AKI INC
10-K, 1999-09-28
PERFUMES, COSMETICS & OTHER TOILET PREPARATIONS
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-K

                (X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                     For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999

                                       OR

              ( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

           For the transition period from ___________ to _____________

                                AKI HOLDING CORP.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                        Commission File Number: 333-60991

          Delaware                                               74-288316
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)


                                           AKI, INC.
                    (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                               Commission File Number: 333-60989

          Delaware                                               13-3785856
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                             Identification No.)


                              1815 East Main Street
                              Chattanooga, TN 37404
                                 (423) 624-3301

     (Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
                        of principal executive offices)


           Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                      None.


           Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                      None.


<PAGE>



Indicate  by check mark  whether  the  registrants  (1) have  filed all  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. (X) Yes ( ) No

As of  September  27, 1999,  1,000 shares of common stock of AKI Holding  Corp.,
$0.01 par value, were outstanding and 1,000 shares of common stock of AKI, Inc.,
$0.01 par value, were outstanding.

Indicate  by check mark if  disclosure  of  delinquent  filers is not  contained
herein,  and will not be contained,  to the best of registrants'  knowledge,  in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III
of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ( X)

AKI, Inc. meets the requirements set forth in General Instruction I 1(a) and (b)
of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this form with reduced disclosure format.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

                                      None.




<PAGE>



         As used within this report,  the term  "company"  refers to AKI Holding
Corp.,  a Delaware  corporation,  and its  subsidiaries  including  AKI, Inc., a
Delaware  corporation  ("AKI"),  and the term  "Holding"  refers  solely  to AKI
Holding Corp.

                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

         Part I is presented with respect to both  registrants  submitting  this
filing, Holding and AKI.

General

         Our  company  is  a  leading  global   marketer  and   manufacturer  of
multi-sensory,  interactive  sampling  systems  that engage the senses of touch,
sight,  sound and olfactory.  Our sampling systems are widely  recognized in the
fragrance,  cosmetics  and personal  care  industries,  as well as the household
products and food and beverage  industries.  We offer an extensive  portfolio of
proprietary,   patented  and   patent-pending   sampling  systems  that  can  be
incorporated into various media which is designed to reach the consumer at home,
such as magazine  inserts,  catalog  inserts,  remittance  envelopes,  statement
enclosures and blow-ins.

         Our company is a fully integrated sampling company and is positioned to
provide complete,  interactive advertising programs to our customers,  including
creative content and sample product and distribution.

         Product sampling is one of the most effective,  widely used and fastest
growing forms of promotional activity.  Product sampling is particularly crucial
to the fragrance and cosmetics  industries  where consumers  traditionally  "try
before  they  buy"  due to the  highly  personal  nature  of the  products.  Our
company's   introduction  in  1979  of  the  ScentStrip(R)  Sampler,  the  first
pull-apart,  microencapsulated scent sampling system,  transformed the fragrance
sampling industry.  By combining  advertising with a sampling system,  marketers
were afforded the first  cost-effective  means to reach consumers in their homes
on a mass scale. Though the microencapsulated  fragrance sampling system remains
the most widely used product throughout the fragrance industry,  our company has
developed and/or acquired a portfolio of alternative scent sampling systems, all
designed for cost-effective  mass distribution,  and continues to be the leading
innovator in the sampling industry.

         In recent  years,  our company has expanded  our  sampling  business by
developing new technologies  specifically for the skincare,  makeup and consumer
products markets.  Although product sampling is critical to the success of these
markets,  sampling programs for these products historically have been too costly
for mass  production  and  incapable  of  efficiently  being  incorporated  into
magazines,  catalogs,  direct mail and other printed  vehicles.  Our  innovative
sampling  systems are designed to fill the needs of these marketers by providing
a cost-effective means of reaching consumers in their homes on a mass scale with
quality  renditions  of skincare  products,  foundation,  lipstick  and cosmetic




                                       1
<PAGE>

powders.  Management  believes  that our new  sampling  systems have altered the
economics and efficiencies of product sampling in the cosmetics market.

         In December  1997, DLJ Merchant  Banking  Partners II, L.P. and certain
related investors (collectively, "DLJMBII") and certain members of our company's
prior  management  organized AHC I  Acquisition  Corp.,  a Delaware  corporation
("Acquisition  Corp."),  to acquire all of the outstanding  equity  interests of
AKI.  Holding was formed as a holding  company in 1998 and its only  significant
asset is the capital stock of AKI.  Holding conducts all of its business through
AKI.  As of  September  27,  1999,  DLJMBII  owned  approximately  98.8%  of the
outstanding  common stock of Acquisition Corp. See "Management's  Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--The Acquisition."

         On September  15, 1999,  we acquired all of the issued and  outstanding
shares of capital stock of RetCom  Holdings Ltd. and refinanced  working capital
indebtedness of RetCom and its subsidiaries.  See  "Management's  Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--RetCom  Acquisition."
The acquired  businesses of RetCom and its  subsidiaries  include a portfolio of
sampling  systems  catering  to  the  fragrance,  cosmetics  and  personal  care
industries,  as well as microencapsulation  products and processes. The acquired
businesses  also include a creative  service  division that engages in marketing
communications  and catalogs,  and a multi-media  division for  merchandising at
point-of-sale.   The  acquired   businesses  offer  proprietary,   patented  and
patent-pending sampling systems that include MicroSilk(TM),  MicroDot(TM),  Snap
and Powder(TM), ColorDot(TM) and Ascent(TM).

Products

         Our company  offers a broad and  diversified  portfolio of  innovative,
interactive sampling systems for the fragrance,  cosmetics and consumer products
markets. Our major technologies are described below,  including a description of
the patent protection of each such product technology. Each of our products is a
cosmetic,  fragrance  or consumer  product  sample  delivery  system,  generally
designed  to perform the same basic  function,  and  generally  sold to the same
category of customers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                             Year of                                Patent Protection
       Product             Introduction            Origin                                   Target Market
- ----------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------
<S>                     <C>                 <C>                    <C>                   <C>
- ----------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------
ScentStrip              1979                Internally developed   None                  Fragrance,
                                                                                         consumer products

ScentStrip Plus         mid 1980's          Internally developed   None                  Fragrance

DiscCover               1994                Licensed               Patented              Fragrance,
                                                                                         consumer markets

Scent Seal              1995                Acquired               Patented              Fragrance

LiquaTouch              1997                Internally developed   Patent Pending        Fragrance, skin
                                                                                         care





                                       2
<PAGE>

Fragrance Burst and     1989                Acquired               Patented              Fragrance
Pearls

Fragrance Burst         1989                Acquired               Patented              Fragrance

Microfragrance                              Acquired               Trade secret          Fragrance,
Scratch `n Sniff                                                                         consumer markets

BeautiSeal              1997                Internally developed   Patented              Cosmetics

PowdaTouch              1997                Internally developed   Patent Pending        Cosmetics

LipSeal                 1998                Internally developed   Patented              Cosmetics

TouchDown Nail Color    1999                Internally developed   Patent   Application  Cosmetics
Sampler                                                            Pending

BeautiTouch             1999                Internally developed   Patent Pending        Cosmetics
Multi-well Sampler
- ----------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------
</TABLE>


Fragrance Sampling Systems

         Our company's portfolio of seven traditional fragrance sampling systems
has historically  accounted for substantially all of our company's sales.  While
the  ScentStrip  technology  continues  to be the most  widely  used  technology
throughout the fragrance  industry,  management  believes that our company's new
and recently acquired sampling systems have maintained our company's competitive
position as an innovator in the industry.  These  sampling  systems have enabled
our company to participate in almost every major new fragrance  launch in recent
years.

     *   ScentStrip:   Our  company's  original  pull-apart,   microencapsulated
         fragrance sampling system continues to deliver the most cost-effective,
         quality fragrance rendition.

     *   ScentStrip Plus: The classic,  pull-apart,  microencapsulated fragrance
         format with the added feature of silky-to-the-touch, powdery texture.

     *   DiscCover:  A  peel-and-reveal,  non-encapsulated  sampling system that
         opens and reseals, delivering a quality aroma rendition up to 25 times.
         This  technology is  color-printable,  affixable to nearly any surface,
         including plastic and glass, and can be die-cut in nearly any shape and
         size.

     *   Scent Seal: A heat-sealed,  pouch-like,  pressure-sensitive format that
         peels open to reveal a moist,  wearable gel rendition  that offers both
         an olfactory and on-skin experience.











                                       3

<PAGE>


     *   Fragrance  Burst Perfume Pearls:  A multi-sensory  sampling system that
         features  silky-to-the-touch,  pearlized perfume pearls - formulated of
         85% liquid  perfume oil - that release a wearable  fragrance  rendition
         when "pearls" are touched.

     *   Fragrance Burst and Pearls: Combines the wearable, visible and tangible
         properties  of Perfume  Pearls with the classic,  pull-apart  fragrance
         burst format, delivering an olfactory and on-skin experience.

     *   Microfragrance Scratch `n Sniff: Microfragrance capsules are applied to
         paper or stickers  which  affix to nearly any  surface,  delivering  an
         accurate aroma  rendition when the sampling  system is scratched,  then
         sniffed.

New Products

         Our company has recently  introduced  six innovative new products which
management  believes  can account  for a  significant  portion of our  company's
future sales.  All of these sampling  systems have been designed for U.S. Postal
Service approval for subscription magazine periodical rates.

     *   BeautiSeal: A heat-sealed, pouch-like,  pressure-sensitive format peels
         open to deliver quality  renditions of cream and lotion  treatments and
         liquid  foundations.  BeautiSeal  is hygienic and  spillproof  and less
         expensive and more versatile than existing skincare/foundation sampling
         alternatives.  For example, a two-sided, printed insert incorporating a
         BeautiSeal  sampling system  generally costs less than half that of the
         manufacture and magazine distribution of an equivalent sample packet.

     *   PowdaTouch:  Applies up to four  different  powders on a single carrier
         and is ideal for trial of a single item shade range or a complete color
         story. Delivers a superior rendition of the shade, texture,  finish and
         application of eye shadow,  powder blush, face powder,  bronzer or body
         powder.  Management  estimates that PowdaTouch  sampling systems can be
         produced  approximately  ten  times  faster  than  currently  competing
         products and at a reduced production rate.

     *   LiquaTouch:  Delivers a rendition of finished  fragrance product (e.g.,
         eau de parfum, eau de toilette or after shave), any liquid treatment or
         personal  care  product and  contains  an  applicator.  Available  in a
         pressure sensitive format designed for U.S. Postal Service approval for
         subscription magazine periodical rates, LiquaTouch is also available in
         a  stand-alone  version,  which  is  a  cost-effective  alternative  to
         fragrance vials. In an independent study recently  conducted among male
         consumers of fragrance  products,  LiquaTouch was shown to be preferred
         among  sampling  systems  and was  also a  finalist  for the  Fragrance
         Foundation's 1997 "Innovation of The Year" award.

     *   LipSeal: A  pressure-sensitive  sampling system peels open to deliver a
         superior rendition of lipstick shade, finish and texture in any formula
         including volatile silicones.






                                       4

<PAGE>


     *   TouchDown Nail Color Sampler:  A  pressure-sensitive,  die-cut  sticker
         that  temporarily  "touches down" on the nail,  demonstrating  superior
         rendition of nail enamel shades without marring a manicure.

     *   BeautiTouch   Multi-Well  Sampler:  A   pressure-sensitive   technology
         featuring  multiple,  individually-sealed  wells on a  common  backing,
         which peel open to deliver renditions of liquid foundations,  cream and
         lotion  treatment  and  personal  care items,  lipstick  and  fragrance
         ancillaries.

Formats

         Our company produces a wide and versatile range of formats designed for
U.S. Postal Service  approval for  subscription  magazine  periodical  rates and
which can be incorporated  into almost any print media.  The most common formats
for the our company's products are described below.

         Magazine Inserts:  Magazine inserts are available in half-, full-, two-
and four-page formats, can be die-cut, can contain any of our company's sampling
systems  and are  the  most  commonly  produced  among  our  company's  formats,
accounting for approximately 44% of fiscal 1999 sales.

         Catalog  Inserts:  Full color  formats  can be produced in a variety of
sizes and inserted into retail or mail order  catalogs.  Catalog  inserts can be
produced  with or  without  an  attached  envelope,  which  may be  provided  to
facilitate the return of merchandise  order forms to the store.  Our company has
the ability to create and produce special formats,  to custom imprint with store
information and to incorporate most of our company's sampling systems.

         Remittance  Envelopes:  Remittance  envelopes,  which are inserted into
store  statement  mailings,  can  be  customized  with  a  store  logo  and  can
accommodate  may of our  company's  sampling  systems.  Our  company is the only
company in the sampling industry that can produce remittance envelopes in-house.
Remittance  envelopes  can be produced  with or without our  company's  sampling
systems.  Remittance envelope  production,  which is a highly customized service
business, reinforces our company's position as a fully-integrated enterprise.

         Statement  Enclosures:  Statement  enclosures  are available in various
formats and sizes.  Fragrance statement enclosures may contain a single scent in
their fold, one or two scents under the fragrance  panel, or they may be die-cut
so that the  fragrance  can be  sampled  by  removing  the  desired  die  shape.
Enclosures  are  normally   imprinted  with  store  logo  and  product   pricing
information.  The six inch  format is our  company's  design  and has become the
industry standard.

         Blow-ins:  Blow-ins,  which are available in all formats and sizes, can
accommodate  nearly  all of our  company's  sampling  systems  and  are  loosely
inserted  (blown in) rather  than bound into store  catalogues,  newspapers  and
magazines.

         In-Store  Handouts:  Our  company  has  made  significant  advances  in
replacing  and  expanding  current  methods of in-store  cosmetic and  fragrance





                                       5


<PAGE>


sampling.  Due to  the  lower  cost  and  design  flexibility  of our  company's
products,  marketers  have  expanded  the number and type of in-store  vehicles.
Working in partnership  with our customers,  new and creative  formats have been
developed.  These formats incorporate many of our company's sampling systems and
items such as postcards,  stickers,  wrist bands,  bookmarks and CD inserts. Our
company is also experiencing  significant  in-store business with the LiquaTouch
sampling  system,  as an  alternative  to vials,  and expects  increases for the
BeautiSeal  and  PowdaTouch  sampling  systems  for  trial of shade  ranges  and
formulae.

Patents and Proprietary Technology

         Our company currently holds patents covering the proprietary  processes
used to produce six of its products  and has  submitted  applications  for three
additional manufacturing processes. Our company has six trademarks registered in
the United  States and eight  trademarks  filed and awaiting  registration.  Our
company has also filed and registered trademarks in over 15 countries around the
world, including Europe, Australia, Japan and Brazil. See "--Products."

         Our company has ongoing research efforts and expects to seek additional
patents in the future covering patentable results of such research. There can be
no assurance that any pending patent applications filed by our company:

     *   will  result  in  patents  being  issued  or that  any  patents  now or
         hereafter  owned  by  our  company  will  afford   protection   against
         competitors with similar technology,

     *   will not be infringed upon or designed around by others or

     *   will  not  be   challenged   by  others  and  held  to  be  invalid  or
         unenforceable.

In addition,  many of our company's  manufacturing  processes are not covered by
any patent or patent  application.  As a result, the business of our company may
be adversely  affected by competitors  who  independently  develop  technologies
substantially equivalent to those employed by our company.

Customers

         Our  company  sells  its  products  to  prestige  and  mass   cosmetic,
fragrance,   consumer  products  companies,   department  stores  and  specialty
retailers including Avon Products,  Inc., Calvin Klein Cosmetics (Unilever Plc),
Chanel, Inc., Coty, Inc.,  Cosmair/L'Oreal S.A., Elizabeth Arden (Unilever Plc),
Estee Lauder,  Inc., Giorgio Beverly Hills and The Procter & Gamble Company. Our
company's top ten customers  accounted for  approximately 57% of sales in fiscal
1999. None of our company's  customers,  other than Estee Lauder,  accounted for
10% or more of net sales in fiscal 1999. Our company believes that its technical
expertise,  manufacturing  reliability and customer  support  capabilities  have
enabled it to develop  strong  relationships  with its  customers.  Our  company
employs  sales and  marketing  personnel  who  possess the  requisite  technical
backgrounds to communicate  effectively with both prospective  customers and our
company's manufacturing personnel.  Historically,  our company has had long-term
relationships with its major customers.





                                       6


<PAGE>


Sales and Marketing

         Our company's sales and marketing efforts are organized geographically.
Our company currently has a total of ten sales executives.  The U.S. sales group
consists  of seven  sales  executives  who are  supervised  by the  Senior  Vice
President  of Sales &  Marketing.  The European  sales  executives  are based in
Paris, France and London,  England and are managed by the Senior Vice President,
International,  who is based in Paris, France. Each sales executive is dedicated
to a certain number of identified  customers.  In addition,  these sales efforts
are supported by 15 production  managers/customer  service representatives which
are  based in  Chattanooga,  Tennessee  and  Paris,  France.  A  portion  of the
compensation for sales executives is commission-based.

