effects of the
increase in gross profit offset by the increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
   
     Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net of interest income, increased
$0.2 million, or 61.3%, to $0.4 million for the three month period ended March
31, 1996 from $0.3 million for the three month period ended March 31, 1995.
Interest expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 2.3% from 1.7% in the
three month period ended March 31, 1995. This increase was due to increased
levels of debt to support the Company's growth.
    
 
     Net Loss. Net loss increased to $0.2 million, as compared to net income of
$0.1 million for the three month period ended March 31, 1995. The decrease in
net income was primarily related to increased general and administrative
expenses and increased interest expense.
 
  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
   
     Net Sales. Net sales increased $8.3 million, or 12.0%, to $77.8 million in
the year ended December 31, 1995 from $69.5 million in the year ended December
31, 1994. The growth in net sales for 1995 was the result of a 6.1% increase in
same store sales during 1995, expansion of product lines and the opening of new
branch stores in 1994 and 1995.
    
 
     Gross Profit. Gross profit increased $3.8 million, or 18.9%, to $23.9
million in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 from $20.1 million in the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1994. The increase in gross profit was a result
of the increase in net sales combined with an increase in gross profit margins
as a percentage of net sales. The gross profit margin as a percentage of net
sales in the year ended December 31, 1995 was 30.7%, as compared to 28.9% in the
year ended December 31, 1994. The increase in gross profit margin as a
percentage of net sales was a result of White Cap's improved purchasing of
products throughout the year.
 
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $2.6 million, or 14.5%, to $20.5 million in
the year ended December 31, 1995 from $17.9 million in the year ended December
31, 1994. Selling expenses increased $1.5 million, or 12.5%, to $13.5 million in
the year ended December 31, 1995 from $12.0 million in the year ended December
31, 1994. The increase in selling expenses was due to increased advertising,
increased commissions to the outside sales force due to the sales growth and
increased costs of customer service, primarily the addition of branch personnel.
Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales for the years ended December 31,
1995 and 1994 was constant at 17.3%.
 
     General and administrative expenses increased $1.1 million, or 18.6%, to
$7.0 million in the year ended December 31, 1995 from $5.9 million in the year
ended December 31, 1994. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of
net sales for the year ended December 31, 1995 was 9.0%, as compared to 8.4% in
the year ended December 31, 1994. The increase in general and administrative
expense was primarily due to increased distribution costs to process the
increased sales volume, a planned increase in corporate functions to position
the Company for future growth and the costs associated with opening three new
branches during 1994 and 1995.
 
   
     Income from Operations. Income from operations increased $1.2 million, or
54.9%, to $3.4 million in the year ended December 31, 1995 from $2.2 million in
the year ended December 31, 1994. Income from operations as a percentage of net
sales was 4.3%, as compared to the 3.1% for the year ended December 31, 1995.
This increase reflects the effect of the increase in gross profit margins offset
by the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
    
 
   
     Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net of interest income, increased
$0.6 million, or 68.5%, to $1.4 million in the year ended December 31, 1995 from
$0.8 million in the year ended December 31, 1994. Interest expense as a
percentage of net sales increased to 1.8% from 1.2% in the year ended December
31, 1994. This was due to increased levels of debt to support the Company's
growth.
    
 
   
     Net Income. Net income increased $0.6 million, or 47.0%, to $1.9 million in
the year ended December 31, 1995 from $1.3 million in the year ended December
31, 1994. Net income as a percentage of net sales was 2.5%, as compared to 1.9%
for the year ended December 31, 1994. This increase reflects the effect of the
increase in gross profit margins, offset by the increases in operating expenses
and interest expense.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS; SEASONALITY
 
   
     The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly consolidated
financial data for each of the nine consecutive quarters beginning April 1,
1995. This information was derived from unaudited consolidated financial
statements that include, in the opinion of the Company, all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation
when read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus. In the
contractor supply industry, seasonality generally affects quarterly sales
performance. Historically, the Company's quarterly sales in the fourth fiscal
quarter (January through March) are lowest and quarterly sales in the second
fiscal quarter (July through September) are highest. This variance is primarily
due to uncontrollable weather conditions and a somewhat predictable annual
construction cycle. White Cap manages the impact of seasonality trends by
focusing on such critical issues as staffing requirements and trends in
inventory turns.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   JUNE 30,  SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,  MARCH 31,  JUNE 30,  SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,  MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,
                     1995        1995           1995        1996       1996        1996           1996       1997(a)   1997(a)(b)
                   --------  -------------  ------------  ---------  --------  -------------  ------------  ---------  ----------
                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                <C>       <C>            <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>            <C>           <C>        <C>
Net sales......... $ 20,081     $21,564       $ 20,354     $19,511   $ 23,509     $24,999       $ 22,383     $30,880    $ 37,311
Gross profit......    6,240       6,560          6,484       5,884      7,517       8,044          6,987       9,482      11,463
Income from
  operations......    1,160         942            924         214      1,282       1,592            498       1,283       2,040
Net income
  (loss)..........      816         582            483        (228)       849       1,206            215         525         403
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Includes the results of operations for A-Y Supply, which was acquired
    effective January 1, 1997.
 
   
(b) Includes the results of operations for Stop Supply and Viking Distributing,
    which were acquired effective May 1, 1997 and June 25, 1997, respectively.
    
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company's primary capital needs have historically been to fund (i) the
working capital requirements necessitated by its sales growth, (ii) acquiring
and operating acquired companies and (iii) distributions to the prior sole
shareholder, primarily to satisfy tax liabilities resulting from the prior S
Corporation status. The Company's primary sources of financing have been senior
and subordinated debt, cash from operations and the sale of preferred equity.
After completion of the Offering, the Company anticipates that its cash flows
from operations and available lines of credit will be adequate to support its
operations and strategic acquisition plan for the immediate future and for at
least the next 24 months.
 
     The Company's existing credit facility will be retired upon closing of the
Offering. A new credit facility will be entered into upon closing of the
Offering. The terms of the existing and new credit facilities are described
below.
 
  Existing Credit Facilities
 
     Under the terms of the existing credit facility, the Company has available
secured revolving borrowings of up to $35 million (seasonal sublimit of $38
million) and has an outstanding secured term loan of $10.6 million. Revolving
loans under the existing credit facility bear interest at 0.25% over the agent
bank's prime rate and provides a LIBOR option of 2.5% over the LIBOR rate. Term
loans under the existing credit facility bear interest at 0.75% over the agent
bank's prime rate and provide for a LIBOR option of 3.0% over the LIBOR rate.
The interest rate ranged from 8.1% to 8.75% on revolving loans and 8.6% to 9.3%
on term loans at March 31, 1997. The existing credit facility also contains
certain financial covenants which require the Company to maintain a minimum net
worth, ratio of current assets to current liabilities, ratio of liabilities to
effective net worth, minimum interest coverage ratio and positive net income, to
refrain from capital expenditures in excess of certain amounts and to limit the
payment of dividends. The Company expects to be in compliance with these
covenants upon completion of the Offering and will repay and terminate the above
described credit facility.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
  Post Offering Credit Facilities
 
   
     Under the terms of the Credit Agreement (as defined), which the Company
expects will take effect upon the consummation of the Offering, the Company will
have available borrowings of up to $100 million (including a $75 million delayed
draw term facility for acquisitions and a $25 million revolving credit
facility). Interest on amounts borrowed may be paid at the option of the Company
at a rate per annum equal to the lead bank's prime or reference rate, or
alternatively at bankers' acceptance rate or LIBOR rate plus margins, in each
case based upon the Company's ratio of total debt to operating cash flow. The
Credit Agreement is expected to contain certain restrictive covenants limiting
mergers, use of proceeds, indebtedness, liens, investments, sale of assets and
acquisitions. The Credit Agreement is also expected to contain certain financial
covenants which will require the Company to maintain a minimum net worth,
leverage ratio, fixed charge coverage ratio and asset coverage ratio. The
Company expects to be in compliance with these covenants upon completion of the
Offering.
    
 
   
     The Company provided net cash from operating activities of $3.6 million for
the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997 compared to net cash provided by operating
activities of $1.4 million and net cash used in operating activities of $0.8
million for the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994,
respectively. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was
primarily due to increases in net income and accounts payable and a decrease in
prepaid expenses, together with a continued reduction in the annual increase of
inventory. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was reduced by
a 67% increase in accounts receivable from March 31, 1996 to March 31, 1997.
Such increase was primarily due to a 58% increase in net sales for the
respective quarters.
    
 
     Cash used in investing activities was $18.0 million, $4.9 million and $1.3
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, and the years ended December
31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, respectively. The cash used in investing
activities was primarily for capital expenditures and, in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1997, the purchase of A-Y Supply.
 
     Cash provided by financing activities was $14.4 million, $3.6 million and
$2.1 million in the fiscal years ending March 31, 1997, December 31, 1995 and
December 31, 1994, respectively, primarily from increased borrowings.
 
   
     Capital expenditures (other than acquisitions) were $2.1 million, $4.5
million and $1.3 million in the fiscal years ended March 31, 1997, December 31,
1995 and December 31, 1994, respectively. The Company expects to spend
approximately $2.8 million on capital expenditures for its existing operations
in the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998, primarily for office and computer
equipment, and branch remodeling and related equipment.
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
   
     White Cap is one of the leading business to business retailers to
professional contractors in the Western United States. The Company offers over
25,000 stock keeping units ("SKUs") of pro-oriented specialty tools and
materials. In addition, the Company can access the full product lines of most of
its suppliers for drop-shipment to its customers. The Company markets its
products through 20 branch locations, its highly experienced outside sales force
and through the strategic distribution of its in-stock catalogs. The Company has
achieved substantial growth by acquiring leading contractor suppliers in new and
existing markets, expanding product offerings and opening new branch locations.
Since 1987, White Cap's net sales have increased at a compounded annual growth
rate of 23%, resulting from (i) acquisitions (5%), (ii) same store sales growth,
which averaged 17% over the past four years (16%), and (iii) new branch openings
(2%). The Company's active customer base (customers that have purchased at least
one item on open credit during the past 12 months) has grown from approximately
7,000 in 1994 to approximately 16,000 for the pro forma year ended March 31,
1997. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, the Company had pro forma net
sales of approximately $165 million.
    
 
   
     The Company operates in a highly fragmented, multi-billion dollar industry.
Management estimates that the total U.S. market for products sold by the Company
is several billion annually and that small, regional contractor suppliers, with
sales of less than $50 million, supply over two-thirds of the pro-contractor
market. With pro forma fiscal 1997 net sales of approximately $165 million, the
Company believes it is one of the largest suppliers to its market niche
nationwide. The Company targets medium- and large-sized professional
contractors, including professional concrete, framing, waterproofing,
landscaping, grading, electrical, mechanical and general contractors.
    
 
   
     The Company sells a wide variety of pro-oriented products, including
construction materials, hand tools, fasteners, structural connectors, power
tools, light construction equipment, rebar, bulk and collated gun nails and
specialty cementatious products. In addition, at certain branches the Company
provides rental services on selected items such as brackets and braces used in
the construction of concrete "tilt-up" buildings, power tools and miscellaneous
light construction equipment. The Company's products are used by professional
contractors in new construction, maintenance and repair projects.
    
 
   
     The Company believes that it has developed a business model that differs
substantially from that of traditional contractor suppliers and large home
center retailers. The model is based on offering the Company's customers
superior customer service and convenient "one-stop" shopping at its branch
locations. Unlike traditional contractor suppliers, who typically fill orders
from warehouses not accessible to customers, the Company encourages customers to
shop at its branches where they can browse through the warehouse aisles and
adjacent outdoor yards. The Company's prototypical store format consists of
approximately 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of interior floor space with an
adjacent outdoor yard of approximately equal square footage. The Company's focus
on merchandising exposes customers to a wide range of product offerings and
promotes significant add-on sales. As a result, approximately 60% of the
Company's net sales are generated from "walk-in" and "will call" business.
Customers can also select items from the Company's in-stock catalogs,
distributed to approximately 40,000 professional contractors, listing over
11,000 of the best selling SKUs maintained in stock. Customers can order
products by phone, fax, at a sales branch or through the outside sales force.
The Company's highly experienced sales force maintains frequent customer
contact, providing pro-oriented services on and off the job-site. Through its
high in-stock position and sophisticated inventory management systems, the
Company is able to fulfill approximately 95% of the items included in each
customer order and provide same-day or next-day delivery.
    
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
     In order to capitalize on its unique business model and the fragmented
professional contractor supply industry, the Company has initiated an aggressive
growth strategy consisting of: (i) pursuing acquisitions of leading contractor
suppliers in new and existing markets; (ii) increasing market share within
existing markets;
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
(iii) expanding product offerings; and (iv) opening new branch locations. The
key elements of the Company's growth strategy are as follows:
 
   
     Strategic Acquisitions. The Company seeks to acquire leading contractor
suppliers in existing and new markets that will provide geographic
diversification, product line expansion, an established customer base of medium-
and large-sized pro-contractors and a direct sales force. The Company seeks to
consolidate the operations of such acquired companies and eliminate duplicative
overhead expense. White Cap has established a successful track record for
identifying and integrating acquisitions.
    
 
   
     Since February 1997, the Company has completed three acquisitions, A-Y
Supply, Stop Supply and Viking Distributing, thereby strengthening its position
as a market leader in the Western United States and adding approximately $63
million to pro forma fiscal 1997 net sales. The Company believes that there are
numerous attractive acquisition opportunities and that the Company's established
reputation as an industry leader, access to capital, sophisticated management
information systems and operating expertise provide it with competitive
advantages in making acquisitions. The initial focus of the Company's
acquisition strategy will be on acquiring specialty contractor suppliers in the
Western United States. The Company initially plans to finance future
acquisitions through borrowings under the Credit Agreement and cash flow from
operations.
    
 
   
     In 1991, prior to its recent acquisitions, White Cap acquired seven branch
locations of Abco Hardware Inc. ("Abco"), its then largest competitor in
Southern California. Following this acquisition, White Cap successfully
consolidated four Abco branches with existing White Cap branches and converted
the remaining three Abco branches into the White Cap business model.
    
 
   
     Increased Market Share. The Company believes that its position as one of
the largest suppliers in its market niche to pro-contractors in the Western
United States, combined with its established reputation for providing superior
customer service and a wide range of specialty product offerings, will enable
the Company to increase its market share. White Cap's direct sales force
utilizes industry databases to continuously prospect for new customers and new
projects. The Company also works closely with its suppliers and with licensed
architects and engineers to ensure that the specialty product lines it carries
are specified on projects. This effort focuses on targeting medium- and
large-sized professional contractors engaged in construction projects throughout
the Western United States. The Company believes its increased geographical
presence will also allow its customers to consolidate their purchases with White
Cap.
    
 
   
     Expanded Product Offerings. The Company believes there are significant
opportunities to further expand its product offerings by distributing profitable
specialty product lines sold by acquired companies but not previously offered at
White Cap locations. As a result of its three most recent acquisitions, the
Company anticipates that it will introduce at its other Southern California
locations approximately 3,500 new SKUs. As an example, the Company expects to
expand A-Y Supply's rental business of brackets and braces used in the
construction of concrete "tilt-up" buildings, as well as the sale of related
products and accessories at certain of the Company's other branches. The Company
also intends to expand the product offerings at its newly acquired branches by
introducing approximately 2,500 new SKUs which have proven successful at White
Cap. The Company has introduced the Simpson Strong-Tie line of structural
connectors and fasteners to the A-Y Supply branches and has expanded the
offering of the Simpson Strong-Tie products carried at the Viking Distributing
branches. The Company anticipates regularly adding new products to its existing
offerings and creating new product categories.
    
 
   
     New Branch Openings. The Company continues to evaluate opportunities to
open new branch locations where it can service new customers and provide better
service to its existing customer base. Pursuant to this strategy, the Company
has opened three branch locations since 1994. In 1994, the Company expanded
operations by opening a new branch location to service the rapidly growing Las
Vegas market. In 1995, to capitalize on the improvement in the economy in the
Western United States, the Company further expanded by opening new branch
locations in Denver and Phoenix. These strategic branch openings targeted high
growth markets where management believed the Company could capture significant
market share or further its acquisition strategy by having a competitive
presence in the marketplace.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
     The Company operates in a highly fragmented, multi-billion dollar industry.
The Company believes that traditional suppliers, i.e. small regional contractor
suppliers, substantially all which have sales less than $50 million, supply over
two-thirds of the professional contractor market.
 
     The Company believes that the customer base it serves can be classified by
customer type into the following three categories:
 
   
          Small Professional Contractors. This customer category consists mostly
     of home-office based contractors with approximately five or fewer
     employees. Small professional contractors typically conduct home
     improvement and small commercial projects, such as room additions, patios,
     tenant improvements, masonry walls and landscaping. Most purchases are made
     directly by the owner/contractor and approximately 90% of their work is
     completed without hiring sub-contractors. Purchases by contractors in this
     category consist of smaller quantities of many of the SKUs stocked by the
     Company. This "multi-trade" category of customer is made up mostly of
     professionals doing concrete, masonry, electrical, plumbing and wood
     framing projects. Most projects are located within one hour driving
     distance from the contractor's base of operations. Small professional
     contractors historically have purchased construction supplies from
     traditional specialty contractor suppliers, mail order catalogs, hardware
     stores and home centers. A relatively small percentage of White Cap's
     current net sales are from this customer category.
    
 
   
          Medium-Sized Professional Contractors. This customer category is
     comprised of contractors with approximately 6 to 50 employees who typically
     operate within a relatively small geographical area. Medium-sized
     professional contractors may act as general contractors, but usually act as
     sub-contractors. The scope of their projects typically includes municipal
     projects, retail strip centers, concrete "tilt-up" buildings and
     residential construction. This category of customer depends heavily on
     customer service, high same-day or next-day order fill rates and same-day
     or next-day job-site or yard delivery. White Cap's outside sales force,
     with its product knowledge and mobility, is perceived by these customers to
     add value. Medium-sized professional contractors historically have been
     primarily served by traditional specialty contractor suppliers and, to a
     much lesser extent, by mail order marketers, hardware stores and home
     centers.
    
 
   
          Large Professional Contractors. This customer category is comprised
     mostly of companies with over 50 employees that purchase large quantities
     of specialty construction products. The large professional contractor bids
     on multiple multi-million dollar projects simultaneously. This customer
     category completes the major portions of a project acting as a general or
     major sub-contractor. Large professional contractors can be bonded for
     hundreds of millions of dollars which qualifies them for projects such as
     highway bridges, sewage treatment plants, oil refineries, high rise
     buildings, hotels, rapid transit projects and other major construction
     projects. The large professional contractor is generally located in
     multiple states and may have ten or more projects under way at any given
     time. Large professional contractors often negotiate contract pricing on
     many of the products they routinely purchase and demand a high level of
     service. These services include same-day or next-day job-site or yard
     delivery, a professional outside sales force and special credit terms.
     These customers have historically been served by traditional contractor
     suppliers.
    
 
   
     The Company's focus on one-stop shopping and "business-to-business"
retailing to medium- and large-sized professional contractors distinguishes it
from many of the traditional specialty contractor suppliers with whom it
competes, as well as from large home centers, whose primary emphasis is on the
"do-it-yourself" ("DIY") consumer market and small maintenance and home
improvement contractors. Management believes that home centers can achieve only
limited market penetration among medium- and large-sized professional
contractors. The Company believes that home centers do not provide the necessary
full range of services required by these customers and lack the sales force to
establish the critical relationships necessary to service this category. The
Company believes it has a competitive advantage over home centers because it is
able to provide the professional contractor a wider range of specialty product
lines; high same-day or next-day order fill rates; same-day or next-day
delivery; a highly experienced technical sales force to provide service on
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
and off the job site; and in-house credit facilities tailored for the
professional contractor. See "-- Competition."
 
   
     There are numerous traditional contractor suppliers (most with
significantly lower revenues than the Company) in the United States that, to
varying degrees, serve small-, medium- and large-sized professional contractors
in the Company's product offering niche. Most of these contractor suppliers
operate in only one or two metropolitan areas or states. The Company believes
there are only a limited number of suppliers to medium- and large-sized
professional contractors nationwide which have annual sales in excess of $100
million, and these suppliers tend to offer a significantly narrower focused
product line than the Company.
    
 
   
     White Cap's management believes that a period of rapid consolidation is
about to commence among traditional contractor suppliers. The Company believes
it is well positioned to capitalize on this consolidation trend and has several
competitive advantages relative to smaller competitors, including access to
capital, a wide range of product offerings and customer services, superior
purchasing power, sophisticated management information systems and an
experienced management team. The Company continues to evaluate potential
acquisitions and negotiates with potential acquisition candidates from time to
time. The Company is currently in discussions with several acquisition
candidates, but, other than with respect to the Proposed Acquisitions, has not
entered into binding commitments or understandings with any of such candidates.
See "Recent Transactions -- Proposed Acquisitions."
    
 
THE WHITE CAP BUSINESS MODEL
 
     The Company believes that it has developed a business model that differs
substantially from that of traditional contractor suppliers in the United
States. The key elements of the Company's business model include the following:
 
   
     Breadth and Depth of Products. The Company has distinguished itself from
the traditional contractor suppliers in the United States by providing the
professional contractor with a "one-stop shopping" alternative. Historically,
pro-contractors have made purchases from multiple suppliers for their specialty
tools and materials. The Company believes that its success has resulted from the
superior range of the specialty merchandise it offers to the professional
contractor. To better serve its customers' needs, the Company offers over 25,000
SKUs in selected pro-oriented product lines, which the Company believes is
substantially more than its competitors. In addition, the Company can access the
full product lines of most of its suppliers for drop-shipment to its customers.
Further, the Company maintains sufficient inventories of products necessary to
satisfy the professional contractor's large project requirements. Through its
high in-stock position and inventory management systems, the Company is able to
fulfill approximately 95% of the items included in each customer order and
provide same-day or next-day delivery.
    
 
   
     Innovative Retail Merchandising Techniques. Management believes that White
Cap's continued growth has been the result of the implementation of innovative
retail merchandising techniques not previously utilized in marketing to medium-
and large-sized professional contractors. The Company believes its ratio of
"walk-in" and "will call" business, which is approximately 60% of net sales, is
among the highest in the industry. Traditional contractor suppliers have
historically operated on the basis of filling orders from a "closed warehouse"
with a limited display or showroom area. White Cap was among the first in its
industry to utilize "business-to-business" retail marketing techniques and the
"open warehouse" merchandising concept in the Company's sales branches,
providing the customer complete access to the products in stock both inside its
branches and in the adjacent outdoor storage yards. The typical White Cap branch
utilizes such merchandising techniques as strategic placement of product groups,
innovative product displays and video monitors showing product demonstration
tapes. Frequent in-store promotional events, such as power tool demo days,
product seminars and customer appreciation days, are examples of a few of the
retail marketing techniques employed by the Company. Through its merchandising
orientation and its innovative and aggressive marketing, including catalogs,
monthly mailings, radio advertising and trade show attendance, the Company
attracts customers to its sales branches to expose them to the wide range of
White Cap's specialty product offerings and to promote in-store purchases.
    
 
     Sales Force/Customer Service. The Company's sales force consists of
approximately 178 salespersons committed to providing the highest level of
customer service. The highly skilled and knowledgeable sales force
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
   
is of crucial importance to the Company's success as the salespersons'
relationships with their customers and their emphasis on customer service are
the factors which result in customer loyalty and repeat business The Company's
operating model includes one inside salesperson for approximately every two
outside salespeople. Inside salespeople are responsible for telemarketing,
processing orders and providing timely follow-up to customers' questions. The
Company's inside sales force also has the ability to locate hard-to-find
products and process special orders. White Cap's outside sales force generates
sales by making office sales calls and/or making direct sales calls to actual
job sites. In addition, the outside sales force utilizes sales leads generated
from industry databases, trade shows, vendors/suppliers, the inside counter
sales force and telemarketing. The Company's highly experienced outside sales
force is integral to the Company's efforts to add new customers and generate
additional revenue from existing customers. White Cap's outside sales force has
an average of 15 years industry experience and an average tenure of over six
years with the Company and sells the Company's products on an exclusive basis.
The Company's salespersons regularly receive product training both from internal
and external sources to ensure they are current on all product developments. As
a result the sales force is able to provide product recommendations as well as
job-site assistance and instruction. Approximately 80% of the Company's outside
sales force is paid on a 100% commission basis. The Company believes that its
increased geographic presence will more effectively allow its sales force to
serve medium- and large-sized professional contractors with projects in multiple
regions throughout California and in other targeted states.
    
 
     In-Stock Catalogs and Publications. The Company provides its customers with
in-stock catalogs displaying and listing over 11,000 of the best-selling SKUs
maintained in stock. The in-stock catalogs are distributed in the branches and
by the outside sales force to approximately 40,000 professional contractors. In
addition, the Company publishes monthly the Contractor Trader which features
selected items which are on sale, as well as technical information and articles
of interest to the industry. The Contractor Trader is distributed via direct
mail to over 75,000 contractors and other industry professionals. As a result of
its consistent focus on this type of marketing, a high percentage of White Cap's
customers shop at its well stocked branches or order desired products from the
Company's in-stock catalogs. Orders are also placed directly with the outside
sales force, by telephone or facsimile. The Company is also implementing
electronic data interchange ("EDI") to better serve the ordering and invoicing
needs of its customers.
 
   
     Job-Site/Yard Delivery. The Company's customers ordinarily receive next
business day delivery via the Company's fleet of delivery trucks. The Company
believes this is of crucial importance to professional contractors who rely on
the Company's reputation for on-time delivery in order to meet their critical
"just-in-time" ordering requirements and strict job production schedules. In
addition, the majority of the Company's branch managers and outside sales force
are provided with Company vehicles, usually standard pickup trucks which may be
used to supplement the Company's fleet of delivery trucks and to provide "rush"
or special delivery services.
    
 
   
     Credit Facilities Designed for the Professional Contractor. The Company
offers its customers credit options including in-house credit lines, job-based
credit lines, revolving private label third party charge accounts and third
party equipment leasing lines. Approximately 80% of White Cap's sales are on
open account with the credit managed by White Cap's in-house credit department.
Historically, White Cap has experienced a net accounts receivable bad debt
write-off rate averaging 0.3% of net sales of the period from January 1992 to
March 31, 1997.
    
 
   
     Strong Supplier Relationships. The Company purchases from more than 1,200
suppliers, 98% of which are manufacturers. This focus on making purchases
directly from manufacturers provides it a substantial cost advantage over
traditional contractor suppliers who historically relied more heavily on higher
cost purchases from wholesalers. Management believes that the Company's
increasing volume purchasing power as a leading contractor supplier in the
Western United States will allow it to obtain even lower prices, more favorable
credit terms, increased co-op advertising support and increased freight
allowances. White Cap enjoys excellent relationships with all of its key
suppliers and is one of the largest customers in its channel. In some of the
markets that it serves, the Company has exclusive or semi-exclusive product
distribution agreements.
    