         Our company's  marketing  activities include direct contact with senior
executives  in the cosmetic and  fragrance  industry,  major support of industry
events,  extensive  joint marketing  programs with magazines,  retailers and oil
houses, press coverage in industry trade publications, trade shows and seminars,
advertising in trade  publications  and  promotional  pieces.  In addition,  our
company  focuses its sales  efforts  toward three  principal  groups  within its
customers'  organizations  that  management  believes  influence the  customers'
purchasing decisions:

     *   marketing,  which selects the sampling  system  technology and controls
         the promotional budget;

     *   product  development,  which  approves our  company's  sampling  system
         rendition and approves stability testing; and

     *   purchasing, which buys the sampling system pieces and controls quality.

Management believes that as the pressure for creativity  increases with each new
product  introduction,  fragrance  marketers are increasingly  looking for their
vendors  to  contribute  to  the  overall  strategy-building  effort  for  a new
fragrance.  Our company's  executives  routinely  introduce new sampling  system
formats  and  ideas  based  on  our  company's  technologies  to  the  marketing
departments  of its  customers.  Our company's  in-house  creative and marketing
expertise and complete product line provides customers with maximum  flexibility
in designing promotional programs.

Manufacturing

         Our company's  manufacturing processes are highly technical and largely
proprietary.  Our company's  sampling  systems must meet  demanding  performance
specifications  regarding  fidelity to the product  being  sampled,  shelf-life,
resistance   to  pressure  and   temperature   variations   and  various   other
requirements. The manufacturing processes can be broken into three phases:

     *   formulation  of  cosmetic  and  fragrance  product  renditions  in  our
         company's slurry laboratories for use in sampling systems;





                                       7

<PAGE>


     *   manufacturing  the  sampler,  which  consists  of  either  printing  an
         encapsulated  slurry  onto  paper or  producing  sampling  labels  that
         contain fragrance or other cosmetic product renditions; and

     *   labeling technologies (DiscCover, Scent Seal, BeautiSeal,  LiquaTouch),
         affixing the labels onto a piece  preprinted  by our company or a third
         party contract supplier.

         Management believes that our company's formulation capabilities are the
best in the  cosmetics  sampling  industry.  The  formulation  process is highly
complex because our company is trying to replicate the fragrance of a product in
a bottle  containing an alcohol  solution  using  primarily  essential  oils and
paper.  Formulation  approval is an interactive  process between our company and
its customers. Our company has more than 125 different, proprietary formulations
that it utilizes in replicating different characteristics of over 500 fragrances
to obtain a  customer-approved  rendition.  Certain  of these  formulations  are
patented  and the  majority  of the  formulation  process is based on unique and
proprietary methods. Formulation of the fragrance and cosmetic product rendition
is performed  under very strict  tolerances  and in complete  conformity  to the
formula  that the  customer  has  preapproved.  Formulation  is conducted in our
company's specially designed formulation laboratories by trained specialists.

         The artwork for all printed  pieces has typically been furnished by the
customer  or its  advertising  agency.  Our  company's  prepress  department  is
currently  being  converted to state-of  -the-art  technology  by utilizing  the
receipt of customer-supplied computer disks and producing this material directly
on to plates.  Our company has the  capability  to produce high quality  printed
materials,  including the covers of major fashion magazines,  in connection with
fragrance sampling systems.

         Our  company  has  two  different  sampling   component   manufacturing
processes: (1) for its formulated offset paper samplers (ScentStrip,  ScentStrip
Plus, PowdaTouch) and (2) for its formulated letterpress or flexo label samplers
(DiscCover, Scent Seal, BeautiSeal,  LiquaTouch).  Formulated paper samplers are
produced in our company's  primary facility where our company  carefully applies
microencapsulated  slurry onto the paper during the  printing  process and, in a
continuous in-line operation,  folds, cuts and trims the samplers for packing. A
24-hour quality control function and hourly  accountability  provide significant
value to the product development  personnel at our company's customers,  who are
responsible for sample quality.

         All  sampling in a label form is produced on specially  modified  label
and finishing  equipment in our company's  second  facility.  In addition to the
patents pending on certain of its  manufacturing  processes,  our company uses a
number of proprietary  techniques in producing  label  samplers.  Similar to the
formulated paper  operation,  sampling  quality control  personnel  evaluate all
samples by roll and provide full accountability for our company's production.

         Our company also has  agreements  with certain  European and Australian
printers and labelers which produce some  quantities  for global  customers that
require  foreign  distribution.  Each of these  arrangements  are  protected  by
non-competition agreements.





                                       8

<PAGE>


         Our company was recently  awarded The Proctor & Gamble  Pinnacle  Award
which is presented to companies as  recognition  for having met certain  quality
requirements and having demonstrated  outstanding quality assurance. Our company
is currently  pursuing U.S. Food and Drug  Administration  approval  required by
other potential new customers.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

         Generally,  the raw materials used by our company in the  manufacturing
of its products have been readily  available  from  numerous  suppliers and have
been  purchased  by  our  company  at  prices  that  our  company  believes  are
competitive.  Our company's  encapsulated paper products utilize specific grades
of paper that are subject to comprehensive  evaluation and  certification by our
company for quality,  consistency  and fit. Our company has not  experienced any
material supply shortages in the past, nor are any anticipated.

Competition

         Our  company's  competitors,  some of whom have  substantially  greater
capital  resources  than our  company,  are  actively  engaged in  manufacturing
certain  products  similar to, or in  competition  with,  those of our  company.
Competition  in our  company's  markets is based upon product  quality,  product
technologies,  customer relationships, price and customer service. Our company's
principal  competitors in the printed fragrance  sampler market are Webcraft,  a
subsidiary of Big Flower Holdings, Inc., Orlandi Inc., Nord'est, Marietta Corp.,
Klocke,  Color  Prelude,  Rotocon,  Ascent and  Appliquesence.  Our company also
competes with numerous  manufacturers of miniatures,  vials,  packets,  sachets,
blisterpacks  and scratch and sniff  products.  In addition,  certain  cosmetics
companies produce sampling products for their own cosmetic products.

Environmental and Safety Regulation

         Our company's  operations are subject to extensive laws and regulations
relating to the storagage,  handling, emission,  transportation and discharge of
materials into the  environment  and the  maintenance of safe  conditions in the
workplace.  Our  company's  policy is to comply with all legal  requirements  of
applicable  environmental,  health and safety laws and regulations.  Our company
believes  that  it is in  general  compliance  with  such  requirements  and has
adequate  professional  staff and  systems  in place to  remain  in  compliance,
although there can be no assurances that this is the case. Our company considers
costs for  environmental  compliance  to be a normal cost of doing  business and
includes such costs in pricing decisions.

Employees

         As of August 31, 1999, our company employed 377 persons, which included
240 hourly and 137 salaried and management  personnel.  Substantially all of our
company's  hourly  employees  are  represented  by the  Graphics  Communications
International Union (GCIU) local 197-M.  Management considers its relations with
the union to be good.  The current  union  contract was signed in April 1999 and
will be in effect through March 31, 2003.






                                       9
<PAGE>



                                  RISK FACTORS

Substantial Leverage;  Restrictive Covenants - Our substantial  indebtedness and
restrictive  covenants imposed by the terms of our indebtedness  could adversely
affect the financial  health of our company and prevent us from  fulfilling  our
obligations under our notes and debentures.

         Our company has substantial  indebtedness and debt service obligations.
As of June 30,  1999,  Holding and AKI had total  consolidated  indebtedness  of
approximately  $146.7  million and $117.0  million,  respectively.  In addition,
Holding's and AKI's deficiency of earnings  available to cover fixed charges for
fiscal 1999,  was $5.5 million and $1.7 million,  respectively.  As of September
20, 1999,  AKI had letters of credit  outstanding  in the amount of $0.6 million
and outstanding borrowings of $16.3 million under its revolving credit agreement
with Heller Financial,  Inc. In addition,  as of such date,  borrowings of up to
approximately $3.1 million were available under the credit agreement, subject to
specified conditions.  The indenture governing Holding's 13 1/2% Senior Discount
Debentures due 2009 and the indenture  governing  AKI's 10 1/2% Senior Notes due
2008 and the credit agreement permit our company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
(as defined in the indentures),  in each case, to incur additional  indebtedness
if we meet specified requirements.

         The  level  of  our  company's   indebtedness   could  have   important
consequences  to holders  of the notes and the  debentures,  including,  but not
limited to, the following:

     *   a substantial portion of cash flow from operations must be dedicated to
         debt service and will not be available for other purposes;

     *   additional  debt financing in the future for working  capital,  capital
         expenditures or acquisitions may be limited;

     *   the level of  indebtedness  could  limit  flexibility  in  reacting  to
         changes in the operating environment and economic conditions generally;

     *   the level of  indebtedness  could  restrict  our  company's  ability to
         increase manufacturing capacity;

     *   our company may face  difficulties in satisfying its  obligations  with
         respect to its indebtedness; and

     *   a portion of our company's  borrowings  bear interest at variable rates
         of interest, which could result in higher interest expense in the event
         of an increase in market interest rates.

         The indentures and the credit agreement  contain  covenants that, among
other things,  limit the ability of our company and its Restricted  Subsidiaries
to:

     *   pay dividends or make certain restricted payments;





                                       10

<PAGE>


     *   incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock;

     *   create liens;

     *   incur dividend and other payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries;

     *   enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all
         of the assets of our company;

     *   enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and

     *   sell certain assets.

In addition,  the credit  agreement  requires our company to maintain  specified
financial ratios and satisfy specified  financial condition tests. Our company's
ability  to meet those  financial  ratios  and tests can be  affected  by events
beyond its  control,  and there can be no  assurance  that our company will meet
those tests.

Ability to Service Debt - To service our company's  indebtedness we will require
a  significant  amount of cash.  Our  ability to generate  cash  depends on many
factors beyond our control.

         The ability of our company to pay  principal  and interest on the notes
or principal on the  debentures and to satisfy its other debt  obligations  will
depend  upon  AKI's  future  operating   performance.   AKI's  future  operating
performance  will be affected by prevailing  economic  conditions and financial,
business and other factors,  which factors may be beyond our company's  control,
as well as the  availability  of revolving  credit  borrowings  under the credit
agreement.  Our company  anticipates that its operating cash flow, together with
borrowings under the credit agreement,  will be sufficient to meet its operating
expenses and to service its debt  requirements as they become due.  However,  if
our company is unable to service its  indebtedness,  our company may be required
to take  action  such as reducing  or  delaying  capital  expenditures,  selling
assets,  restructuring  or refinancing its  indebtedness  or seeking  additional
equity  capital.  There can be no  assurance  that any of these  remedies can be
effected on satisfactory terms, if at all.

Holding Company Structure - Holding's  debentures are structurally  subordinated
to indebtedness of its subsidiaries.

         Holding is a holding company and does not have any material  operations
or assets other than ownership of all of the capital stock of AKI.  Accordingly,
its  debentures  will be  effectively  subordinated  to all  existing and future
liabilities of Holding's  subsidiaries,  including indebtedness under the credit
agreement  and AKI's notes.  As of June 30,  1999,  Holding's  subsidiaries  had
$117.0  million  of  indebtedness   and  $17.1  million  of  other   outstanding
liabilities (including trade payables,  accrued liabilities and deferred taxes).
As of September  20,  1999,  AKI also had letters of credit  outstanding  in the
amount of $0.6 million and  outstanding  borrowings  of $16.3  million under the





                                       11
<PAGE>


credit  agreement.   In  addition,   as  of  such  date,  borrowings  of  up  to
approximately $3.1 million were available under the credit agreement, subject to
specified  conditions.  All such  indebtedness  effectively  ranks senior to the
debentures. At June 30, 1999, Holding had no outstanding indebtedness other than
the debentures.  Holding and its subsidiaries may incur additional  indebtedness
in the future, subject to the limitations contained in the instruments governing
their indebtedness.

         Any right of Holding to  participate in any  distribution  of assets of
its subsidiaries upon the liquidation,  reorganization or insolvency of any such
subsidiary  (and  the  consequent  right of the  holders  of the  debentures  to
participate  in the  distribution  of those assets) will be subject to the prior
claims of the respective subsidiary's creditors.

Limitation  on the Payment of Funds to Holding by its  Subsidiaries  - Holding's
ability to repay its  debentures  may depend on its  ability to raise cash other
than through its subsidiaries.

         Holding's  cash flow,  and  consequently  its ability to service  debt,
including its obligations under its debentures, is dependent upon the cash flows
of its subsidiaries and the payment of funds by such  subsidiaries to Holding in
the form of  loans,  dividends  or  otherwise.  Holding's  subsidiaries  have no
obligations,  contingent  or  otherwise,  to pay any amounts due pursuant to the
debentures  or to make any funds  available  for payment of the  debentures.  In
addition,  AKI's credit agreement and its note indenture impose,  and agreements
entered into in the future may impose,  significant  restrictions on the payment
of  dividends  and the making of loans by AKI and its  subsidiaries  to Holding.
Accordingly,  repayment of the debentures may depend upon the ability of Holding
to effect an equity offering or to refinance the debentures.

Effective  Subordination;  Assets  Subject to Security  Interest - Your right to
receive  payments  on the notes and  debentures  is junior to our  existing  and
future secured indebtedness.

         Under the terms of the credit agreement,  Heller  Financial,  Inc., the
lender under the credit agreement,  has a security interest in substantially all
of the  current and future  assets of AKI.  In the event of a default  under the
credit agreement, whether as a result of the failure to comply with a payment or
other  covenant,  a  cross-default  or otherwise,  such lender will have a prior
secured  claim on the  capital  stock of AKI and the  encumbered  assets  of our
company. As a result, the encumbered assets of our company would be available to
pay obligations on the notes and the debentures only after  borrowings under the
credit agreement and any other secured  indebtedness  have been paid in full. If
the  lender  should  attempt  to  foreclose  on its  collateral,  our  company's
financial  condition  and the  value of the  debentures  and the  notes  will be
materially adversely affected and could be eliminated. As of September 20, 1999,
AKI had  letters  of  credit  outstanding  in the  amount  of $0.6  million  and
outstanding borrowings of $16.3 million under the credit agreement. In addition,
as of such date,  borrowings of up to approximately  $3.1 million were available
under the credit agreement, subject to specified conditions.












                                       12


<PAGE>


Postal  Regulation - Our results of operations could be adversely  affected by a
change in the U.S. Postal Service  classification of our sampling systems or the
sampling products of our competitors.

         Our company's  sampling systems are approved by the U.S. Postal Service
for inclusion in subscription  magazines mailed at periodical postage rates. Our
company's  sampling  systems  have a  significant  cost  advantage  over certain
competing sampling products, such as miniatures,  vials, packettes,  sachets and
blisterpacks,  because such competing products cause an increase from periodical
postage  rates  to the  higher  third-class  rates  for  the  magazine's  entire
circulation.  Subscription  magazine  sampling  inserts  delivered  to consumers
through the U.S. Postal Service accounted for approximately 36% of our company's
net sales in fiscal 1999. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Postal Service
will  not  approve  other  competing  types  of  sampling  systems  for  use  in
subscription  magazines without  requiring a postal surcharge,  or that the U.S.
Postal Service will not reclassify our company's sampling systems such that they
would incur a postal surcharge. Any such action by the U.S. Postal Service could
have a  material  adverse  effect on our  company's  results of  operations  and
financial condition.

Reliance Upon  Significant  Customers - Our company  relies on a small number of
customers for a large portion of its revenues.

         Our  company's  top  ten  customers  by  sales  revenue  accounted  for
approximately  57% of our  company's  net  sales  in  fiscal  1999.  None of our
company's  customers  other than Estee Lauder  accounted  for 10% or more of net
sales in fiscal 1999.  Although our company has  long-established  relationships
with most of its major customers,  our company does not have long-term contracts
with any of its  customers.  Our company may be  required by some  customers  to
qualify its manufacturing operations under certain supplier standards. There can
be no  assurance  that our company will be able to qualify  under such  supplier
standards or that such customers will continue to purchase sampling systems from
our company if our company's  manufacturing  operations are not so qualified. An
adverse change in its relationships with significant customers,  including Estee
Lauder,  could  have a  material  adverse  effect on our  company's  results  of
operations and financial condition.

Competition - Our ability to compete with other companies  depends,  in part, on
our ability to meet customer needs on a  cost-effective  and timely basis and to
protect our proprietary technology.

         Our  company's  competitors,  some of whom have  substantially  greater
capital  resources  than our  company,  are  actively  engaged in  manufacturing
certain  products  similar  to those of our  company.  Our  company's  principal
competitors in the cosmetic  sampling  market are Webcraft,  a subsidiary of Big
Flower Holdings,  Inc., Orlandi Inc.,  Nord'est,  Marietta Corp.,  Klocke, Color
Prelude,  Rotocon,  Ascent and  Appliquessence.  Our company also  competes with
numerous manufacturers of miniatures, vials, packettes,  sachets,  blisterpacks,
and scratch and sniff products. In addition,  certain cosmetic companies produce
sampling products for their own cosmetic products.  Competition in our company's
market  is  based  upon  product   quality,   product   technologies,   customer
relationships,  price and customer service.  The future success of our company's
business  will depend in large part upon its  ability to market and  manufacture
products and services that meet customer  needs on a  cost-effective  and timely


                                       13
<PAGE>


basis.  There can be no  assurance  that  capital  will be  available  for these
purposes,  that investments in new technology will result in commercially viable
products  or that  our  company  will  be  successful  in  generating  sales  on
commercially favorable terms, if at all.

         In addition,  our company's success,  competitive position and revenues
will depend,  in part, upon its ability to protect its proprietary  technologies
and to operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of others.  Although
our company has certain patents and has filed,  and expects to continue to file,
other patent  applications,  there can be no assurance that our company's issued
patents are enforceable or that its patent  applications will mature into issued
patents.  The expense involved in litigation  regarding  patent  protection or a
challenge  thereto has been and could be significant and any future expense,  if
any,   cannot  be  estimated  by  our  company.   A  portion  of  our  company's
manufacturing processes are not covered by any patent or patent application.  As
a result,  the business of our company may be adversely  affected by competitors
who  independently  develop  technologies   substantially  equivalent  to  those
employed by our company.

Dependence on Fragrance Industry;  Seasonality - Our business is affected by the
advertising budgets of our customers and is seasonal in nature.

         The advertising budgets of our company's  customers,  and therefore the
revenues of our  company,  are  susceptible  to  prevailing  economic and market
conditions that affect advertising expenditures, the performance of the products
of our company's  customers in the marketplace and certain other factors.  There
can be no assurance  that  reductions  in  advertising  spending will not occur,
which  could  have a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  company's  results  of
operations and financial condition.

         In  addition,   our  company's   sales  and   operating   results  have
historically  reflected seasonal variations.  Such seasonal variations are based
on the timing of our  company's  customers'  advertising  campaigns,  which have
traditionally  been  concentrated  prior to the  Christmas  and  spring  holiday
seasons.  As a result,  a higher level of sales are  reflected in our  company's
first two fiscal  quarters  ended  December 31 when sales from such  advertising
campaigns are principally  recognized  while our company's fourth fiscal quarter
ended June 30  typically  reflects  the lowest  sales level of the fiscal  year.
These  seasonal  fluctuations  require our company to  accurately  allocate  its
resources to manage our company's manufacturing  capacity,  which often operates
at full capacity during peak seasonal demand periods.

Availability  of  Raw  Materials  - Our  results  of  operations  and  financial
condition may be adversely affected by an increase in paper prices or a decrease
in paper supply.

         Paper is the primary raw material  utilized by our company in producing
its sampling systems. Paper costs represented approximately 30% of our company's
cost of goods sold in each of fiscal 1997, 1998 and 1999.  Significant increases
in paper costs could have a material adverse effect on our company's  results of
operations  and financial  condition to the extent that our company is unable to




                                       14


<PAGE>


price its products to reflect such increases. There can be no assurance that our
company's  customers  would  accept such price  increases or the extent to which
such price  increases  would  impact  their  decision to utilize  our  company's
sampling systems.

         All of our company's encapsulated sampling systems, which accounted for
approximately  62% of our company's net sales in fiscal 1999,  utilize  specific
grades of paper that are subject to comprehensive  evaluation and  certification
by our company for  quality,  consistency  and fit.  Our  company  continues  to
research methods of replicating the advantages of these specific grades of paper
with other available grades of paper.  Until such methods are developed,  a loss
of such supply of paper could have a material  adverse  effect on our  company's
results of operations and financial  condition to the extent that our company is
unable to obtain such paper elsewhere.

Risks of International Operations;  Currency Fluctuations - Our company receives
a portion of its revenue from foreign countries which is subject to foreign laws
and regulations and political and economic events.

         Approximately  20% of our  company's  net  sales in  fiscal  1999  were
generated outside the United States.  Foreign  operations are subject to certain
risks inherent in conducting business abroad, including,  among others, exposure
to foreign  currency  fluctuations  and  devaluations  or  restrictions on money
supplies,  foreign and  domestic  export law and  regulations,  price  controls,
taxation, tariffs, import restrictions,  and other political and economic events
beyond our  company's  control.  Our company has not  experienced  any  material
effects of these risks as of yet, but there can be no  assurance  that they will
not have such an effect in the future.

Control by DLJMBII; Conflicts of Interest - Our company is controlled by DLJMBII
whose  interests may conflict with the interests of the holders of the notes and
debentures.

         DLJMBII  has  the  power  to  elect  a  majority  of the  directors  of
Acquisition Corp. and generally  exercises  control over the business,  policies
and affairs of Acquisition Corp.,  Holding, AKI and its subsidiaries through its
ownership  of  Acquisition  Corp.  DLJMBII may have  interests  that could be in
conflict  with  those of the  holders  of notes or the  debentures  and may take
actions  that  adversely  affect the  interests  of the holders of the notes and
debentures.

Labor Relations;  Expiration of Collective  Bargaining Agreement - Our company's
business may be adversely affected by a labor dispute.

         As of August 31, 1999,  approximately  64% of our  company's  employees
worked under a collective  bargaining  agreement that expires on March 31, 2003.
While our company believes that its relations with its employees are good, there
can be no assurance that our company's  collective  bargaining agreement will be
renewed in the future.  A prolonged  labor  dispute  (which could include a work
stoppage)  could  have a  material  adverse  effect on our  company's  business,
financial condition and results of operations.












                                       15

<PAGE>



Year 2000 Issues - Year 2000 problems could affect our day-to-day operations and
cause significant economic liabilities.

         Our  company  evaluated  its  information  technology  systems  and its
non-information  technology systems in order to assess its exposure to Year 2000
issues.  Our company expects to make the necessary  modifications  or changes to
its information systems to enable proper processing of transactions  relating to
the Year 2000 and  beyond  before  January  1,  2000.  While our  company is not
substantially  dependent  upon the proper  function of its computer  systems,  a
failure of its systems could cause, among other things, inaccurate or incomplete
accounting,  the  inability  to bill  customers  and the  inability  to  process
incoming  orders which may cause  business  interruption  or financial  loss. If
third parties with whom our company  interacts have Year 2000 problems which are
not resolved,  our company could experience,  among other things, the disruption
of services  including  telecommunications  and electrical power or financial or
accounting difficulties.  Our company currently estimates that the total cost of
Year 2000 compliance will be less than $100,000.  There can be no assurance that
our  company's  Year 2000 program will be effective or that our company will not
experience disruption or difficulties resulting from Year 2000 problems of third
parties.  See "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations--Year 2000 Issues."

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

         Our company owns land and buildings in Chattanooga,  Tennessee that are
used for production,  administration  and warehousing.  Our company's  executive
offices and primary  facility at 1815 East Main Street are located on 2.55 acres
and encloses approximately 67,900 square feet. A second facility housing product
development  and  additional  manufacturing  areas at 1600 East  Main  Street is
located three blocks away on 2.49 acres and encloses approximately 36,700 square
feet.  Our  company  also  leases a third  facility  at 3501 St.  Elmo Avenue in
Chattanooga,  Tennessee  which  is used for  production  and  warehousing.  This
facility  is located on 1.875 acres and  encloses  approximately  29,500  square
feet.

         Our  company  currently  has a  number  of web  printing  presses  with
multi-color  capability  as  well  as  envelope-converting  machines  and  other
ancillary  equipment.  Our company operates a fully equipped  production lab for
the manufacture of  microcapsules  and slurry and separate  laboratories for our
company's   Encapsulated  Products  Division  and  our  company's  research  and
development  facility.  Our company also has a fully staffed and equipped  label
manufacturing  facility,  which includes  state-of-the-art  label  manufacturing
machines that have been specially modified to produce our company's products and
a complete label attaching  operation.  Our company also leases sales offices in
New York, New York, Paris, France and London, England.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         Our  company  does  not  believe  that  there  are  any  pending  legal
proceedings that, if adversely determined,  would have a material adverse effect
on the financial  condition or results of operations of our company,  taken as a
whole.





                                       16


<PAGE>



ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

         No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders of Holding during
the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.


                                     PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

         There is no  established  public  trading market for Holding's or AKI's
common stock. As of September 27, 1999, Acquisition Corp. was the sole holder of
record of  Holding's  common  stock and Holding was the sole holder of record of
AKI's common stock.  Generally,  neither  Holding nor AKI pays  dividends on its
shares of common  stock and neither  expects to pay  dividends  on its shares of
common stock in the foreseeable  future. The debentures contain  restrictions on
Holding's ability to pay dividends on its common stock. The notes and the credit
agreement  contain  restrictions on AKI's ability to pay dividends on its common
stock.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

         The selected historical  consolidated financial data presented below as
of June 30, 1995,  1996 and 1997,  December  15, 1997,  and for the fiscal years
ended June 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the periods from July 1, 1997 to December
15, 1997 have been derived from the historical consolidated financial statements
of Arcade Holding  Corporation,  the  predecessor  to our company.  The selected
historical  consolidated  financial data presented below as of June 30, 1998 and
1999 and for the period  from  December  16,  1997 to June 30, 1998 and the year
ended June 30, 1999 have been derived from the historical consolidated financial
statements  of our company.  The  information  contained in this table should be
read in  conjunction  with  "Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations," and our company's  Consolidated  Financial
Statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.


























                                       17

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                        Predecessor                                    Holding
                                                        -----------                                    -------
                                                                              July 1, 1997      December
                                        Fiscal year ended June 30,                 to          16, 1997 to
                                                                              December 15,      June 30,      June 30,
                                   1995            1996           1997            1997            1998          1999
                                   ----            ----           ----            ----            ----          ----
<S>                            <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales                      $  61,794      $   73,486     $   77,723      $   35,186       $   36,066     $ 85,967
Cost of goods sold                38,333          49,862         49,467          22,809           24,518       55,199
                               ---------      ----------     ----------      ----------       ----------     --------
Gross profit                      23,461          23,624         28,256          12,377           11,548       30,768
Selling, general and
administrative expenses            8,483          10,635         13,333           5,703            5,587       14,500
Amortization of goodwill           1,113           1,234          1,234             568            2,101        4,606
                               ---------      -----------     ----------     ----------       ----------     --------
Income from operations            13,865          11,755         13,689           6,106            3,860       11,662
Interest expense, net              6,170           6,762          6,203           2,646           11,327       16,740
Fees to stockholders                 470             470            470             215              125          250
Other, net                           (22)            244           (101)             11              (47)         128
Income tax expense (benefit)       3,114           2,101          3,135           1,441           (2,052)        (340)
                               ---------      ----------      -----------    ----------       ----------     --------

Net income (loss)              $   4,133      $    2,178      $    3,982     $    1,793       $   (5,493)    $ (5,116)
                               =========      ==========      ==========     ==========       ==========     ========

Balance Sheet Data (at end
of period):
Cash and cash equivalents      $   4,196      $      626      $      303     $    4,481       $    3,842     $  7,015
Working capital (deficit)             39          (4,685)        (36,957)        (4,959)          15,046       14,853
Total Assets                      85,695          82,395          77,142         77,399          214,521      213,579
Total debt and redeemable
preferred stock                   64,655          60,736          54,964         55,408          144,448      146,688
Total stockholder's equity         6,572           7,932          11,225         12,716           57,084       49,797

Other Data:
Capital expenditures               1,325           2,051           2,462            807              514        2,856
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges                              2.2x            1.6x            2.1x           2.2x             ---          ---

</TABLE>

_____________________
(1)  For  purposes  of  calculating  the  ratio of  earnings  to fixed  charges,
     "earnings"  represent income (loss) before income taxes plus fixed charges.
     "Fixed charges" consist of interest on all indebtedness and amortization of
     deferred  financing  costs.  Earnings  were not  sufficient  to cover fixed
     charges by $7,545 and $5,456 for the periods from December 16, 1997 to June
     30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

General

         The sales of our company are derived from the sale of sampling  systems
to cosmetics and consumer products companies. Substantially all of our company's
sales are made directly to its customers  while a small portion are made through
advertising agencies.  Each customer's sampling program is unique and pricing is
negotiated  based on  estimated  costs plus a margin.  While our company and its
customers generally do not enter into long-term  contracts,  our company has had
long-standing  relationships  with  the  majority  of  its  customer  base.  The
introduction of our company's new products,  such as BeautiSeal,  PowdaTouch and
LiquaTouch,  has affected our company's results of operations for certain of the
periods discussed below.




                                       18


<PAGE>


The Acquisition

         DLJMBII and certain members of our company's management organized AHC I
Merger  Corp.  for  purposes  of  acquiring  Arcade  Holding  Corporation,   our
predecessor.  On December 15, 1997, the merger  corporation  acquired all of the
equity interests of the predecessor  corporation (the  "Acquisition") for $205.7
million  (including  related  fees,  expenses  and  cash for  working  capital).
Included in the total cost of the Acquisition were approximately $6.2 million in
non-cash costs  comprised of (1) the  assumption of a promissory  note issued by
the  predecessor  corporation in connection  with the 1995  acquisition of Scent
Seal, Inc. and certain  capital lease  obligations and (2) the exchange of stock
options  to  acquire  common  stock  in  the  predecessor   corporation  by  the
predecessor  corporation's  chief  executive  officer  for an option to  acquire
preferred stock in Acquisition Corp.

         To  provide  the  $199.5   million  of  cash   necessary  to  fund  the
Acquisition,  including  the equity  purchase  price and the  retirement  of all
previously existing preferred stock and debt of the predecessor  corporation not
assumed,  (1)  the  merger  corporation  issued  $123.5  million  of its  Senior
Increasing Rate Notes to Scratch & Sniff Funding, Inc., an affiliate of DLJMBII,
and (2)  Acquisition  Corp.  received $76.0 million from debt and equity (common
and preferred) financings,  including equity investments by certain stockholders
of the predecessor corporation, which was contributed to the merger corporation.
Immediately  following the Acquisition,  the merger  corporation merged with and
into the predecessor  corporation and the combined entity assumed the name "AKI,
Inc."  Acquisition  Corp.  then  contributed $1 of cash and all of its ownership
interest in AKI to Holding for 1,000 shares of Holding's common stock.

         The merger corporation's senior increasing rate notes were subsequently
repaid on June 25, 1998 from the proceeds of AKI's issuance of $115.0 million of
AKI's notes and from a capital  contribution  from  Holding.  On June 25,  1998,
Holding  issued and sold its  debentures  totaling  $50.0  million in  aggregate
principal  amount at maturity for gross proceeds of $26.0 million,  the majority
of which were used to fund Holding's equity contribution to AKI.

         The  Acquisition  was  accounted  for  using  the  purchase  method  of
accounting  and resulted in the  recognition of $153.9 million of goodwill and a
significant increase in amortization expense.

3M Acquisition

         On June 22, 1998,  we acquired the fragrance  sampling  business of the
Industrial and Consumer  Products division of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
Company  (3M) for $7.25  million in cash and the  assumption  of a liability  of
$182,000 to one of the  customers of the business.  Our company  financed the 3M
acquisition  with borrowings  under the credit  agreement.  Such borrowings were
subsequently repaid.

RetCom Acquisition

         On September  15, 1999,  we acquired all of the issued and  outstanding
shares  of  capital  stock  of  RetCom  Holdings  Ltd.  at a  purchase  price of



                                       19

<PAGE>


approximately  $12.2 million and  refinanced  working  capital  indebtedness  of
approximately  $5.1 million of RetCom  Holdings Ltd. and its  subsidiaries.  The
purchase  price and  refinancing  of  indebtedness  were  initially  financed by
borrowings under the credit agreement. See "--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Results of Operations

         For purposes of the following discussion, the results of operations for
the year  ended  June  30,  1998  reflect  the  combination  of the  results  of
operations of the  predecessor  corporation  for the period July 1, 1997 through
December 15, 1997, the date of the  Acquisition,  with the results of operations
of our company for the period  December 16, 1997  through June 30, 1998.  Due to
the effects of purchase accounting applied in the Acquisition and the additional
interest  expense  associated with the debt incurred to finance the Acquisition,
the results of operations  of our company are not  comparable in all respects to
the results of operations of the predecessor corporation.

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1999 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1998

         Net Sales.  Net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999 increased
$14.7 million,  or 20.6%,  to $86.0 million as compared to $71.3 million for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1998.  The increase was primarily  attributable  to a
$9.1 million increase in domestic sales of cosmetic sampling products,  the $5.7
million  growth of our  company's  European  revenues and  increases in sales of
consumer product samples, offset by decreases in sales to the domestic fragrance
industry.

         Gross  Profit.  Gross  profit for the fiscal  year ended June 30,  1999
increased $6.9 million,  or 28.9%, to $30.8 million as compared to $23.9 million
for fiscal year ended June 30, 1998.  Gross profit as a percentage  of net sales
increased  to 35.8% in the fiscal  year ended June 30,  1999,  from 33.5% in the
fiscal year ended June 30,  1998.  The increase in gross profit and gross profit
as a percentage  of net sales is primarily  attributable  to the increase in net
sales discussed above and reductions in raw material costs, offset by a decrease
in certain  fragrance samples pricing,  changes in product sales mix,  increased
costs associated with the outsourcing of European production and increased costs
associated with the initial production runs of certain customer products.

         Selling,  General and  Administrative  Expenses.  Selling,  general and
administrative  expenses for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999  increased $3.2
million,  or 28.3% to $14.5  million as compared to $11.3 million for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1998.  The increase in selling,  general and  administrative
expenses was  primarily  due to severance  charges  related to former  executive
officers,  changes in  executive  compensation  following  the  Acquisition  and
increased  sales staffing and  commissions  related to the increase in net sales
and costs associated with the transition of the 3M acquisition, offset partially
by reduced advertising  expenditures and staff reductions.  As a result of these
factors,  selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales
increased  to 16.9% in the fiscal  year  ended  June 30,  1999 from 15.8% in the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1998.