 
     Commitment to Systems Innovation. The Company has made substantial
investments in computer hardware and the development of computer software
applications which it believes allow it to achieve cost
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
   
savings, deliver superior customer service and centrally manage its operations.
White Cap's software applications are continually being enhanced and new
applications are continually being developed. The Company has recently installed
a customized integrated software package that provides order entry, purchasing,
inventory control, accounts receivable, accounts payable and financial statement
reporting. Among other applications, White Cap's new software is specifically
designed to track on a real-time basis the inventory level of each SKU by
branch, forecast demand by SKU and calculate appropriate reorder quantities and
lead times to maximize fill rates while minimizing inventory carrying costs. As
part of the integration of the White Cap business model at acquired companies,
branches are linked to White Cap's central computer system and are converted
over to the Company's management information systems.
    
 
OPERATIONS
 
  Products
 
   
     White Cap offers its customers over 25,000 SKUs through its 20 branch
locations. The Company sells a wide selection of brand name specialty products
for professional contractors, including: building materials, specialty
cementatious products, hand tools, fasteners, structural connectors, power
tools, light construction equipment, rebar and bulk and collated gun nails. In
addition, the Company sells certain products, including waterproofing products,
construction adhesives and collated nails, under its own private label. Such
products accounted for approximately 8% of sales in fiscal 1996 and serve to
increase recognition of the White Cap name. In addition, in certain branches the
Company provides rental services on selected items such as brackets and braces
used in the construction of concrete "tilt-up" buildings, power tools and light
construction equipment. The Company's products are used by professional
contractors in new construction, maintenance and repair projects.
    
 
     The following table sets forth the Company's major product groups and the
key products offered in each category.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            PRODUCT CATEGORY                            TYPES OF PRODUCTS SOLD
- ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>
Construction Materials..................  rebar, wire mesh, specialty cementatious products,
                                          concrete adhesives, concrete curing compounds,
                                          sealers, coatings, sealants, expansion joints
Hand Tools..............................  trowels, hammers, shovels, levels, screwdrivers,
                                          rakes, wrenches, tape measures, ratchets and
                                          sockets, boltcutters, wheelbarrows
Fasteners...............................  machine bolts, allthread, bulk nails, gun nails,
                                          anchor bolts, nuts, bolts, screws, mechanical
                                          anchoring systems, staples used for roofing and
                                          packaging
Structural Connectors...................  embedded truss anchors, beam seats, holddowns,
                                          purlin anchors, foundation anchors, post bases,
                                          column caps, joist hangers, strap ties, framing
                                          anchors, seismic and hurricane ties
Power Tools.............................  hammer drills, rotary hammers, grinders, breaker
                                          hammers, demolition hammers, saws, routers,
                                          cordless drills and saws
Waterproofing Materials.................  negative side water proofing products, coatings and
                                          sealers, hydraulic cement, membrane protection
                                          systems, bentonite waterproof systems
Light Construction Equipment............  brick and block saws, power trowels, concrete saws
                                          and coring equipment, compactors, concrete mixers,
                                          generators, pumps, compressors, concrete screeds
                                          and material spreaders, surveying instruments,
                                          pipe/conduit cutting, bending and threading
                                          equipment
Cutting Tools...........................  diamond concrete cutting blades, diamond
                                          brick/block cutting blades, diamond coring bits,
                                          saw blades for cutting wood, plastics and metal,
                                          abrasive blades for cutting masonry, concrete and
                                          metal
Rental Tools, Equipment and Braces......  tilt-up braces, compressors, generators, man-lifts,
                                          concrete finishing machines and saws, pressure
                                          washers, sprayers
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            PRODUCT CATEGORY                            TYPES OF PRODUCTS SOLD
- ----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>
Drainage Materials......................  surface drainage systems, plastic drainage pipe,
                                          ground stabilization fabric, subsurface drainage
                                          systems, filter fabric
Landscape Lighting......................  wire and cable, transformers, outdoor fixtures,
                                          pathway lights, step and deck lights, underwater
                                          lights, bulbs and connectors
Accessories.............................  safety equipment and barricades, welding equipment
                                          and supplies, brooms, mops, buckets, water coolers,
                                          boots, gloves, hard hats, lubricants
</TABLE>
    
 
  Store Design
 
   
     All of the Company's branches are well-stocked and staffed by highly
trained sales personnel. The Company's prototypical store format consists of
approximately 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of interior floor space, plus an
adjacent outdoor storage yard of approximately equal square footage. The
majority of the Company's original branches are designed as open warehouses
providing the customer complete access to the products in stock both inside the
store and in the adjacent outdoor storage yards. The Company believes that the
open warehouse design of its branches, where its customers can browse through
the aisles, gives the Company a competitive advantage over most traditional
contractor suppliers whose branches have small showrooms and sales counters.
    
 
   
     The Company expects to convert the eight branches acquired since February
1997 to the Company's business model over the next year. This conversion process
is being scheduled to avoid the disruption of day-to-day operations during busy
quarters.
    
 
  Customers
 
     White Cap sells to a variety of professional general and specialty building
trade contractors in all three of the customer categories described above. The
Company's primary customers include general, concrete, framing, waterproofing,
landscape, grading, electrical and mechanical contractors. The Company believes
that the professional relationships maintained through its outside sales force
with its customers are of critical importance. The Company's revenues are
divided approximately equally between contractors engaged in residential
construction and contractors engaged in commercial or infrastructure
construction and maintenance projects.
 
   
     As of June 30, 1997, White Cap had over 16,000 customers that have
purchased at least one item on open account during the past 12 months, in
addition to customers that do not have established credit accounts and pay upon
purchase. No one customer generates more than 1% of pro forma net sales. For the
fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, the Company's top ten customers in the
aggregate generated less than 7% of sales.
    
 
  Marketing
 
   
     The Company has implemented innovative retail merchandising techniques not
previously utilized in marketing to medium- and large-sized professional
contractors. White Cap was among the first in its industry to utilize
"business-to-business" retail marketing techniques and the "open warehouse"
merchandising concept in the Company's sales branches. Because of its
merchandising and marketing orientation, including innovative catalogs and
monthly mailings, creative radio advertising spots and trade show booths, the
Company believes, based on a review of sales information of its acquired
businesses and potential acquisition candidates, that it attracts three to four
times as many customers to its sales branches than most of its competitors. The
typical branch implements retail merchandising techniques such as the strategic
placement of product groups, innovative product displays and video monitors
showing product demonstration tapes. Frequent in-store promotional events, such
as power tool demo days, product seminars and customer appreciation days, are
examples of a few of the marketing techniques employed by the Company.
    
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
   
     White Cap and its recently acquired companies, Viking Distributing, A-Y
Supply and Stop Supply, publish in-stock catalogs, the most recent editions of
which list over 11,000 of the best selling SKUs maintained in stock. The 1998
edition of the White Cap in-stock catalog will include SKUs not previously
carried by White Cap, many of which were previously carried by the recently
acquired companies. The Company's professionally prepared catalog has over 400
pages creatively displaying the broad array of products carried by the Company.
The combined catalogs are distributed in the branches and by the outside sales
force to approximately 40,000 professional contractors. In addition, the Company
publishes monthly the Contractor Trader which features sale pricing on selected
products as well as tips and articles of interest to the industry. The
Contractor Trader is distributed to over 75,000 professional contractors and
other industry participants. The Company has expanded its distribution of the
Contractor Trader to cover all customers of A-Y Supply, Stop Supply and Viking
Distributing since their acquisition.
    
 
  Suppliers
 
   
     White Cap enjoys well established relationships with all of its key
suppliers and has maintained many of these relationships for over 10 years. The
Company is one of the primary distributors for many industry brand names. In
some of the markets that the Company serves, it has exclusive or semi-exclusive
product distribution agreements, which gives it a competitive advantage on
specific product lines. Management believes that outstanding supplier
relationships and White Cap's position in the marketplace allow the Company to
have one of the lowest inventory costs in the industry. Many of the products
carried by the Company are not carried by its competitors, because they cannot
provide technical assistance in the field. In addition, many of White Cap's
products are specified by architects for particular projects because of the
efforts of the Company's professional outside sales force working in conjunction
with the manufacturer's architectural sales representatives. Many of its top
suppliers differentiate the Company as an "industrial distributor" as opposed to
a "DIY retailer." In some instances this gives the Company access to a
manufacturer's "full product line," lower prices and more favorable credit
terms.
    
 
     The Company purchases from more than 1,200 suppliers, 98% of which are
manufacturers. The fact that no one supplier accounts for more than 10% of its
purchases minimizes the effects of supplier-related product shortages. The
Company carries major brands such as those identified in the following table.
 
Air Nail Company
American Honda Motor
  Company, Inc.
Black and Decker (U.S.), Inc.
Davis Wire Corporation
   
Dayton Superior Corp.
    
Diamond Products
Electricord/A Leviton Company
Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A., Ltd.
Itochu Building Products
  Company, Inc.
ITW Ramset/Red Head
Knaack Manufacturing Company
L.M. Scofield Company
Makita U.S.A. Inc.
Master Builders Technologies
Milwaukee Electric Tool
  Corporation
   
Motorola Corporation
    
Multiquip, Inc.
Nicolon/Mirafi Group
Pacific Polymers, Inc.
Pacific Stihl, Inc.
Sika Corporation
Simpson Strong-Tie Company,
  Inc.
S-B Power Tool Company
Soff-Cut International
Stanley-Proto Industrial Tools
3M
W.R. Meadows, Inc.
Werner Ladder Company
Weyerhaeuser Company
 
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
 
   
     The Company has made substantial investments in computer hardware and the
development of computer software applications which it believes allow the
Company to achieve cost savings, deliver superior customer service and centrally
manage its operations. As part of the integration of the White Cap business
model at acquired companies, branches are linked to the Company's central
computer system and are converted to the Company's software applications,
including point-of-sale, order processing, order fulfillment, inventory
management, purchasing and financial reporting. White Cap's software
applications are continually being developed and enhanced. The Company has
recently installed a customized software package that provides order entry,
purchasing, inventory control, accounts receivable, accounts payable and
financial statement reporting. The software also provides a fully integrated
distribution/warehouse management system. The
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
Company's new software is specifically designed to track on a real-time basis
the inventory level of each SKU by branch, forecast demand by SKU and calculate
optimum reorder quantities and lead times to maximize fill rates while
minimizing inventory carrying costs.
 
   
     The Company's inventory management software is designed to minimize the
Company's cost of goods sold by forecasting and analyzing sales history for
every SKU in its inventory. The system can then calculate order quantities and
lead times and determine the lowest cost source of supply. Each and every order
is tracked from data entry to will call or delivery. Utilizing its customer
support software, the Company's customer service representatives are able to
inform customers on a real-time basis of the Company's in-stock position and
recommend an array of substitute products for discontinued or out-of-stock
items. In addition, the Company's system has the ability to accept and
cross-reference the product codes of suppliers and manufacturers, Universal
Product Codes (UPCs) and its own proprietary product codes. The Company is
implementing EDI in order to streamline purchasing, accounts receivable and
accounts payable.
    
 
CUSTOMER CREDIT
 
   
     Approximately 80% of White Cap's sales are on open account, managed by
White Cap's in-house credit department. The Company offers its customers several
credit options including: 2% tenth prox credit terms, job-based credit lines,
revolving private label third party charge accounts and third party equipment
leasing lines. Unlike the large home centers, which do not create a "direct"
receivable from their customers, the Company utilizes its own credit facility to
allow its customers to charge their purchases. Each in-house account is opened
and credit terms are set according to the customer's creditworthiness and
purchasing profile after review by White Cap's credit department. Each account
is put on a real-time monitoring status and assigned an in-house credit manager
who communicates directly with the customer on any credit-related issues. In
addition, most state lien laws allow the Company to file a preliminary lien
notice with the owner of the real property, the lender and the general
contractor that the Company has extended credit for materials used in the
improvement of real property. A properly filed preliminary notice gives the
Company certain legal remedies, including lien rights, which allow it to look
beyond its customer for the recovery of a past due job-based receivable.
    
 
   
     Historically, White Cap has experienced a net accounts receivable write-off
rate averaging 0.3% of net sales over the period from January 1992 to March
1997. The Company believes its collection performance can be attributed to: (i)
a credit department with extensive experience in construction credit; (ii) a
real-time customized accounts receivable software package; (iii) thorough
screening of all new accounts; and (iv) the ongoing monitoring and reevaluation
of existing accounts.
    
 
COMPETITION
 
   
     White Cap competes against a broad range of building material dealers,
specialty contractor suppliers, home centers, retail hardware stores and mail
order marketers within the markets it serves. The majority of traditional
contractor suppliers in the Company's markets have only one or two locations.
White Cap competes with several multiple branch operators, all of whom
management believes have lower annual revenues than White Cap. Several specialty
contractor suppliers with revenues greater than the Company also compete in the
Company's markets, including Carlson Corporation, which specializes in
fasteners; Hilti Fastening Systems -- USA, which specializes in fastener systems
and power tools; and Fasteners, Inc., which specializes in tools and fasteners.
The Company believes that it provides a much wider range of products to service
more of the professional contractor's needs than these specialty contractor
suppliers.
    
 
   
     The Company believes its focus on medium- and large-sized pro-contractors
distinguishes it from home center chains, whose primary emphasis is on the DIY
consumer market and small maintenance and home improvement contractors. The
Company believes that the services it offers the pro-contractor and the
relationship of its sales force with the professional contractor would be
difficult for home centers to replicate under their current structure which is
oriented more towards the DIY consumer market. However, the Company believes
that home centers are attempting to gain market share among medium-sized
professional contractors, by providing limited delivery services and limited
commercial credit facilities. In addition, the
    
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
   
Company believes that the largest of such chains have explored, and continue to
explore, competing in the medium and large pro-contractor categories through
in-house contractor sales efforts.
    
 
PROPERTIES
 
   
     The Company's corporate headquarters and main distribution facility are
located in approximately 38,000 square feet of leased space (plus an adjacent
yard area of approximately 70,000 square feet) at 3120 Airway Avenue, Costa
Mesa, California. This facility is strategically located close to key major
freeways and is situated adjacent to Orange County's John Wayne Airport. White
Cap's credit and inventory control departments are operated from a separate
leased office facility in Santa Ana, California.
    
 
   
     Approximately 40% of the SKUs stocked by the Company in its branches are
warehoused at its distribution facility in Costa Mesa, California. The Company
is implementing a program to increase drop-shipments by its suppliers directly
to branches and as a result expects the percentage of goods warehoused in the
distribution facility to continue to decline. The Company's fleet of transfer
trucks make scheduled deliveries from its distribution facilities to its 17
California branches. In addition, common carriers are used to resupply the
Company's out-of-state branches.
    
 
   
     The Company maintains 20 branch locations in California, Nevada, Arizona,
and Colorado, all of which are leased. The leases for these 20 branches expire
at various periods between 1998 and 2007. The aggregate annual lease payments on
these properties, as of July 1997 was approximately $2,200,000. The Company also
owns a 7,500 square foot warehouse facility adjacent to its Las Vegas branch.
The Company believes that its facilities are adequate for its current needs and
that suitable additional space will be available as needed to facilitate the
Company's growth strategy. The following sets forth information concerning the
Company's operating facilities.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         BUILDING SQUARE     YARD SQUARE
                    BRANCH LOCATION                          FOOTAGE           FOOTAGE        TOTAL
- -------------------------------------------------------  ---------------     -----------     -------
<S>                                                      <C>                 <C>             <C>
Chatsworth, CA.........................................       20,020            41,230        61,250
San Diego, CA..........................................       16,261            41,951        58,212
Santa Ana, CA..........................................       27,504            31,536        59,040
Paramount, CA..........................................       22,320            21,710        44,030
Sacramento, CA.........................................       23,200            19,680        42,880
Ventura, CA............................................       13,158            22,370        35,528
Riverside, CA..........................................       17,670            17,925        35,595
San Juan, CA...........................................       14,970            17,362        32,332
Fresno, CA.............................................       21,040             6,390        27,430
Thousand Palms, CA.....................................        7,840            15,316        23,156
Temecula, CA...........................................        9,430            13,650        23,080
Stockton, CA...........................................       10,500             8,925        19,425
San Leandro, CA........................................       13,452             6,629        20,081
Santa Rosa, CA.........................................       11,100               630        11,730
San Francisco, CA......................................       52,000            20,000        72,000
Dublin, CA.............................................       10,000                 0        10,000
San Jose, CA...........................................        9,800             3,000        12,800
Phoenix, AZ............................................       13,230            24,400        37,630
Denver, CO.............................................        9,676            10,076        19,752
Las Vegas, NV..........................................       10,505            21,095        31,600
                                                             -------           -------       -------
          Total........................................      333,676           343,875       677,551
                                                             =======           =======       =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
EMPLOYEES
 
   
     As of July 31, 1997, White Cap had approximately 640 employees, consisting
of approximately 106 at its Costa Mesa, California headquarters and 534 at its
branch locations. White Cap's sales force consists of 178 sales professionals.
The Company considers its relations with its employees to be satisfactory.
    
 
LITIGATION
 
     The Company is from time to time a party to litigation arising in the
normal course of its business. Management believes that none of these actions
will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES OF THE COMPANY
 
     The directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company and
their respective ages and positions are as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAME            AGE                                 POSITION
- -------------------    ---     -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>     <C>
Greg Grosch            50      Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and
                               President
Richard Gagnon         44      Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager
Dan Tsujioka           48      Executive Vice President -- Merchandising, Secretary and Director
Chris Lane             36      Chief Financial Officer and Director
Jack Karg              48      Vice President and Chief Operations Officer
Brian Etter            32      Vice President and Treasurer
Gary Zwilling          50      Director of Credit
Charles Gruden         48      Director of Human Resources
Michael Monroe         48      Regional Vice President Sales
Albert Malatesta       57      Regional Vice President Branch Operations
Mark King              37      Director
James Johnson          59      Director
Charles Hamilton       48      Director
</TABLE>
    
 
     Mr. Grosch is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the
Company and has nearly 25 years experience in retailing. In 1976, Mr. Grosch
formed White Cap Industries, Inc. and since then has directed and been directly
involved in all aspects of the business and implementation of the Company's
growth strategy. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Grosch held sales and
marketing positions with a major regional grocery chain and a national oil
company. Mr. Grosch holds a Bachelor's Degree in marketing from California State
University -- Northridge.
 
     Mr. Tsujioka joined the Company in November 1996 as Executive Vice
President and was elected Director in February 1997. In July 1997, Mr. Tsujioka
was appointed Executive Vice President -- Merchandising, with responsibility for
Company-wide merchandising. Mr. Tsujioka was a member of the original founding
group and the first general manager of Home Depot, Inc., where he started the
first prototype warehouse for Home Improvement Supplies (the predecessor to Home
Depot). Mr. Tsujioka was with Home Depot and its predecessors from 1980 to 1989.
From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Tsujioka served as Vice President of Special Projects for
Home Depot training store managers and district managers in a "back to basics"
training program. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Tsujioka was Vice President of
Merchandising for Home Depot. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Tsujioka was retired.
 
     Mr. Gagnon joined the Company in 1979. Since 1985, he has been Senior Vice
President and National Sales Manager of the Company overseeing the Company's
sales force. Mr. Gagnon has over twenty years experience in the contractor
supplier industry and also holds a California contractor's license.
 
   
     Mr. Lane has been a special consultant to the Company since 1995 and was
appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company in April 1997. Mr. Lane was
elected as a Director of the Company in February 1997. From 1992 to 1997, Mr.
Lane performed merger and acquisition and litigation support services as a
partner with the Orange County, California accounting firm of Kieckhafer, Lane &
Schiffer LLP. From 1986 to 1992, Mr. Lane was with Arthur Andersen LLP. He was
an Audit Manager when he left the firm in 1992. In June 1997, Mr. Lane also
entered into an agreement with KRG Capital agreeing to act as a Director of KRG
Capital.
    
 
     Mr. Karg joined the Company in 1995 as Chief Operations Officer. From 1979
to 1995, Mr. Karg was employed at Audiovox Corporation, where he progressed from
Credit Manager handling thirteen western states to Assistant Vice President of
West Coast Operations to Vice President of Western Operations in 1988.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
As Vice President of Western Operations, Mr. Karg was responsible for all
aspects of operations of Audiovox's automotive and cellular businesses.
 
     Mr. Etter joined the Company in July 1997 as Vice President and Treasurer.
From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Etter was employed with Apria Healthcare Group ("Apria"),
where he progressed from Finance Manager to Director of Operational Finance in
1994. As Director of Operational Finance, Mr. Etter was responsible for the
financial management and analysis of over 350 branches and five divisions. At
Apria, Mr. Etter actively participated in the planning and integration of over
35 acquisitions and in the merger of the two largest competitors in the home
healthcare industry. From 1989 to 1992, Mr. Etter was with Arthur Andersen &
Company. He was an Audit Senior in the Enterprise Group when he left the firm in
1992.
 
     Mr. Zwilling joined the Company in August of 1985 and serves as Director of
Credit. Previously, he spent three years with Knox Industrial Supply as credit
manager and six years with Orco Construction Supply as credit manager and
controller.
 
     Mr. Gruden joined the Company in April 1997 and serves as Director of Human
Resources. Previously, Mr. Gruden spent seven and half years at IKEA as an Area
Human Resource Manager and was responsible for over 1,000 employees in IKEA's
Western region.
 
     Mr. Monroe joined the Company in June 1997 as Regional Vice President
Sales. From 1982 to June 1997 he was the President and an owner of Viking
Distributing. From 1977 to 1982, Mr. Monroe was an Outside Sales Representative
for Viking Distributing Supply Company.
 
     Mr. Malatesta joined the Company in June 1997 as Regional Vice President
Branch Operations. From 1982 to June 1997, he was the Vice President, Operations
Manager, and an owner of Viking Distributing. Previously, Mr. Malatesta spent
twenty-six years at R&H Wholesale Hardware where he progressed to General
Manager.
 
   
     Mr. King has been a director of the Company since February 1997. Mr. King
is the founder and Managing Director of KRG Capital. Mr. King has 14 years
experience as a senior executive, an investment banker and the lead principal in
the completion of 15 strategic acquisitions involving middle market companies.
From September 1994 to January 1996, Mr. King served as Vice President of LM
Capital Corporation, a registered investment advisor specializing in private and
public equity investments and strategic acquisitions. From 1988 to 1992, Mr.
King was the Co-Founder, President and Vice Chairman of Industrial Services
Technologies, Inc. ("IST"), a provider of maintenance services to the refinery,
fertilizer and chemicals industries and from 1992 to the present, he has served
as Vice Chairman of IST. Mr. King serves as a director of various private
companies.
    
 
   
     Mr. Johnson has been a director of the Company since February 1997. Mr.
Johnson is the co-founder of and has been a Managing General Partner of Apex
Investment Partners, a Chicago based manager of investment funds, since 1988.
Prior to founding Apex, from 1986 to 1988, Mr. Johnson was the co-founder and
general partner of Knightsbridge Partners, an investment banking firm. From 1974
to 1986, Mr. Johnson served in various positions, including Senior Vice
President, with Beatrice Companies. From 1965 to 1974, Mr. Johnson held various
positions, including Senior Manager, with KPMG Peat Marwick. Mr. Johnson serves
as a director of various private companies.
    
 
   
     Mr. Hamilton has been a director of the Company since February 1997. Mr.
Hamilton has over 26 years of investment experience in the fields of securities
analysis, corporate finance and venture capital. He is currently a principal in
the private equity group at Robertson, Stephens & Company, where he has also
served as a managing director since 1981. Mr. Hamilton has served as a director
of numerous venture-financed companies in recent years and he is presently on
the board of eight private companies.
    
 
     At present all directors are elected and serve until a successor is duly
elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
There are no family relationships between any of the Directors or executive
officers of the Company. Following the consummation of the Offering each
director shall serve until the following annual meeting when a successor is duly
elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
   
     In addition, following the consummation of the Offering, the Company
intends to appoint at least two additional outside directors.
    
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
 
   
     The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and a
Compensation Committee. The initial members of the Audit Committee are Messrs.
King, Johnson and Hamilton. The Audit Committee oversees actions taken by the
Company's independent auditors, recommends the engagement of auditors and
reviews the Company's internal accounting policies and practices. The initial
members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. King, Johnson and Hamilton.
The Compensation Committee approves the compensation of executives of the
Company, makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to
standards for setting compensation levels and administers the Company's
incentive plans. The Company expects that the two outside directors appointed
following the Offering will join the Audit and Compensation Committees.
    
 
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     The following tables set forth the cash compensation of the Chief Executive
Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers of the
Company for the year ended March 31, 1997. No other person who served as an
executive officer of the Company during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997
received compensation which exceeded $100,000 for such year.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       CASH COMPENSATION(a)
                                                       ---------------------        ALL OTHER
   OFFICERS          CAPACITIES IN WHICH SERVED         SALARY      BONUS(b)     COMPENSATION(c)
- ---------------  ----------------------------------    --------     --------     ---------------
<S>              <C>                                   <C>          <C>          <C>
Greg Grosch      Chairman, President and Chief         $408,763     $     --         $33,419
                 Executive Officer
Richard Gagnon   Senior Vice President and National     190,649      121,507           5,218
                 Sales Manager
Gary Joslin      Treasurer(d)                           157,500        2,000              --
Jack Karg        Vice President and Chief                97,731       30,000              --
                 Operations Officer
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Amounts shown include compensation for services rendered in all capacities
    to White Cap during the year ended March 31, 1997.
 
(b) Includes all cash bonuses earned during year ended March 31, 1997 and paid
    during the year ended March 31, 1997 or subsequent thereto. Also includes
    all cash bonuses paid during year ended March 31, 1997 for services rendered
    during the year ended March 31, 1996.
 
(c) Amounts shown include the Company's contribution to the named individuals'
    401(k) plan, life insurance and additional disability and unemployment
    policies.
 
(d) Mr. Joslin also served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer during the
    fiscal year ended March 31, 1997. Mr. Joslin resigned from his position with
    the Company in July 1997.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
STOCK OPTION GRANTS
 
                     OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
     The following discloses options granted during the year ended March 31,
1997 for the executives named in the compensation table above.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                            INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                             VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
                     ----------------------------------------------------------------       RATES OF STOCK PRICE
                        NUMBER OF        % OF TOTAL                                             APPRECIATION
                        SECURITIES      OPTIONS/SARS                                       FOR OPTION TERM(d)(e)
                        UNDERLYING       GRANTED TO                                    ------------------------------
                       OPTIONS/SARS     EMPLOYEES IN     EXERCISE OF     EXPIRATION      5% ANNUAL       10% ANNUAL
        NAME         GRANTED(#)(a)(b)  FISCAL YEAR(%)   BASE PRICE($)     DATE(c)      GROWTH RATE($)  GROWTH RATE($)
- -------------------- ----------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                  <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>
Greg Grosch              --               --               --                --            --              --
Richard Gagnon           --               --               --                --            --              --
Gary Joslin              --               --               --                --            --              --
Jack Karg                 24,795             3.8%           $2.48      March 31, 2007     $ 38,693        $ 97,654
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(a) All of such options were granted under the Existing Plan (as defined).
 
(b) The options vest in equal installments over a five-year period.
 
(c) The options granted are subject to earlier termination and repurchase upon
    the occurrence of certain events related to termination of employment.
 
(d) The dollar amounts in these columns represent potential value that might be
    realized upon exercise of the options immediately prior to the expiration of
    their term, assuming that the market price of the Common Stock appreciates
    in value from the date of the grant at the 5% and 10% annual rates
    prescribed by regulation, and therefore are not intended to forecast
    possible future appreciation, if any, of the price of the Common Stock.
 