                                       20

<PAGE>


         Income  from  Operations.  Income from  operations  for the fiscal year
ended June 30,  1999  increased  $1.7  million,  or 17.0%,  to $11.7  million as
compared to $10.0  million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998.  Income from
operations  as a percentage  of net sales  decreased to 13.6% in the fiscal year
ended  June 30,  1999  from  14.0%  in the  fiscal  year  ended  June 30,  1998,
principally  as a result of the increase in  amortization  of goodwill and other
intangibles  resulting  from  the  Acquisition  and the 3M  acquisition  and the
factors described above.

         Interest  Expense.  Interest expense for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1999  increased $2.7 million,  or 19.3% to $16.7  million,  as compared to $14.0
million  for the  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1998.  Interest  expense  as a
percentage  of net sales  decreased  to 19.4% in the fiscal  year ended June 30,
1999 from 19.6% in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998. The increase in interest
expense is due to the increased indebtedness as a result of the recapitalization
of our  company in  connection  with the  Acquisition,  partially  offset by the
refinancing of the merger  corporation's  senior  increasing rate notes with the
notes and debentures.

         Interest  expense  for AKI for the  fiscal  year  ended  June 30,  1999
decreased $0.9 million,  or 6.5%, to $13.0 million, as compared to $13.9 million
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998. Interest expense as a percentage of net
sales  decreased  to 15.1% in the fiscal  year ended June 30, 1999 from 19.5% in
the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998. The decrease in interest  expense is due to
the  decreased  indebtedness  as a  result  of the  refinancing  of  the  merger
corporation's  senior  increasing rate notes with the notes and Holding's equity
contribution to AKI partially offset by the recapitalization of AKI.

         Management Fees and Other, Net.  Management fees and other, net for the
fiscal  year ended June 30, 1999 were $0.4  million as compared to $0.3  million
for the fiscal year ended June 30,  1998.  Management  fees and other,  net as a
percentage of net sales were relatively constant for the fiscal years ended June
30, 1999 and 1998.

         Income Tax  Expense.  The income tax  benefit for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1999  decreased  $0.3  million to ($0.3)  million as compared to ($0.6)
million  for the fiscal  year ended June 30,  1998.  The  decrease is due to the
increase in non-deductible  goodwill amortization and non-deductible  portion of
the interest  expense on the debentures,  offset  partially by the increased net
loss before income taxes as a result of the factors described above.

         Income  tax  expense  for AKI for the fiscal  year ended June 30,  1999
increased  $1.4  million to $0.8  million as compared to ($0.6)  million for the
fiscal year ended June 30,  1998.  The  increase is due to the  decrease in loss
before income taxes as a result of the factors  described  above and increase in
non-deductible goodwill amortization.

         EBITDA.  EBITDA for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, increased $3.7
million,  or 22.6%, to $20.1 million as compared to $16.4 million for the fiscal
year ended  June 30,  1998,  principally  as a result of the  factors  described
above.  EBITDA is income from operations plus  depreciation  and amortization of
goodwill and other intangibles.





                                       21

<PAGE>


Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1998 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 1997

         Net Sales. Net Sales for fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 decreased $6.4
million,  or 8.2%, to $71.3 million as compared to $77.7 million for fiscal year
ended June 30, 1997.  The majority of this  decrease was  attributable  to three
core  customers'  advertising  decreases  on new product  launches  and existing
products as a result of a management restructuring at two of these customers and
the sale of one of them. In addition  there was a decrease in domestic  sales of
products for  fragrance  sampling.  These  decreases  were  partially  offset by
increased  domestic and European sales of sampling  products to other categories
of the cosmetics  industry as well as increased  sales to the consumer  products
market.

         Gross  Profit.  Gross  profit  for  fiscal  year  ended  June 30,  1998
decreased $4.4 million,  or 15.5%, to $23.9 million as compared to $28.3 million
for fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.  Gross profit as a percentage of nets sales
decreased  to 33.5% in fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 from 36.4% in fiscal year
ended June 30, 1997. The gross profit decline was primarily  attributable to the
absorption of fixed overhead,  depreciation costs and equipment  reconfiguration
costs created by shorter production runs due to lower volume and the increase in
cost of goods sold in the period subsequent to the Acquisition from the write-up
of inventory in purchase accounting.

         Selling,  General and  Administrative  Expenses.  Selling,  general and
administrative  expenses  for fiscal  year ended June 30,  1998  decreased  $2.1
million or 15.7%,  to $11.3 million as compared to $13.4 million for fiscal year
ended June 30,  1997.  The  decrease  in  selling,  general  and  administrative
expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in sales commissions resulting
from the  decreased  level of sales and a decrease in legal costs related to our
company's pursuit of a patent  infringement  claim in fiscal year ended June 30,
1997. In addition,  our company also had decreased expenses in fiscal year ended
June  30,  1998  versus   fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1997  related  to  the
consolidation of certain acquired  technologies and certain expenses relating to
reorganizing the management structure at our company's European subsidiary. As a
result of these  factors,  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses as a
percentage  of net sales  decreased  to 15.8% in fiscal year ended June 30, 1998
from 17.2% in fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.

         Income from  Operations.  Income from  operations for fiscal year ended
June 30, 1998 decreased $3.7 million,  or 27.0%, to $10.0 million as compared to
$13.7 million for fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.  Income from  operations as a
percentage  of net sales  decreased  to 14.0% in fiscal year ended June 30, 1998
from 17.6% in fiscal  year ended June 30,  1997  principally  as a result of the
factors  described above and the increase in amortization of goodwill  resulting
from the Acquisition.

         Interest Expense.  Interest expense for fiscal year ended June 30, 1998
increased  $7.8 million,  or 125.8% to $14.0 million as compared to $6.2 million
for fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.  Interest  expense as a  percentage  of net
sales  increased to 19.6% in fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 from 8.0% in fiscal
year ended June 30, 1997.  The  increase in interest  expense is a result of the
refinancing of our company in connection with the Acquisition.







                                       22

<PAGE>


         Interest  expense for AKI for fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 increased
$7.7 million,  or 124.2% to $13.9 million as compared to $6.2 million for fiscal
year  ended  June 30,  1997.  Interest  expense  as a  percentage  of net  sales
increased  to 19.5% in fiscal  year ended June 30, 1998 from 8.0% in fiscal year
ended  June 30,  1997.  The  increase  in  interest  expense  is a result of the
refinancing of our company in connection with the Acquisition.

         Other  Income/Expense  and Management  Fees. Other  income/expense  and
management  fees for fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 decreased $0.1 million,  or
25.0% to $0.3 million as compared to $0.4 million for fiscal year ended June 30,
1997.  Other  income/expense  and  management  fees as a percentage of net sales
decreased  to 0.4% in fiscal  year ended June 30,  1998 from 0.5% in fiscal year
ended June 30, 1997. The decrease in other income/expense and management fees is
related to the decrease in  management/advisory  fees  subsequent to the sale of
our company.

         Income Tax Expenses.  Income tax expense for fiscal year ended June 30,
1998  decreased  $3.7  million or 119.4% to $(0.6)  million as  compared to $3.1
million for fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.  The  Company's  effective tax rate
was 36.8% in 1998 and 37.6% in 1997.

         EBITDA.  EBITDA for fiscal  year ended  June 30,  1998  decreased  $2.4
million,  or 12.8% to $16.4 million as compared to $18.8 million for fiscal year
ended June 30, 1997, principally as a result of the factors described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

         Our company has substantial  indebtedness  and significant debt service
obligations.  As of June 30, 1999, our company had consolidated  indebtedness in
an  aggregate  amount of  $146.7  million  (excluding  trade  payables,  accrued
liabilities and deferred taxes), of which (1) approximately  $29.7 million was a
direct  obligation of Holding  relating to its debentures and (2)  approximately
$117.0 million was a direct  obligation of AKI relating to its notes and capital
leases.  At June 30, 1999, AKI also had $17.1 million in additional  outstanding
liabilities  (including trade payables,  accrued liabilities and deferred taxes)
and letters of credit  outstanding  under the credit  agreement in the amount of
$0.6 million. As of September 20, 1999, AKI had letters of credit outstanding in
the amount of $0.6 million and outstanding borrowings of $16.3 million under the
credit agreement.

          Borrowings  under the credit agreement are limited to a maximum amount
equal to  $20.0  million.  At June 30,  1999 and  September  27,  1999,  AKI had
borrowings  of  approximately  $19.4  million  and $3.1  million,  respectively,
available,  subject to a  borrowing  base  calculation  and the  achievement  of
specified  financial  ratios  and  compliance  with  specified  conditions.  The
interest rate for borrowings under the credit agreement are determined from time
to time based on our  company's  choice of formulas,  plus a margin.  The credit
agreement will mature on December 31, 2002.

         The  indentures  and  the  credit  agreement  permit  Holding  and  its
Restricted Subsidiaries to incur additional  indebtedness,  subject to specified





                                       23

<PAGE>


limitations.  In addition,  the indentures contains restrictive  covenants that,
among other things, limit the ability of Holding and its Restricted Subsidiaries
to:

     *   pay dividends or make certain restricted payments;

     *   incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock;

     *   create liens;

     *   incur dividend and other payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries;

     *   enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all
         of the assets of our company;

     *   enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and

     *   sell certain assets.

         Payment of Holding's  debentures is not guaranteed by AKI or any of its
subsidiaries.   Because  Holding  is  a  holding  company  with  no  substantive
operations,  it is dependent upon the cash flows of AKI and its subsidiaries and
the  payment  of funds by AKI and its  subsidiaries  to  Holding  in the form of
loans, dividends or otherwise to pay its obligations. See "Risk Factors--Holding
Company Structure."

         Holding's  principal  liquidity   requirements  are  for  debt  service
requirements under the debentures.  AKI's principal  liquidity  requirements are
for debt service requirements and fees under the notes and the credit agreement.
Historically,  our company has funded its capital,  debt  service and  operating
requirements  with a combination  of net cash provided by operating  activities,
which was $9.8 million for fiscal 1999, together with borrowings under revolving
credit  facilities.  In fiscal  1998,  cash  totaling  $3.9  million was used by
operating activities primarily due to the assumption, and subsequent settlement,
of a $5.8 million current liability  arising from, and directly  attributable to
the Acquisition.  Net cash provided by operating  activities  during fiscal 1999
resulted from net income before depreciation and amortization, the collection of
an income tax refund  receivable  and increases in accounts  payable and accrued
expenses.  These factors were partially offset by increased accounts  receivable
and inventory levels.

         In fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1999, our company had capital expenditures of
approximately  $1.3  million  and  $2.9  million,  respectively.  These  capital
expenditures   consisted   primarily  of  the  purchase   and   maintenance   of
manufacturing equipment and furniture and fixtures and maintaining and upgrading
its computer systems.

         On September  15, 1999,  we acquired all of the issued and  outstanding
shares  of  capital  stock  of  RetCom  Holdings  Ltd.  at a  purchase  price of
approximately  $12.2 million and  refinanced  working  capital  indebtedness  of
approximately  $5.1 million of RetCom  Holdings Ltd. and its  subsidiaries.  The



                                       24

<PAGE>


purchase  price and  refinancing  of  indebtedness  were  initially  financed by
borrowings under the credit agreement.  Our company is exploring options for the
longer-term financing of a portion of the borrowings incurred in connection with
the acquisition.

         Our  company  may  from  time to  time  evaluate  additional  potential
acquisitions.  There can be no assurance that additional capital sources will be
available  to our  company  to fund  additional  acquisitions  on terms that our
company finds acceptable, or at all.

         In August 1998, Acquisition Corp. repurchased from Roger Barnett 80,000
shares of preferred stock of Acquisition Corp. for approximately $2.0 million in
cash  pursuant to the  exercise by Mr.  Barnett of a put option on July 30, 1998
with the proceeds of a dividend from Holding.

         At June 30, 1999,  Acquisition Corp. had outstanding (1) $30 million of
Floating  Rate Notes  which bear  interest  at  approximately  15% per annum and
mature on December  15,  2009,  and (2)  approximately  $50.8  million of Senior
Preferred Stock which accrue  dividends at 15% per annum and must be redeemed by
December 15,  2012.  Interest on the  floating  rate notes and  dividends on the
senior  preferred  stock may be  settled  through  the  issuance  of  additional
floating rate notes and senior  preferred stock through  maturity or redemption,
respectively.  The floating  rate notes are general,  unsecured  obligations  of
Acquisition  Corp. and are not obligations of, or guaranteed by Holding,  AKI or
any of its subsidiaries. Acquisition Corp. is a holding company and is dependant
upon the cash flows of its  subsidiaries  and the  payment to it of funds by its
subsidiaries.  The indenture relating to the debentures restricts the payment of
dividends or the making of other  restricted  payments by Holding to Acquisition
Corp.

         In September 1999, Acquisition Corp. consummated a private placement to
DLJMBII of  15,000,000  shares of its common stock at a purchase  price of $1.00
per share.  A portion of the  proceeds  may become  available  to the Company to
reduce  outstanding  indebtedness  of Holding or AKI or for  working  capital or
other  general  corporate  purposes,  but there is no  obligation on the part of
Acquisition Corp. to make any of these funds available.

         Capital  expenditures  for the fiscal  year  ending  June 30,  2000 are
budgeted to be  approximately  $4.0  million.  Based on  borrowings  outstanding
(other than pursuant to the credit agreement) as of June 30, 1999 and borrowings
outstanding  under the credit  agreement as of September  20, 1999,  our company
expects total cash payments for debt service in fiscal 2000 to be  approximately
$14.0  million,  consisting of $12.1 million in interest  payments on the notes,
$0.9 million in capital lease  obligations and $1.0 million in interest and fees
under the credit agreement. Our company also expects to make royalty payments of
approximately $1.1 million during fiscal 2000. *

         Our company believes that, in the absence of future acquisitions,  cash
flows from existing  operations and available  borrowings  will be sufficient to
fund budgeted capital  expenditures,  working capital  requirements and interest
and principal  payments on its  indebtedness,  including the  debentures and the
notes for fiscal  2000.  In the event our  company  consummates  any  additional
acquisitions  it may  seek  additional  debt or  equity  financings  subject  to
compliance with the terms of the indentures.









                                       25

<PAGE>


         At June 30,  1999,  our  company's  cash and cash  equivalents  and net
working capital were $7.0 million and $14.9 million, respectively,  representing
an increase in cash and cash  equivalents  of $3.2 million and a decrease in net
working capital of $0.2 million from June 30, 1998. Account receivables, net, at
June 30, 1999  increased  20.2% or $2.7  million  over the June 30, 1998 amount,
primarily due to increased sales and an increase in days sales outstanding.

Seasonality

         Our company's sales and operating results have  historically  reflected
seasonal  variations.  Such seasonal  variations  are based on the timing of our
company's  customers'  advertising  campaigns,  which  have  traditionally  been
concentrated  prior to the Christmas and spring holiday seasons.  As a result, a
higher level of sales are reflected in our company's  first two fiscal  quarters
ended  December 31 when sales from such  advertising  campaigns are  principally
recognized  while our company's  fourth  fiscal  quarter ended June 30 typically
reflects the lowest sales level of the fiscal year. These seasonal  fluctuations
require our company to accurately allocate its resources to manage our company's
manufacturing  capacity,  which  often  operates  at full  capacity  during peak
seasonal demand periods.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

         In June  1998,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standards  No.  133,   "Accounting   for  Derivative   Instruments  and  Hedging
Activities"  which is effective for fiscal years  beginning after June 15, 1999.
SFAS No. 133  established  accounting  and reporting  standards  for  derivative
instruments,   including  certain  derivative   instruments  embedded  in  other
contracts and for hedging activities. In June 1999, the FASB issued Statement of
Financial Accounting  Standards No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative  Instruments
and Hedging Activities Deferral of Effective Date" which is effective for fiscal
years  beginning  after June 15, 2000. Our company has only utilized  derivative
financial  instruments  to hedge  our  company's  exposure  to  certain  foreign
currencies.  Such hedging activity has historically been minor and, as a result,
adoption of this  Statement  is not  expected  to have a material  impact on our
company's financial  condition or results of operations.  Our company will adopt
the provisions of this Statement on July 1, 2000.

Year 2000 Issues

         Our company is currently working to resolve the potential impact of the
Year  2000  on  its  information  technology  systems  and  its  non-information
technology  systems so they will  properly  recognize  and utilize  dates beyond
December 31, 1999.

         Our company has in place a Year 2000 program which is being executed by
an internal project team. The objective of the Year 2000 program is to determine
and assess the risks of the Year 2000 issue and to plan and institute mitigating
actions to  minimize  those  risks to  acceptable  levels.  To date,  all of our
company's  systems  have been  assessed  for Year 2000  compliance.  Our company
relies on five computerized  systems all of which required  remediation,  two of
which are  maintained  internally  and the others are  maintained by third party





                                       26
<PAGE>

vendors.  Our company believes that all of these systems are currently Year 2000
compliant. Upon review of our company's  non-information  technology systems our
company believes that none of its manufacturing  equipment is date sensitive. Of
the remaining non-information  technology systems, our company believes all such
systems are Year 2000  compliant.  If,  however,  all necessary  actions are not
taken on a timely  basis to ensure  Year 2000  compliance,  the Year 2000  issue
could have a material  adverse  effect on our company.  See "Risk  Factors--Year
2000 Issues."

         To date,  our  company  has spent  approximately  $80,000  on Year 2000
compliance.  Although our company expects the above referenced expenditures will
be  sufficient  to ensure our  company is Year 2000  compliant,  our company has
budgeted an additional $20,000 for any unforeseen  problems which may arise with
respect to Year 2000  compliance  between  July 1, 1999 and the Year  2000.  All
expenditures  with respect to Year 2000  compliance  will be funded from working
capital.

         Our company is communicating with its significant customers and vendors
to understand  their Year 2000 issues and how they might  prepare  themselves to
manage  those  issues as they relate to our  company.  To date,  no  significant
customers or vendors have  informed our company that a material  Year 2000 issue
exists which will have a material effect on our company.

         Our company has not  formulated a  contingency  plan in the event it or
its significant customers or vendors are not Year 2000 compliant.

Forward-Looking Statements

         The  information  provided in this  document  contains  forward-looking
statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. A number of factors
could cause actual results, performance, achievements of our company or industry
results to be  materially  different  from any future  results,  performance  or
achievements  expressed  or implied by such  forward-looking  statements.  These
factors  include,  but are not limited to: o the competitive  environment in the
sampling industry in general and in our company's specific market areas;

     *   changes in prevailing interest rates;

     *   inflation;

     *   changes in cost of goods and services;

     *   economic  conditions  in general and in our company's  specific  market
         areas;

     *   changes  in or  failure  to comply  with  postal  regulations  or other
         federal, state and/or local government regulations;

     *   liability and other claims asserted against our company;

     *   changes in operating strategy or development plans;






                                       27

<PAGE>


     *   the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

     *   the significant indebtedness of our company;

     *   labor disturbances;

     *   changes in our company's capital expenditure plans;

     *   and other factors.

In addition,  such  forward-looking  statements are  necessarily  dependent upon
assumptions,  estimates and dates that may be incorrect or imprecise and involve
known and  unknown  risk,  uncertainties  and other  factors.  Accordingly,  any
forward-looking  statements  included herein do not purport to be predictions of
future  events  or  circumstances  and  may  not  be  realized.  Forward-looking
statements can be identified by, among other things,  the use of forward-looking
terminology  such as  "believes,"  "expects,"  "may,"  "should,"  "seeks,"  "pro
forma,"  "anticipates,"  "intends"  or the  negative of any such word,  or other
variations  or  comparable  terminology,   or  by  discussions  of  strategy  or
intentions.  Given these  uncertainties,  readers are  cautioned not place undue
reliance  on  such  forward-looking   statements.   Our  company  disclaims  any
obligations  to update any such  factors or to publicly  announce the results of
any  revisions  to any of  the  forward-looking  statements  contained  in  this
document to reflect future events or developments.


ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

         Our company  generates  approximately  20% of its sales from  customers
outside the United States,  principally in Europe.  International sales are made
mostly from our company's foreign subsidiary located in France and are primarily
denominated in the local currency.  Our company's foreign subsidiary also incurs
the majority of its expenses in the local  currency and uses the local  currency
as its functional currency.

         Our company's major  principal cash balances are held in U.S.  dollars.
Cash  balances in foreign  currencies  are held to minimum  balances for working
capital purposes and therefore have a minimum risk to currency fluctuations.

         Our company  periodically enters into forward foreign currency exchange
contracts to hedge certain exposures  related to selected  transactions that are
relatively  certain  as to both  timing and amount and to hedge a portion of the
production costs expected to be denominated in foreign  currencies.  The purpose
of entering into these hedge  transactions  is to minimize the impact of foreign
currency  fluctuations  on the results of operations  and cash flows.  Gains and
losses on the hedging activities are recognized  concurrently with the gains and
losses from the underlying transactions. At June 30, 1999, our company's forward
exchange  contracts  consisted of forward contracts to sell Euros at an exchange
rate of 1.0461 per U.S.  dollar and to buy British pound sterling at an exchange
rate of 1.6123 per U.S.  dollar.  The notational  principal  amounts under these
foreign exchange contracts were $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively.







                                       28

<PAGE>


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

         Reference is made to the Consolidated  Financial  Statements of each of
Holding and AKI, the related notes and the Report of Independent Accountants for
each of Holding and AKI commencing at page F-1 of this report,  which  financial
statements, notes and reports are incorporated by reference into this report.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

         None.







































                                       29



<PAGE>


                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF REGISTRANT

         The following table sets forth certain  information with respect to the
directors and executive officers of Holding.

Name                    Age      Position
- ----                    ---      --------
Thompson Dean           40       Chairman of the Board and Director
William J. Fox          43       President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Kenneth A. Budde        50       Chief Financial Officer
Hugh R. Kirkpatrick     62       Director
Mark P. Michaels        39       Director
David M. Wittels        35       Director
Roger L. Barnett        35       Director

         Thompson  Dean has served as  Chairman  of the Board and a Director  of
Holding since December  1997.  Mr. Dean is the Managing  Partner of DLJ Merchant
Banking  II,  Inc.  ("DLJ  Merchant  Banking")  and the  general  partner of DLJ
Merchant  Banking  Partners  II, L.P. Mr. Dean serves as a director of Commvault
Inc.,  Von  Hoffman  Press,  Inc.,  Manufacturers'  Services  Limited  and Phase
Metrics, Inc.

         William J. Fox has served as President,  Chief Executive  Officer and a
Director of Holding and as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of AKI, Inc. since February 1999. Mr. Fox was President,  Strategic and
Corporate  Development of Revlon  Worldwide,  Senior Executive Vice President of
Revlon,   Inc.  and  Revlon   Consumer   Products   Corporation   ("RCPC")  (and
collectively,  "Revlon") and Chief Executive  Officer,  Revlon  Technologies,  a
division of Revlon,  from January 1998 through  January  1999.  He was Executive
Vice  President  from  1991  through  January  1997 and  Senior  Executive  Vice
President from January 1997 through January 1999 and Chief Financial  Officer of
Revlon from 1991 to 1997.  Mr. Fox served as a director  from  November  1995 of
Revlon,  Inc. and from September  1994 of RCPC,  until April 1999. He was Senior
Vice  President of MacAndrews  and Forbes  Holding Inc.,  the indirect  majority
shareholder  of Revlon,  from August 1990  through  January  1999.  Mr. Fox is a
Director and Vice Chairman of the Board of The Hain Food Group, Inc.
(NASDAQ: HAIN).

         Kenneth A. Budde has served as Chief Financial Officer of Holding since
November  1994.  From October 1988 to June 1994,  Mr. Budde served as Controller
and Chief Financial Officer of Southwestern  Publishing Company.  Prior to that,
Mr. Budde spent 12 years with KPMG Peat Marwick.

         Hugh R.  Kirkpatrick  has  served as a director  of Holding  since June
1998.  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  is  a  former  director  of  International   Flavors  &
Fragrances,  Inc.  where he served  as  Senior  Vice  President  and  President,
Worldwide Fragrance Division, from 1991 through his retirement in 1996.









                                       30

<PAGE>


         Mark P.  Michaels has served as a director of Holding  since June 1998.
Mr.  Michaels  has been a Principal of DLJ Merchant  Banking  since 1997.  Prior
thereto,  Mr. Michaels was a consultant with McKinsey & Company,  Inc. from 1987
to 1996.

         David M.  Wittels  has served as a director of Holding  since  December
1997.  Mr.  Wittels is a  Principal  of DLJ  Merchant  Banking and has served in
various capacities with DLJ Merchant Banking since 1986. Mr. Wittels serves as a
director of Wilson Greatbatch Limited.

         Roger  L.  Barnett  has  served  as  director  of our  company  (or its
predecessor)  since November 1993. Mr. Barnett is the chief executive officer of
Beauty.Com.  From 1995 to February  1999,  Mr.  Barnett  served as President and
Chief  Executive  Officer  of our  company  and from 1994 to 1995,  he served as
Senior Vice President and Vice President of our company.

Compensation of Directors

         Except for Messrs.  Kirkpatrick and Barnett,  directors of Holding will
not receive  compensation  for services  rendered in that capacity,  but will be
reimbursed for out-of-pocket  expenses incurred by them in connection with their
travel to and attendance at board meetings and committees of the board.  Messrs.
Kirkpatrick  and  Barnett  will  receive an annual fee of $20,000  per year plus
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with travel to and attendance at
meetings of the board of directors and committees of the board.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         The following  table sets forth certain  information for the three most
recently  completed  fiscal years with respect to the  compensation  of (1) each
person who served as our company's chief  executive  officer in fiscal 1999, (2)
our  other  most  highly  compensated   executive  officer  whose  total  annual
compensation  exceeded  $100,000  and  (3) our  other  most  highly  compensated
executive officer whose total annual compensation exceed $100,000 but was not an
employee  of our company at June 30, 1999  (collectively,  the "named  executive
officers").































                                       31

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




                                                       Summary Compensation Table
                                                                                            Long Term
                                                   Annual Compensation                    Compensation
                                                   -------------------                    ------------

                                              Fiscal                                         Securities             All Other
        Name and Principal Position            Year        Salary         Bonus         Underlying Options     Compensation(1)
        ---------------------------            ----        ------         -----         ------------------     ---------------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>                    <C>
William J. Fox(2)                              1999       $242,308       $250,000              ------(3)            ------
   President, Chief Executive Officer          1998         ------         ------              ------               ------
   And Director                                1997         ------         ------              ------               ------

Roger L. Barnett(2)                            1999        309,711         ------(4)           ------               $3,577
   President, Chief Executive Officer          1998        367,083         ------              32,500(5)             3,670
   And Director                                1997        210,000        275,000              ------                5,700

Kenneth A. Budde                               1999        154,327         80,625              ------                9,077
   Chief Financial Officer                     1998        120,000         75,000              ------               ------
                                               1997        100,000         50,000              ------               ------

Barry Miller(6)                                1999        219,153         ------              ------                  120
   Chief Operating Officer                     1998         23,692         ------              ------               ------
                                               1997         ------         ------              ------               ------

</TABLE>

(1)  Represents  amounts  contributed  on behalf of the named  executive  to our
     company's 401(k) retirement savings plan.

(2)  On February 1, 1999, Mr. Barnett  resigned as president and chief executive
     officer of our  company  and Mr. Fox was  engaged  as  president  and chief
     executive officer.

(3)  Pursuant to the terms of his employment  agreement,  Mr. Fox is entitled to
     receive options to acquire 5% of Acquisition Corp.'s issued and outstanding
     common  stock on a fully  diluted  basis,  which  options have not yet been
     granted.   See  "--Equity  Based   Compensation"   and  "--Fox   Employment
     Agreement."

(4)  Does not include  $353,275 to which Mr.  Barnett is entitled in  connection
     with his  resignation  from our  company.  See "Certain  Relationships  and
     Related Transactions--Employment Arrangements."

(5)  These  options  were  forfeited  upon Mr.  Barnett's  resignation  from our
     company.

(6)  Mr.  Miller's  employment  with our company  commenced  in May 1998 and was
     terminated in May 1999.

Equity-Based Compensation

         No options were granted by Acquisition Corp.,  Holding or AKI in fiscal
1999. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement,  Mr. Fox is entitled to
receive  options to acquire 5% of  Acquisition  Corp.'s  issued and  outstanding
common stock on a fully diluted basis,  which options have not yet been granted.
See "--Fox Employment  Agreement." In addition, no options for shares of capital
stock of Acquisition Corp., Holding or AKI were exercised in fiscal 1999.

         Acquisition  Corp.  adopted the 1998 Stock  Option Plan for certain key
employees  and  directors  of  Acquisition  Corp.  and any parent or  subsidiary





                                       32
<PAGE>




corporation  of  Acquisition  Corp. The objectives of the option plan are (1) to
retain the services of persons  holding key positions and to secure the services
of  persons  capable  of  filling  such  positions  and (2) to  provide  persons
responsible for the future growth of Acquisition Corp. an opportunity to acquire
a  proprietary  interest in our company and thus create in such key employees an
increased interest in and a greater concern for the welfare of our company.

         The option  plan  authorizes  the  issuance of options to acquire up to
100,000  shares of common  stock of  Acquisition  Corp.  The option plan will be
administered  by the  board  of  directors  or a  compensation  committee  to be
designated by the board of directors.  Pursuant to the option plan,  Acquisition
Corp.  may  grant  options,   including  options  that  become   exercisable  as
performance  standards determined by the committee are met, to key employees and
directors of  Acquisition  Corp. and any parent or subsidiary  corporation.  The
terms of any such grant will be  determined  by the committee and set forth in a
separate grant agreement.  The exercise price will be at least equal to the fair
market value per share of Acquisition  Corp.  common stock on the date of grant,
provided that the exercise price shall not be less than $1.00 per share. Options
may be  exercisable  for  up to ten  years.  The  committee  has  the  right  to
accelerate  the right to  exercise  any option  granted  under the  option  plan
without  effecting the expiration date thereof.  Upon the occurrence of a change
in control (as defined in the option  plan) of  Acquisition  Corp.,  each option
may, at the discretion of the committee, be terminated upon notice to the holder
and each such holder will receive, in respect of each share of Acquisition Corp.
common stock for which such option is then  exercisable,  an amount equal to the
excess of the then fair market value of such share of Acquisition Corp.
common stock over the per share exercise price.

Fox Employment Agreement

         On  January  27,  1999,  William  J.  Fox  entered  into an  employment
agreement with our company effective February 1, 1999. The term of the agreement
began  on the  effective  date  and will  end on the  third  anniversary  of the
effective  date,  provided,  that  beginning  on the  first  anniversary  of the
effective date, the term shall  automatically be extended for one additional day
each day, unless either party provides notice not to extend.

         Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Fox's base salary is $600,000
and he will be eligible  to receive a  performance-based  bonus of 25%,  100% or
200% of his base salary upon  achievement of targeted goals, and other incentive
payments.

         Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement,  Mr. Fox is entitled
to receive  options to acquire 5% of Acquisition  Corp.'s issued and outstanding
common stock on a fully  diluted  basis,  subject to  anti-dilution  protection,
which options have not yet been granted.  Once granted,  these options will vest
at specified dates and upon the occurrence of specified conditions. In addition,
upon a change in control  (as  defined in the  employment  agreement),  all time
vested options vest and all performance  vested options vest if the DLJ Entities
(as defined in the  employment  agreement)  achieve  certain levels of return on
their equity investments.

         If Mr. Fox's  employment is terminated by our company  without cause or
by Mr.  Fox for good  reason,  our  company  will pay Mr. Fox two times his base
salary,  50% of such amount on  termination  of employment and 50% paid in equal
monthly   installments  over  a  twelve  month  period  following  the  date  of




                                       33

<PAGE>

termination.  In addition, Mr. Fox will receive a pro-rata bonus for the year of
termination  if he would  have been  entitled  to such a bonus  had he  remained
employed  during the year of  termination.  If such  termination  occurs  within
6-months of a time where a tranche of time vested options would otherwise become
exercisable, then a pro-rata portion of such tranche will become exercisable.

         The employment agreement contains  confidentiality,  noncompetition and
nonsolicitation   provisions.  The  restricted  period  for  the  noncompetition
provisions upon  termination of employment is two years if Mr. Fox's  employment
is  terminated  by our company  without cause or by our company for good reason,
and one year if Mr. Fox's employment is terminated for any other reason.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

         None of Acquisition Corp., Holding or AKI had a compensation  committee
during fiscal 1999. No executive officer participated in deliberations regarding
executive  compensation.  Each of  William  J.  Fox and  Roger L.  Barnett  were
executive officers during fiscal 1999 and served on the board of directors.


ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT


         All of AKI's issued and outstanding  capital stock is owned by Holding.
All of Holding's  issued and  outstanding  capital stock is owned by Acquisition
Corp.  The following  table sets forth certain  information  as of September 27,
1999 with respect to the beneficial  ownership of Acquisition Corp. common stock
by (1) owners of more than five percent of such Acquisition  Corp. common stock,
(2) each director and named  executive  officer of Holding and (3) all directors
and executive officers of Holding, as a group.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                      Percentage of
                                                                                     Shares            Outstanding
                                                                                  Beneficially      Acquisition Corp.
                                                                                     Owned            Common Stock
                               Beneficial Owner

<S>                                                                              <C>                <C>
DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, II, L.P. and related investors (1) (2)            15,921,111              98.8%
William J. Fox                                                                        ---                 ---
Thompson Dean (3)                                                                     ---                 ---
Roger L. Barnett (2)                                                                134,325                *
Hugh R. Kirpatrick                                                                    ---                 ---
Mark Michaels (3)                                                                     ---                 ---
David M. Wittels (3)                                                                  ---                 ---
Kenneth A. Budde                                                                      ---                 ---
All directors and executive officers as a group (2) (3)                             134,325                *


</TABLE>





                                       34

<PAGE>


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

*        Less than one percent.