   
(e) In calculating the potential realizable value, the Company used an estimated
    market price of $2.48 per share as of the grant date.
    
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
     Member of the Company's Board of Directors serve without cash compensation.
Upon completion of the Offering, directors will be eligible for incentive awards
under the Incentive Plan (as defined). See "-- Equity Incentive Plan."
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
     Grosch Employment Agreement. In November 1996, the Company and Mr. Grosch
entered into an employment agreement (the "Grosch Employment Agreement")
providing for Mr. Grosch's employment as Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer. The initial employment period expires November 2001 and will
automatically extend for successive one year periods thereafter unless the
Company or Mr. Grosch gives notice of intent not to renew.
 
   
     The Grosch Employment Agreement provides for an initial base salary of
$300,000 plus (i) an annual incentive bonus based upon the Company's operating
performance and (ii) specified cost of living increases. In addition, the
Company has taken out a key man life insurance policy on Mr. Grosch's life
payable to the Company but assigned to the Company's lenders.
    
 
     Upon termination by Mr. Grosch for good reason or termination by the
Company without cause, Mr. Grosch would be entitled to receive his base salary
during the period that is the lesser of (i) three years or (ii) the remainder of
the term, plus a supplemental severance payment. The Grosch Employment Agreement
also provides that the Company may terminate Mr. Grosch for cause, and Mr.
Grosch would be entitled to
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
receive his base salary during the period that is the lesser of (i) two years or
(ii) the remainder of the term, plus a maximum supplemental severance payment of
$375,000. The Grosch Employment Agreement includes a confidentiality provision
and a non-solicitation provision.
 
     Gagnon Employment Agreement. In February 1997, the Company and Mr. Gagnon
entered into an employment agreement (the "Gagnon Employment Agreement")
providing for Mr. Gagnon's employment as Senior Vice President and National
Sales Manger of the Company. The initial employment period expires February 2002
and shall automatically extend for successive one year periods thereafter unless
the Company or Mr. Gagnon gives notice of intent not to renew.
 
   
     The Gagnon Employment Agreement provides for an initial base salary of
$200,000 plus (i) an annual variable incentive bonus based upon the Company's
operating performance, (ii) specified cost of living increases and (iii) an
additional incentive bonus of $1,000,000, payable after three years. The Company
has accelerated the additional incentive bonus as of September 16, 1997. Such
bonus is payable at the discretion of the President.
    
 
     Upon termination by Mr. Gagnon for good reason or termination by the
Company without cause, Mr. Gagnon would be entitled to receive (i) his base
salary during the period that is the lesser of twelve months or the remainder of
the term, and (ii) a prorated portion of any fixed or variable bonus earned
through the date of termination. The Gagnon Employment Agreement also provides
that if the Company terminates Mr. Gagnon for cause or if Mr. Gagnon employment
terminates as a result of voluntary resignation, he would be entitled to receive
his base salary only through the date of termination.
 
     The Gagnon Employment Agreement also includes a confidentiality provision,
a non-solicitation provision, and a nondisclosure and invention and copyright
assignment agreement.
 
1997 INCENTIVE AND STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
   
     In 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 Long Term Incentive and Stock Option
Plan of White Cap Industries, Inc. (the "Existing Plan") designed to provide
incentives to present and future executive, managerial, marketing, technical,
other key employees, and consultants and advisors of the Company and its
subsidiaries as may be selected in the sole discretion of the Company's Board of
Directors. The Existing Plan provided for aggregate option grants of up to
660,848 shares. As of June 30, 1997, options to purchase an aggregate of 647,273
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.48 per share were outstanding
under the Existing Plan. No additional grants shall be made under the Existing
Plan after the consummation of the Offering.
    
 
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
 
     In connection with the Offering, the Company has adopted the 1997 Long-Term
Equity Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") designed to update and replace the
Existing Plan.
 
   
     The Incentive Plan provides for the granting to directors, employees and
other key individuals who perform services for the Company and its subsidiaries
("Participants") of the following types of incentive awards: stock options,
stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, performance units,
performance grants and other types of awards that the Compensation Committee of
the Board (the "Committee") deems to be consistent with the purposes of the
Incentive Plan. An aggregate of 500,000 shares of Common Stock have been
reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan. The Incentive Plan affords the
Company latitude in tailoring incentive compensation for the retention of key
personnel, to support corporate and business objectives, and to anticipate and
respond to a changing business environment and competitive compensation
practices.
    
 
     The Committee will have exclusive discretion to select the Participants and
to determine the type, size and terms of each award, to modify the terms of
awards, to determine when awards will be granted and paid, and to make all other
determinations which it deems necessary or desirable in the interpretation and
administration of the Incentive Plan. The Incentive Plan is scheduled to
terminate ten years from the date that
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
the Incentive Plan was initially approved and adopted by the stockholders of the
Company, unless extended for up to an additional five years by action of the
Board of Directors. With limited exceptions, including termination of employment
as a result of death, disability or retirement, or except as otherwise
determined by the Committee, rights to these forms of contingent compensation
are forfeited if a recipient's employment or performance of services terminates
within a specified period following the award. Generally, a Participant's rights
and interest under the Incentive Plan will not be transferable except by will or
by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order.
 
     Options, which include nonqualified stock options and incentive stock
options, are rights to purchase a specified number of shares of Common Stock at
a price fixed by the Committee. The option price may be less than, equal to or
greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares of Common Stock, but
in no event shall the exercise price of an incentive stock option be less than
the fair market value on the date of grant. Options generally will expire not
later than ten years after the date on which they are granted. Options will
become exercisable at such times and in such installments as the Committee shall
determine. Payment of the option price must be made in full at the time of
exercise in such form (including, but not limited to, cash or Common Stock of
the Company) as the Committee may determine.
 
   
     An SAR may be granted alone, or in tandem with options, either at the time
of grant of the related option or by amendment thereafter to an outstanding
option. SARs granted in tandem with options shall be exercisable only when, to
the extent and on the condition that any related option is exercisable. The
exercise of an option shall result in an immediate forfeiture of any related SAR
to the extent the option is exercised, and the exercise of an SAR shall cause an
immediate forfeiture of any related option to the extent the SAR is exercised.
    
 
     Upon the exercise of an SAR, the Participant shall be entitled to a
distribution in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value
of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the
SAR or, in the case of SARs granted in tandem with options, any option to which
the SAR is related, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock as to
which the SAR is exercised. The Committee shall decide whether such distribution
shall be in cash, in shares of Common Stock having a fair market value equal to
such amount, in other securities having a fair market value equal to such amount
or in a combination thereof.
 
     A restricted stock award is an award of a given number of shares of Common
Stock which are subject to a restriction against transfer and to a risk of
forfeiture during a period set by the Committee. During the restriction period,
the Participant generally has the right to vote and receive dividends on the
shares. Dividends received while under restriction are treated as compensation.
 
     Performance awards are those whose final value, if any, is determined by
the degree to which specified performance objectives have been achieved during
an award period set by the Committee, subject to such adjustments as the
Committee may approve based on relevant factors. Performance objectives are
based on such measures of performance, including, without limitation, measures
of Company, unit or Participant performance, or any combination of the
foregoing, as the Committee may determine. The Committee may make such
adjustments in the computation of any performance measure as it deems
appropriate. The Committee shall determine the portion of each performance award
that is earned by a participant on the basis of the Company's performance over
the performance cycle in relation to the performance goals for such cycle. The
earned portion of a performance award may be paid out in shares of Common Stock,
cash, other securities of the Company, or any combination thereof, as the
Committee may determine.
 
     Upon the liquidation or dissolution of the Company all outstanding awards
under the Incentive Plan shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation
of such liquidation or dissolution, unless otherwise provided by the Committee.
In the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend,
combination of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution of assets, or any
other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the Committee
shall make such adjustment as it deems appropriate in the number and kind of
shares or other property reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan, in the
number and kind of shares or other property covered by grants previously made
under the Incentive Plan, and in the exercise price of outstanding options and
SARs. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other reorganization in which
the
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
Company is not the surviving or continuing corporation or in which a change in
control is to occur, all of the Company's obligations regarding options, SARs
performance awards, and restricted stock that were granted hereunder and that
are outstanding on the date of such event shall, on such terms as may be
approved by the Committee prior to such event, be assumed by the surviving or
continuing corporation or canceled in exchange for property (including cash).
 
     Certain Federal Tax Consequences under the Incentive Plan. The following
discussion addresses certain federal income tax consequences under current law
to recipients of awards made under the Incentive Plan. The following discussion
is intended only as a general summary of the federal income tax consequences
arising under the Incentive Plan based upon the Internal Revenue Code (the
"Code") as currently in effect. Because federal income tax consequences will
vary as a result of individual circumstances, each Participant should consult
his tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of such participation.
Moreover, the following summary relates only to a Participants' federal income
tax treatment, and the state, local and foreign tax consequences may be
substantially different.
 
     A Participant to whom a nonqualified stock option is granted will not
recognize any income at the time of the grant. When a Participant exercises a
nonqualified stock option, he generally will recognize ordinary compensation
income equal to the difference, if any, between the fair market value of the
Common Stock he receives at such time and the option's exercise price. The
Participant's tax basis in such shares will be equal to the exercise price paid
plus the amount includable in his gross income as compensation, and his holding
period for such shares will begin on the day on which he recognizes taxable
income in respect of such shares.
 
   
     A Participant to whom an incentive stock option is granted will not
recognize any ordinary income at the time of grant or at the time of exercise.
However, upon the exercise of an incentive stock option, the Participant
generally will be required to include the excess of fair market value of the
Common Stock over the option's exercise price in his alternative minimum taxable
income and, as a result, he may be subject to an alternative minimum tax
("AMT"). In order to obtain incentive stock option treatment for federal income
tax purposes, a Participant (i) must be an employee of the Company or a
subsidiary continuously from the date of grant until any termination of
employment and (ii) in the event of such a termination, must exercise an
incentive stock option within three months after such termination, except if
disabled, in which case exercise may occur within one year from the date of
termination of employment. If a Participant holds Common Stock received upon the
exercise of an incentive stock option for more than one year after exercise and
more than two years after the option was granted (the "Statutory Holding
Periods"), then upon a sale of such Common Stock he will recognize long-term
capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the sale price of
such shares and the option's exercise price. If the Participant has not held
such shares for the Statutory Holding Periods, when he sells such shares (a
"disqualifying disposition") he will recognize ordinary compensation income
equal to the lesser of (i) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such
shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price or (ii) the excess, if
any, of the sale price over the exercise price. Any additional gain or any loss
on such sale will constitute capital gain or loss, short- or long-term depending
upon whether the Participant has held the Common Stock for more than one year
after the exercise date. The tax basis of such shares to the Participant, for
purposes of computing such other gain or loss, will be equal to the exercise
price paid plus the amount includable in his gross income as compensation, if
any.
    
 
     A participant will not recognize any taxable income as a result of the
inclusion of SARs in a nonqualified stock option or an incentive stock option.
At the time of exercise, a Participant generally will recognize ordinary
compensation income in an amount equal to the cash and the fair market value of
the Common Stock he receives to satisfy his SARs. The Participant's tax basis in
any such shares received pursuant to a SAR will be equal to the amount
includable in his gross income as compensation in respect of such shares, and
the Participant's holding period therefor will begin on the day on which he
recognizes taxable income in respect of such shares.
 
     With respect to restricted stock awards, unless he files a timely election
with the Internal Revenue Service under Section 83(b) of the Code (a "Section
83(b) election"), a Participant who receives Common Stock pursuant to a
restricted stock award will not recognize any taxable income upon the receipt of
such award, but will recognize taxable compensation income at the time his
interest in such shares is no longer
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
 
subject to the repurchase option imposed by the Plan in an amount equal to the
fair market value of such shares at such time. Alternatively, by filing a
Section 83(b) election within 30 days after the shares are granted, the
Participant may elect to recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market
value of the shares on the grant date. In either event, the Participant's tax
basis in such shares will be equal to the amount includable in his gross income
as compensation, and his holding period for such shares will begin on the date
his compensation income is determined. If a Participant does not make a Section
83(b) election, dividends paid on restricted stock awards will be includable in
his income as compensation when received.
 
     A Participant to whom a performance grant award is made will not recognize
taxable income at the time such award is made. Such Participant generally will
recognize taxable income, however, at the time cash, Common Stock or other
Company securities or property are paid to him pursuant to such award in an
amount equal to the amount of such cash and the fair market value at such time
of such shares, securities or property. The tax basis of any such shares,
securities or property received by a Participant pursuant to a performance grant
award will be equal to the amount includable in his gross income as compensation
in respect of such shares, securities or property, and the holding period
therefor will begin on the day on which he recognizes taxable income in respect
of such shares, securities or property. Any income equivalents paid to a
Participant with respect to his performance grant award should generally be
regarded as compensation.
 
     If a Participant who receives Common Stock under the Incentive Plan
(whether pursuant to the exercise of an option, as a restricted stock award, or
as a performance grant award) is subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (such recipient, an
"Insider"), the tax consequences may be different from those described above.
Generally, an Insider will not recognize income (or, in the case of the exercise
of an incentive stock option, alternative minimum taxable income) on receipt of
Common Stock. However, by filing a Section 83(b) election with the Internal
Revenue Service no later than 30 days after the date of transfer of property
(e.g., after exercise of a nonqualified stock option that was granted within six
months of such exercise), an Insider may elect to be taxed based upon the fair
market value of the Common Stock at the time of such transfer.
 
     Subject to certain limitations described in the next paragraph, the company
for which a Participant is performing services generally will be allowed to
deduct amounts that are includable in the Participant's income as ordinary
compensation income at the time such amounts are so includable, provided that
such amounts qualify as reasonable compensation for personal services actually
rendered.
 
     With limited exceptions, the Company may not deduct certain compensation
paid to its chief executive officer or any of its four other highest paid
executives to the extent such compensation exceeds $1 million in any taxable
year. Depending on the circumstances, some or all of the compensation paid to
such an executive under the Incentive Plan may be nondeductible.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
 
   
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
    
 
   
     The table and footnotes below sets forth certain information regarding
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of September 15, 1997, assuming
exercise of options exercisable with 60 days of the date hereof, by (i) each
person or entity who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the Common
Stock, (ii) each director of the Company, (iii) the Chief Executive Officer and
each other executive officer quoted in the Summary Compensation Table and (iv)
all officers and directors of the Company as a group. To the knowledge of the
Company, each of such stockholders has sole voting and investment power as to
the shares shown unless otherwise noted.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        PERCENTAGE OF SHARES
                                                          OF COMMON STOCK         PERCENTAGE OF SHARES OF
                                NUMBER OF                BENEFICIALLY OWNED      COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY
                                SHARES OF                   PRIOR TO THE              OWNED AFTER THE
            NAME               COMMON STOCK                OFFERING(I)(J)             OFFERING(I)(J)
- -----------------------------  ------------             --------------------     -------------------------
<S>                            <C>                      <C>                      <C>
Greg Grosch..................    2,699,690(a)                   42.9%                       26.2%
Dan Tsujioka.................      178,447(b)                    2.8                         1.7
Chris Lane...................      157,761(c)                    2.5                         1.5
Richard Gagnon...............      174,000(d)                    2.8                         1.7
Gary Joslin..................           --                        --                          --
Jack Karg....................        4,959(e)                      *                           *
Mark M. King.................    1,727,273(f)(j)                27.4                        16.8
James A. Johnson.............      843,302(g)(j)                13.4                         8.2
Charles A. Hamilton..........      221,921(h)(j)                 3.5                         2.2
Apex Investment Fund III,
  L.P. and affiliate.........      843,302(g)(j)                13.4                         8.2
KRG Capital Partners, LLC....    1,727,273(f)(j)                27.4                        16.8
All Officers and Directors as
  a Group (9 Persons)........    6,007,353(f)(g)(h)             95.5                        58.4
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
 *  Indicates less than one percent.
    
 
   
(a) Includes 269,967 shares held by trusts for the benefit of Mr. Grosch's
    children.
    
 
   
(b) Includes 8,874 shares held by trusts for the benefit of Mr. Tsujioka's
    children and options to acquire 7,603 shares which become exercisable on
    September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
(c) Includes 91,534 shares of restricted stock which vest over a three year
    period. Includes 26,100 shares held by Mr. Lane's wife.
    
 
   
(d) All of the shares held by Mr. Gagnon were purchased from Mr. Grosch
    effective February 25, 1997 but 139,200 of such shares remain subject to
    repurchase by Mr. Grosch in the event Mr. Gagnon leaves the Company prior to
    February 25, 2001. Twenty percent of the 139,200 shares vest each year
    commencing February 25, 1998 and vested shares are no longer subject to the
    repurchase right of Mr. Grosch.
    
 
   
(e) Includes options to acquire 4,959 shares which become exercisable on
    September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
(f) Includes 1,727,273 shares held by members of KRG Capital Investments II,
    LLC, an investment limited liability company ("KRG II") of which KRG Capital
    is the manager. The managing directors of KRG Capital are Mark M. King,
    Bruce L. Rogers and Charles Gwirtsman. All the shares held by members of KRG
    II are subject to a voting agreement providing KRG Capital the right to vote
    all of such shares. Mr. King is a Managing Director and the founder of KRG
    Capital and as a result may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of all
    such shares covered by the voting agreement. Mr. King disclaims beneficial
    ownership of all shares covered by the voting agreement, other than 339,323
    shares held directly by Mr. King, his wife, and a trust formed for the
    benefit of their children.
    
 
   
(g) Includes 790,375 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Apex
    Investment Fund III, L.P. and 52,927 shares issuable upon exercise of
    warrants held by Apex Strategic Partners LLC. Mr. Johnson is the President
    of Apex Management III, LLC, which is the sole general partner of Apex
    Investment
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
   
    Fund III, L.P. and the Manager of Apex Strategic Partners, LLC. As a result,
    Mr. Johnson may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of such shares,
    although he disclaims such beneficial ownership.
    
 
   
(h) Includes 221,921 shares held by Bayview Investors, L.P. Mr. Hamilton is a
    managing director of Robertson Stephens, the general partner of Bayview
    Investors, Ltd.
    
 
   
(i) Total outstanding shares include the following: (i) 39,215 shares issuable
    to the former shareholders of A-Y Supply upon conversion of a subordinated
    convertible promissory note (determined by dividing $500,000 by 75% of the
    midpoint of the range of the initial public offering price per share); (ii)
    19,607 shares issuable to the former owners of Stop Supply upon exercise of
    a warrant (determined by dividing $250,000 by 75% of the midpoint of the
    range of the initial public offering price per share); (iii) 1,176,184
    shares issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Apex, Bayview and
    Argentum; and (iv) 129,454 shares issuable upon exercise of currently vested
    stock options granted to employees of the Company. Does not include 104,400
    shares issuable upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock held by the
    former owners of Viking Distributing which are subject to a repurchase right
    by the Company if certain performance targets are not achieved for the
    Northern California operations of the Company.
    
 
   
(j) Shares and percentages are calculated without giving effect to the
    Underwriters' over-allotment option. Assuming the Underwriters'
    over-allotment option is exercised, up to 255,000 shares (42.5% of the over-
    allotment shares) will be sold by certain stockholders of the Company. In
    such event, the percentage of total shares beneficially owned by Apex,
    Bayview, Argentum and KRG Capital will be 6.9%, 1.8%, .9% and 15.3%,
    respectively.
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL MATTERS
 
   
     The total amount of authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000
shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Preferred Stock").
Upon completion of the Offering, 10,294,028 shares of Common Stock will be
issued and outstanding, and no shares of Preferred Stock will be outstanding
other than 60,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock described below. The
discussion herein describes the Company's capital stock, the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws as anticipated to be in effect upon consummation of the
Offering. The following summary of certain provisions of the Company's capital
stock describes all material provisions of, but does not purport to be complete
and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the Certificate of
Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company that are included as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part and by the
provisions of applicable law.
    
 
COMMON STOCK
 
   
     As of September 15, 1997, there were 6,105,752 shares of Common Stock
outstanding held by 80 holders of record. The holders of Common Stock are
entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a
vote of the stockholders. The issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock are,
and the shares of Common Stock being offered will be upon payment therefor,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to the prior rights of the
holders of any Preferred Stock and restrictions contained in the Credit
Agreement, the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock are entitled to
receive dividends out of assets legally available therefor at such times and in
such amounts as the Board may from time to time determine. See "Dividend
Policy."
    
 
   
     Following consummation of the Offering, the shares of Common Stock will not
be redeemable or convertible, and the holders thereof will have no preemptive or
subscription rights to purchase any securities of the Company and no rights to
convert their Common Stock into any other securities. Upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock are
entitled to receive pro rata the assets of the Company which are legally
available for distribution, after payment of all debts and other liabilities and
subject to the prior rights of any holders of Preferred Stock then outstanding.
    
 
     Application has been made for the approval for quotation of the Common
Stock on Nasdaq under the symbol "WHCP."
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
   
     The Board may, without further action by the Company's stockholders, from
time to time, direct the issuance of additional shares of Preferred Stock in
series and may, at the time of issuance, determine the rights, preferences and
limitations of each series. If so designated by the Board, a series of Preferred
Stock may be subject to redemption for cash, property or rights under
circumstances, and subject to conditions, as may be designated by the Board.
Satisfaction of any dividend preferences of outstanding shares of Preferred
Stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends on
shares of Common Stock. Holders of shares of Preferred Stock may be entitled to
receive a preference payment in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of the Company before any payment is made to the holders of shares of
Common Stock. Under certain circumstances, the issuance of shares of Preferred
Stock may render more difficult or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer or
proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of the
Company's securities or the removal of incumbent management. The Board, without
stockholder approval, may issue shares of Preferred Stock with voting and
conversion rights which could adversely affect the holders of shares of Common
Stock. Upon consummation of the Offering, there will be no shares of Preferred
Stock outstanding.
    
 
   
     In connection with the acquisition of Viking Distributing, the Company
issued 60,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to the former
owners of Viking Distributing. The Series B Preferred Stock is nonvoting, has a
liquidation preference of $0.10 per share and is convertible into 104,400 shares
of Common
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   50
 
   
Stock following the expiration of the redemption period described below. The
Series B Preferred Stock is subject to mandatory redemption at its liquidation
value if certain three year compounded growth rates are not achieved for the
Company's Northern California operations.
    
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
 
     The Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that stockholder action
can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be
taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. The Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and the By-laws provide that, except as otherwise required by law,
special meetings of the stockholders can only be called pursuant to a resolution
adopted by a majority of the Board of Directors or by the chief executive
officer of the Company. Stockholders will not be permitted to call a special
meeting or to require the Board to call a special meeting.
 
     The Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains a "fair price" provision
pursuant to which any Business Combination (as defined therein) involving an
interested stockholder and the Company or any subsidiary would require approval
by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the shares of
voting stock of the Company. The fair price provision of the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation provides that 66 2/3% stockholder vote is not
required if the Business Combination is approved by 70% of the continuing
directors or if certain procedures and price requirements are satisfied.
Instead, the vote, if any, required by applicable Delaware law or by any other
provision of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation would be necessary.
 
     The By-laws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals
to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, including
proposed nominations of persons for election to the Board. Stockholders at an
annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the
notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the
Board or by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the record date for
the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has given to the
Company's Secretary timely written notice, in proper form, of the stockholder's
intention to bring that business before the meeting. Although the By-laws do not
give the Board the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of
candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or
annual meeting, the By-laws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of
certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may
discourage or defer a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of
proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain
control of the Company.
 
     The Company's By-Laws provide that the number of Directors of the Company
will be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board of Directors. The
By-Laws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual
or special meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior
notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the actions so
taken, is executed 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.
 
SECTION 203 OF DELAWARE LAW
 
   
     Following the consummation of the Offering, the Company will be subject to
the "business combination" provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
In general, such provisions prohibit a publicly-held Delaware corporation from
engaging in various "business combination" transactions with any "interested
stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in
which the person became an "interested stockholder," unless (i) the transaction
is approved by the Board of Directors prior to the date the interested
stockholder obtained such status, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction
which resulted in the stockholder becoming an "interested stockholder," the
"interested stockholder" owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the
corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for
purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned by
(a) persons who are directors and also officers and (b) employee stock plans in
which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially
whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange
offer, or (iii) on
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   51
 
   
or subsequent to such date the "business combination" is approved by the board
of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by
the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which
is not owned by the "interested stockholder." A "business combination" is
defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in
financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an "interested stockholder" is a
person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three
years, did own) 15% or more of a corporation's voting stock. The statute could
prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with
respect to the Company and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire the
Company.
    
 
   
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
    
 
     The Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of directors to the
fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. In addition,
the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company
shall indemnify directors and officers of the Company to the fullest extent
permitted by such law.
 
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
   
     The registrar and transfer agent for the Company's Common Stock is American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
    
 
   
                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
    
 
   
     Upon consummation of the Offering, the Company expects to terminate its
existing credit agreement and enter into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit
Agreement") with Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association will and
other institutions party thereto (the "Banks"), pursuant to which the Company
will have available borrowings of up to $100 million. Loans under the Credit
Agreement consist of $75 million in aggregate principal amount of delayed draw
term loans to be used for acquisitions (the "Term Loans") and a $25 million
revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), which will permit
the Company to finance working capital, future acquisitions, letters of credit
and other general corporate needs. This information relating to the Credit
Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the
documents entered into in connection therewith. The following is a description
of the general terms of the Credit Agreement.
    
 
   
     Indebtedness of the Company under the Credit Agreement is guaranteed by all
subsidiaries of the Company now owned or hereafter acquired and is secured by a
first priority security interest in (i) all capital stock of all direct and
indirect subsidiaries of the Company, now owned or hereafter acquired, and (ii)
all tangible and intangible property of the Company and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries, now owned or hereafter acquired.
    
 
   
     Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement bears interest at a floating rate.
Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility (the "Revolving Loans") and the
Term Loans bear interest at a rate based (at the Company's option) upon (i) the
Base Rate (defined as in the Credit Agreement) or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate (as
defined in the Credit Agreement) for one, two, three or six months, in each
case. Applicable margins range from 0% to 0.75% in the case of Base Rate loans
and 0.875% to 1.75% in the case of Eurodollar loans, depending upon the
Company's ratio of total debt to operating cash flow.
    
 
   
     The Term Loans and the Revolving Loans mature four years following the date
of initial borrowing. The Credit Agreement provides for mandatory repayments,
subject to certain exceptions, of the Term Loans based on certain net proceeds
from the sale of equity securities by the Company subsequent to the Offering,
asset sales outside the ordinary course of business and insurance proceeds not
redeployed.
    
 
   
     The Revolving Loans may be repaid and reborrowed. The Company is required
to pay to the lenders under the Credit Agreement a customary commitment fee upon
closing, as well as an unused line fee.
    
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   52
 
   
     The Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants which require the
Company to maintain an minimum net worth, leverage ratio, fixed change coverage
ratio and asset coverage ratio. The Credit Agreement also contains covenants
which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness,
dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisition, mergers and
consolidation, prepayments of other indebtedness, liens and encumbrances,
capital expenditures and other matters customarily restricted in such
agreements.
    