(1)      Consists of shares held directly by the following affiliated investors:
         DLJ Merchant  Banking  Partners II, L.P; DLJ Merchant  Banking Partners
         II-A,  LP  ("DLJMBII-A);  DLJ  Offshore  Partners  II, C.V.  ("Offshore
         Partners II"); DLJ Diversified Partners, L.P. ("Diversified Partners");
         DLJ  Diversified  Partners-A,  L.P  ("Diversified  Partners-A");  DLJMB
         Funding II, Inc.  ("DLJ Funding II");  DLJ  Millennium  Partners,  L.P.
         ("Millennium Partners");  DLJ Millennium Partners-A,  L.P, ("Millennium
         Partners-A");  DLJ EAB Partners,  L.P ("EAB  Partners");  UK Investment
         Plan 1997  Partners  ("UK  Partners");  and DLJ  First ESC L.P  ("First
         ESC"). See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions-Transactions
         with DLJMBII,  and their  Affiliates."  The address of each of DLJMBII,
         DLJMBII-A,  Diversified Partners,  Diversified Partners-A,  DLJ Funding
         II, Millennium Partners,  Millennium Partners-A, EAB Partners and First
         ESC is 277 Park  Avenue,  New York,  New York  10172.  The  address  of
         Offshore  Partners 11 is John B.  Gorsiraweg 14,  Willemstad,  Curacao,
         Netherlands Antilles.  The address of UK Partners is 2121 Avenue of the
         Stars, Fox Plaza,  Suite 3000, Los Angeles,  California 90067. Does not
         include 18,000 shares of Acquisition  Corp.  Common Stock held directly
         by the Scratch & Sniff Funding, Inc., an affiliate of DLJMBII.

(2)      See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."

(3)      Messrs.  Dean,  Michaels  and  Wittels  are  officers  of DLJ  Merchant
         Banking, an affiliate of DLJMBII. Share data shown for such individuals
         excludes shares shown as held by DLJMBII,  as to which such individuals
         disclaim  beneficial  ownership.  The address of each of Messrs.  Dean,
         Michaels and Wittels is 277 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10172.



ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with DLJMBII and their Affiliates

         Messrs.  Dean,  Michaels  and  Wittels,  who are  directors  of AKI and
officers and  directors of Holding and  Acquisition  Corp.,  are officers of DLJ
Merchant Banking. DLJ Merchant Banking, together with DLJMBII, beneficially own,
in the  aggregate,  approximately  98.8%  of the  outstanding  common  stock  of
Acquisition Corp.

         Pursuant  to  an  agreement  between   Donaldson,   Lufkin  &  Jenrette
Securities Corporation ("DLJ") and Acquisition Corp., DLJ will receive an annual
fee of $250,000 for acting as the  exclusive  financial and  investment  banking
advisor to our  company  ending  December  31,  2002.  Our company has agreed to
indemnify DLJ in connection with its acting as financial advisor.

Stockholders Agreement

         In connection with the Acquisition, Acquisition Corp., DLJMBII, certain
investors in our company prior to the  Acquisition,  including  Roger L. Barnett
and certain other signatories  thereto,  entered into a Stockholders  Agreement,
dated as of December 15, 1997,  that sets forth certain rights and  restrictions
relating to the ownership of the capital stock of Acquisition  Corp.  (including
securities  exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into capital stock of
Acquisition Corp.) and agreements among the parties thereto as to the governance
of Acquisition Corp. and, indirectly, Holding and AKI.

         Pursuant  to the  stockholders  agreement,  the board of  directors  of
Acquisition  Corp.  consists of six  members.  DLJMBII has the right to nominate




                                       35


<PAGE>


four of the directors of  Acquisition  Corp.  and the prior  investors  have the
right to nominate one director of Acquisition  Corp.,  provided that DLJMBII and
the prior investors  maintain a specified  minimum level of equity investment in
Acquisition  Corp. In addition,  the  stockholders  agreement  provides that the
Chief  Executive  Officer of  Acquisition  Corp.  be  nominated as a director of
Acquisition Corp.

         The stockholders agreement contains restrictions on the ability of each
holder of capital  stock of  Acquisition  Corp. to transfer any capital stock of
Acquisition  Corp.  to any  person  designated  by the  board  of  directors  of
Acquisition  Corp. to be an "Adverse  Person." In addition,  the prior investors
are restricted in their ability to transfer  capital stock of Acquisition  Corp.
prior to the date that is the earlier of (1) the  consummation  of a  qualifying
initial public  offering or (2) December 15, 2002,  except to DLJMBII or a party
who is a prior  investor,  or  pursuant  to an  offering  of  equity  securities
registered under the Securities Act.

         The other material  provisions of the stockholders  agreement  provide,
subject to specified exceptions, (1) certain preemptive rights to the holders of
capital  stock of  Acquisition  Corp.,  (2) "drag  along"  rights to  DLJMBII to
require the remaining  holders of capital stock of  Acquisition  Corp. to sell a
percentage  of their  ownership  and (3) "tag  along"  rights to the  holders of
capital stock of Acquisition Corp., other than DLJMBII, with respect to sales of
capital stock of Acquisition Corp. by DLJMBII.

         Pursuant to the stockholders  agreement,  DLJMBII was granted the right
to  demand  up to  three  registrations  on Form S-1 or the  equivalent  to sell
Acquisition  Corp. common stock (or if Acquisition Corp. is eligible to use Form
S-3, the number of demand rights is unlimited)  and all holders of capital stock
of Acquisition  Corp. were granted certain  customary  "piggyback"  registration
rights to register  their common stock in any  registration  statement  filed by
Acquisition Corp.

Employment Arrangements

         On June 17, 1998,  Roger  Barnett was  retained as president  and chief
executive  officer  of our  company  pursuant  to the  terms  of his  employment
agreement.  On February 1, 1999,  Mr.  Barnett  resigned as president  and chief
executive  officer and our company engaged William J. Fox as president and chief
executive officer. Under the terms of his employment agreement,  Mr. Barnett was
entitled  to  receive  payments  aggregating  $500,000,  of which  $353,275  was
required  to be paid in fiscal 1999 and the  remainder  of which will be paid in
fiscal 2000.

Put Option

         In August 1998, Acquisition Corp. repurchased from Roger Barnett 80,000
shares of preferred stock of Acquisition Corp. for approximately $2.0 million in
cash  pursuant to the  exercise by Mr.  Barnett of a put option on July 30, 1998
with the proceeds of a dividend from Holding.











                                       36

<PAGE>



                                     PART IV



ITEM 14.       EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         (a)   1.       Financial Statements

                        The financial  statements  listed on the accompanying
                        index to such financial  statements are filed as part
                        of this report.

               2.       Financial Statement Schedule

                        None.

               3.       Exhibits and Exhibit Index.



3.1             Certificate of Incorporation of Holding.*

3.2             Certificate of Incorporation of AKI.**

3.3             Bylaws of Holding.*

3.4             Bylaws of AKI.**

4.1             Indenture  dated as of June 25, 1998  between  Holding and State
                Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee.*

4.2             Indenture dated as of June 25, 1998 between AKI and IBJ Schroder
                Trust Company, as Trustee.**

4.3             Form of 13 1/2%  Senior  Discount  Debentures  due July 1,  2009
                (included in Exhibit 4.1(a)).

4.4             Form of 10 1/2%  Senior  Discount  Debentures  due July 1,  2008
                (included in Exhibit 4.1(b)).

4.5             Registration  Rights Agreement of Holding,  dated as of June 25,
                1998  between   Holding  and  Donaldson,   Lufkin  and  Jenrette
                ("DLJ").*

4.6             Registration Rights Agreement of AKI, dated as of June 25, 1998,
                between AKI and DLJ.**

10.1            Acquisition Corp. Stock Option Plan.*

10.2            Option  Letter  Agreement  relating to the Time Vesting  Options
                dated as of June 17, 1998 between Acquisition Corp. and Roger L.
                Barnett.*

10.3            Option Letter Agreement relating to the Standard Option dated as
                of  June  17,  1998  between  Acquisition  Corp.  and  Roger  L.
                Barnett.*

10.4            Employment  Agreement  dated as of June 17, 1998 between Holding
                and Roger L. Barnett.*








                                       38


<PAGE>


10.5            Employment  Agreement  dated as of May 12, 1998 between  Holding
                and Barry Miller.*

10.6            Employment  Agreement  dated  as of  February  1,  1999  between
                Holding and William J. Fox.***

10.7            Stockholders  Agreement  dated as of December  15, 1997  between
                Acquisition Corp., DLJMBII and certain other investors including
                Roger L. Barnett.*

10.8            Credit  Agreement,  dated as of April 30,  1996,  as  amended by
                Amendment No. 1, dated December 12, 1997, and as further amended
                by Amendment No. 2, dated October 30, 1998,  between the Company
                and Heller Financial, Inc.*

10.9            Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement,  dated August 30, 1999,
                between the Company and Heller Financial.+

10.10           Amendment  No. 4 to the Credit  Agreement,  dated  September 21,
                1999, between the Company and Heller Financial, Inc.+

10.11           Securities  Purchase  Agreement  dated as of  December  15, 1997
                between Holding and Scratch & Sniff Funding, Inc.*

10.12           Asset  Purchase  Agreement  dated as of May 28, 1998 between AKI
                and Minnesota, Mining and Manufacturing Company.*

10.13           Stock  Purchase  Agreement  dated as of November  14,  1997,  as
                amended on  December  2, 1997 and  December  12,  1997 among the
                Company and DLJMBII and certain related investors.*

10.14           Financial  Advisory  Agreement  dated as of  December  12,  1997
                between Acquisition Corp. and DLJ.*

10.15           Replacement Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 15, 1997
                between Acquisition Corp. and Roger L. Barnett.*

10.16           Option  Substitution  Agreement  dated as of  December  15, 1997
                among Holding, Acquisition Corp., and Roger L. Barnett.*

10.17           Put and Call Agreement dated as of December 15, 1997, as amended
                on February 2, 1998 and April 1, 1998,  among Roger L.  Barnett,
                Acquisition Corp., and DLJMBII.*

10.18           Termination of Put and Call Agreement  dated June 17, 1997 among
                DLJMBII, Barnett, and Acquisition Corp.*

10.19           Stock Purchase  Agreement,  by and among AKI and each of Michael
                Berman,  Paul Pearl, Stuart Fleischer,  Jay Gartlan,  Retail TCA
                Corporation,  a New York corporation,  Retail TCB Corporation, a
                New York corporation, and Sleepeck Printing Company, an Illinois
                corporation, dated as of September 2, 1999.+

12.1            Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.+

21.1            Subsidiaries of Holding.+

23.1            Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.+

23.2            Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.+






                                       39


<PAGE>


27.1            Financial Data Schedule.+

27.2            Financial Data Schedule.+
- --------------

*        Incorporated by reference from Registrant's  Registration  Statement on
         Form S-4, File No.  333-60991  filed with the  Securities  and Exchange
         Commission on August 7, 1998.

**       Incorporated by reference from Registrant's  Registration  Statement on
         Form S-4, File No.  333-60989  filed with the  Securities  and Exchange
         Commission on August 7, 1998.

***      Incorporated by reference from Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K
         filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 1999.

+        Filed herewith.


         (b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

                  No  reports on Form 8-K were  filed  during  the three  months
ended June 30, 1999.






















                                       40
<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, AKI Holding Corp. has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the  undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized on the 28th day of
September, 1999.

                                      AKI HOLDING CORP.

                                      (Registrant)


                                      By: /S/ WILLIAM J. FOX
                                          _________________________________
                                          William J. Fox
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
on the 28th day of September, 1999.

     SIGNATURE                       TITLE

/S/ THOMPSON DEAN               Chairman and Director
- ------------------------
Thompson Dean

/S/ WILLIAM J. FOX              President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
- ------------------------        (Principal Executive Officer)
William J. Fox

/S/ KENNETH BUDDE               Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
- ------------------------        Accounting Officer)
Kenneth Budde

/S/ DAVID WITTELS               Director
- ------------------------
David Wittels

/S MARK MICHAELS                Director
- ------------------------
Mark Michaels

/S/ HUGH KIRKPATRICK            Director
- ------------------------
Hugh Kirkpatrick

                                Director
- ------------------------
Roger L. Barnett









                                       41
<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934,  AKI, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized  on  the  28th day of
September, 1999.

                                      AKI, INC.

                                      (Registrant)


                                      By: /S/ WILLIAM J. FOX
                                          _________________________________
                                          William J. Fox
                                          President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                          Chairman


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated
on the 28th day of September, 1999.

     SIGNATURE                       TITLE


/S/ WILLIAM J. FOX              President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and
- ------------------------        Director (Principal Executive Officer)
William J. Fox

/S/ KENNETH BUDDE               Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
- ------------------------        Accounting Officer)
Kenneth Budde

/S/ DAVID WITTELS               Director
- ------------------------
David Wittels

/S/ THOMPSON DEAN               Director
- ------------------------
Thompson Dean

/S MARK MICHAELS                Director
- ------------------------
Mark Michaels

/S/ HUGH KIRKPATRICK            Director
- ------------------------
Hugh Kirkpatrick

                                Director
- ------------------------
Roger L. Barnett












                                       42
<PAGE>



         SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT BY  REGISTRANTS  WHICH HAVE NOT  REGISTERED  SECURITIES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT.

         No annual  report or proxy  material has been or is expected to be sent
to security holders of the registrants.











































                                       43


<PAGE>



                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


CONSOLIDATED FINANACIAL STATEMENTS OF AKI HOLDING CORP.:

Report of Independent Accountants........................................... F-2

Report of Independent Accountants........................................... F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1998 and 1999....................... F-4

Consolidated  Statements of Operations for the year ended June 30, 1997 and
    for the period from July 1, 1997 through  December 15, 1997 and for the
    period from December 16, 1997
    through June 30, 1998 and for the year ended June 30, 1999.............. F-5

Consolidated  Statements of Changes in  Stockholder(s)  Equity for the year
    ended  June 30,  1997 and for the  period  from  July 1,  1997  through
    December  15, 1997 and for the period from  December  16, 1997  through
    June 30, 1998 and for the year ended
    June 30, 1999........................................................... F-6

Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended June 30, 1997 and
    for the period from July 1, 1997 through  December 15, 1997 and for the
    period from December 16, 1997
    through June 30, 1998 and for the year ended June 30, 1999.............. F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................. F-8

CONSOLIDATED FINANACIAL STATEMENTS OF AKI, INC.:

Report of Independent Accountants...........................................F-31

Report of Independent Accountants...........................................F-32

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1998 and 1999.......................F-33

Consolidated  Statements of Operations for the year ended June 30, 1997 and
    for the period from July 1, 1997 through  December 15, 1997 and for the
    period from December 16, 1997
    through June 30, 1998 and for the year ended June 30, 1999..............F-34

Consolidated  Statements of Changes in  Stockholder(s)  Equity for the year
    ended  June 30,  1997 and for the  period  from  July 1,  1997  through
    December  15, 1997 and for the period from  December  16, 1997  through
    June 30, 1998 and for the year
    ended June 30, 1999.....................................................F-35

Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended June 30, 1997 and
    for the period from July 1, 1997 through  December 15, 1997 and for the
    period from December 16, 1997
    through June 30, 1998 and for the year ended June 30, 1999..............F-36

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................................F-37


                                      F-1

<PAGE>







                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
  AKI Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

     In our  opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  and the
related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  of changes in  stockholder's
equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of AKI Holding  Corp. (a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition
Corp.) and Subsidiaries  (the  "Successor"),  at June 30, 1998 and 1999, and the
results of their  operations  and their cash flows for the period from  December
16, 1997  through  June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999 in  conformity
with generally accepted accounting  principles.  These financial  statements are
the responsibility of management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which
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,  assessing the  accounting  principles
used and  significant  estimates made by management,  and evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.






PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
July 31, 1999 except for Note 19
which is as of September 15, 1999
























                                      F-2
<PAGE>







                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
  AKI Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

     In our opinion, the accompanying  consolidated statements of operations, of
changes in stockholders'  equity and of cash flows of Arcade Holding Corporation
and Subsidiaries (the  "Predecessor")  present fairly, in all material respects,
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended June 30,
1997 and the period from July 1, 1997 through  December  15, 1997 in  conformity
with generally accepted accounting  principles.  These financial  statements are
the responsibility of management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which
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,  assessing the  accounting  principles
used and  significant  estimates made by management,  and evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
July 31, 1998





















                                      F-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                        AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (dollars in thousands, except share information)



              The accompanying  notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.


                                                                                              Successor
                                                                                              ---------
                                                                                   June 30, 1998    June 30, 1999
                                                                                   -------------    -------------

<S>                                                                                <C>              <C>

ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents.....................................                      $     3,842      $     7,015
Accounts receivable, net......................................                           13,550           16,287
Inventory.....................................................                            2,078            5,109
Income tax refund receivable..................................                            5,155               32
Prepaid expenses..............................................                              379              452
Deferred income taxes.........................................                              827              400
                                                                                    -----------      -----------
      Total current assets....................................                           25,831           29,295

Property, plant and equipment, net............................                           18,936           18,511
Goodwill, net ................................................                          151,842          147,990
Deferred charges, net.........................................                            6,535            6,839
Other intangible assets, net..................................                            7,289            6,560
Deferred income taxes.........................................                            3,888            4,338
Other assets..................................................                              200               46
                                                                                    -----------      -----------
      Total assets............................................                      $   214,521      $   213,579
                                                                                    ===========      ===========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current portion of capital lease obligations..................                      $       609      $       688
Current portion of other notes payable........................                            1,330                -
Accounts payable, trade.......................................                            4,293            3,400
Accrued income taxes..........................................                              100              497
Accrued compensation..........................................                            2,497            2,527
Accrued interest..............................................                              167            6,047
Accrued expenses..............................................                            1,789            1,283
                                                                                    -----------      -----------
      Total current liabilities...............................                           10,785           14,442

Long-term portion of capital lease obligations................                            1,489            1,349
Senior notes..................................................                          115,000          115,000
Senior discount debentures....................................                           26,020           29,651
Deferred income taxes.........................................                            4,143            3,340
                                                                                    -----------      -----------
      Total liabilities.......................................                          157,437          163,782

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 14)

Stockholder's equity
Common stock, $0.01 par, 1,000 shares authorized; 1,000
    shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999                          -                -
Additional paid-in capital....................................                           78,364           78,364
Accumulated deficit...........................................                           (5,493)         (12,472)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss..........................                              (57)            (365)
Carryover basis adjustment....................................                          (15,730)         (15,730)
                                                                                    -----------      ------------
      Total stockholder's equity..............................                           57,084           49,797
                                                                                    -----------      -----------
      Total liabilities and stockholder's equity..............                      $   214,521      $   213,579
                                                                                    ===========      ===========

</TABLE>

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
                              financial statements.


                                      F-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                        AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                              (dollars in thousands)



                                                                   Predecessor                     Successor
                                                                   -----------                     ---------
                                                                             July 1,     December 16,
                                                                              1997           1997
                                                           Year Ended        through        through      Year Ended
                                                            June 30,      December 15,     June 30,       June 30,
                                                              1997            1997           1998           1999
                                                              ----            ----           ----           ----



<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>

Net sales.................................                  $  77,723      $  35,186      $  36,066       $  85,967
Cost of goods sold........................                     49,467         22,809         24,518          55,199
                                                            ---------      ---------      ---------       ---------
     Gross profit.........................                     28,256         12,377         11,548          30,768

Selling, general and administrative expenses                   13,333          5,703          5,587          14,500
Amortization of goodwill
   and other intangible assets............                      1,234            568          2,101           4,606
                                                            ---------      ---------      ---------       ---------

     Income from operations...............                     13,689          6,106          3,860          11,662

Other expenses (income):
   Interest expense to stockholder(s) and
      affiliate...........................                      5,196          2,143         10,785               -
   Interest expense, other................                      1,007            503            542          16,740
   Management fees to stockholders........
     and affiliate........................                        470            215            125             250
   Other, net.............................                       (101)            11            (47)            128
                                                            ---------      ---------      ---------       ---------

     Income (loss) before income taxes....                      7,117          3,234         (7,545)         (5,456)

Income tax expense (benefit)..............                      3,135          1,441         (2,052)           (340)
                                                            ---------      ---------      ---------       ----------

     Net income (loss)....................                  $   3,982      $   1,793      $  (5,493)      $  (5,116)
                                                            =========      =========      =========       =========




</TABLE>

                                      F-5
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                        AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER(S) EQUITY
                                 (dollars in thousands, except share information)



                                                                     Retained    Accumulated
                                                Additional  Stock    Earnings       Other      Carryover
                                Common  Stock    Paid-in Purchase  (Accumulated Comprehensive    Basis
                                Shares  Amount   Capital Warrants    Deficit)       Loss      Adjustment    Total
                                ------  ------   ----------------    -------        ----      ----------    -----

                                                                      Predecessor
                                                                      -----------
<S>                             <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>

Balances, June 30, 1996.......  48,000  $     1  $4,889   $1,923     $  1,199     $    (80)    $       -  $   7,932
Net Income....................       -        -       -        -        3,982            -             -      3,982
Other comprehensive income, net
  of tax:
    Foreign currency translation
      adjustment..............       -        -       -        -            -          (73)            -        (73)
                                                                                                          ----------
Comprehensive income..........                                                                                3,909
Preferred stock dividend......       -        -       -        -         (616)           -             -       (616)
                               -------  -------  ------   ------     --------     --------     ---------  ---------

Balances, June 30, 1997.......  48,000        1   4,889    1,923        4,565         (153)            -     11,225
Net income....................       -        -       -        -        1,793            -             -      1,793
Other comprehensive income, net
  of  tax :
    Foreign currency translation
      adjustment..............       -        -       -        -            -          (19)            -        (19)
                                                                                                          ----------
Comprehensive income..........                                                                                1,774
Preferred stock dividend......       -        -       -        -         (283)           -             -       (283)
                               -------  -------  ------   ------     --------     --------     ---------  ---------

Balances, December 15, 1997...  48,000  $     1  $4,889   $1,923     $  6,075     $   (172)    $       -  $  12,716
                               =======  =======  ======   ======     ========     ========     =========  =========


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                       Successor
                                                                       ---------


Balances, December 16, 1997...       -  $     - $     -   $    -     $      -     $      -     $       -  $       -
Initial capitalization           1,000        -  78,364        -            -            -             -     78,364
  (see Note 13)...............
Carryover basis adjustment....       -        -       -        -            -            -       (15,730)   (15,730)
Net loss......................       -        -       -        -       (5,493)           -             -     (5,493)
Other comprehensive loss, net
  of tax:
    Foreign currency translation
      adjustment..............       -        -       -        -            -          (57)            -        (57)
                                                                                                          ----------
Comprehensive loss............                                                                               (5,550)
                               -------  -------  ------   ------     --------     --------     ---------  ---------

Balances, June 30, 1998.......   1,000        -  78,364        -       (5,493)         (57)      (15,730)    57,084
Net loss......................       -        -       -        -       (5,116)           -             -     (5,116)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
    Foreign currency translation
      adjustment..............       -        -       -        -            -         (308)            -       (308)
                                                                                                          ----------
Comprehensive loss............                                                                               (5,424)
Dividend to AHC I Acquisition Corp.  -        -       -        -       (1,863)           -             -     (1,863)
                                   ---      ---    ----   ------     --------     --------     ---------  ----------


Balances, June 30, 1999.......   1,000  $     - $78,364   $    -     $(12,472)    $   (365)    $ (15,730) $  49,797
                               =======  ======= =======   ======     ========     =========    =========  =========




      The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                              (dollars in thousands)



                                                             Predecessor                         Successor
                                                             -----------                         ---------
                                                                       July 1,         December 16,
                                                        Year             1997              1997             Year
                                                        ended           through           through           ended
                                                      June 30,       December 15,         June 30,        June 30,
                                                        1997             1997              1998             1999
                                                        ----             ----              ----             ----
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>              <C>              <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income (loss).....................            $   3,982         $   1,793        $  (5,493)       $   (5,116)
   Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to
     net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization of goodwill
       and other intangibles.............                5,084             2,456            3,954             8,487
     Amortization of debt discount.......                  560               233              139             3,631
     Amortization of loan closing costs..                  258               101            3,808               727
     Deferred income taxes...............                 (297)             (460)          (2,035)             (544)
          Gain on sale of equipment......                    -                 -                -               (50)
     Other...............................                 (138)              (18)             (57)             (308)
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       Accounts receivable...............                2,546             1,153           (4,562)           (2,737)
       Inventory.........................                 (550)               69              543            (3,031)
       Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and
         other assets....................                 (101)              (62)            (453)             (975)
       Income taxes......................               (1,163)              699              767             5,238
       Accounts payable and accrued expenses            (1,239)           (1,036)          (5,432)            4,511
                                                     ---------         ---------           ------            ------


       Net cash provided by (used in) operating
         activities......................                8,942             4,928           (8,821)            9,833
                                                     ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Purchases of equipment................               (2,462)             (807)            (514)           (2,856)
   Proceeds from sale of equipment.......                   38                 -                -                50
   Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired           -                 -         (141,403)                -
                                                       -------         ---------        ---------         ---------

       Net cash used in investing activities            (2,424)             (807)        (141,917)           (2,806)
                                                     ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Payments under capital leases for equipment          (2,359)             (249)            (308)             (661)
   Net proceeds (repayments) on line of credit           4,338             2,362           (6,700)                -
   Proceeds from issuance of senior increasing rate
      notes, net of offering costs.......                    -                 -          119,735                 -
   Payments on senior increasing rate notes                  -                 -         (123,500)                -
   Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net
     of offering costs...................                    -                 -          110,158                 -
   Proceeds from issuance of senior discount
     debentures, net of offering costs...                    -                 -           24,699                 -
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock                    -                 -           76,001                 -
   Redemption of preferred stock.........                    -                 -           (8,678)                -
   Repayment of loans payable to stockholder            (7,004)           (1,851)         (36,649)                -
   Repayment of other notes payable......               (1,200)              (50)             (50)           (1,330)
   Dividends paid on preferred stock.....                 (616)             (155)            (128)                -
     Dividend paid to AHC I Acquisition Corp.                -                 -                -            (1,863)
                                                    ----------          --------        ---------         ---------

     Net cash provided by (used in)
       financing activities..............               (6,841)               57          154,580            (3,854)
                                                     ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents      (323)            4,178            3,842             3,173
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period             626               303                -             3,842
                                                     ---------          --------        ---------         ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.            $     303         $   4,481        $  3,842          $   7,015
                                                     =========         =========        ========          =========


Supplemental information:
   Cash paid (received) during the period for:
         Interest to stockholder(s)......            $   4,559         $   1,146        $  11,503         $       -
     Interest, other.....................                  917               459              214             6,512
     Income taxes........................                4,594             1,222             (784)           (5,123)

Significant non-cash activities:
   Assets acquired under capital lease...            $       -         $       -        $       -         $     600
</TABLE>

                                       F-7
<PAGE>


                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)

1.   ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

         Arcade Holding  Corporation (the  "Predecessor")  was organized for the
     purpose  of  acquiring  all the  issued and  outstanding  capital  stock of
     Arcade,  Inc.  ("Arcade")  on  November  4,  1993.  Arcade  is  engaged  in
     interactive advertising for consumer products companies and has a specialty
     in the design,  production and  distribution  of sampling  systems from its
     Chattanooga,  Tennessee facilities,  and distributes its products in Europe
     through  its  French  subsidiary,  Arcade  Europe  S.A.R.L.  As more  fully
     described  in Note 3, DLJ  Merchant  Banking  Partners II, L.P. and certain
     related  investors  (collectively,  "DLJMBII")  and certain  members of the
     Predecessor organized AHC I Acquisition Corp. ("Acquisition Corp.") and AHC
     I Merger Corp.  ("Merger Corp.") for purposes of acquiring the Predecessor.
     On December 15, 1997, Merger Corp.  acquired all of the equity interests of
     the  Predecessor  and then  merged  with and into the  Predecessor  and the
     combined  entity  assumed  the name AKI,  Inc.  and  Subsidiaries  ("AKI").
     Subsequent to the Acquisition,  Acquisition Corp. contributed $1 and all of
     its  ownership  interest  in AKI  to  AKI  Holding  Corp.  ("Holding,"  the
     "Successor" or the "Company") for all of the outstanding equity of Holding.

         Unless  otherwise  indicated,  all  references  to  years  refer to the
     Predecessor's, AKI's and Holding's fiscal year, June 30.


2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Principles of Consolidation

         The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts
     of  the  Company  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries.   All  significant
     intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

     Reclassification

         Certain prior year amounts have been  reclassified  to conform with the
     current year presentation.

     Cash and Cash Equivalents

         For purposes of the consolidated  statements of cash flows, the Company
     considers all highly liquid  investments with an original maturity of three
     months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

     Concentration of Credit Risk

         The Company  maintains  its cash in bank  deposit  accounts  which,  at
     times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced
     any losses in such accounts;  in addition,  the Company  believes it is not
     exposed to any significant  credit risk on cash and cash  equivalents.  The
     Company  grants  credit  terms in the  normal  course  of  business  to its
     customers and as part of its ongoing  procedures,  the Company monitors the
     credit worthiness of its customers. The Company does not believe that it is
     subject to any unusual  credit risk beyond the normal credit risk attendant
     in its business.





                                      F-8

<PAGE>


                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

         Two customers  accounted for 23.5% and 35.3% of the  Predecessor's  net
     sales  during the year ended June 30, 1997 and the period from July 1, 1997
     through December 15, 1997,  respectively.  One customer accounted for 13.3%
     of net sales  during the period from  December  16, 1997  through  June 30,
     1998. Two customers  accounted for 26.8% of net sales during the year ended
     June 30, 1999.

     Concentration of Purchasing

         Products  accounting  for a majority of the Company's net sales utilize
     specific  grades of paper that are produced  exclusively for the Company by
     one domestic supplier.  The Company does not have a purchase agreement with
     the  supplier  and is not aware of any other  suppliers  of these  specific
     grades of paper.  These products can be manufactured  using other grades of
     paper; however, the Company believes these specific grades of paper provide
     the  Company  with an  advantage  over  its  competitors.  The  Company  is
     currently  researching  methods  of  replicating  the  advantages  of these
     specific grades of paper with other grades of paper available from multiple
     suppliers.  Until such  methods  are  developed,  a loss of supply of these
     specific  grades of paper and the  resulting  competitive  advantage  could
     cause a possible  loss of sales  which  could  adversely  affect  operating
     results.

     Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

         Product sales are recognized upon shipment, net of estimated discounts.
     Accounts  receivable  are  accounted  for net of  allowances  for  doubtful
     accounts.

     Inventory

         Paper  inventory  is stated  at the  lower of cost or market  using the
     last-in,  first-out (LIFO) method;  all other inventories are stated at the
     lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

     Property, Plant and Equipment

         Property,  plant and  equipment are stated at cost.  Expenditures  that
     extend the  economic  lives or improve  the  efficiency  of  equipment  are
     capitalized. The costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
     Upon retirement or disposal, the related cost and accumulated  depreciation
     are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss is recorded.

         Depreciation  is computed using the  straight-line  method based on the
     estimated  useful lives of the assets as indicated in Note 6 for  financial
     reporting  purposes and  accelerated  methods for tax  purposes.  Leasehold
     improvements  are depreciated  over the shorter of their  estimated  useful
     lives or the lease term.







                                      F-9

<PAGE>


                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

     Goodwill

         The aggregate purchase price of business  acquisitions was allocated to
     the  assets  and  liabilities  of the  acquired  companies  based  on their
     respective fair values as of the acquisition dates. Goodwill represents the
     excess purchase price paid over the fair value of net  identifiable  assets
     acquired and is amortized over forty years using the straight-line  method.
     Accumulated  amortization  was $2,087 and $5,939 at June 30,  1998 and June
     30, 1999, respectively.

         Management  periodically  reviews the value of its  goodwill  and other
     long-lived assets to determine if an impairment has occurred. The potential
     impairment of recorded  goodwill and other long-lived assets is measured by
     the undiscounted  value of expected future operating cash flows in relation
     to its net capital  investment.  Based on its review,  management  does not
     believe that an impairment of its goodwill or its other  long-lived  assets
     has occurred.

     Deferred Charges

         Deferred  charges are primarily  comprised of debt issuance costs which
     are being amortized  using the effective  interest method over the terms of
     the related debt. Such costs are included in the accompanying  consolidated
     balance sheets, net of accumulated amortization.

     Other Intangible Assets

         Other  intangible  assets  include a covenant  not to compete and other
     intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of the fragrance  sampling
     business of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing  Company ("3M") (see Note 3)
     in June 1998 and are being amortized over ten years using the straight-line
     method.  Accumulated  amortization related to these intangibles was $729 at
     June 30, 1999.

     Fair Value of Financial Instruments

         SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Values of Financial Instruments,"
     requires the  disclosure  of the fair value of financial  instruments,  for
     assets and liabilities  recognized and not recognized on the balance sheet,
     for which it is practicable  to estimate fair value.  The fair value of the
     Company's Senior Notes and Senior Discount  Debentures,  as determined from
     quoted market prices, was $112,000 and $22,508,  respectively,  at June 30,
     1999 compared to a carrying value of $115,000 and $29,651, respectively, as
     of the same  date.  The  carrying  value of the  Senior  Notes  and  Senior
     Discount Debentures  approximated fair value at June 30, 1998. The carrying
     value of all other financial  instruments  approximated  fair value at June
     30, 1998 and June 30, 1999.






                                      F-10

<PAGE>


                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

     Foreign Currency Transactions

          Gains and losses on foreign currency  transactions  with third parties
     have been included in the  determination  of net income in accordance  with
     SFAS No. 52, "Foreign  Currency  Translation."  Foreign currency losses and
     (gains) amounted to $387, $(44),  $(52) and $91 for the year ended June 30,
     1997,  the period from July 1, 1997 through  December 15, 1997,  the period
     from  December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30,
     1999, respectively.

     Research and Development Expenses

          Research and development  expenditures are charged to selling, general
     and   administrative   expenses  in  the  period  incurred.   Research  and
     development  expenses  totaled  $1,263,  $664, $717 and $1,136 for the year
     ended June 30,  1997,  the period from July 1, 1997  through  December  15,
     1997,  the period from  December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and for the
     year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.