 
   
     The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including
payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults,
cross-defaults to certain other indebtedness, certain events of bankruptcy and
insolvency, ERISA, judgment defaults, failure of any guaranty or security
agreement supporting the Credit Agreement to be in full force and effect and
change of control of the Company or WCI.
    
 
   
                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
    
 
THE RECAPITALIZATION
 
   
     In February 1997, KRG Capital formed the Company, which acquired all of the
outstanding stock of WCI from Greg Grosch, the then sole stockholder, Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of WCI, through the Recapitalization. The
Company acquired the stock of WCI for (i) $10 million in cash; (ii) a $1.5
million subordinated note; (iii) 87,000 shares of Common Stock; and (iv)
Convertible Preferred Stock which will automatically convert into 2,795,390
shares of Common Stock upon consummation of the Offering. In connection with the
Recapitalization, shares of redeemable preferred stock and warrants to purchase
Common Stock were purchased by three investment funds. Such shares of redeemable
preferred stock will be redeemed upon consummation of the Offering. See "Recent
Transactions," "Use of Proceeds" and "Principal Stockholders."
    
 
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
 
     The Company and WCI are parties to a five-year management agreement with
KRG Capital, pursuant to which KRG Capital provides financial management
consulting and advisory services. Under the terms of such agreement, (i) the
Company paid KRG Capital a transaction closing fee of $300,000 in connection
with the closing of Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 26, 1996, by and
between Holdings and Mr. Grosch and (ii) the Company and WCI agreed to pay KRG
Capital a base management fee of $250,000 per year. During the year ended March
31, 1997, the Company and WCI paid KRG Capital fees of $62,500 pursuant to such
agreement. KRG Capital received an aggregate transaction closing fee from WCI in
the amount of $100,000 following the closings of the acquisitions of Stop Supply
and Viking Distributing.
 
     Upon completion of the Offering, KRG Capital, the Company and WCI will
terminate the existing management agreement and enter into a transaction
advisory agreement pursuant to which the Company and WCI will pay to KRG Capital
an annual transaction advisory fee of $200,000 and a formula based transaction
fee payable upon the completion of additional acquisitions by the Company or
WCI. The transaction fee will be (i) $50,000 for any transactions where the
aggregate transaction value is $20 million or less, unless the Board of
Directors determines the transaction presented unusual complexities in which
case the fee may be adjusted upward upon approval of the Board of Directors, and
(ii) an amount to be agreed upon and approved by the Board of Directors, but in
no event less than $50,000, for any transaction where the aggregate transaction
value exceeds $20 million.
 
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
 
   
     The Company, KRG Capital, Mr. Grosch and certain affiliates of KRG Capital
are parties to an Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement (the "Stockholders
Agreement"), which will take effect upon the closing of the Offering and will
have a term of ten years. The Stockholders Agreement provides that so long as
Mr. Grosch or parties related to KRG Capital hold at least 5% of the issued and
outstanding Common Stock, (i) Mr. Grosch and KRG Capital will each be entitled
to designate one director, (ii) the
    
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   53
 
   
stockholder parties will vote all of their shares for such designees and (iii)
KRG Capital will be entitled to have one additional KRG Capital principal attend
all board meetings as a non-voting observer.
    
 
LEASES
 
     The Company leases two properties located in Las Vegas, Nevada and San Juan
Capistrano, California, respectively, from Greg Grosch and his wife. Both leases
were entered into in May 1994 and are six year leases renewable for 4 successive
five year terms at the Company's option. Monthly rent under the leases is $5,565
for the Las Vegas property and $9,135 for the San Juan Capistrano property. The
terms of each lease are to be renegotiated upon each renewal. Payments under the
Las Vegas lease totaled $66,780 in the year ended March 31, 1997, and payments
under the San Juan Capistrano lease totaled $109,620 in such year.
 
   
     The Company also leases a property in Riverside, California from Black
Marlin Investment Company and the Nuttal Trust (the "Landlord"). Black Marlin
Investment Company is wholly owned by Mr. and Mrs. Grosch. The Riverside lease
has a term of six years expiring in 2002. Monthly rent under the Riverside lease
is $7,403. Payments under the Riverside Lease to the Landlord totaled $48,119 in
the year ended March 31, 1997.
    
 
   
     The Company is a guarantor of certain indebtedness of Greg Grosch, his wife
and the Landlord secured by mortgages on the three properties described above.
The Company believes that the terms of the leases described above are no less
favorable to the Company than terms that could be obtained with unaffiliated
third parties in arms-length transactions.
    
 
ISSUANCE OF SENIOR REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES AND WARRANTS.
 
     On February 25, 1997, the Company issued 127,541 shares of its Redeemable
Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $3.92 per share and 127,541 warrants to
purchase shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $0.01 per share to
Bayview Investors, Ltd., an affiliate of Robertson Stephens & Company. The
Company expects to redeem the Redeemable Preferred Stock and pay accrued
dividends on such stock with a portion of the net proceeds from the Offering.
See "Use of Proceeds" and "Underwriting."
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     Prior to the Offering there has been no public market for the Common Stock
of the Company. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public
market could adversely affect market prices of the Common Stock and make it more
difficult for the Company to sell equity securities in the future at a time and
price which it deems appropriate.
 
   
     Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have outstanding
10,294,028 shares of Common Stock (not including (i) 517,819 shares issuable
upon the exercise of unvested options held by certain members of management,
(ii) 104,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series B
Preferred Stock held by the former owners of Viking Distributing which are
subject to a repurchase right by the Company if certain performance targets are
not achieved for the Northern California operations of the Company and (iii)
500,000 shares reserved for sale or grant in the future under the Incentive
Plan). The 4,000,000 shares sold in the Offering will be freely tradeable
without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless held
by "affiliates" of the Company. The remaining 6,294,028 outstanding shares of
Common Stock quoted above may not be sold unless they are registered under the
Securities Act or unless an exemption from registration, such as the exemption
provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act, is available. In addition,
beginning 90 days after the date of this Prospectus, holders of vested stock
options may sell shares of Common Stock acquired upon due exercise of such
options subject to the provisions of Rule 701 under the Securities Act ("Rule
701").
    
 
     In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a stockholder (or
stockholders whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned "restricted
securities" for at least one but less than two years, and any affiliate of the
Company who has owned shares for at least one year, is entitled to sell within
any three month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1%
of the outstanding shares of the Company's
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   54
 
   
Common Stock (approximately 102,940 shares immediately after the Offering) or
the average weekly trading volume in the Company's Common Stock on Nasdaq during
the four calendar weeks preceding such sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also
subject to certain provisions regarding the manner of sale, notice requirements
and the availability of current public information about the Company. A
stockholder (or stockholders whose shares are aggregated) who is not an
affiliate of the Company for at least 90 days prior to a proposed transaction
and who has beneficially owned "restricted securities" for at least two years is
entitled to sell such shares under Rule 144 without regard to the limitations
described above.
    
 
     Any employee, officer or director of the Company who purchased his or her
shares prior to the date of this Prospectus or holds vested stock options as of
that date pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract is entitled to
rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701, which permits non-affiliates to sell
their Rule 701 shares without having to comply with the public information,
holding period, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144 and permits
affiliates to sell their Rule 701 shares without having to comply with Rule
144's holding period restrictions, in each case commencing 90 days after the
date of this Prospectus.
 
   
     The Company and all of its current stockholders holding in the aggregate
6,118,314 shares of Common Stock (5,863,314 shares if the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full) have agreed not to sell publicly
shares of capital stock of the Company for a period of 180 days following the
closing date of the Offering without the prior written consent of the
Representative. Such stockholders have further agreed that they will not
otherwise dispose of any shares of capital stock of the Company unless the
person to whom such disposition is made agrees to substantially the same as the
foregoing. The Company has further agreed that during such 180-day period it
will not sell privately shares of Common Stock unless the price per share
received by the Company for such Common Stock is equal to or greater than the
initial public offering price. Upon issuance of 647,273 shares of Common Stock
reserved for issuance upon the sale of shares to, and exercise of options in the
future by, employees under the Existing Plan, such shares will be subject to the
same restrictions on resale imposed on the other shares held by members of
management described above.
    
 
     As soon as practicable after 90 days following the date of this Prospectus,
the Company will file a Form S-8 registration statement under the Securities Act
to register the shares of Common Stock issuable under the Company's option
plans. This registration statement would become effective immediately upon
filing. Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options after the effective
date of the Form S-8 registration statement would be eligible for resale in the
public market without restriction, subject to Rule 144 limitations applicable to
affiliates and the lock-up agreements applicable to certain options as described
in the preceding paragraph.
 
   
     The Company, Mr. Grosch, KRG Capital, Apex, Bayview and Argentum are
parties to a registration rights agreement dated February 25, 1997 (the
"Registration Rights Agreement"). After the Offering, an aggregate of 5,492,186
shares of Common Stock owned or issuable upon exercise of warrants, in the
aggregate, by such stockholders will be entitled to certain rights to register
such shares ("Registrable Shares") under the Securities Act pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement. Subject to certain conditions, the registration
rights granted with respect to the Common Stock may be exercised by holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such Registrable Shares. Subject to
certain conditions, piggyback registration rights are available at all times for
the Registrable Shares.
    
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   55
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Underwriting Agreement
(the "Underwriting Agreement"), the underwriters named below (the
"Underwriters"), for whom Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
("DLJ") and Robertson Stephens & Company ("Robertson Stephens") are acting as
representatives (the "Representatives"), have severally agreed to purchase from
the Company the number of shares of Common Stock that each Underwriter has
agreed to purchase as set forth opposite its name below:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    NUMBER OF
                                   UNDERWRITERS                                       SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation...............................
Robertson Stephens & Company......................................................
 
                                                                                     ---------
          Total...................................................................   4,000,000
                                                                                     =========
</TABLE>
    
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to purchase and accept delivery of the shares of Common Stock
offered are subject to approval of certain legal matters by counsel and certain
other conditions. If any shares of Common Stock are purchased by the
Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, all such shares (other than
shares covered by the over-allotment option described below) must be purchased.
 
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to
payments that the Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
   
     The Representatives have advised the Company that the Underwriters propose
initially to offer the shares of Common Stock to the public at the price to the
public set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, and to certain dealers
(who may include the Underwriters) at such price less a concession not in excess
of $     per share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow,
discounts not in excess of $     per share to any other Underwriter and certain
other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price,
concession and discount may be changed.
    
 
   
     The Company and certain selling stockholders have granted an option to the
Underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to
purchase up to an aggregate of 600,000 additional shares of Common Stock at the
initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus,
net of underwriting discounts and commissions. such option may be exercised at
any time until 30 days after the date of this Prospectus. See "Principal
Stockholders." To the extent that the Representatives exercise such option, each
of the Underwriters will be committed, subject to certain conditions, to
purchase a number of option shares proportionate to such Underwriter's initial
commitment as indicated in the preceding table.
    
 
   
     At the Company's request, the Underwriters have reserved up to 200,000
shares for sale at the initial public offering price to certain of the Company's
employees, members of their immediate families and other individuals who are
business associates of the Company in each case as such parties have expressed
an interest in purchasing such shares. The number of shares available for sale
to the general public will be reduced to the
    
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   56
 
extent these individuals purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares not
purchased will be offered by the Underwriters to the general public on the same
basis as the other shares offered hereby.
 
     The Company, its officers and directors, certain of its shareholders and
certain employees of the Company have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not
to directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, grant any option for the sale of
or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, without the prior written
consent of DLJ, on behalf of the Underwriters, for a period of 180 days after
the date of this Prospectus. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
     Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock
of the Company. The initial public offering price will be determined through
negotiations between the Company and the Representatives. Among the factors
considered in determining the initial public offering price, in addition to
prevailing market conditions, are price-earnings ratios of publicly traded
companies that the Representatives believe to be comparable to the Company,
certain financial information of the Company, the history of, and the prospects
for, the Company and the industry in which it competes, and assessment of the
Company's management, its past and present operations, the prospects for, and
timing of, future revenues of the Company, the present state of the Company's
development, and the above factors in relation to market values and various
valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to the
Company. There can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop
for the Common Stock or that the Common Stock will trade in the public market
subsequent to the Offering at or above the initial public offering price.
 
     The Company has applied to have the Common Stock quoted on Nasdaq under the
symbol "WHCP."
 
     The Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of the Common Stock offered
hereby to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
 
     Under Rule 2720 of the Conduct Rules of the NASD ("Rule 2720"), the Company
is considered an affiliate of Robertson Stephens. See "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions." This Offering is being conducted in accordance with Rule
2720 which provides that, among other things, when an NASD member participates
in the underwriting of an affiliate's equity securities, the price can be no
higher than that recommended by a "qualified independent underwriter" meeting
certain standards ("QIU"). In accordance with this requirement, DLJ has assumed
the responsibilities of acting as QIU and will recommend a maximum price in
compliance with the requirements of Rule 2720. In connection with the Offering,
DLJ is performing due diligence investigations and reviewing and participating
in the preparation of this Prospectus and the Registration Statement of which
this prospectus forms a part. As compensation for the services of DLJ as QIU,
the Company has agreed to pay DLJ $5,000.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
     The legality of the shares of Common Stock will be passed upon for the
Company by Kirkland & Ellis, New York, New York. Lance C. Balk who is a partner
of Kirkland & Ellis, as of the date of this Prospectus, holds 9,761 shares of
the Company's Common Stock. Certain legal matters relating to the Offering will
be passed upon for the Underwriters by Latham & Watkins, New York, New York.
    
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   57
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of White Cap Industries, Inc. as of March
31, 1997, March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995; the consolidated statements of
operations, consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated statements of
stockholders' equity of White Cap Industries, Inc. for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1997 and the years ended December 31, 1995, December 31, 1994 and for
the three months ended March 31, 1996; the financial statements of A-Y Supply,
Inc. as of and for the year ended December 31, 1996; and the financial
statements of Viking Distributing Co. as of and for the fiscal year ended March
31, 1997 included in this Prospectus and the registration statement of which it
is a part, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving
such reports.
 
     The balance sheet of A-Y Supply, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and the
statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows of A-Y Supply, Inc.
for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 included in this Prospectus and
the registration statement of which it is a part, have been so included in
reliance on the reports of Burnett, Umphress & Kilgour, independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Act with respect to
the shares of Common Stock being offered by this Prospectus. This Prospectus
does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement
and the exhibits thereto, certain portions of which have been omitted as
permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information with respect to the Company and the shares of Common Stock offered
hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement, including the exhibits
thereto, copies of which may be obtained upon payment of the fees prescribed by
the Commission or examined without charge at (i) the Public Reference Section of
the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and (ii) the Commission's regional offices located at
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 75 Park Plaza,
14th Floor, New York, New York 10007. Statements contained in this Prospectus as
to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete,
and in each instance where such contract or other document is an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each statement being
qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   58
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                           WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PAGE
                                                                                      NUMBER
                                                                                      ------
<S>                                                                                   <C>
WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY:
Report of Independent Public Accountants............................................     F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1995, March 31, 1996, March 31, 1997 and
  June 30, 1997 (unaudited).........................................................     F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1994,
  December 31, 1995, the three months ended March 31, 1996, the year ended March 31,
  1997 and the three months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited)................     F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) for the years ended
  December 31, 1994, December 31, 1995, the three months ended March 31, 1996, the
  year ended March 31, 1997 and the three months ended June 30, 1997 (unaudited)....     F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994,
  December 31, 1995, the three months ended March 31, 1996, the year ended, March
  31, 1997 and for the three months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited)........     F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................................     F-7
 
A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
Reports of Independent Public Accountants...........................................    F-18
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996.....................................    F-19
Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996...........    F-20
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
  1996..............................................................................    F-21
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996.......    F-22
Notes to Financial Statements.......................................................    F-23
 
VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.:
Report of Independent Public Accountants............................................    F-26
Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1997..................................................    F-27
Statement of Operations for the year ended March 31, 1997...........................    F-28
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the year ended March 31, 1997......    F-29
Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended March 31, 1997...........................    F-30
Notes to Financial Statements.......................................................    F-31
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   59
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To White Cap Industries, Inc.:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WHITE CAP
INDUSTRIES, INC. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiary as of December 31,
1995, March 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997 and the related statements of
operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995, the three month period ended March 31, 1996 and for
the year ended March 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of White Cap
Industries, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 1995, March 31, 1996 and
March 31, 1997 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, the three month period ended March 31,
1996 and for the year ended March 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
   
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
    
 
Orange County, California
   
August 12, 1997
    
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   60
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER             MARCH 31,
                                                            31,       -------------------------    JUNE 30,
                                                           1995          1996          1997          1997
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents...........................  $   297,000   $   205,000   $   214,000   $ 2,882,000
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
    accounts of $270,000, $702,000, $525,000 and
    $812,000 at December 31, 1995, March 31, 1996,
    March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997, respectively....   11,588,000    11,487,000    19,175,000    27,279,000
  Inventories.........................................   16,337,000    15,786,000    20,426,000    23,029,000
  Prepaid expenses and other..........................      339,000       335,000       441,000       489,000
  Deferred income taxes...............................           --            --       738,000     1,235,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                         28,561,000    27,813,000    40,994,000    54,914,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
RECEIVABLE FROM STOCKHOLDER...........................      586,000       481,000            --            --
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net...........................    6,849,000     6,768,000     7,461,000     9,059,000
RENTAL EQUIPMENT, net.................................           --            --       500,000       475,000
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net................................           --            --    13,205,000    25,982,000
OTHER ASSETS..........................................      196,000       225,000       132,000       212,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                        $36,192,000   $35,287,000   $62,292,000   $90,642,000
                                                        ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
 
                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current portion of long-term debt...................  $   627,000   $   689,000   $ 3,156,000   $ 3,106,000
  Accounts payable....................................   12,894,000    10,422,000    17,162,000    22,299,000
  Accrued liabilities.................................    2,328,000     2,136,000     3,266,000     4,782,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                         15,849,000    13,247,000    23,584,000    30,187,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion................   15,815,000    18,095,000    38,888,000    60,382,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES.................................           --            --       200,000       189,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
SENIOR REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK,
  $.01 par value:
  Designated -- 680,000 shares; issued and
    outstanding -- none at December 31, 1995 and March
    31, 1996; 675,969 at March 31, 1997 and June 30,
    1997..............................................           --            --     2,650,000     2,650,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
  (Notes 8, 9, and 10)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):
  Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value:
  Designated -- 2,700,000 shares; issued and
    outstanding -- none at December 31, 1995 and March
    31, 1996; 2,180,479 at March 31, 1997 and
    2,240,479 at June 30, 1997........................           --            --     2,250,000     2,256,000
  Common Stock, $.01 par value:
    Authorized -- 10,000,000 shares; issued and
      outstanding -- 4,160 shares at December 31, 1995
      and March 31, 1996; 600,000 at March 31, 1997
      and 652,606 at June 30, 1997....................           --            --         6,000        11,000
    Additional paid-in capital........................        4,000         4,000            --            --
    Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)...........    4,524,000     3,941,000    (5,286,000)   (5,033,000)
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                          4,528,000     3,945,000    (3,030,000)   (2,766,000)
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                        $36,192,000   $35,287,000   $62,292,000   $90,642,000
                                                        ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   61
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEARS ENDED           THREE MONTHS                      THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                   ---------------------------      ENDED        YEAR ENDED    --------------------------
                                   DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,    MARCH 31,      MARCH 31,       JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,
                                       1994           1995           1996           1997           1996          1997
                                   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
                                                                                               (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
NET SALES........................  $69,508,000    $77,840,000    $19,511,000   $101,770,000    $23,509,000   $37,311,000
COST OF GOODS SOLD...............   49,420,000     53,961,000     13,627,000     69,740,000     15,992,000    25,848,000
                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------- 
  Gross Profit...................   20,088,000     23,879,000      5,884,000     32,030,000      7,517,000    11,463,000
SELLING, GENERAL AND
  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES........   17,918,000     20,517,000      5,670,000     27,375,000      6,235,000     9,423,000
                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------- 
  Income from operations.........    2,170,000      3,362,000        214,000      4,655,000      1,282,000     2,040,000
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET............      822,000      1,385,000        442,000      2,273,000        424,000     1,319,000
                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------- 
  Income (loss) before provision
    (benefit) for income taxes...    1,348,000      1,977,000       (228,000)     2,382,000        858,000       721,000
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME
  TAXES..........................       30,000         40,000             --       (414,000)         9,000       318,000
                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    ---------- 
  Net income (loss)..............  $ 1,318,000    $ 1,937,000    $  (228,000)   $ 2,796,000    $   849,000    $  403,000
                                   ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ========== 
PRO FORMA INFORMATION
(unaudited):
  Historical income (loss) before
    provision (benefit) for
    income taxes.................  $ 1,348,000    $ 1,977,000    $  (228,000)   $ 2,382,000    $   858,000
  Pro forma income tax provision
    (benefit)....................      553,000        811,000        (93,000)       977,000        352,000
                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    ------------   -----------
  Pro forma net income (loss)....  $   795,000    $ 1,166,000    $  (135,000)   $ 1,405,000    $   506,000
                                   ===========    ===========    ===========    ============   ===========
  Pro forma net income (loss) per
    share........................                                               $      0.19                   $     0.03
                                                                                ============                  ===========
  Pro forma weighted average
    shares outstanding...........                                                 7,284,332                    7,398,112
                                                                                ============                  ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   62
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
   
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    CONVERTIBLE                                             RETAINED
                                  PREFERRED STOCK          COMMON STOCK      ADDITIONAL     EARNINGS
                               ----------------------   ------------------    PAID-IN     (ACCUMULATED
                                SHARES       AMOUNT      SHARES    AMOUNT     CAPITAL       DEFICIT)        TOTAL
                               ---------   ----------   --------   -------   ----------   ------------   -----------
<S>                            <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>
BALANCE, December 31, 1993...         --   $       --      4,160   $    --    $  4,000    $  2,901,000   $ 2,905,000
  Stockholder
     distributions...........         --           --         --        --          --        (584,000)     (584,000)
  Net income.................         --           --         --        --          --       1,318,000     1,318,000
                               ---------    ---------    -------    ------     -------     -----------   -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1994...         --           --      4,160        --       4,000       3,635,000     3,639,000
  Stockholder
     distributions...........         --           --         --        --          --      (1,048,000)   (1,048,000)
  Net income.................         --           --         --        --          --       1,937,000     1,937,000
                               ---------    ---------    -------    ------     -------     -----------   -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1995...         --           --      4,160        --       4,000       4,524,000     4,528,000
  Stockholder
     distributions...........         --           --         --        --          --        (355,000)     (355,000)
  Net loss...................         --           --         --        --          --        (228,000)     (228,000)
                               ---------    ---------    -------    ------     -------     -----------   -----------
BALANCE, March 31, 1996......         --           --      4,160        --       4,000       3,941,000     3,945,000
  Recapitalization:
     Stockholder
       distributions.........         --           --         --        --          --      (6,252,000)   (6,252,000)
     Purchase and retirement
       of WCI common stock...         --           --     (4,160)       --      (4,000)     (5,716,000)   (5,720,000)
     Common stock issued.....         --           --    600,000     6,000          --              --         6,000
     Series A-1 convertible
       preferred stock
       issued................  1,496,843    2,250,000         --        --          --              --     2,250,000
     Series A-2 convertible
       preferred stock
       issued................    683,636           --         --        --          --              --            --
  Preferred dividend
     accretion...............         --           --         --        --          --         (55,000)      (55,000)
  Net income.................         --           --         --        --          --       2,796,000     2,796,000
                               ---------    ---------    -------    ------     -------     -----------   -----------
BALANCE, March 31, 1997......  2,180,479    2,250,000    600,000     6,000          --      (5,286,000)   (3,030,000)
  Sale of common stock
     (unaudited).............         --           --     52,606     5,000          --              --         5,000
  Sale of convertible
     preferred stock
     (unaudited).............     60,000        6,000         --        --          --              --         6,000
  Preferred dividend
     accretion (unaudited)...         --           --         --        --          --        (150,000)     (150,000)
  Net income (unaudited).....         --           --         --        --          --         403,000       403,000
                               ---------    ---------    -------    ------     -------     -----------   -----------
  BALANCE, June 30, 1997
     (unaudited).............  2,240,479   $2,256,000    652,606   $11,000    $     --    $ (5,033,000)  $(2,766,000)
                               =========    =========    =======    ======     =======     ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   63
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
   
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEARS ENDED          THREE MONTHS                  THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                 --------------------------     ENDED      YEAR ENDED   -------------------------
                                                 DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,   MARCH 31,     MARCH 31,    JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,
                                                     1994          1995          1996         1997         1996          1997
                                                 ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net Income (loss)............................. $ 1,318,000   $ 1,937,000   $  (228,000)  $ 2,796,000  $   849,000  $    403,000
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
    net cash provided by (used in) operating
    activities:
    Depreciation and amortization...............     811,000     1,109,000       347,000     1,524,000      355,000       687,000
    Gain on disposition of property and
      equipment.................................      (3,000)       (4,000)       (1,000)      (28,000)          --        (1,000)
  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
    effects from acquisitions:
    (Increase) decrease in accounts
      receivable................................  (2,421,000)   (2,098,000)      100,000    (4,861,000)  (2,087,000)   (3,437,000)
    (Increase) decrease in inventories..........  (5,396,000)   (2,592,000)      551,000    (1,698,000)      79,000     2,674,000
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses.....     294,000      (308,000)      (25,000)      955,000      (72,000)      (75,000)
    Increase in deferred tax asset..............          --            --            --      (738,000)          --        (9,000)
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.....   3,562,000     2,969,000    (2,472,000)    5,079,000    3,158,000     2,606,000
    Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses.....   1,008,000       417,000      (181,000)      405,000     (575,000)     (406,000)
    Increase in deferred tax liability..........          --            --            --       200,000           --       (11,000)
                                                  ----------   -----------   -----------   ------------ ------------ -------------
  Net cash provided by (used in) operating......    (827,000)    1,430,000    (1,909,000)    3,634,000    1,707,000     2,431,000
                                                  ----------   -----------   -----------   ------------ ------------ -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures..........................  (1,259,000)   (4,525,000)     (266,000)   (2,120,000)    (178,000)     (653,000)
  Proceeds from sale of property and
    equipment...................................          --        15,000         2,000       139,000           --        10,000
  Purchase of A-Y Supply, net of $1,323,000 in
    cash acquired...............................          --            --            --   (16,502,000)          --            --
  Purchase of Viking Distributing Co., net of
    $145,000 in cash acquired...................          --            --            --            --           --   (16,046,000)
  Purchase of Stop Supply, Inc., net of $61,000
    in cash acquired............................          --            --            --            --           --    (3,698,000)
                                                  ----------   -----------   -----------   ------------ ------------ -------------
  Net cash used in investing activities           (1,259,000)   (4,510,000)     (264,000)  (18,483,000)    (178,000)  (20,387,000)
                                                  ----------   -----------   -----------   ------------ ------------ -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net borrowing under line of credit
    agreement...................................   2,812,000     1,871,000     2,397,000       467,000     (747,000)   14,197,000
  Principal payments on notes payable...........    (417,000)     (498,000)     (176,000)           --     (769,000)  (14,173,000)
  Proceeds received from notes payable..........     477,000     3,712,000       121,000    22,235,000           --    20,739,000
  Principal payments on subordinated note
    payable to stockholder......................    (325,000)           --            --            --           --            --
  (Increase) decrease in receivable from
    stockholder.................................          --      (372,000)      105,000       481,000       82,000            --
  Stockholder distributions paid................    (442,000)   (1,483,000)     (366,000)   (6,241,000)          --            --
  Preferred dividend accretion..................          --            --            --       (55,000)          --      (150,000)
  Preferred stock issued........................          --            --            --     4,900,000           --         6,000
  Common stock issued...........................          --            --            --         6,000           --         5,000
  Common stock purchased and retired............          --            --            --    (5,720,000)          --            --
  Increase in deferred finance costs............          --            --            --    (1,215,000)          --            --
                                                  ----------   -----------   -----------   ------------ ------------ -------------
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing
    activities..................................   2,105,000     3,230,000     2,081,000    14,858,000   (1,434,000)   20,624,000
                                                  ----------   -----------   -----------   ------------ ------------ -------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
  EQUIVALENTS...................................      19,000       150,000       (92,000)        9,000       95,000     2,668,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of
  period........................................     128,000       147,000       297,000       205,000      205,000       214,000
                                                  ----------   -----------   -----------   ------------ ------------ -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period........ $   147,000   $   297,000   $   205,000   $   214,000  $   300,000  $  2,882,000
                                                  ==========   ===========   ===========   ============ ============ =============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
  INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the period for --
  Interest...................................... $   902,000   $ 1,455,000   $   455,000   $ 2,451,000  $   446,000  $  1,290,000
                                                  ==========   ===========   ===========   ============ ============ =============
  Income taxes.................................. $    16,000   $    48,000   $        --   $    10,000  $    36,000  $    100,000
                                                  ==========   ===========   ===========   ============ ============ =============
</TABLE>
    
 
   
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    
 
     The Company acquired various shop equipment under its equipment lease
financing arrangements totaling approximately $456,000 and $518,000 during the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
   
     During the year ended March 31, 1997 and the three months ended June 30,
1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of A-Y Supply,
Inc., Viking Distributing Co. and Stop Supply, Inc. In conjunction with these
acquisitions, the following liabilities were assumed:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEAR ENDED
                                                                                           MARCH 31,           THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                              1997               JUNE 30, 1997
                                                                                      --------------------     ------------------
                                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
        <S>                                                                           <C>                      <C>
        Fair value of assets acquired...............................................      $ 20,216,000            $ 24,878,000
        Cash and notes payable exchanged for capital stock..........................       (17,825,000)            (19,538,000)
                                                                                          ------------
        Liabilities assumed.........................................................      $  3,391,000            $  5,340,000
                                                                                          ============
</TABLE>
    
 
     In connection with the recapitalization transaction in February 1997, the
Company distributed certain property recorded at $284,000 to its shareholder,
and the Company's shareholder assumed certain debt totaling $242,000.
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   64
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
 1. BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
 
     White Cap Industries, Inc. (formerly White Cap Holdings, Inc.) ("WCI"), was
formed in November 1996 as a Delaware corporation and had no prior operating
history. White Cap Industries Corp. (formerly White Cap Industries, Inc. )
("WCIC") was formed in February 1976 as a California corporation.
 
     In February 1997, WCI and WCIC completed a transaction whereby the sole
shareholder of WCIC exchanged all of the outstanding stock of WCIC for preferred
stock of WCI, cash and dividends. This transaction was accounted for as a
recapitalization because there was not unilateral change of control of WCIC.
Through this recapitalization transaction, WCIC became a wholly owned subsidiary
of WCI. The operating results for all periods prior to the recapitalization
transaction consist entirely of the historical results of WCIC. Hereinafter WCI
and WCIC are collectively referred to as the "Company".
 
     The Company is a business-to-business retailer of specialty tools and
materials to professional contractors throughout the Western United States. At
March 31, 1997, the Company's operations consisted of a central distribution
center located in Costa Mesa, California and 20 retail stores located in
California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver.
 
   
     Effective January 1, 1997, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of
A-Y Supply, Inc. (see Note 3). Subsequent to March 31, 1997, the Company
acquired Stop Supply, Inc. and Viking Distributing Co., Inc. (see Note 10).
    
 
 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Principles of Consolidation
 
     The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes
include the accounts of White Cap Industries, Inc. and its wholly owned
subsidiary White Cap Industries Corp. All intercompany account balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     The majority of sales are on a credit basis to professional concrete,
framing, waterproofing, landscaping, grading, electrical, mechanical and general
contractors located throughout the Western United States. Many customers are
under-capitalized and generally represent a higher than normal credit risk. In
many cases this risk is somewhat mitigated by filing a preliminary notice on
materials for specific jobs sites. The Company records an estimated allowance
for doubtful accounts and adjusts this estimate periodically based upon
historical experience and specific knowledge of a customer's financial
condition. No single customer represents more than three percent of the accounts
receivable balance shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (weighted average, which
approximates FIFO) or market and consist primarily of purchased products held
for sale.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   65
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated based on the
estimated useful lives of depreciable assets using primarily the straight-line
method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for tax
purposes. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
                <S>                                      <C>
                Building...............................  30 years
                Transportation equipment...............  3 to 10 years
                Machinery and equipment................  2 to 10 years
                Office equipment.......................  3 to 5 years
                                                         Lesser of useful life
                Leasehold improvements.................  or term of lease
</TABLE>
    
 
     Upon retirement of property and equipment, the asset and accumulated
depreciation and amortization accounts are relieved and any gain or loss is
reflected in operations. Maintenance costs and repairs are expensed as incurred.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
  Intangibles Assets
 
     Intangible assets consist of goodwill, covenant not to compete and deferred
financing costs. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of
net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase
method. Management has evaluated its accounting for goodwill, considering such
factors as historical profitability and future undiscounted operating cash
flows, and believes that the asset is realizable and that the amortization
period is appropriate.
 
     Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following
estimated useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                       <C>
                Goodwill................  40 years
                Covenant not to compete... Term of the agreement (5 years)
                Deferred financing
                  costs.................  Term of the agreements (5 to 8 years)
</TABLE>
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
   
     Revenue from product sales is recognized as orders are picked up by
customers or upon delivery to customers. The Company also rents equipment to
customers under short-term agreements and such revenue is recognized over the
rental period as earned. The Company establishes reserves for estimated customer
returns, allowances and discounts at the time the related revenue is recognized.
    
 
  Cost of Goods Sold
 
     Cost of goods sold consists primarily of the purchase cost of the product
plus transportation to the Company's facilities. Vendor rebates are recognized
on an accrual basis in the period earned as a reduction to cost of goods sold.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   66
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109. The statement
requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting
of income taxes. Deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax
effects of differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and
liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Prior to the
recapitalization transaction completed in February 1997, WCI was taxed as an S
Corporation (see Note 6).
 
  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
     The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
accounts payable approximates the fair value. In addition, the carrying value of
all borrowings approximate fair value based on interest rates currently
available to the Company.
 
  Cash Management
 
     The Company has a cash management program that processes cash receipts and
provides for centralized cash disbursements using certain zero-balance accounts.
This cash management program may result in negative book cash balances in
various zero-balance disbursement accounts. At December 31, 1995, March 31, 1996
and March 31, 1997, such negative cash balances total approximately $2.8
million, $577,000 and $2.7 million, respectively, and are included in accounts
payable.
 
  Stock-Based Compensation
 
     In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 123
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". As permitted under SFAS 123, the
Company has elected to continue to account for employee stock-based compensation
under APB Opinion No. 25 and therefore presents the necessary pro forma
disclosures (see Note 8).
 
  Unaudited Pro Forma Net Income
 
     Pro Forma net income represents the results of operations adjusted to
reflect a provision for income tax on historical income before income taxes,
which gives effect to the change in the Company's income tax status to a C
Corporation for all periods presented. The difference between the pro forma
income tax rates utilized and the federal statutory rate of 34% relates
primarily to state income taxes (net of federal benefit) and certain permanent
differences.
 
  Unaudited Pro Forma Net Income Per Share
 
   
     Pro forma net income per share has been computed by dividing pro forma net
income, net of preferred stock dividends, by the pro forma weighted average
number of shares outstanding. In accordance with a regulation of the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC), such computation includes all common equivalent
shares (using the treasury stock method and anticipated initial public offering
price) issued twelve months prior to the filing of the initial public offering
as if they were outstanding for the entire period presented. Additionally, in
accordance with SEC rules, 621,353 shares are included in the pro forma weighted
average shares, representing the number of shares necessary to pay the portion
of the fiscal 1997 stockholders dividend that exceeded the earnings for such
period. Common equivalent shares from convertible stock are included in the
calculation as if converted. Further, the pro forma weighted average shares
outstanding has been adjusted to reflect a 1.74-for-1 stock split of the common
stock which will be effected immediately prior to the consummation of the
proposed initial public offering (See Note 10).
    
 
   
     Historical net income per share has not been presented because it is not
indicative of the ongoing entity.
    
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   67
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
   
  New Accounting Pronouncements
    
 
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share". This
statement is effective for both interim and annual reporting periods ending
after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 replaces primary EPS with basic EPS and
fully diluted EPS with diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing reported
earnings by weighted average shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed in the
same way as fully diluted EPS, except that the calculation now uses the average
share price for the reporting period to compute dilution from options under the
treasury stock method. Management does not believe that adoption of this
standard will have a significant impact on earnings per share.
 
   
     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS Nos. 130 and 131 "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" and "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information." FASB No. 130 and No 131 are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company
does not believe that adoption of these standards will have a material effect on
the Company.
    
 
   
  Unaudited Quarterly Information
    
 
   
     The accompanying financial information as of June 30, 1997 and for the
three months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 is unaudited and has been prepared on
substantially the same basis as the annual financial statements. In the opinion
of management, the unaudited information contains all adjustments (consisting of
normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position
and results of operations as of such date and for such periods.
    
 
3. ACQUISITION OF A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
 
     Effective January 1, 1997, the Company acquired 100 percent of the
outstanding capital stock of A-Y Supply, Inc. ("A-Y") for approximately $16.8
million in cash and notes. The total assets related to this acquisition are
$20.2 million, including goodwill of $10.1 million and a covenant not to compete
of $1 million. Total liabilities of $3.4 million were assumed. This acquisition
was accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, the results of operations of A-Y
are included in the consolidated financial position of the Company beginning on
the effective date of the acquisition. In February 1997 A-Y was merged into the
Company.
 
   
     The following summary, prepared on a pro forma basis, combines the results
of operations as if A-Y had been acquired as of the beginning of the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1997, after including the impact of adjustments for amortization
of intangibles, C Corporation income taxes and interest expense on the
acquisition debt.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
                <S>                                              <C>
                Net sales......................................  $123,459,000
                Net income.....................................  $  1,772,000
                Earnings per share.............................  $       0.24
                Pro forma weighted average shares
                  outstanding..................................     7,284,332
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and
is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred
had the acquisition been consummated as of the above date, nor are they
indicative of future operating results. The pro forma weighted average shares
outstanding has been adjusted to reflect a 1.74-for-1 stock split of common
stock which will be effected immediately prior to the consummation of the
proposed initial public offering (see Note 10).
    
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   68
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
 4. DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property and equipment consists of the following:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  DECEMBER
                                                     31,         MARCH 31,      MARCH 31,      JUNE 30,
                                                    1995           1996           1997           1997
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
    <S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
    Land and building..........................  $   379,000    $   379,000    $   471,000    $   471,000
    Transportation equipment...................    4,708,000      4,813,000      5,233,000      6,513,000
    Machinery and equipment....................    2,143,000      2,164,000      2,474,000      4,341,000
    Office equipment...........................    2,283,000      2,339,000      3,163,000      4,059,000
    Leasehold improvements.....................    1,474,000      1,521,000      1,697,000      2,173,000
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                  10,987,000     11,216,000     13,038,000     17,557,000
    Less -- accumulated depreciation...........   (4,138,000)    (4,448,000)    (5,577,000)    (8,498,000)
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                 $ 6,849,000    $ 6,768,000    $ 7,461,000    $ 9,059,000
                                                 ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
  Rental Equipment
 
   
     Rental equipment consists primarily of construction equipment acquired in
connection with the A-Y acquisition and is net of accumulated depreciation of
approximately $20,000 and $45,000 at March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997,
respectively.
    
 
  Intangible Assets
 
     Intangible assets consists of the following:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER
                                                     31,         MARCH 31,      MARCH 31,       JUNE 30,
                                                     1995           1996           1997           1997
                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Goodwill........................................  $       --     $       --     $11,124,000    $24,177,000
Covenant not to compete.........................          --             --      1,000,000      1,000,000
Deferred financing costs and other..............          --             --      1,215,000      1,125,000
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                          --             --     13,339,000     26,302,000
Less -- accumulated amortization................          --             --       (134,000)      (320,000)
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                  $       --     $       --     $13,205,000    $25,982,000
                                                  ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
  Accrued Liabilities
 
     Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER
                                                     31,         MARCH 31,      MARCH 31,       JUNE 30,
                                                     1995           1996           1997           1997
                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Payroll and payroll related.....................  $1,330,000     $  600,000     $  979,000     $1,383,000
Sales tax.......................................     551,000        532,000        947,000        998,000
Commissions.....................................     179,000        173,000        327,000        209,000
Other...........................................     268,000        831,000      1,013,000      2,192,000
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------    ----------
                                                  $2,328,000     $2,136,000     $3,266,000     $4,782,000
                                                  ===========    ===========    ===========    ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   69
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
 5. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consist of the following:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER
                                                     31,         MARCH 31,      MARCH 31,       JUNE 30,
                                                     1995           1996           1997           1997
                                                  ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Senior Loan and Security Agreement:
  Revolving line of credit......................  $11,269,000    $13,666,000    $14,133,000    $28,330,000
  Term Loan.....................................          --             --     12,000,000     11,400,000
Senior Subordinated Investor Notes, at 19.25
  percent, secured by certain assets, maturing
  February 2005.................................          --             --      7,032,000     15,000,000
Subordinated Shareholder Note, interest at 13
  percent, maturing February 2005...............          --             --      1,500,000      1,500,000
Senior Subordinated A-Y Shareholders' Notes,
  interest at 10 percent, maturing March 2000...          --             --      3,000,000      3,000,000
Note payable secured by transportation
  equipment, interest at 8.25 percent, maturing
  August 2005...................................   3,129,000      3,113,000      3,043,000      3,025,000
Other...........................................   2,044,000      2,005,000      1,336,000      1,233,000
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                  16,442,000     18,784,000     42,044,000     63,488,000
    Less -- Current portion.....................    (627,000)      (689,000)    (3,156,000)    (3,106,000)
                                                  -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                  $15,815,000    $18,095,000    $38,888,000    $60,382,000
                                                  ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
  Senior Loan and Security Agreement
 
   
     The Company has a loan and security agreement (the "Agreement") with
certain senior lenders (the "Banks"), which provides a $25 million revolving
line of credit and a $12 million term loan. The Agreement expires in February
2002. The revolver bears interest at 1/4 percent over the Bank's prime rate and
provides for a Libor option of 2 1/2 percent over the Libor rate. The term loan
bears interest at 3/4 percent over the Bank's prime rate and provides for a
Libor option of 3 percent over the Libor rate. For the period ended March 31,
1997, the interest rates ranged from 8.1 to 8.75 percent on the revolver and
from 8.6 to 9.3 percent on the term loan. Borrowings under the revolver portion
of the security agreement are based on advance rates of 85 percent and 65
percent of eligible accounts receivable and inventory, respectively. The
Agreement includes financial covenants for net worth, working capital, fixed
charge coverage and inventory turnover, among others. This agreement has
prepayment penalties associated with early retirement. (See Note 10.)
    
 
  Senior Subordinated Investor Notes
 
     During fiscal 1997, the Company entered into a senior subordinated purchase
agreement in an amount of $7 million ("First Closing Note") with an unrelated
investor. The agreement also authorizes an additional note in the amount of $3
million ("Second Closing Note"), none of which was outstanding at March 31,
1997. The First Closing Note bears interest at 19.25 percent per annum of which
6.25 percent is deferred. Such deferred interest is payable no later than
February 2002. In the event the Company completes an initial public offering or
transfers substantially all of the assets of the Company in a consolidation or
merger, the Company will be required to prepay the entire principal balance, all
accrued but unpaid interest and certain prepayment penalties. (See Note 10). The
agreement includes certain financial covenants, as defined. The note is
subordinated to the senior debt and A-Y shareholder notes discussed below.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   70
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
  Senior Subordinated A-Y Shareholders' Notes
 
   
     Under the terms of the A-Y acquisition, the Company entered into three
separate subordinated note agreements with the former shareholders of A-Y,
aggregating $3 million. These notes are subordinated to the senior debt. The
notes may be prepaid at the Company's option without penalty. In the event the
Company closes an initial public offering with minimum net proceeds of $15
million, the Company must use any amount over $15 million to prepay the unpaid
principal balance and accrued interest on these notes. One of the notes, in the
amount of $500,000, contains a non-detachable warrant that allows the holder, in
the event of an initial public offering of the Company, to purchase shares of
the Company's common stock by converting the note payable (A-Y Warrant). The
number of shares issuable upon conversion shall be calculated by dividing the
then outstanding principal balance of the note by an amount equal to 75 percent
of the fair value of one share of the Company's common stock at the date of
exercise. The A-Y Warrant expires the sooner of 20 days after the completion of
an initial public offering or February 25, 2000. In the event the warrant is
exercised, the excess of the fair value of the stock issued over the balance of
the note payable ($167,000) will be charged to interest expense in the period
the warrant is exercised.
    
 
     Annual maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             YEAR ENDING MARCH 31:
                ------------------------------------------------
                <S>                                               <C>
                1998............................................  $ 3,156,000
                1999............................................    4,558,000
                2000............................................    4,595,000
                2001............................................    2,787,000
                2002............................................   16,912,000
                Thereafter......................................   10,036,000
                                                                  -----------
                                                                  $42,044,000
                                                                  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 6. INCOME TAXES
 
     The significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets
(liability) are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,     MARCH 31,     MARCH 31,
                                                     1995           1996          1997
                                                 ------------     ---------     ---------
        <S>                                      <C>              <C>           <C>
        Current deferred tax assets:
          Inventory reserves...................   $                      --     $ 350,000
          Allowance for bad debt...............           --             --       250,000
          Other................................           --             --       138,000
                                                    --------       --------      --------
                                                  $       --      $      --     $ 738,000
                                                    ========       ========      ========
        Long-term deferred tax liability --
          Depreciation.........................   $       --      $      --     $(200,000)
                                                    ========       ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
     Although realization of the above deferred tax assets is not assured,
management believes that realization is more likely than not through future
taxable earnings.
 
     Prior to the recapitalization transaction completed in February 1997, the
Company was taxed as an S Corporation. Under these provisions, taxable income or
loss was included in the personal tax return of the stockholder of WCIC.
Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes was reflected in the
historical financial statements. As an S Corporation, the Company was subject to
a minimum franchise tax of $800, or
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   71
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
1.5% of taxable income, which is included in the Company's tax provision for the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995.
 
     Effective February 26, 1997, the Company terminated its S Corporation
status and converted to a C Corporation for both federal and state purposes. As
a result of this change in income tax status, the Company recorded an income tax
benefit of approximately $500,000 to establish net deferred tax assets during
the year ended March 31, 1997. The benefit for income taxes for the year ended
March 31, 1997 primarily represents this tax benefit net of C Corporation income
taxes.
 
 7. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     At March 31, 1997, the authorized capital stock of WCI consists of
10,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of
which 3,380,000 shares of preferred stock has been designated.
 
  Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock
 
     In connection with the recapitalization transaction, WCI issued 675,969 of
senior redeemable preferred stock (Senior Preferred Stock) in a private
placement for an aggregate price of $2,650,000. The Senior Preferred Stock
accrues cumulative dividends of eight percent per annum and, in the event of an
initial public offering (IPO) or the sale of the Company, has a mandatory
redemption feature. The Senior Preferred Stock is redeemable for the stated
amount plus accrued dividends (Redemption Price). In the event that WCI does not
complete an IPO or sale of the Company, WCI must offer to redeem the Senior
Preferred Stock on March 1, 2005 at the Redemption Price. The Senior Preferred
Stock has a total liquidation preference of $2,650,000 plus accrued dividends.
Accrued dividends of approximately $19,000 are included in accrued liabilities
as of March 31, 1997.
 
  Convertible Preferred Stock
 
     In connection with the recapitalization transaction, WCI issued 1,496,843
shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock ("A-1 Preferred") in a private placement
for an aggregate purchase price of $2,250,000. In addition, WCI issued 683,636
shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock ("A-2 Preferred") to WCIC's former
shareholder, together with other consideration, in exchange for all outstanding
common shares of WCIC.
 
     The A-1 Preferred and the A-2 Preferred accrue cumulative dividends of
approximately $393,000 per year. At the option of the holder, each share of the
A-1 and A-2 Preferred can be converted into one share of common stock. Such
conversion is automatic in the event of an IPO or upon merger or sale of the
Company. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment under certain
circumstances pursuant to anti-dilution provisions. In addition, the A-2
Preferred is subject to redemption at $.0146 per share if the Company does not
attain certain earnings levels during the three cumulative fiscal years ending
1999 and the five cumulative fiscal years ended 2001, as defined. Accrued
dividends of approximately $36,000 are included in accrued liabilities as of
March 31, 1997.
 
  Common Stock Warrants
 
     In connection with the issuance of the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock,
the Company issued warrants to purchase 675,969 shares of common stock at an
exercise price of $0.01 per share (estimated fair value). The warrants expire on
March 1, 2007.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   72
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
 8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  Employee Stock Option Plan
 
   
     On March 19, 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 Long Term Incentive and
Stock Option Plan ("the Plan"). The Plan reserves for issuance to employees,
members of the board of directors, consultants and independent contractors a
maximum of 379,798 shares of the Company's A-1 Preferred or common stock upon
exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted or
performance stock awards. Stock options may be granted as "Incentive Stock
Options" (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) or as nonqualified
options. The exercise price is determined by the Compensation Committee and may
not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value at the date of grant. For
Incentive Stock Options the exercise price for options granted to individuals
who own more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes
of the stock of the Company shall be 110 percent of the fair value at the date
of grant. Each option and award shall expire on the date determined by the
Compensation Committee but may not extend beyond ten years for incentive stock
options and fifteen years for nonqualified options. Awards under the Plan may be
granted through February 1, 2007.
    
 
   
     Options to acquire an aggregate of 348,976 shares of A-1 Preferred at an
exercise price of $4.31 per share were granted to employees on March 31, 1997.
The options vest over five years, beginning September 30, 1997 and expire March
31, 2007. At March 31, 1997, a total of 30,822 shares remain available for
future grant under the Plan.
    
 
     The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provision of SFAS 123.
Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recorded for stock option grants. Had
compensation cost for the Plan been determined based on the fair value at the
grant date for awards in fiscal 1997 consistent with the provision of SFAS 123,
the effect would not have been material for all periods presented.
 
   
     The fair value of each A-1 Preferred option is estimated on the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions used for grants in fiscal 1997: Dividend yield of
zero percent; zero expected volatility; risk-free rate of 6.38 percent; and
expected lives of five years. The weighted-average exercise price of the options
granted during fiscal 1997 is $4.31 per share and the weighted-average fair
value is $1.18 per share.
    
 
  401(k) Plan
 
     The Company maintains a defined contribution benefit plan (the "401(k)
Plan") covering substantially all of its employees. Company contributions to the
401(k) Plan are voluntary and at the discretion of the Company. The Company's
expense related to the 401(k) Plan totaled $152,000 and $131,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1995, $2,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 1996 and $99,000 for the year ended March 31, 1997.
 
  Other
 
On February 25, 1997 a major shareholder of the Company sold 100,000 shares of
Series A-2 convertible preferred stock to an officer of the Company for the
estimated fair value of $.0146 per share. Of the shares, 80,000 are subject to
repurchase by the major shareholder. The repurchase option lapses at a rate of
20% a year commencing February 25, 1998.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   73
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Operating Leases
 
     The Company has entered into operating leases that expire at various dates
through 2004. Total rental expense under these operating leases was
approximately $1,663,000 and $1,743,000 for the years ended December 31, 1994
and 1995, $443,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and $1,868,000 for
the year ended March 31, 1997. Future minimum rentals on these operating leases
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                                                <C>
                YEAR ENDING MARCH 31:
                -------------------------------------------------
                1998.............................................  $1,730,000
                1999.............................................   1,622,000
                2000.............................................   1,560,000
                2001.............................................   1,241,000
                2002.............................................   1,030,000
                Thereafter.......................................   2,236,000
                                                                   ----------
                                                                   $9,419,000
                                                                   ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Employment Agreements/Bonus Plans
 
     The Company entered into employment agreements with certain key management
employees with a minimum term of 5 years. These agreements specify annual base
salary levels, incentive bonuses which are payable if the Company attains
certain earnings goals, as defined, and severance provisions that range from
zero to three years of base compensation. The Company accrues for these bonuses
based on management's estimates of achieving such performance goals and has
included these amounts in accrued liabilities at March 31, 1997. One employment
agreement contains a guaranteed bonus of $1 million which is being accrued over
the period benefitted.
 
  Loan Guarantee
 
   
     The Company leases certain facilities under operating lease agreements with
one of the Company's stockholders and the Company currently guarantees the debt
of the stockholder related to this property. The stockholder is currently in the
process of refinancing this debt and, in management's opinion, the Company will
be released as a guarantor when the refinancing is completed.
    
 
 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS -- (UNAUDITED)
 
  Acquisitions of Stop Supply, Inc. and Viking Distributing Co., Inc.
 
   
     Effective May 1, 1997, the Company acquired the common stock of Stop
Supply, Inc. ("Stop") in exchange for approximately $3,275,000 in cash and a
warrant exercisable into common stock of the Company at 75 percent of the
initial public offering price, up to a maximum of $250,000. Stop currently
operates one construction supply store located in Central California. Effective
June 25, 1997, the Company acquired the common stock of Viking Distributing Co.,
Inc. ("Viking") in exchange for approximately $15,750,000 in cash and the
assumption of $500,000 of short-term debt. Viking operates three construction
supply stores located in Northern California. In connection with these
acquisitions, the Company borrowed an additional $8 million under the Senior
Subordinated Investor Agreement and approximately $13 million under the Senior
Loan and Security Agreement (see Note 5). In connection with these acquisitions
the maximum borrowings provided for under the Company's revolving line of credit
was increased to $35 million. The terms of the amended Agreement also provide
for seasonal maximum borrowings of $38 million.
    
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   74
 
                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
   
                (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF JUNE 30, 1997 AND
    
   
        FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997 ARE UNAUDITED)
    
 
  Proposed Public Offering
 
   
     Subsequent to March 31, 1997 the Company has proposed the filing of a Form
S-1 Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell
common stock to the public. The majority of such proceeds will be used to repay
debt. If the Company is successful at completing this offering and repaying the
debt, it will incur debt prepayment charges of approximately $7.8 million, which
will be charged to operations in the period the debt is repaid. In addition, if
the Company is successful at completing this offering, the Company will write
off approximately $1.2 million associated with capitalized debt issuance costs.
    
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   75
 
To the Board of Directors
A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
North Highlands, California
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
     We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of A-Y SUPPLY, INC. as of
December 31, 1995, and the related statements of income, stockholder's equity
and retained earnings and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995 and
1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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 the
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of A-Y SUPPLY INC. as of
December 31, 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
                                          BURNETT, UMPHRESS & KILGOUR
 
Rancho Cordova, California
March 1, 1996
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   76
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To A-Y Supply, Inc.:
 
     We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of A-Y SUPPLY, INC. (a
California corporation) as of December 31, 1996, and the related statements of
income, stockholder's equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit. The financial statements of A-Y Supply, Inc. as of December 31, 1995,
were audited by other auditors whose report dated March 1, 1996, expressed an
unqualified opinion on those statements.
 
     We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of A-Y Supply, Inc. as of
December 31, 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                                  ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Sacramento, California
January 31, 1997
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   77
 
                                A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                        AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1995           1996
                                                                      ----------     ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash..............................................................  $1,387,893     $1,323,206
  Receivables.......................................................   2,415,939      2,776,951
  Inventory.........................................................   1,734,438      2,941,360
  Prepaid expenses..................................................       4,494         22,035
  Property held for sale............................................     824,841             --
  Assets to be distributed to stockholders..........................          --        904,228
                                                                      ----------     ----------
          Total current assets......................................   6,367,605      7,967,780
EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, net of accumulated
  depreciation of $765,330, and $703,255 in 1996 and 1995
  respectively......................................................     894,497        903,202
COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE, net of accumulated amortization of $6,612
  and $6,112 in 1996 and 1995, respectively.........................       5,500          5,000
                                                                      ----------     ----------
          Total assets..............................................  $7,267,602     $8,875,982
                                                                      ==========     ==========
 
                             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Note payable......................................................  $  350,000     $  350,000
  Accounts payable..................................................   1,278,528      1,462,050
  Accrued expenses..................................................     187,694        227,023
  Current maturity of long-term debt................................     107,538        130,466
  Payable to stockholders for assets to be distributed..............          --        904,228
                                                                      ----------     ----------
          Total current liabilities.................................   1,923,760      3,073,767
                                                                      ----------     ----------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
  Long-term debt, net of current maturity...........................     149,218        117,711
  Note payable -- related party.....................................     200,000        200,000
                                                                      ----------     ----------
          Total long-term liabilities...............................     349,218        317,711
                                                                      ----------     ----------
          Total liabilities.........................................   2,272,978      3,391,478
                                                                      ----------     ----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Common stock, no par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 348 shares
     issued and outstanding.........................................      34,800         34,800
  Retained earnings.................................................   4,959,824      5,449,704
                                                                      ----------     ----------
          Total stockholders' equity................................   4,994,624      5,484,504
                                                                      ----------     ----------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................  $7,267,602     $8,875,982
                                                                      ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   78
 
                                A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
 
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1994            1995            1996
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
SALES...............................................  $17,490,588     $21,669,850     $25,708,057
COST OF SALES.......................................  12,471,375..     15,446,837      17,319,781
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
  Gross profit from sales...........................    5,019,213       6,223,013       8,388,276
EQUIPMENT RENTAL INCOME, net........................      304,664         390,898         367,218
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
  Gross profit from operations......................    5,323,877       6,613,911       8,755,494
SELLING EXPENSES....................................    1,917,912       2,160,933       2,534,883
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.................    2,415,935       2,488,818       3,147,477
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
  Income from operations............................      990,030       1,964,160       3,073,134
WRITEDOWN OF ASSETS TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO FAIR MARKET
  VALUE.............................................           --              --         (61,780)
OTHER INCOME........................................      230,279         160,836         155,446
OTHER EXPENSES......................................      (33,967)        (43,976)       (135,214)
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
  Income before provision for taxes.................    1,186,342       2,081,020       3,031,586
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAX............................       17,725          29,821          50,470
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
  Net income........................................  $ 1,168,617     $ 2,051,199     $ 2,981,116
                                                      ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   79
 
                                A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
 
                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      COMMON STOCK
                                                   ------------------      RETAINED
                                                   SHARES     AMOUNT       EARNINGS        TOTAL
                                                   ------     -------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1993.....................    348      $34,800     $3,014,422     $3,049,222
  Net Income.....................................     --           --      1,168,617      1,168,617
  Distributions to stockholders..................     --           --       (684,329)      (684,329)
                                                     ---      -------     ----------     ----------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994.....................    348       34,800      3,498,710      3,533,510
  Net Income.....................................     --           --      2,051,199      2,051,199
  Distributions to stockholders..................     --           --       (590,085)      (590,085)
                                                     ---      -------     ----------     ----------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995.....................    348       34,800      4,959,824      4,994,624
  Net Income.....................................     --           --      2,981,116      2,981,116
  Distributions to stockholders..................     --           --     (1,587,008)    (1,587,008)
  Assets to be distributed to stockholders.......     --           --       (904,228)      (904,228)
                                                     ---      -------     ----------     ----------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996.....................    348      $34,800     $5,449,704     $5,484,504
                                                     ===      =======     ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   80
 
                                A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1994         1995         1996
                                                            ----------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income..............................................  $1,168,617   $2,051,199   $ 2,981,116
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
     by operating activities --
     Depreciation and amortization........................     163,658      189,188       252,553
     Provision for doubtful accounts......................      21,574       32,939        25,460
     Provision for inventory reserve......................          --           --        22,000
     Writedown of assets to fair market value.............          --           --        61,780
  Changes in assets and liabilities --
     Accounts receivable..................................     (69,981)    (623,610)     (386,472)
     Increase (decrease) in inventory.....................      54,919     (145,993)   (1,228,922)
     Prepaid expenses.....................................      14,096       11,222       (17,541)
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable..............    (260,129)     174,576       189,573
     Accrued expenses.....................................      15,320       48,946        33,278
                                                            ----------   ----------   -----------
          Net cash provided by operating activities.......   1,108,074    1,738,467     1,932,825
                                                            ----------   ----------   -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures for equipment and leasehold
     improvements.........................................    (149,273)    (322,782)     (502,835)
  Proceeds from disposition of equipment..................      36,963       25,590       179,429
  Investment in property held for sale....................    (474,319)    (350,522)      (78,519)
  Proceeds from employees.................................      15,006           92            --
                                                            ----------   ----------   -----------
          Net cash used in investing activities...........    (571,623)    (647,622)     (401,925)
                                                            ----------   ----------   -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from new debt..................................     350,000           --       350,000
  Principal payments on debt..............................    (102,994)    (106,936)     (358,579)
  Distributions to stockholders...........................    (684,329)    (590,085)   (1,587,008)
                                                            ----------   ----------   -----------
          Net cash used in financing activities...........    (437,323)    (697,021)   (1,595,587)
                                                            ----------   ----------   -----------
          Net increase (decrease) in cash.................      99,128      393,824       (64,687)
CASH, beginning of year...................................     894,941      994,069     1,387,893
                                                            ----------   ----------   -----------
CASH, end of year.........................................  $  994,069   $1,387,893   $ 1,323,206
                                                            ==========   ==========   ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES REGARDING CASH FLOWS:
  Cash paid for --
     Income tax...........................................  $   23,825   $   26,800   $    42,620
                                                            ==========   ==========   ===========
     Interest.............................................  $   53,907   $   60,257   $    56,803
                                                            ==========   ==========   ===========
  Noncash items --
     Assets to be distributed to stockholders.............          --           --   $   904,228
     Automotive equipment purchased through debt..........  $   86,209   $  294,801   $        --
                                                            ==========   ==========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   81
 
                                A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Company's Activities
 
     A-Y Supply, Inc. (the "Company") is engaged primarily in the wholesale
distribution of construction materials and supplies to contractors and the
rental and repair of construction equipment. The Company has facilities located
in North Highlands, Stockton, San Leandro, Clovia and Santa Rosa, California.
 
  Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     Cash includes amounts deposited in financial institutions in excess of
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits.
 
  Inventory
 
     Inventory consists of building materials, supplies, tools and equipment
which is stated at the lower of cost (determined on the first-in, first-out
method) or market.
 
  Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
 
     Equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost and include
improvements that significantly add to the asset's productivity or extend its
useful life. Costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. Upon
retirement or disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements, the costs and
related depreciation are removed from the accounts, and gain or loss, if any, is
reflected in current operations. Rental equipment represents assets held for
rental to customers. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line and
declining balance method. The estimated useful lives used for calculating
depreciation for equipment and leasehold improvements are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     LIFE
                                                                 -------------
                <S>                                              <C>
                Automotive equipment...........................        5 years
                Office equipment...............................    5 - 7 years
                Rental equipment...............................        5 years
                Leasehold improvements.........................   5 - 39 years
</TABLE>
 
  Covenant Not to Compete
 
     The covenant not to compete is being amortized over 240 months.
Amortization expense for the years ended 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $500 and has
been included in general and administrative expenses.
 
  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
     The carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments, principally
long-term debt, approximate their estimated fair values.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   82
 
                                A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company has elected to be taxed under the provisions of Subchapter S of
the Internal Revenue Code. Under these provisions, the Company passes through
the taxable income to its stockholders each year as earned. S corporations doing
business in California are subject to a 1.5% California franchise tax on taxable
income.
 
  Reclassifications
 
     Reclassifications have been made to the 1994 and 1995 financial statements
to conform to the 1996 presentation.
 
 2. SALE TO OUTSIDE INVESTOR
 
     In an agreement dated December 31, 1996, the stockholders have entered into
an agreement to sell the stock of the Company to an outside investor (the
"Investor") for agreed upon consideration. The closing purchase price is
contingent upon a calculation based upon net current assets (as defined in the
agreement) which includes certain audited current assets and current liabilities
of the Company as of December 31, 1996.
 
     Prior to the agreement closing, the stockholders will distribute to
themselves assets listed on the 1995 balance sheet as property held for sale and
vehicles which are included in 1995 equipment and leasehold improvements. During
1996, these assets were written down to their fair market value and transferred
to assets to be distributed to stockholders on the 1996 balance sheet. The
related payable, termed payable to stockholders for assets to be distributed,
represents the distribution which will be made during 1997.
 
 3. EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
 
     Equipment and leasehold improvements as of December 31, 1995 and 1996
consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995           1996
                                                          ----------     ----------
            <S>                                           <C>            <C>
            Automotive equipment........................  $  784,161     $  846,216
            Office equipment............................     174,331        215,200
            Rental equipment............................     513,660        475,267
            Leasehold improvements......................     125,600        131,849
                                                          ----------     ----------
                                                           1,597,752      1,668,532
            Less -- Accumulated depreciation............    (703,255)      (765,330)
                                                          ----------     ----------
                                                          $  894,497     $  903,202
                                                          ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
 
 4. NOTE PAYABLE
 
     As of December 31, 1995 the note payable consists of a $1,000,000 line of
credit with WestAmerica Bank. The line bears interest at prime plus 1.75% per
annum, payable monthly and expires on September 30, 1996. The line is secured by
inventory, chattel paper, accounts receivable, contract rights and general
intangibles. The line of credit is personally guaranteed by the Company
stockholders. As of December 31, 1995, there was an outstanding balance of
$350,000 on the note.
 
     As of December 31, 1996, the note payable consists of a $350,000 short-term
promissory note with WestAmerica Bank. The note bears interest at the bank's
index rate plus .75% per annum, with interest payable monthly. The note expires
on May 31, 1997. The note is secured by inventory, chattel paper, accounts
receivable, contract rights and general intangibles. The note is personally
guaranteed by the Company stockholders.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   83
 
                                A-Y SUPPLY, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
 5. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995          1996
                                                               ---------     ---------
        <S>                                                    <C>           <C>
        Various auto loans, secured by automotive equipment,
          aggregate monthly payments ranging from $481 to
          $1,741, including principal and interest ranging
          from 8.40% to 13.0%, due through October 2000......  $ 256,756     $ 248,177
        Less -- Current maturity.............................   (107,538)     (130,466)
                                                               ---------     ---------
                                                               $ 149,218     $ 117,711
                                                               =========     =========
</TABLE>
 
     Aggregate maturities on long-term debt over the next four years are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
                --------------------------------------------------
                <S>                                                 <C>
                1997..............................................  $130,466
                1998..............................................    73,842
                1999..............................................    33,351
                2000..............................................    10,518
                                                                    --------
                                                                    $248,177
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
 
 6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     The note payable-related party represents an unsecured amount due to a
relative of the stockholder. Monthly interest payments are made at a rate of 8%
per annum. The note will be paid in full as a part of the purchase described in
Note 2.
 
     The Company leases showroom, office, warehouse and distribution space
located in North Highlands, Stockton, San Leandro and Santa Rosa from the
stockholders under various informal operating lease agreements. These informal
agreements will be finalized prior to the sale described in Note 2.
 
     Lease expense related to the above operating leases is reported in general
and administrative expenses. For the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996, these expenses amounted to $298,338, $290,640 and $327,987, respectively.
 
 7. 401(K) PLAN
 
     The Company adopted a defined contribution 401(k) plan during the year
ended December 31, 1994. The amount contributed by the Company is to be
determined annually by the Board of Directors. During the year ended December
31, 1994, 1995, and 1996, the Company contributed approximately $19,927, $24,000
and $33,000 to the plan, respectively. This amount is included in general and
administrative expenses.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   84
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To Viking Distributing Co.:
 
     We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Viking Distributing Co.
as of March 31, 1997, and the related statements of operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
 
     We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Viking Distributing Co. as
of March 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
San Francisco, California,
June 13, 1997
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   85
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                       BALANCE SHEET AS OF MARCH 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                <C>
                                           ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents......................................................  $  145,428
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $43,000.........   3,939,518
  Inventories....................................................................   3,917,281
  Prepaid expenses...............................................................      17,295
  Deferred taxes.................................................................     487,981
                                                                                   ----------
     Total current assets........................................................   8,507,503
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net......................................................     943,124
DEPOSITS.........................................................................      28,012
                                                                                   ----------
     Total assets................................................................  $9,478,639
                                                                                   ----------
 
                            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current maturities of long-term debt...........................................  $  214,140
  Current maturities of obligations under capital leases.........................      33,299
  Accounts payable...............................................................   2,281,603
  Accrued liabilities............................................................   1,169,259
  Income taxes payable...........................................................     343,687
  Sales taxes payable............................................................     246,969
                                                                                   ----------
     Total current liabilities...................................................   4,288,957
                                                                                   ----------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
  Long-term debt, less current maturities........................................     501,828
  Obligations under capital leases, less current maturities......................      90,777
  Deferred rent..................................................................      32,392
                                                                                   ----------
     Total long-term liabilities.................................................     624,997
                                                                                   ----------
     Total liabilities...........................................................   4,913,954
                                                                                   ----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Common stock, no par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 33,363 shares issued and
     outstanding.................................................................      51,000
  Retained earnings..............................................................   4,513,685
                                                                                   ----------
     Total stockholders' equity..................................................   4,564,685
                                                                                   ----------
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..................................  $9,478,639
                                                                                   ----------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   86
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                               <C>
NET SALES.......................................................................  $35,191,898
COST OF GOODS SOLD..............................................................   24,527,881
                                                                                  -----------
          Gross profit..........................................................   10,664,017
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES....................................    9,446,093
                                                                                  -----------
          Income from operations................................................    1,217,924
OTHER EXPENSE: Interest expense, net............................................     (280,175)
                                                                                  -----------
          Income before provision for income taxes..............................      937,749
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES......................................................      402,178
                                                                                  -----------
          Net income............................................................  $   535,571
                                                                                  ===========
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   87
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                  STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     COMMON STOCK                          TOTAL
                                                  ------------------      RETAINED      STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                  SHARES     AMOUNT       EARNINGS         EQUITY
                                                  ------     -------     ----------     ------------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 1996.......................    33,363     $51,000     $3,978,114      $ 4,029,114
  Net income..................................         0           0        535,571          535,571
                                                  ------     -------     ----------       ----------
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 1997.......................    33,363     $51,000     $4,513,685      $ 4,564,685
                                                  ------     -------     ----------       ----------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   88
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income.....................................................................  $ 535,571
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
     Depreciation and amortization...............................................    296,316
     Changes in assets and liabilities:
       Accounts receivable, trade................................................   (226,452)
       Deferred taxes............................................................   (374,240)
       Inventory.................................................................   (444,161)
       Prepaid expenses..........................................................     (3,759)
       Accounts payable..........................................................     96,537
       Income taxes payable......................................................    (28,560)
       Deferred rent.............................................................      8,046
       Sales tax payable.........................................................     23,045
       Accrued liabilities.......................................................    712,396
                                                                                   ---------
          Net cash provided by operations........................................    594,739
                                                                                   ---------
CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of property and equipment............................................   (268,776)
                                                                                   ---------
CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Repayment on line of credit....................................................   (200,000)
  Payments for long-term debt....................................................    (36,848)
                                                                                   ---------
          Net cash used for financing activities.................................   (236,848)
          Net increase in cash...................................................     89,115
CASH, beginning of year..........................................................     56,313
                                                                                   ---------
CASH, end of year................................................................  $ 145,428
                                                                                   ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the year for interest.........................................  $ 260,000
  Cash paid during the year for taxes............................................    485,000
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   89
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
 1. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
  Operations
 
     Viking Distributing Co. (the Company) distributes a broad range of
professional-grade portable power tools, fasteners, construction equipment and
supplies to general contractors, specialty contractors and public agencies. The
majority of the Company's sales are in Northern California. The Company is
subject to certain risk factors, including, but not limited to, strong
competition and the volatility of the construction industry. This volatility can
adversely impact the Company's results of operations.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires certain estimates be made by management.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     Cash and cash equivalents are made up of cash on hand and in the bank.
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents that are
held by the Company's bank. The Company has not experienced any losses related
to its financial instruments.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (weighted average, which
approximates first-in, first-out) or market.
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed
using the straight-line method over the useful lives of assets as follows:
 
<TABLE>
        <S>                                              <C>
        Trucks and automobiles.........................  5 years
        Furniture and fixtures.........................  7 years
        Machinery and equipment........................  3 to 5 years
                                                         10 years or the life of the lease,
        Leasehold improvements.........................  whichever is shorter
</TABLE>
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
     Sales are recognized as products are shipped.
 
  Deferred Rent
 
     Certain of the Company's leases contain fixed escalations of the minimum
annual lease payments during the original term of the lease. The Company
recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis, recording the difference
between the rental amount charged to operations and the amount payable under the
lease as deferred rent.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   90
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes,
as set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting
for Income Taxes." Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined
based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets
and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the
differences are expected to reverse.
 
 2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
 
     Property and equipment at March 31, 1997, consists of:
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                                       <C>
            Trucks and automobiles..................................  $   874,533
            Machinery and equipment.................................      603,388
            Leasehold improvements..................................      395,473
            Furniture and fixtures..................................       71,990
                                                                      -----------
                      Total.........................................    1,945,384
            Less: Accumulated depreciation..........................   (1,002,260)
                                                                      -----------
                                                                      $   943,124
                                                                      ===========
</TABLE>
 
     Total depreciation expense for the year ended March 31, 1997, was $296,316.
Included in property and equipment are depreciated amounts totaling $150,000
related to assets held under capital leases.
 
 3. BANK LINE OF CREDIT:
 
     The Company has a line of credit agreement with a bank to provide for
short-term borrowings with interest at a rate of one point over the bank's prime
rate (9.50 percent at March 31, 1997). Loan advances of up to $1,000,000 are
available. The Company had no borrowings outstanding at March 31, 1997, under
this agreement. The outstanding principal is due and payable in full on March 1,
1998.
 
     The Company is required by the bank to maintain certain financial covenants
covering current ratio, tangible net worth, ratio of total liabilities to
tangible net worth, and ratio of cash flow to debt service, and requiring
profitable operations (all as defined in the agreement) in addition to certain
nonfinancial covenants. The Company was in compliance with all of these
covenants as of March 31, 1997.
 
 4. NOTES PAYABLE:
 
     The Company has the following notes payable at March 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                        <C>
    Notes payable to the principal stockholders of the Company, bearing
      interest at 12 percent per annum; maturing in June 2001................  $ 150,000
    Notes payable to related parties, collateralized by several of the
      Company's trucks and automobiles, payable in monthly installments,
      including interest at annual percentage rates ranging from 9 percent to
      9.5 percent and maturing between August 1997 and March 1999............    123,871
    Notes payable to a number of financial institutions, collateralized by
      several of the Company's trucks and automobiles, payable in monthly
      installments, including interest at annual percentage rates ranging
      from 8.75 percent to 10 percent and maturing between December 1997 and
      June 1999..............................................................     87,097
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   91
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                        <C>
    Note payable to a bank, collateralized by receivables, inventories and
      equipment, payable in 60 monthly installments of principal of $5,000
      plus interest at 1.25 percent above the bank's prime rate (9.5 percent
      at March 31, 1997), maturing on March 1, 2001..........................    240,000
    Note payable to a bank, collateralized by receivables, inventories and
      equipment, payable in 60 monthly installments of principal of $1,667
      plus interest at 1.25 percent above the bank's prime rate (9.5 percent
      at March 31, 1997), maturing on June 15, 2000..........................     65,000
    Note payable to a bank, collateralized by receivables, inventories and
      equipment, payable in 48 monthly installments of principal of $3,125
      plus interest at 1.25 percent above the bank's prime rate (9.5 percent
      at March 31, 1997), maturing on June 15, 1998..........................     50,000
                                                                               ---------
    Notes payable............................................................    715,968
    Less: Current maturities.................................................   (214,140)
                                                                               ---------
    Notes payable, net of current maturities.................................  $ 501,828
                                                                               ---------
</TABLE>
 
     Future minimum debt repayments under the notes payable above are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               YEAR ENDED MARCH 31
                --------------------------------------------------
                <S>                                                 <C>
                       1998.......................................  $214,140
                       1999.......................................   164,025
                       2000.......................................   103,573
                       2001.......................................    81,736
                       2002.......................................   152,494
                                                                    --------
                                                                    $715,968
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
 
 5. LEASES:
 
     The Company conducts its operations from leased facilities consisting of a
main office and warehouse facility and branch sales offices, warehouses and
retail stores. All leases are classified as operating leases and all have a
five-year term. The leases generally provide that the Company pay the taxes,
insurance and maintenance expenses related to the leased properties.
 
     The Company also leases certain vehicles and computer equipment under
capital leases.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   92
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
     The future minimum lease payments in the aggregate are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          YEAR ENDING MARCH 31                    CAPITAL   OPERATING
        --------------------------------------------------------  -------   ----------
        <S>                                                       <C>       <C>
          1998..................................................  $42,974   $  351,278
          1999..................................................   42,974      366,544
          2000..................................................   40,148      307,634
          2001..................................................   22,387       50,047
          2002..................................................    2,974            0
                                                                  -------   ----------
                                                                  151,457   $1,075,503
                                                                             =========
        Less: Amounts allocated to interest.....................   27,381
                                                                  -------
        Present value of net minimum payments...................  124,076
        Less: Current maturities................................   33,299
                                                                  -------
        Long-term capital obligations...........................  $90,777
                                                                  =======
</TABLE>
 
     Total rent expense under building leases was $326,544 for the year ended
March 31, 1997.
 
     The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims and injuries that are
incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, the resolution of
these matters will not materially affect the business position, results of
operations or liquidity of the Company.
 
 6. INCOME TAXES:
 
     The provision for income taxes shown in the accompanying statement of
operations is composed of the following for the year ended March 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                                                <C>
                Current:
                  Federal........................................  $ 605,605
                  State..........................................    170,813
                                                                   ---------
                                                                     776,418
                                                                   ---------
                Deferred:
                  Federal........................................   (282,875)
                  State..........................................    (91,365)
                                                                   ---------
                                                                    (374,240)
                                                                   ---------
                                                                   $ 402,178
                                                                   =========
</TABLE>
 
     The deferred tax asset reflected in the accompanying balance sheet includes
the following at March 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                                                 <C>
                Deferred taxes:
                  Accrued bonuses.................................  $160,000
                  Accrued vacation and other benefits.............   142,648
                  Accrued profit sharing..........................    62,250
                  State franchise taxes payable...................    11,859
                  Obsolescence reserve............................    21,420
                  Capitalized overheads related to inventory......    45,365
                  Other...........................................    44,439
                                                                    --------
                                                                    $487,981
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   93
 
                            VIKING DISTRIBUTING CO.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
 
 7. PROFIT-SHARING PLAN:
 
     The Company operates a profit-sharing plan covering all of its eligible
employees. The Company can contribute, at the discretion of the Board of
Directors, up to 15 percent of qualified wages to the plan. For the year ended
March 31, 1997, the Company declared a contribution of $150,000 to the plan,
which is included in accrued liabilities at March 31, 1997.
 
 8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
 
     During March 1997, the principal stockholders of the Company entered into
an agreement to sell all of the Company's stock to an outside investor for an
agreed-upon consideration as defined in the agreement. This agreement is
expected to close during June 1997. Prior to the closing, the current
stockholders will distribute to themselves $400,000 in bonuses which are
included in accrued liabilities at March 31, 1997.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>   94
 
                [PHOTOS OF COMPANY'S PRODUCTS AND/OR FACILITIES]
<PAGE>   95
 
======================================================
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, THE
COMMON STOCK IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL
TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR
ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION
THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR
IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            PAGE
                                            -----
<S>                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................      3
Risk Factors..............................      7
Recent Transactions.......................     11
Use of Proceeds...........................     12
Dividend Policy...........................     12
Dilution..................................     13
Capitalization............................     14
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial
  Data....................................     15
Selected Historical Financial and
  Operating Data..........................     19
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations..............................     20
Business..................................     27
Management................................     38
Principal and Selling Stockholders........     46
Description of Capital Stock..............     48
Description of Certain Indebtedness.......     50
Certain Relationships and Related
  Transactions............................     51
Shares Eligible for Future Sale...........     52
Underwriting..............................     54
Legal Matters.............................     55
Experts...................................     56
Additional Information....................     56
Index to Financial Statements.............    F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
  UNTIL             , 1997 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN
THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION
TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS
AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
======================================================
======================================================
   
                                4,000,000 SHARES
    
 
                          [WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES LOGO]
                             [WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES
                                  COLOR LOGO]
 
   
                                  COMMON STOCK
    
                            ------------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
                            ------------------------
                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                             SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
                          ROBERTSON STEPHENS & COMPANY
                                            , 1997
======================================================
<PAGE>   96
 
               PART II -- INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The following is a statement of estimated expenses of the issuance and
distribution of the securities being registered other than underwriting
compensation:
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                                                          <C>
            SEC registration fee.......................................  $26,137
            NASD filing fee............................................    9,125
            Nasdaq National Market original listing fee................        *
            Blue sky fees and expenses (including attorneys' fees and
              expenses)................................................        *
            Printing and engraving expenses............................        *
            Transfer agent's fees and expenses.........................        *
            Accounting fees and expenses...............................        *
            Legal fees and expenses....................................        *
            Miscellaneous expenses.....................................        *
                                                                         -------
                      Total............................................  $     *
                                                                         =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* To be provided by amendment.
 
     All amounts are estimated except for the SEC registration fee and the NASD
filing fee.
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     The Company is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("Section
145") provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who is, 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 such corporation), by
reason of the fact that such person was an officer, director, employee or agent
of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as
a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The
indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided such person acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was illegal. A
Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who is, 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 by reason of the fact that such person was a
director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving
at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including
attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection
with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, provided such person
acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the corporation's best interests except that no indemnification is
permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be
liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the
merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the
corporation must indemnify him against the expenses which such officer or
director has actually and reasonably incurred.
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides for the indemnification
of directors and officers of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by
Section 145.
 
     In that regard, the Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company
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 such corporation, or is or was
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   97
 
serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer or member of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust 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 such
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Indemnification in
connection with an action or suit by or in the right of such corporation to
procure a judgment in its favor is limited to payment of settlement of such an
action or suit except that no such indemnification may be made in respect of any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be
liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the
indemnifying corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of
Chancery of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall
determine that, despite the adjudication of liability but in consideration of
all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled
to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
     In February 1997, in connection with its incorporation and initial
capitalization, the registrant issued Greg Grosch, its Chief Executive Officer:
(i) a $1.5 million subordinated note, which note is being repaid with the
proceeds of the offering made hereby (the "Offering"); (ii) warrants to acquire
shares of convertible preferred stock (subsequently exercised by Mr. Grosch),
which shares will automatically convert into 68,364 shares of Common Stock upon
consummation of the Offering; (iii) 50,000 shares of Common Stock, and (iv)
Convertible Preferred Stock which will automatically convert into 1,538,182
shares of Common Stock upon consummation of the Offering. In connection with the
incorporation and capitalization transactions described above, (i) shares of
redeemable preferred stock and warrants to purchase Common Stock were purchased
by three investment funds and (ii) 550,000 shares of Common Stock and
Convertible Preferred Stock which will automatically convert into 573,933 shares
of Common Stock were issued to KRG Capital Investments II, LLC. Such shares of
redeemable preferred stock will be redeemed upon consummation of the Offering.
In connection with the registrant's acquisition of Viking Distributing Company,
Inc. ("Viking Distributing"), 60,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock were
issued to the former owners of Viking Distributing. Such shares will
automatically convert into shares of Common Stock on a share-for-share basis
upon consummation of the offering but will remain subject to a repurchase right
by the Company if certain performance targets are not achieved for the Northern
California operations of the registrant. In connection with the registrant's
acquisition of A-Y Supply, Inc. ("A-Y Supply"), a $500,000 subordinated
convertible promissory note convertible into a number of shares of Common Stock
determined by dividing $500,000 by 75% of the initial offering price per share
specified herein was issued to the former owners of A-Y Supply. In connection
with the registrant's acquisition of Stop Supply, Inc. ("Stop Supply"), warrants
to acquire up to $250,000 of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to 75% of
the initial offering price per share specified herein were issued to the former
owners of Stop Supply. Each of the foregoing issuances was exempt from
registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   98
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
     (a) EXHIBITS:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        NUMBER                                    DESCRIPTION
        ------     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <S>        <C>
         1.1       Form of Underwriting Agreement.
         3.1*      Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant.
         3.2*      Form of Restated Bylaws of the registrant.
         4.1*      Form of certificate representing shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value
                   per share.
         4.2*      Form of Credit Agreement.
         5.1*      Opinion and consent of Kirkland & Ellis.
        10.1*      Form of Stock Incentive Plan.
        10.2*      Employment Agreement dated as of November 1996 by and between White Cap
                   Industries, Corp. (formerly White Cap Industries, Inc.) ("WCI") and Greg
                   Grosch.
        10.3*      Employment Agreement dated as of February 1997 by and between WCI and Rick
                   Gagnon.
        10.4**     Employment Agreement by and between WCI and Chris Lane.
        10.5**     Employment Agreement dated as of June 24, 1997 by and between WCI and
                   Michael Monroe.
        10.6**     Employment Agreement dated as of June 24, 1997 by and between WCI and
                   Albert Malatesta.
        10.7*      Transaction Advisory Agreement by and among the registrant, WCI and KRG
                   Capital Partners, LLC.
        10.8*      Form of Stockholders Agreement among the registrant, KRG Capital Partners,
                   LLC, Greg Grosch and certain other stockholders.
        11.1       Earnings Per Share.
        21.1**     Subsidiaries of the registrant.
        23.1       Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
        23.2       Consent of Burnett, Umphress & Kilgour.
        23.3*      Consent of Kirkland & Ellis (included in Exhibit 5.1).
        24.1**     Powers of Attorney
        27.1       Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
 * To be filed by amendment.
 
   
** Previously filed.
    
 
     (b) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
 
   
        Schedule II is filed herewith.
    
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made
     of the securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment to this
     registration statement:
 
             (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   99
 
        in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
        forth in this registration statement;
 
             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
        of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement
        or any material change to such information in this registration
        statement;
 
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraph (i) and (ii)
above do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this
registration statement.
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
     to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
     therein, and the Offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
     to be the initial bona fide Offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the Offering.
 
     In addition, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing
of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the Offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide Offering thereof.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter
at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
          (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
     of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
     of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in
     a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
          (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
     prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
     the securities offered therein, and the Offering of such securities at that
     time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide Offering thereof.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   100
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Costa Mesa,
State of California on September 25, 1997.
    
 
                                          WHITE CAP HOLDINGS, INC.
 
                                          By: /s/      GREG GROSCH
                                            ------------------------------------
                                          Name: Greg Grosch
                                          Title: President
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed on September 25, 1997, by or on behalf of
the following persons in the capacities indicated with respect to White Cap
Holdings, Inc.:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                         CAPACITY
- ---------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------------
<C>                                               <S>
 
               /s/ GREG GROSCH                    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
- ---------------------------------------------     President and Director
                 Greg Grosch                      (principal executive officer)
 
               /s/ CHRIS LANE                     Chief Financial Officer and Director
- ---------------------------------------------     (principal accounting and financial officer)
                 Chris Lane
 
                      *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
                Dan Tsujioka
                      *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
                Mark M. King
 
                      *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
              James A. Johnson
 
                      *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
               Bruce L. Rogers
 
                      *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
            Charles R. Gwirtsman
 
                      *                           Director
- ---------------------------------------------
             Charles A. Hamilton
 
             *By: /s/ CHRIS LANE
- ---------------------------------------------
                 Chris Lane
              Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   101
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To White Cap Industries, Inc.:
 
   
     We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
the financial statements of White Cap Industries, Inc. and subsidiary included
in this registration statement and have issued our report thereon dated August
12, 1997. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule on page S-2 is presented for
the purpose of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and
is not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected
to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial
statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the
financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole.
    
 
                                                      ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Orange County, California
August 12, 1997
 
                                       S-1
<PAGE>   102
                           WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY

                SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              BALANCE AT  ADDITIONS --  DEDUCTIONS --   BALANCE
                               BEGINNING    CHARGED       WRITE OFF       END
                               OF PERIOD   TO EXPENSE   TO ALLOWANCE   OF PERIOD
                              ----------  ------------  -------------  ---------
<S>                           <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>
Allowance for doubtful 
  accounts for year ended
  December 31, 1994 ........   $365,000    367,000       (320,000)      $412,000
                               ========    =======       ========       ========
Allowance for doubtful
  accounts for year ended
  December 31, 1995 ........    412,000    238,000       (380,000)       270,000
                               ========    =======       ========       ========
Allowance for doubtful
  accounts for three months
  ended March 31, 1996 .....    270,000    432,000          --           702,000
                               ========    =======       ========       ========
Allowance for doubtful
  accounts for year ended
  March 31, 1997 ...........   $702,000    239,000       (416,000)      $525,000
                               ========    =======       ========       ========
</TABLE>


                                     S-2

<PAGE>   103
 
   
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        NUMBER                                    DESCRIPTION
        ------     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <S>        <C>
         1.1       Form of Underwriting Agreement.
         3.1*      Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant.
         3.2*      Form of Restated Bylaws of the registrant.
         4.1*      Form of certificate representing shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value
                   per share.
         4.2*      Form of Credit Agreement.
         5.1*      Opinion and consent of Kirkland & Ellis.
        10.1*      Form of Stock Incentive Plan.
        10.2*      Employment Agreement dated as of November 1996 by and between White Cap
                   Industries, Corp. (formerly White Cap Industries, Inc.) ("WCI") and Greg
                   Grosch.
        10.3*      Employment Agreement dated as of February 1997 by and between WCI and Rick
                   Gagnon.
        10.4**     Employment Agreement by and between WCI and Chris Lane.
        10.5**     Employment Agreement dated as of June 24, 1997 by and between WCI and
                   Michael Monroe.
        10.6**     Employment Agreement dated as of June 24, 1997 by and between WCI and
                   Albert Malatesta.
        10.7*      Transaction Advisory Agreement by and among the registrant, WCI and KRG
                   Capital Partners, LLC.
        10.8*      Form of Stockholders Agreement among the registrant, KRG Capital Partners,
                   LLC, Greg Grosch and certain other stockholders.
        11.1       Earnings Per Share.
        21.1**     Subsidiaries of the registrant.
        23.1       Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
        23.2       Consent of Burnett, Umphress & Kilgour.
        23.3*      Consent of Kirkland & Ellis (included in Exhibit 5.1).
        24.1**     Powers of Attorney
        27.1       Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
 * To be filed by amendment.
 
   
** Previously filed.
    
 
                                      

<PAGE>   1

                                4,000,000 Shares

                           WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                  Common Stock

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT



                                                               ___________, 1997

DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
   SECURITIES CORPORATION
ROBERTSON STEPHENS & COMPANY
   As representatives (the "Representatives") of the
    several Underwriters name in Schedule I hereto
            c/o Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
            Securities Corporation ("DLJ")
            277 Park Avenue
            New York, New York 10172

Dear Sirs:

            White Cap Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY"),
proposes to issue and sell 4,000,000 shares of its Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share (the "FIRM SHARES"), to the several underwriters named in Schedule I
hereto (the "UNDERWRITERS"). The Company and the stockholders of the Company
named in Schedule II hereto (collectively, the "SELLING STOCKHOLDERS") also
propose to sell to the several Underwriters not more than an additional 600,000
shares of its Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "ADDITIONAL SHARES")
if requested by the Underwriters as provided in Section 2 hereof. The Firm
Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter referred to collectively as the
"SHARES." The Company and the Selling Stockholders are hereinafter collectively
called the "SELLERS." The shares of common stock of the Company to be
outstanding after giving effect to the sales contemplated hereby are hereinafter
referred to as the "COMMON STOCK."

            SECTION 1. Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Company has
prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"COMMISSION") in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
(collectively, the "ACT"), a registration statement on Form S-1, including a
prospectus, relating to the Shares. The registration statement, as amended at
the time it became effective, including the information (if any) deemed to be
part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule
430A under the Act, is hereinafter referred to as the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT";
and the prospectus in the form first used 
<PAGE>   2
to confirm sales of Shares is hereinafter referred to as the "PROSPECTUS." If
the Company has filed or is required pursuant to the terms hereof to file a
registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Act registering
additional shares of Common Stock (a "RULE 462(B) REGISTRATION STATEMENT"),
then, unless otherwise specified, any reference herein to the term "Registration
Statement" shall be deemed to include such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement.

            SECTION 2. Agreements to Sell and Purchase and Lock-Up Agreements.
On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement,
and subject to its terms and conditions, the Company agrees to issue and sell,
and each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the
Company at a price per Share of $______ (the "PURCHASE PRICE") the number of
Firm Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I
hereto.

            On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement, and subject to its terms and conditions, each Selling Stockholder
severally agrees to sell the Additional Shares and the Underwriters shall have
the right to purchase on a pro rata basis, severally and not jointly, up to
300,000 Additional Shares pro rata from all Selling Stockholders and up to
300,000 Additional Shares from the Company (aggregating up to 600,000 Additional
Shares) at the Purchase Price. Additional Shares may be purchased solely for the
purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection with the offering of the
Firm Shares. The Underwriters may exercise their right to purchase Additional
Shares in whole or in part from time to time by giving written notice thereof to
each Selling Stockholder within 30 days after the date of this Agreement. The
Representatives shall give any such notice on behalf of the Underwriters and
such notice shall specify the aggregate number of Additional Shares to be
purchased pursuant to such exercise and the date for payment and delivery
thereof, which date shall be a business day (i) no earlier than three business
days after such notice has been given (and, in any event, no earlier than the
Closing Date (as hereinafter defined)) and (ii) no later than ten business days
after such notice has been given. If any Additional Shares are to be purchased,
each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from each
Selling Stockholder or the Company the number of Additional Shares (subject to
such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may
determine) which bears the same proportion to the total number of Additional
Shares to be purchased from such Selling Stockholder or the Company as the
number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in
Schedule I bears to the total number of Firm Shares.

            The Sellers hereby agree not to (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to
sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract
to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer
or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or
(ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers all or a portion of
the economic consequences associated with the ownership of any Common Stock
(regardless of whether any of the transactions described in clause (i) or (ii)
is to be settled by the delivery of Common Stock, or such other securities, in
cash or otherwise), except to the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement, for a
period of 180 days after the date of the Prospectus without the prior written
consent of DLJ. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during such period (i) the
Company may grant stock options pursuant to the Company's existing stock option
plan and (ii) 




                                       2
<PAGE>   3
the Company may issue shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of an option or
warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof. The
Company also agrees not to file any registration statement with respect to any
shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Common Stock for a period of 180 days after the date of the
Prospectus without the prior written consent of DLJ. The Company shall, prior to
or concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, deliver an agreement
executed by (i) each of the directors and officers of the Company and (ii) each
stockholder listed on Annex I hereto to the effect that such person will not,
during the period commencing on the date such person signs such agreement and
ending 180 days after the date of the Prospectus, without the prior written
consent of DLJ, (A) engage in any of the transactions described in the first
sentence of this paragraph or (B) make any demand for, or exercise any right
with respect to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock.

            SECTION 3. Qualified Independent Underwriter. The Company hereby
confirms its engagement of DLJ as, and DLJ hereby confirms its agreement with
the Company to render services as, a "qualified independent underwriter," within
the meaning of Section (b)(15) of Rule 2720 of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") with respect to the offering and sale of
the Shares. DLJ, solely in its capacity as qualified independent underwriter and
not otherwise, is referred to herein as the "QIU." As compensation for the
services of the QIU hereunder, the Company agrees to pay the QIU $5,000 on the
Closing Date. The price at which the Shares will be sold to the public shall not
be higher than the maximum price recommended by the QIU.

            SECTION 4. Terms of Public Offering. The Sellers are advised by the
Representatives that the Underwriters propose (i) to make a public offering of
their respective portions of the Shares as soon after the execution and delivery
of this Agreement as in their judgment is advisable and (ii) initially to offer
the Shares upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus.

            SECTION 5. Delivery and Payment. Delivery to the Underwriters of and
payment for the Firm Shares shall be made at 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on
___________, 1997 (the "CLOSING DATE") at such place as the Representatives
shall designate. The Closing Date and the location of delivery of and payment
for the Firm Shares may be varied by agreement between the Representatives and
the Selling Stockholders.

            Delivery to the Underwriters of and payment for any Additional
Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters shall be made at such place as the
Representatives shall designate at 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the date
specified in the applicable exercise notice given by the Representatives
pursuant to Section 2 (an "OPTION CLOSING DATE"). Any such Option Closing Date
and the location of delivery of and payment for such Additional Shares may be
varied by agreement between the Representatives and the Company.

            Certificates for the Shares shall be registered in such names and
issued in such denominations as the Representatives shall request in writing not
later than two full business days prior to the Closing Date or an Option Closing
Date, as the case may be. Such certificates 



                                       3
<PAGE>   4
shall be made available to the Representatives for inspection not later than
9:30 A.M., New York City time, on the business day prior to the Closing Date or
the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be. Certificates in
definitive form evidencing the Shares shall be delivered to the Representatives
on the Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be,
with any transfer taxes thereon duly paid by the Company, for the respective
accounts of the several Underwriters, against payment to the applicable Seller
of the Purchase Price therefor by wire transfer of Federal or other funds
immediately available in New York City.

            SECTION 6.  Agreements of the Company.  The Company agrees with
the Representatives:

            (a) To advise the Representatives promptly and, if requested by the
Representatives, to confirm such advice in writing, (i) of any request by the
Commission for amendments to the Registration Statement or amendments or
supplements to the Prospectus or for additional information, (ii) of the
issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement or of the suspension of qualification of the Shares for
offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for
such purposes, (iii) when any amendment to the Registration Statement becomes
effective, (iv) if the Company is required to file a Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement after the effectiveness of this Agreement, when the Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement has become effective and (v) of the happening of any
event during the period referred to in Section 6(d) below which makes any
statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus untrue or which requires any additions to or changes in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein
not misleading. If at any time the Commission shall issue any stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Company will use
its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order at the
earliest possible time.

            (b) To furnish to the Representatives three signed copies of the
Registration Statement as first filed with the Commission and of each amendment
to it, including all exhibits, and to furnish to the Representatives and each
Underwriter designated by the Representatives such number of conformed copies of
the Registration Statement as so filed and of each amendment to it, without
exhibits, as the Representatives may reasonably request.

            (c) To prepare the Prospectus, the form and substance of which shall
be satisfactory to the Representatives, and to file the Prospectus in such form
with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule 424(b),under
the Act; during the period specified in Section 6(d) below, not to file any
further amendment to the Registration Statement and not to make any amendment or
supplement to the Prospectus of which the Representatives shall not previously
have been advised or to which the Representatives shall reasonably object after
being so advised; and, during such period, to prepare and file with the
Commission, promptly upon the Representatives' reasonable request, any amendment
to the Registration Statement or amendment or supplement to the Prospectus which
may be necessary or advisable in connection with the distribution of the Shares
by the Underwriters, and to use its best efforts to cause any such amendment to
the Registration Statement to become promptly effective.




                                       4
<PAGE>   5
            (d) Prior to 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the first business
day after the date of this Agreement and from time to time thereafter for such
period as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters a prospectus is
required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an Underwriter or a
dealer, to furnish in New York City to each Underwriter and any dealer as many
copies of the Prospectus (and of any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus)
as such Underwriter or dealer may reasonably request.

            (e) If during the period specified in Section 6(d), any event shall
occur or condition shall exist as a result of which, in the opinion of counsel
for the Underwriters, it becomes necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus
in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when
the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement
the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare and file with
the Commission an appropriate amendment or supplement to the Prospectus so that
the statements in the, Prospectus, as so amended or supplemented, will not in
the light of the circumstances when it is so delivered, be misleading, or so
that the Prospectus will comply with applicable law, and to furnish to each
Underwriter and to any dealer as many copies thereof as such Underwriter or
dealer may reasonably request.

            (f) Prior to any public offering of the Shares, to cooperate with
the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the
registration or qualification of the Shares for offer and sale by the several
Underwriters and by dealers under the state securities or Blue Sky laws of such
jurisdictions as the Underwriters may request, to continue such registration or
qualification in effect so long as required for distribution of the Shares and
to file such consents to service of process or other documents as may be
necessary in order to effect such registration or qualification, provided,
however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith to
qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so
qualified or to take any action that would subject it to general consent to
service of process or taxation other than as to matters and transactions
relating to the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, any preliminary
prospectus or the offering or sale of the Shares, in any jurisdiction in which
it is not now so subject.

            (g) To mail and make generally available to its stockholders as soon
as practicable an earnings statement covering the twelve-month period ending
____________, 1998 that shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the
Act, and to advise the Representatives in writing when such statement has been
so made available.

            (h) During the period of three years after the date of this
Agreement, to furnish to the Representatives as soon as available copies of all
reports or other communications furnished to the record holders of Common Stock
or furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange
on which any class of securities of the Company is listed and such other
publicly available information concerning the Company and its subsidiaries as
the Representatives may reasonably request.

            (i) Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement
are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or cause to be paid all
expenses incident to 





                                       5
<PAGE>   6
the performance of its obligations under this Agreement (other than the
incremental costs, expenses, fees and taxes pertaining to the Additional Shares
which shall be paid by the Selling Stockholders in accordance with Sections 9(a)
and 9(b) hereof), including: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the
Company's counsel and the Company's accountants in connection with the
registration and delivery of the Shares under the Act and all other fees and
expenses in connection with the preparation, printing, filing and distribution
of the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits), any
preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and all amendments and supplements to any
of the foregoing, including the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the
Underwriters and dealers in the quantities specified herein, (ii) all costs and
expenses related to the transfer and delivery of the Shares to the Underwriters,
including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) all costs of
printing or producing this Agreement and any other agreements or documents in
connection with the offering, purchase, sale or delivery of the Shares, (iv) all
expenses in connection with the registration or qualification of the Shares for
offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of the several states and
all costs of printing or producing any Preliminary and Supplemental Blue Sky
Memoranda in connection therewith (including the filing fees and fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such
registration or qualification and memoranda relating thereto), (v) the filing
fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the
review and clearance of the offering of the Shares by the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc., (vi) all fees and expenses in connection with the
preparation and filing of the registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the
Common Stock and all costs and expenses incident to the quotation of the Shares
on the Nasdaq National Market, (vii) the cost of printing certificates
representing the Shares, (viii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent,
registrar and/or depository for the Shares, (ix) the fees and expenses of the
QIU (including the fees and disbursements of counsel to the QIU) and (x) all
other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the
Company hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section.

            (j) To use its best efforts to qualify for quotation the Shares on
the Nasdaq National Market and to maintain the quotation of the Shares on the
Nasdaq National Market for a period of three years after the date of this
Agreement.

            (k) To use its best efforts to do and perform all things required or
necessary to be done and performed under this Agreement by the Company prior to
the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, and to satisfy
all conditions precedent to the delivery of the Shares.

            (l) If the Registration Statement at the time of the effectiveness
of this Agreement does not cover all of the Shares, to file a Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement with the Commission registering the Shares not so covered
in compliance with Rule 462(b) by 10:00 P.M., New York City time, on the date of
this Agreement and to pay to the Commission the filing fee for such Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement at the time of the filing thereof or to give irrevocable
instructions for the payment of such fee pursuant to Rule 111(b) under the Act.

            SECTION 7. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The
Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter that:





                                       6
<PAGE>   7
            (a) The Registration Statement has become effective (other than any
Rule 462(b) Registration Statement to be filed by the Company after the
effectiveness of this Agreement); any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement filed
after the effectiveness of this Agreement will become effective no later than
10:00 P.M., New York City time, on the date of this Agreement; and no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect, and no
proceedings for such purpose are pending before or threatened by the Commission.

            (b) (i) The Registration Statement (other than any Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement to be filed by the Company after the effectiveness of
this Agreement), when it became effective, did not contain and, as amended, if
applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Registration Statement (other than
any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement to be filed by the Company after the
effectiveness of this Agreement) and the Prospectus comply and, as amended or
supplemented, if applicable, will comply in all material respects with the Act,
(iii) if the Company is required to file a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement
after the effectiveness of this Agreement, such Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement and any amendments thereto, when they become effective (A) will not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading and (B) will comply in all material respects with the Act and (iv)
the Prospectus does not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable,
will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that the
representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph do not apply to
statements or omissions in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus based
upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing
by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.

            (c) Each preliminary prospectus filed as part of the registration
statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed
pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, complied when so filed in all material
respects with the Act, and did not contain an untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading, except that the representations and warranties
set forth in this paragraph do not apply to statements or omissions in any
preliminary prospectus based upon information relating to any Underwriter
furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the
Representatives expressly for use therein.

            (d) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has been duly
incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has the corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as described in the Prospectus and to own,
lease and operate its properties, and each is duly qualified and is in good
standing as a foreign corporation authorized to do business in each jurisdiction
in which the nature of its business or its ownership or leasing of property
requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified would
not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or
results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.





                                       7
<PAGE>   8
            (e) There are no outstanding subscriptions, rights, warrants,
options, calls, convertible securities, commitments of sale or liens granted or
issued by the Company or any of its subsidiaries relating to or entitling any
person to purchase or otherwise to acquire any shares of the capital stock of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except as otherwise disclosed in the
Registration Statement.

            (f) All the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have
been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid, non-assessable and
not subject to any preemptive rights; and the Shares have been duly authorized
and, when issued and delivered to the Underwriters against payment therefor as
provided by this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable, and the issuance of such Shares will not be subject to any
preemptive rights.

            (g) All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the
Company's subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly issued and are
fully paid and non-assessable, and are owned by the Company, directly or
indirectly through one or more subsidiaries, free and clear of any security
interest, claim, lien, encumbrance or adverse interest of any nature.

            (h) The authorized capital stock of the Company conforms to the
description thereof contained in the Prospectus in all material respects.

            (i) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation
of its respective charter or by-laws or is in default in the performance of any
obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, loan
agreement, mortgage, lease, other agreement or instrument that is material to
the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to which the Company or any
of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or their respective property is bound.

            (j) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the
Company, the compliance by the Company with all the provisions hereof and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (i) require any
consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or qualification with, any
court or governmental body or agency (except such as may be required under the
securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states), (ii) conflict with or
constitute a breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or a default under,
the charter or by-laws of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any
indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, lease, other agreement or instrument that
is material to the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or their respective property is bound, (iii) violate or
conflict with any applicable law or any rule, regulation, judgment, order or
decree of any court or any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over
the Company, any of its subsidiaries or their respective property where such
violation or conflict would have a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iv) result in the suspension, termination or
revocation of any Authorization (as defined below) of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or any other impairment of the rights of the holder of any such
Authorization.






                                       8
<PAGE>   9
            (k) To the knowledge of the Company, there are no legal or
governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which the Company or any of
its subsidiaries is or could be a party or to which any of their respective
property is or could be subject that are required to be described in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus and are not so described; nor are there
any statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be
described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as
exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not so described or filed as
required.

            (l) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has violated any
foreign, federal, state or local law or regulation relating to the protection of
human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or
wastes, pollutants or contaminants ("ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS") or any provisions of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder, except for such violations which, singly
or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition or results of operation of the Company and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole.

            (m) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has such material
permits, licenses, consents, exemptions, franchises, authorizations and other
approvals (each, an "AUTHORIZATION") of, and has made all filings with and
notices to, all governmental or regulatory authorities and self-regulatory
organizations and all courts and other tribunals, including, without limitation,
under any applicable Environmental Laws, as are necessary to own, lease, license
and operate its respective properties and to conduct its business, except where
the failure to have any such Authorization or to make any such filing or notice
would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Each such Authorization is valid and in full
force and effect and each of the Company and its subsidiaries is in compliance
with all the terms and conditions thereof and with the rules and regulations of
the authorities and governing bodies having jurisdiction with respect thereto;
and no event has occurred (including, without limitation, the receipt of any
notice from any authority or governing body) which allows or, after notice or
lapse of time or both, would allow, revocation, suspension or termination of any
such Authorization or results or, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
result in any other impairment of the rights of the holder of any such
Authorization; and such Authorizations contain no restrictions that are
burdensome to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except where such failure
to be valid and in full force and effect or to be in compliance, the occurrence
of any such event or the presence of any such restriction would not, singly or
in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
a whole.

            (n) There are no costs or liabilities associated with Environmental
Laws (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures
required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with Environmental
Laws or any Authorization, any related constraints on operating activities and
any potential liabilities to third parties) which would, singly or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition
or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.




                                       9
<PAGE>   10
            (o)   This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Company.

            (p) Arthur Andersen LLP are independent public accountants with
respect to the Company and its subsidiaries as required by the Act.

            (q) The consolidated financial statements of the Company included in
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement
thereto), together with related schedules and notes, present fairly the
consolidated financial position, results of operations and changes in financial
position of the Company and its subsidiaries on the basis stated therein at the
respective dates or for the respective periods to which they apply; such
statements and related schedules and notes have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied throughout the
periods involved, except as disclosed therein; the supporting schedules, if any,
included in the Registration Statement present fairly in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles the information required to be stated
therein; and the other financial and statistical information and data set forth
in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or
supplement thereto) are, in all material respects, accurately presented and
prepared on a basis consistent with such financial statements and the books and
records of the Company.

            (r) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and
sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds therefrom as described in
the Prospectus, will not be an "investment company" as such term is defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

            (s) Except as described in the Registration Statement, there are no
contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person
granting such person the right to require the Company to file a registration
statement under the Act with respect to any securities of the Company or to
require the Company to include such securities with the Shares registered
pursuant to the Registration Statement.

            (t) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in
the Prospectus, other than as set forth in the Prospectus (exclusive of any
amendments or supplements thereto subsequent to the date of this Agreement), (i)
there has not occurred any material adverse change or any development involving
a prospective material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise,
or the earnings, business, management or operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) there has not been any material adverse
change or any development involving a prospective material adverse change in the
capital stock or in the long-term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has incurred any
material liability or obligation, direct or contingent.

            (u) Each certificate signed by any officer of the Company and
delivered to the Underwriters or counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed to
be a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the
matters covered thereby.





                                       10
<PAGE>   11
            SECTION 8.  Representations and Warranties of the Selling
Stockholders.  Each Selling Stockholder severally represents and warrants to
each Underwriter that:

            (a) Such Selling Stockholder is the lawful owner of the Shares to be
sold by such Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement and has, and on the
Closing Date (and any Option Closing Date, if applicable) will have, good and
clear title to such Shares, free of all restrictions on transfer, liens,
encumbrances, security interests and claims whatsoever.

            (b) Upon delivery of and payment for such Shares pursuant to this
Agreement, good and clear title to such Shares will pass to the Underwriters,
free of all restrictions on transfer, liens, encumbrances, security interests
and claims whatsoever.

            (c) Such Selling Stockholder has, and on the Closing Date will have,
full legal right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to sell,
assign, transfer and deliver such Shares in the manner provided herein, and this
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Selling
Stockholder and this Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of such Selling
Stockholder enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as rights to
indemnity and contribution hereunder may be limited by applicable law.

            (d) Such Selling Stockholder has not taken, and will not take,
directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or which might reasonably be
expected to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of
any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares
pursuant to the distribution contemplated by this Agreement, and other than as
permitted by the Act, such Selling Stockholder has not distributed and will not
distribute any prospectus or other offering material in connection with the
offering and sale of the Shares.

            (e) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
such Selling Stockholder, compliance by such Selling Stockholder with all the
provisions hereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
will not require any consent, approval, authorization or other order of any
court, regulatory other governmental body (except such as state securities laws
or Blue Sky laws) constitute a breach of any of the terms under, organizational
documents of such individual, or any agreement, indenture body, administrative
agency or may be required under the Act, and will not conflict with or
provisions of, or a default Selling Stockholder, if not an or other instrument
to which such Selling Stockholder is a party or by which such Selling
Stockholder or property of such Selling Stockholder is bound, or violate or
conflict with any laws, administrative regulation or ruling or court decree
applicable to such Selling Stockholder or property of such Selling Stockholder.

            (f) Such parts of the Registration Statement under the caption
"Principal and Selling Stockholders" which specifically relate to such Selling
Stockholder do not, and will not on the Closing Date (and any Option Closing
Date, if applicable), contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.




                                       11
<PAGE>   12
            (g) At any time during the period described in paragraph 6(d)
hereof, if there is any change in the information referred to in paragraph 8(f)
above, the Selling Stockholders will immediately notify the Representatives of
such change.

            SECTION 9.  Agreements of the Selling Stockholders.  Each Selling
Stockholder severally agrees with the Representatives and the Company:

            (a)   to pay or to cause to be paid all transfer taxes with
respect to the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder; and

            (b) To take all reasonable actions in cooperation with the Company
and the Underwriters to cause these Registration Statement to become effective
at the earliest possible time, to do and perform all things to be done and
performed by such Selling Stockholder under this Agreement prior to the Closing
Date.

            SECTION 10. Indemnification.

            (a) (i) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
Underwriter, its directors, its officers and each person, if any, who controls
any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT"), from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments
(including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses incurred in
connection with investigating or defending any matter, including any action,
that could give rise to any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment
thereto), the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any
preliminary prospectus, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or judgments are caused by any such untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon information relating
to any Underwriter furnished in writing to the Company by such Underwriter
through the Representatives expressly for use therein. (ii) Each Selling
Stockholder severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
Underwriter, its directors, its officers and each person, if any, who controls
any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities
and judgments (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses
incurred in connection with investigating or defending any matter, including any
action, that could give rise to any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto)
or any preliminary prospectus, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, in each case only to the extent that any
such loss, claim, liability or judgment arises out of or is based upon any
untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission in 




                                       12
<PAGE>   13
      information relating to such Selling Stockholder furnished in writing to
      the Company by such Selling Stockholder expressly for use therein.

            (b) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify
and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the
Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, each
Selling Stockholder, and the officers, directors, partners, employees,
representatives and agents of each such person to the same extent as the
foregoing indemnity from the Company and the Selling Stockholders to such
Underwriter but only with reference to information relating to such Underwriter
furnished in writing to the Company by such Underwriter through the
Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any
amendment thereto), the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or
any preliminary prospectus.

            (c) In case any action shall be commenced involving any person in
respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 10(a) or 10(b) (the
"INDEMNIFIED PARTY"), the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the person
against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "INDEMNIFYING Party") in writing
and the Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense of such action, including
the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and
the payment of all fees and expenses of such counsel, as incurred (except that
in the case of any action in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant
to both Sections 10(a) and 10(b), the Underwriters shall not be required to
assume the defense of such action pursuant to this Section 10(c), but may employ
separate counsel and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and
expenses of such counsel, except as provided below, shall be at the expense of
such Underwriter). Any Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate
counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnified Party
unless (i) the employment of such counsel shall have been specifically
authorized in writing by the Indemnifying Party, (ii) the Indemnifying Party
shall have failed to assume the defense of such action or employ counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party or (iii) the named parties to
any such action (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnified
Party and the Indemnifying Party, and the Indemnified Party shall have been
advised by such counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available
to it which are different from or additional to those available to the
Indemnifying Party (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have the
right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of the Indemnified Party).
In any such case, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one
action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same
jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be
liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in
addition to any local counsel) for all indemnified parties and all such fees and
expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Such firm shall be designated
in writing by DLJ, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 10(a),
and by the Company and the Selling Stockholders in the case of parties
indemnified pursuant to Section 10(b). The Indemnifying Party shall indemnify
and hold harmless the Indemnified Party from and against any and all losses,
claims, damages, liabilities and judgments by reason of any settlement of any
action (i) effected with its written consent or (ii) effected without its
written consent if the settlement is entered into more than twenty business days
after the Indemnifying Party shall have received a request from the 





                                       13
<PAGE>   14
Indemnified Party for reimbursement for the fees and expenses of counsel (in any
case where such fees and expenses are at the expense of the Indemnifying Party)
and, prior to the date of such settlement, the Indemnifying Party shall have
failed to comply with such reimbursement request. No Indemnifying Party shall,
without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any
settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of judgment with respect
to, any pending or threatened action in respect of which the Indemnified Party
is or could have been a party and indemnity or contribution may be or could have
been sought hereunder by the Indemnified Party, unless such settlement,
compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the Indemnified
Party from all liability on claims that are or could have been the subject
matter of such action and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an
admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of the
Indemnified Party.

            (d) To the extent the indemnification provided for in this Section
10 is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or insufficient in respect of any
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments referred to therein, then each
Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall
contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result
of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the
Company and the Selling Stockholders on the one hand and the Underwriters on the
other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by
clause 10(d)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as
is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause
10(d)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Selling
Stockholders on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in
connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or judgments, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the
Selling Stockholders on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other hand
shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the
offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the Selling
Stockholders and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by
the Underwriters, bear to the total price to the public of the Shares, in each
case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative
fault of the Company and the Selling Stockholders on the one hand and the
Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by the Company and the Selling Stockholders or the Underwriters and the
parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to
correct or prevent such statement or omission.

            The Company, each of the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters
agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this
Section 10(d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters
were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of
allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred
to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount paid or payable by an
Indemnified Party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to
include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses
incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending
any matter, including any action, that could have given rise to such 




                                       14
<PAGE>   15
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Section 10, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute
any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares
underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public
exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been
required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The
Underwriters' obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 10(d) are
several in proportion to the respective number of Shares purchased by each of
the Underwriters hereunder and not joint.

            (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 10, the
aggregate liability of each Selling Stockholder for any and all losses, claims,
damages, liabilities, judgments, actions and expenses (including, without
limitation, all reasonable costs of investigating, preparing, pursuing or
defending any claim or action, or any investigation or proceeding by any
governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, including the fees and
expenses of counsel to any Indemnified Person) pursuant to this Section 10 is
limited to an amount equal to the gross proceeds from the sale of the Shares
received by such Selling Stockholder.

            (f) Each Selling Stockholder hereby designates the Company as its
authorized agent upon which process may be served in any action, suit or
proceeding which may be instituted in any state or federal court in the State of
New York by any Underwriter or person controlling an Underwriter asserting a
claim for indemnification or contribution under or pursuant to this Section 10.
Each of the Company and each Selling Stockholder hereby accepts the jurisdiction
of such court in such action, and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, any defense based upon lack of personal jurisdiction or venue. A
copy of any such process shall be sent or given to the Company or such Selling
Stockholder, as the case may be, at the address for notices specified in Section
14 hereof.

            (g) The remedies provided for in this Section 10 are not exclusive
and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to
any Indemnified Party at law or in equity.

            SECTION 11. Indemnification of QIU

            (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the QIU, its
directors, its officers and each person, if any, who controls the QIU with the
meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments
(including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses incurred in
connection with investigating or defending any matter, including any action,
that could give rise to any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments) related to, based upon or arising out of (i) any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration
Statement (or any amendment thereto), the Prospectus (or any amendment or
supplement thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or any omission or alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the 



                                       15
<PAGE>   16
statements therein not misleading or (ii) the QIU's activities as QIU under its
engagement pursuant to Section 2 hereof, except in the case of this clause (ii)
insofar as any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments are found
in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further
appeal, to have resulted solely from the willful misconduct or gross negligence
of the QIU.

            (b) In case any action shall be commenced involving any person in
respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 11(a) (the "QIU
INDEMNIFIED PARTY"), the QIU Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the person
against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "QIU INDEMNIFYING PARTY") IN
writing and the QIU Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense of such action,
including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the QIU
Indemnified Party and the payment of all fees and expenses of such counsel, as
incurred. Any QIU Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate
counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel should be at the expense of the QIU Indemnified
Party unless (i) the employment of such counsel shall have been specifically
authorized in writing by the QIU Indemnifying Party, (ii) the QIU Indemnifying
Party shall have failed to assume the defense of such action or employ counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the QIU Indemnified Party or (iii) the named parties
to any such action (including any impleaded parties) include both the QIU
Indemnified Party and the QIU Indemnifying Party and the QIU Indemnified Party
shall have been advised by such counsel that there may be one or more legal
defenses available to it which are different from or additional to those
available to the QIU Indemnifying Party (in which case the QIU Indemnifying
Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of
the QIU Indemnified Party). In any such case, the QIU Indemnifying Party shall
not, in connection with any one action or separate but substantially similar or
related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general
allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than
one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) for all QIU
Indemnified Parties, which firm shall be designated by the QIU, and all such
fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. The QIU Indemnifying
Party shall indemnify and hold harmless the QIU Indemnified Party from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments by reason
of any settlement of any action (i) effected with its written consent or (ii)
effected without its written consent if the settlement is entered into more than
twenty business days after the QIU Indemnifying Party shall have received a
request from the QIU Indemnified Party for reimbursement for the fees and
expenses of counsel (in any case where such fees and expenses are at the expense
of the QIU Indemnifying Party), and, prior to the date of such settlement, the
QIU Indemnifying Party shall have failed to comply with such reimbursement
request. The QIU Indemnifying Party shall not, without the prior written consent
of the QIU Indemnified Party, effect any settlement or compromise of, or consent
to the entry of judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action in
respect of which the QIU Indemnified Party is or could have been a party and
indemnity or contribution may or could have been sought hereunder by the QIU
Indemnified Party, unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes
an unconditional release of the QIU Indemnified Party from all liability on
claims that are or could have been the subject matter of such action and (ii)
does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a
failure to act, by or on behalf of the QIU Indemnified Party.





                                       16
<PAGE>   17
            (c) To the extent the indemnification provided for in this Section
11 is unavailable to a QIU Indemnified Party or insufficient in respect of any
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments referred to herein, then each
QIU Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such QIU Indemnified Party,
shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such QIU Indemnified Party as
a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the
Company and the Selling Stockholders on the one hand and the QIU on the other
hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by
clause 8(c)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as
is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause
8(c)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Selling
Stockholders on the one hand and the QIU on the other hand in connection with
the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or judgments, as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling
Stockholders on the one hand and the QIU on the other hand shall be deemed to be
in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before
deducting expenses) received by the Company and the Selling Stockholders as set
forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, and the fee received by
the QIU pursuant to Section 2 hereof, bear to the sum of such total net proceeds
and such fee. The relative fault of the Company and the Selling Stockholders on
the one hand and the QIU on the other hand shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by the Company and the Selling Stockholders or the QIU and
the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity
to correct or prevent such statement or omission and whether the QIU's
activities as QIU under its engagement pursuant to Section 2 hereof involved any
willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the QIU.

            The Company and the QIU agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 11(c) were determined by pro
rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account
of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph. The amount paid or payable by a QIU Indemnified Party as a result of
the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments referred to in the
immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the
limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such QIU
Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any matter that
could have given rise to such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments.
No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

            (d) The remedies provided for in this Section 11 are not exclusive
and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to
any QIU Indemnified Party at law or in equity.

            (e) The remedies provided for in this Section 11 are not exclusive
and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to
any QIU Indemnified Party at law or in equity.




                                       17
<PAGE>   18
            SECTION 12. Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations. The several
obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Firm Shares under this Agreement
are subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

            (a) All the representations and warranties of the Company contained
in this Agreement shall be true and correct on the Closing Date with the same
force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date.

            (b) If the Company is required to file a Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement after the effectiveness of this Agreement, such Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement shall have become effective by 10:00 P.M., New York City
time, on the date of this Agreement; and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no
proceedings for that purpose shall have been commenced or shall be pending
before or contemplated by the Commission.

            (c) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a
certificate dated the Closing Date, signed by Greg Grosch and Chris Lane in
their capacities as the principal executive officer and principal accounting and
financial officer of the Company, confirming the matters set forth in Sections
7(t), 12(a) and, if applicable, 12(b) hereof and that the Company has complied
with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions herein contained
and required to be complied with or satisfied by the Company on or prior to the
Closing Date.

            (d) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in
the Prospectus other than as set forth in the Prospectus (exclusive of any
amendments or supplements thereto subsequent to the date of this Agreement), (i)
there shall not have occurred any change or any development involving a
prospective change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings,
business, management or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
a whole, (ii) there shall not have been any change or any development involving
a prospective change in the capital stock or in the long-term debt of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries shall have incurred any liability or obligation, direct or
contingent, the effect of which, in any such case described in Sections 12(d)(i)
or 12(d)(ii) hereof, in the Representatives' sole judgment, is material and
adverse and, in the Representatives' sole judgment, makes it impracticable to
market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.

            (e) All of the representations and warranties of each of the Selling
Stockholders contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct on the Option
Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the date
hereof, and the Underwriters shall have received a certificate to such effect,
dated the Option Closing Date, from each Selling Stockholder.

            (f) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an
opinion or opinions (satisfactory to the Underwriters and counsel for the
Underwriters), dated the Closing Date, of Kirkland & Ellis, special legal
counsel for the Company and the Selling Stockholders, substantially in the form
of Exhibit "A" attached hereto.




                                       18
<PAGE>   19
            The opinion of Kirkland & Ellis described in Section 12(f) above
shall be rendered to the Underwriters at the request of the Company and shall so
state therein.

            (g) The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an
opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Latham & Watkins, counsel for the
Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.

            (h) The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof
and the Closing Date, a letter dated the date hereof or the Closing Date, as the
case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, from Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, containing the information and
statements of the type ordinarily included in accountants' "comfort letters" to
Underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial
information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

            (i) The Company shall have delivered to the Underwriters the
agreements specified in Section 2 hereof which agreements shall be in full force
and effect on the Closing Date.

            (j) The Shares shall have been duly approved for quotation on the
Nasdaq National Market.

            (k) The Company shall not have failed on or prior to the Closing
Date to perform or comply with any of the agreements herein contained and
required to be performed or complied with by the Company on or prior to the
Closing Date.

            The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase any
Additional Shares hereunder are subject to the delivery to the Representatives
on the applicable Option Closing Date of such documents (including certificates
of Selling Stockholders, opinions of counsel to the Company and the Selling
Stockholders and accountants' "comfort letters" to the Underwriters) as the
Representatives may reasonably request with respect to the incorporation and
good standing of the Company, the due authorization and issuance of such
Additional Shares and other matters related to the issuance and sale of such
Additional Shares.

            SECTION 13. Effectiveness of Agreement and Termination.  This
Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the parties hereto.

            This Agreement may be terminated at any time on or prior to the
Closing Date by the Representatives by written notice to the Sellers if any of
the following has occurred: (i) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or
other national or international calamity or crisis or change in economic
conditions or in the financial markets of the United States or elsewhere that,
in the judgment of the 




                                       19
<PAGE>   20
Representatives, is material and adverse and, in the judgment of the
Representatives, makes it impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in
the manner contemplated in the Prospectus, (ii) the suspension or material
limitation of trading in securities or other instruments on the New York Stock
Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Chicago Board of Options Exchange,
the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the Chicago Board of Trade or the Nasdaq
National Market or limitation on prices for securities or other instruments on
any such exchange or the Nasdaq National Market, (iii) the suspension of trading
of any securities of the Company on any exchange or in the over-the-counter
market, (iv) the enactment, publication, decree or other promulgation of any
federal or state statute, regulation, rule or order of any court or other
governmental authority which in the judgment of the Representatives materially
and adversely affects, or will materially and adversely affect, the business,
prospects, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (v) the declaration of a banking moratorium by
either federal or New York State authorities, or (vi) the taking of any action
by any federal, state or local government or agency in respect of its monetary
or fiscal affairs which in the judgment of the Representatives has a material
adverse effect on the financial markets in the United States.

            If on the Closing Date or on an Option Closing Date, as the case may
be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase the
Firm Shares or Additional Shares, as the case may be, which it or they have
agreed to purchase hereunder on such date and the aggregate number of Firm
Shares or Additional Shares, as the case may be, which such defaulting
Underwriter or Underwriters, as the case may be, agreed but failed or refused to
purchase is not more than one-tenth of the total number of Shares to be
purchased on such date by all Underwriters, each non-defaulting Underwriter
shall be obligated severally, in the proportion which the number of Firm Shares
set forth opposite its name in Schedule I bears to the total number of Firm
Shares which all the non-defaulting Underwriters, as the case may be, have
agreed to purchase, or in such other proportion as the Underwriters may specify,
to purchase the Firm Shares or Additional Shares, as the case may be, which such
defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, as the case may be, agreed but failed or
refused to purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the number of
Firm Shares or Additional Shares, as the case may be, which any Underwriter has
agreed to purchase pursuant to Section 2 hereof be increased pursuant to this
Section 13 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such number of Firm Shares or
Additional Shares, as the case may be, without the written consent of such
Underwriter. If on the Closing Date any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail
or refuse to purchase Firm Shares and the aggregate number of Firm Shares with
respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate
number of Firm Shares to be purchased by all Underwriters and arrangements
satisfactory to the Representatives and the Company for purchase of such Firm
Shares are not made within 48 hours after such default, this Agreement will
terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter and
the Company. In any such case which does not result in termination of this
Agreement, either the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to
postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order
that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements may be effected. If, on an
Option Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to
purchase Additional Shares and the aggregate number of Additional Shares with
respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate
number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such date, the non-defaulting





                                       20
<PAGE>   21
Underwriters shall have the option to (i) terminate their obligation hereunder
to purchase such Additional Shares or (ii) purchase not less than the number of
Additional Shares that such non-defaulting Underwriters would have been
obligated to purchase on such date in the absence of such default. Any action
taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from
liability in respect of any default of any such Underwriter under this
Agreement.

            SECTION 14. Miscellaneous.  Notices given pursuant to any
provision of this Agreement shall be addressed as follows: (i) if to the
Company, to White Cap Industries, Inc., 3120 Airway Avenue, P.O. Box. 1770,
Costa Mesa, California 92626, Attention: Greg Grosch, (ii) if to any of the
Selling Stockholders, to ____________________________, and (iii) if to any
Underwriter or to the Representatives, to the Representatives c/o Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, 277 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10172, Attention: Syndicate Department, or in any case to such other address
as the person to be notified may have requested in writing.

            The respective indemnities, contribution agreements,
representations, warranties and other statements of the Company, the Selling
Stockholders and the several Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this
Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect, and will survive
delivery of and payment for the Shares, regardless of (i) any investigation, or
statement as to the results thereof, made by or on behalf of any Underwriter,
the officers or directors of any Underwriter, any person controlling any
Underwriter, any QIU Indemnified Party, the Sellers, the officers or directors
of the Company, any person controlling the Company or the Selling Stockholders,
(ii) acceptance of the Shares and payment for them hereunder and (iii)
termination of this Agreement.

            If for any reason the Shares are not delivered by or on behalf of
the Company as provided herein (other than as a result of any termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Section 13), the Sellers agree to reimburse the
several Underwriters for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and
disbursements of counsel) incurred by them. Notwithstanding any termination of
this Agreement, the Sellers shall be liable for all expenses which they have
agreed to pay pursuant to Sections 6(i), 9(a) and 9(b) hereof. The Company
agrees to reimburse the several Underwriters, their directors and officers and
any persons controlling any of the Underwriters for any and all fees and
expenses (including, without limitation, the fees and disbursements of counsel)
incurred by them in connection with enforcing their rights hereunder (including,
without limitation, pursuant to Sections 10 and 11 hereof).

            Except as otherwise provided, this Agreement has been and is made
solely for the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company, the Selling
Stockholders, the Underwriters, the Underwriters' directors and officers, any
controlling persons referred to herein, QIU Indemnified Parties, the Company's
directors and the Company's officers who sign the Registration Statement and
their respective successors and assigns, all as and to the extent provided in
this Agreement, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by
virtue of this Agreement. The term "successors and assigns" shall not include a
purchaser of any of the Shares from any of the several Underwriters merely
because of such purchase.




                                       21
<PAGE>   22
            This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York.

            This Agreement may be signed in various counterparts which together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.





                                       22
<PAGE>   23
            Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement
between the Company, each of the Selling Stockholders and the several
Underwriters.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    White Cap Industries, Inc.

                                       By:
                                          --------------------------
                                          Name:  Greg Grosch
                                          Title:  President

                                    SELLING STOCKHOLDERS:

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

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



DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
   SECURITIES CORPORATION

ROBERTSON STEPHENS & COMPANY

   Acting severally on behalf of
      themselves and the several
      Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto

By:   DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
         SECURITIES CORPORATION

      By:
         --------------------------
         Name: Marc Cummins
         Title:  Managing Director





                                       23
<PAGE>   24
                                   SCHEDULE I



Underwriters                                           Number of Firm Shares
                                                          to be Purchased


Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
      Securities Corporation

Robertson Stephens & Company

                                      Total                 __________

<PAGE>   25

                                   SCHEDULE II



Selling Stockholders                                     Additional Shares















                                      Total                 __________
<PAGE>   26
                                     ANNEX I

Officers and Directors of the Company
- -------------------------------------

Greg Grosch
Dan Tsujioka
Chris Lane
Rik Gagnon
Brian Etter
Mark M. King
Charles Hamilton
James R. Johnson

Stockholders
- ------------

Apex Investment Fund III, L.P.
KRG Capital Partners, LLC
Bayview Investors, Ltd.
Argentum Capital Partners, L.P.
<PAGE>   27
                                    EXHIBIT A


                      Form of Opinion of Kirkland and Ellis

<PAGE>   1
                                    EXHIBIT 11.1

                   WHITE CAP INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            STATEMENT OF COMPUTATION OF PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER SHARE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              Year Ended      Three Months Ended 
                                            March 31, 1997       June 30, 1997
                                            --------------    ------------------
<S>                                           <C>                 <C>

Average common shares outstanding .........      457,230           1,044,000

Common and common equivalent shares
  (including convertible preferred stock)
  issued during the twelve month period
  prior to the initial public offering at
  prices below the assumed public
  offering price (using the treasury stock 
  method and assumed initial public offering 
  price) in accordance with Staff
  Accounting Bulletin No. 83 ..............    6,205,749           5,732,759   
                                              

Effect of stockholder distributions .......      621,353             621,353
                                              ----------          ----------

Shares used in pro forma per share
  calculations ............................    7,284,332           7,398,112
                                              ==========          ==========

 
Pro forma net income ......................   $1,405,000          $  403,000
Preferred stock dividends accretion .......       55,000             150,000
                                              ----------          ----------
                                              
Pro forma net income applicable to common
  stockholders ............................   $1,350,000          $  253,000
                                              ==========          ==========
                                              
Pro forma net income per common and common 
  share equivalent ........................        $0.19               $0.03
                                                   =====               =====
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports
(and to all references to our Firm) included in or made part of this
registration statement.


                                                    /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                        


Orange County, California
September 23, 1997

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

September 24, 1997


The Board of Directors
White Cap Holdings, Inc.


We consent to the use of our report included herein.


/s/ BURNETT, UMPHRESS & KILGOUR
- --------------------------------


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR                            3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1997             JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1997             MAY-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997             JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                         214,000               2,882,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                               19,175,000              27,279,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                   525,000                 812,000
<INVENTORY>                                 20,426,000              23,029,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            40,994,000              54,914,000
<PP&E>                                      13,038,000              17,557,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               5,577,000               8,498,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              62,292,000              90,642,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       23,584,000              30,187,000
<BONDS>                                              0                       0
                        2,650,000               2,650,000
                                  2,250,000               2,256,000
<COMMON>                                         6,000                  11,000
<OTHER-SE>                                           0                       0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                62,292,000              90,642,000
<SALES>                                    101,770,000              37,311,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           101,770,000              37,311,000
<CGS>                                       69,740,000              25,848,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               69,740,000              25,848,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          2,273,0000               1,319,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              2,382,000                 721,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                 (414,000)                 318,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          2,796,000                 403,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                 2,796,000                 403,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0                       0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.19                    0.03
        

</TABLE>


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