     Income Taxes

          Income taxes are provided in  accordance  with  Statement of Financial
     Accounting  Standards No. 109,  "Accounting for Income Taxes." Accordingly,
     deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized at the applicable income
     tax rates  based upon  future tax  consequences  of  temporary  differences
     between  the  tax  bases  and  financial  reporting  bases  of  assets  and
     liabilities  using  enacted  tax  rates in effect in the years in which the
     differences  are expected to reverse.  Deferred tax assets are reduced,  if
     necessary,  by the  amount of any tax  benefits  that,  based on  available
     evidence, are not expected to be realized.

     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
     disclosures  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at the  date  of the
     financial  statements  and the  reported  amounts of revenues  and expenses
     during  the  reporting  period.  Actual  results  could  differ  from those
     estimates.

     Comprehensive Income (Loss)

         The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
     Standards  No.  130  ("SFAS  No.  130")  on July 1,  1998.  This  statement
     establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and
     its  components in the financial  statements.  This statement also requires
     that comparative  information for earlier periods be  reclassified.  As the
     Company only has two items of comprehensive  income, net income and foreign
     currency  translations,  adoption of this statement did not have a material
     effect upon the Company's financial position or results of operations.






                                      F-11
<PAGE>


                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


3.   SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS

         DLJMBII and certain  members of the Predecessor  organized  Acquisition
     Corp.  and Merger Corp. for purposes of acquiring the  Predecessor.  Merger
     Corp. was a wholly-owned  subsidiary of Acquisition Corp. and was initially
     capitalized by Acquisition  Corp.  with an equity  contribution of $78,363,
     comprised  of  $76,000  of cash  (see  Note  12)  and  $2,363  of  non-cash
     consideration  in the form of an option to purchase Senior  Preferred Stock
     of  Acquisition  Corp.  (see Note 17).  Immediately  following  this equity
     contribution,  Merger Corp. issued $123,500 of senior increasing rate notes
     (the "Bridge Loans") to an entity with an ownership interest in Acquisition
     Corp.  The Bridge Loans had a stated  maturity of December 15, 1998 and had
     an  interest  rate  equal to the  greater of (i) 10.0% per annum and (ii) a
     daily  floating  rate of prime  plus 2.25%  plus an  additional  percentage
     amount equal to (a) 1.0% from and  including  the interest  payment date on
     June 15, 1998 or (b) 1.5% from and including  the interest  payment date on
     September 15, 1998.  Merger Corp.  received cash proceeds from the issuance
     of the Bridge Loans of $119,735,  net of $3,765 of associated debt issuance
     costs.

         On December 15, 1997, Merger Corp. acquired all of the equity interests
     of the Predecessor (the  "Acquisition")  for a total cost of $197,730 which
     consisted  of  $138,634   cash  paid  for  equity   interests   and  direct
     acquisitions  costs,  $2,363 in  non-cash  consideration  in the form of an
     option to purchase Senior  Preferred  Stock of Acquisition  Corp. (see Note
     17) and the  assumption  of $56,733 in debt,  preferred  stock and  related
     interest and dividends,  including a capital lease obligation.  Included in
     the amount of direct acquisition costs was approximately  $2,022 paid to an
     entity that has an ownership  interest in  Acquisition  Corp.  Merger Corp.
     then merged with and into the  Predecessor  and the combined entity assumed
     the name AKI. Subsequent to the Acquisition,  Acquisition Corp. contributed
     $1 of cash and all of its  ownership  interest in AKI to Holding for all of
     the  outstanding  equity of Holding.  Since all  companies are under common
     control and since Holding and Acquisition  Corp.  have no operations  other
     than those related to AKI, the contribution was accounted for as if it were
     a pooling of interests.

         The  Acquisition  was  accounted  for  using  the  purchase  method  of
     accounting. In accordance with the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues
     Task Force of the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board in Issue  88-16,
     "Basis in Leveraged  Buyout  Transactions,"  the purchase price  allocation
     required  an  adjustment  for  the  continuing  interest   attributable  to
     management's   ownership  interest  in  the  Predecessor  carried  over  in
     connection with the Acquisition.  As a result, a reduction in stockholders'
     equity of $15,730 was recorded which represents the difference  between the
     fair value of the Company's assets and the related book value  attributable
     to  the  interest  of  the  continuing   shareholders'  investment  in  the
     Predecessor.  The remaining purchase price has been allocated to assets and
     liabilities  based  upon  estimates  of  their  respective  fair  value  as
     determined  by  management  and  third-party  appraisals  with  respect  to
     property, plant and equipment.

         In connection with the Acquisition,  the Company repaid the outstanding
     balance  and  related  interest  of the  Predecessor's  loans  payable to a
     shareholder of $37,374, the outstanding balance and related interest of the
     Predecessor's  line of credit of $6,278  and the  outstanding  balance  and
     related dividends on the Predecessor's preferred stock of $8,806.




                                      F-12

<PAGE>


                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


3.   SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS (Continued)

     The  following  shows  the  acquisition  costs  and the  allocation  of the
purchase price:

Acquisition costs
     Cash paid for stock..........................................  $   134,403
     Direct acquisition costs.....................................        4,231
                                                                    -----------
                                                                        138,634
     Non-cash consideration for stock
       in the form of an option to purchase Senior
       Preferred Stock of Acquisition Corp. (see Note 17).........        2,363
                                                                    -----------

     Total.......................................................       140,997
     Less--Carryover basis adjustment............................       (15,730)
                                                                    -----------

     Purchase price to be allocated..............................   $   125,267
                                                                    ===========

Summary allocation of purchase price
     Cash........................................................   $     4,481
     Other current assets........................................        17,782
     Property, plant and equipment...............................        20,132
     Deferred income taxes.......................................         2,953
     Other assets................................................           329
     Goodwill....................................................       153,929
                                                                    -----------

     Total allocation to assets..................................   $   199,606
                                                                    ===========

     Current liabilities.........................................   $    13,190
     Long-term debt (including current portion) and related interest     47,927
     Deferred income taxes..........................................      4,416
     Preferred stock and related dividends..........................      8,806
                                                                    -----------

     Total liabilities assumed..................................... $    74,339
                                                                    ===========


           Included in cash paid for stock of $134,403 is $19,342 related to the
     purchase and retirement of 11,201 options of the Predecessor.  In addition,
     the non-cash  consideration for stock of $2,363 was incurred to acquire and
     retire the remaining 1,370 options of the Predecessor (see Note 17).

            On June 22, 1998, the Company  acquired (the "3M  Acquisition")  the
     fragrance  sampling  business  of  the  Industrial  and  Consumer  Products
     division  of 3M for  approximately  $7,250  in cash and the  assumption  of
     liabilities of  approximately  $182. The only tangible assets acquired were
     approximately  $143 of equipment.  The  acquisition was accounted for using
     the  purchase  method of  accounting  and  resulted in  assigning  value to
     certain  intangible assets,  including a covenant not to compete,  totaling
     approximately  $7,289 which are being  amortized  on a straight  line basis
     over a period of 10 years.




                                      F-13

<PAGE>


                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


3.   SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS (Continued)

         Unaudited pro forma results for the Company  assuming the  Acquisition,
     the 3M Acquisition  and the Refinancing had occurred as of the beginning of
     each applicable fiscal year are presented below:

                                          Unaudited Pro Forma Results
                                               for the Year Ended
                                               ------------------

                                             June 30,       June 30,
                                               1997           1998
                                               ----           ----

         Net sales.......................   $  87,771       $ 81,831
         Income from operations..........       9,565          5,838
         Interest expense, net...........      16,640         16,730
         Net loss........................      (6,102)        (8,573)

         On June 25, 1998, the Bridge Loans were repaid,  without penalty,  with
     the  proceeds  from the Senior  Note  offering  (see Note 9) and the Senior
     Discount   Debenture   offering   (see   Note   10)   (collectively,    the
     "Refinancing"). Contemporaneous with the repayment of the Bridge Loans, the
     Company wrote-off the unamortized balance of debt issuance costs associated
     with the Bridge Loans of $1,795 to interest expense.

4.       ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

     The following table details the components of accounts receivable:

                                                   June 30,         June 30,
                                                     1998           1999
                                                     ----           ----

         Trade accounts receivable.............. $  13,782       $ 16,349
         Allowance for doubtful accounts........      (277)          (251)
                                                 ----------      ---------
                                                    13,505         16,098
         Other accounts receivable..............        45            189
                                                 ---------       --------

                                                 $  13,550       $ 16,287
                                                 =========       ========




                                      F-14


<PAGE>



                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


5.   INVENTORY

     The following table details the components of inventory:

                                                         June 30,       June 30,
                                                           1998           1999
                                                           ----           ----
         Raw materials
           Paper....................................    $     556       $  1,088
           Other raw materials......................        1,024          2,328
                                                        ---------       --------
              Total raw materials...................        1,580          3,416
         Work in process............................          498          1,693
                                                        ---------       --------

         Total inventory............................    $   2,078       $  5,109
                                                        =========       ========

         The difference  between the carrying value of paper inventory using the
     FIFO method as compared to the LIFO method was not  significant at June 30,
     1998 or June 30, 1999.

6.       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

         The  following  table  details the  components  of property,  plant and
     equipment as well as their estimated useful lives:

                                           Estimated      June 30,     June 30,
                                         Useful Lives       1998          1999
                                         ------------       ----          ----

         Land...........................                $     256      $    258
         Building....................... 7 - 15 years       1,048         1,648
         Leasehold improvements......... 1 -  3 years         153           579
         Machinery and equipment........ 5 -  7 years      17,146        19,483
         Furniture and fixtures......... 3 -  5 years       1,634         2,084
         Construction in progress.......                      552           193
                                                        ---------      --------
                                                           20,789        24,245
         Accumulated depreciation.......                   (1,853)       (5,734)
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                         $ 18,936     $  18,511
                                                        =========     =========

         Depreciation expense amounted to $3,850,  $1,888, $1,853 and $3,881 for
     the year ended June 30, 1997, the period from July 1, 1997 through December
     15, 1997,  the period from  December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and the
     year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.









                                      F-15

<PAGE>





                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



6.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Continued)

         Property  held  under  capital  lease  is  included  in the  respective
     property, plant and equipment category as follows:

                                                    June 30,       June 30,
                                                     1999           1998
                                                     ----           ----

         Machinery and equipment.................. $   3,000       $  3,000
         Building.................................         -            600
                                                   ---------       --------
                                                       3,000          3,600
         Less accumulated depreciation............      (275)          (790)
                                                   ---------       ---------
                                                   $   2,725       $  2,810
                                                   =========       ========


         Depreciation of assets under capital lease totaled $633, $232, $275 and
     $515 for the year ended June 30, 1997, the period from July 1, 1997 through
     December 15, 1997,  the period from December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998
     and the year  ended  June 30,  1999,  respectively.  Future  minimum  lease
     payments under the remaining lease are as follows:

                                                         Payment       Interest

                           2000......................  $     884       $    197
                           2001......................        948            100
                           2002......................        529             27
                                                       ---------       --------

                                                       $   2,361       $    324
                                                       =========       ========

7.       LINE OF CREDIT

         On April  30,  1996,  the  Predecessor  entered  into a line of  credit
     agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which was amended on December 12, 1997,
     in  connection  with the  Acquisition,  and amended  again on September 30,
     1998. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving loan commitment up to a
     maximum of $20,000 and expires on December 31, 2002. Borrowings are limited
     to a borrowing  base  consisting  of  accounts  receivable,  inventory  and
     property, plant and equipment which serve as collateral for the borrowings.
     As of June  30,  1999,  the  Company's  borrowing  base  was  approximately
     $17,500.  Interest on amounts borrowed accrue at a floating rate based upon
     either  prime or LIBOR (9.25% and 8.50% at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999,
     respectively).  The  weighted  average  interest  rate  on the  outstanding
     balance under the Credit  Agreement was 9.31%,  9.50%,  9.25% and 8.51% for
     the year ended June 30, 1997, the period from July 1, 1997 through December
     15, 1997,  the period from  December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and the
     year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.







                                      F-16

<PAGE>



                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


7.   LINE OF CREDIT (Continued)

         The Company is required to pay commitment fees on the unused portion of
     the revolving loan commitment at a rate of approximately 0.5% per annum. In
     addition,  the Company is required to pay fees equal to 2.5% of the average
     daily  outstanding  amount of lender  guarantees.  The  Company had $600 of
     lender  guarantees  outstanding  at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999.  These
     fees totaled $109,  $30, $59 and $111 for the year ended June 30, 1997, the
     period  from July 1, 1997  through  December  15,  1997,  the  period  from
     December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999,
     respectively. The Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants and
     other restrictions  including  restrictions on additional  indebtedness and
     restrictions on the payment of dividends.

         As of June  30,  1999,  the  Company  was in  compliance  with all debt
     covenants.  However, the Company expects to be in violation of certain loan
     covenants  in Fiscal  2000.  Management  expects to obtain loan  amendments
     and/or waivers in Fiscal 2000 with respect to such covenants. If management
     is unable to obtain loan  amendments  and/or  waivers in Fiscal  2000,  the
     Company may need to seek additional sources of financing.

8.   LOANS PAYABLE TO STOCKHOLDER

         The   Predecessor   entered  into  a  Senior  Loan  Agreement  and  two
     Subordinated Loan Agreements  (collectively,  the "Loan Agreements") with a
     party that had owned the  Predecessor's  preferred  stock and a significant
     portion of its common stock.  The Loan  Agreements were  collateralized  by
     substantially  all the  assets  of the  Predecessor.  The  Loan  Agreements
     limited the  Predecessor's  ability to incur additional  indebtedness,  pay
     dividends and purchase  fixed  assets.  Additionally,  the Loan  Agreements
     required that certain  financial  covenants be maintained.  The Predecessor
     was not in compliance  with all such  covenants at June 30, 1997.  However,
     this debt was subsequently  retired upon the acquisition of the Predecessor
     as  discussed  in Note 3.  All  amounts  borrowed  under  the  Senior  Loan
     Agreement bore interest at prime plus 1.50%.

         The  Predecessor   borrowed   $30,000  under  the   Subordinated   Loan
     Agreements,  of which  $23,000  was  designated  as Loan I and  $7,000  was
     designated  as Loan II. Loan I bore  interest,  payable  quarterly,  at 12%
     until  November 4, 1998,  and then would have  converted  to prime plus 4%.
     Loan II bore interest,  payable quarterly, at 7%. The outstanding amount of
     the subordinated  loans was net of unamortized  debt discounts,  which were
     being amortized over the term of the related loan.

         In  connection  with  Loan II,  the  Predecessor  issued a  warrant  to
     purchase 19,233 shares of common stock at $0.05 per share.  The warrant was
     exercisable until November 4, 2003. The Predecessor  valued the warrants at
     $100  each  based on the  fair  market  value of a share of the  underlying
     common stock  resulting from a sale with a third party.  In connection with
     the warrant issued, the Predecessor  recorded a debt discount of $1,923. In
     connection  with the sale of the Predecessor on December 15, 1997 (see Note
     3), all outstanding warrants were purchased from the holder by the buyer of
     the Predecessor and retired.





                                      F-17
<PAGE>




                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


9.   SENIOR NOTES

         On June 25,  1998,  AKI  completed a private  placement  of $115,000 of
     Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes").  The Senior Notes are general  unsecured
     obligations  of  AKI  and  bear  interest  at  10.5%  per  annum,   payable
     semi-annually  on January 1 and July 1. The Senior  Notes mature on July 1,
     2008 and may be redeemed at the option of AKI, in whole or in part,  at any
     time  on or  after  July  1,  2003  at a  price  equal  to  105.25%  of the
     outstanding  principal  balance  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest.  The
     placement  of the Senior Notes  yielded AKI net proceeds of $110,158  after
     deducting  offering  expenses of $4,842,  including  $3,450 of underwriting
     fees  paid  to an  affiliate  of the  stockholder.  The  Senior  Notes  are
     redeemable  at the  option of the  Company,  in whole or part,  at any time
     after July 1, 2003 at a price of up to 105.25% of the outstanding principal
     balance plus  accrued and unpaid  interest.  Prior to July 1, 2003,  AKI is
     permitted to repurchase up to 35% of the Senior Notes at a redemption price
     equal to 110.5% of the aggregate  principal  amount plus accrued and unpaid
     interest with the net proceeds of one or more public equity offerings.  The
     Senior Notes contain certain customary covenants including  restrictions on
     the  declaration and payment of dividends by AKI to Holding and limitations
     on the  incurrence of additional  indebtedness.  On December 22, 1998,  AKI
     completed  the  registration  of its Senior Notes with the  Securities  and
     Exchange Commission.

10.      SENIOR DISCOUNT DEBENTURES

         On June 25,  1998,  Holding  completed  a private  placement  of Senior
     Discount Debentures (the "Debentures") with a stated value of $50,000.  The
     Debentures are general unsecured  obligations of Holding and mature on July
     1, 2009.  The  Debentures do not accrue or pay interest  until July 1, 2003
     and  were  issued  with an  original  issuance  discount  of  $24,038.  The
     placement  of the  Debentures  yielded the Company net  proceeds of $24,699
     after  deducting   offering   expenses  of  $1,263,   including  $1,038  of
     underwriting  fees paid to an  affiliate of the  stockholder.  The original
     issuance  discount  of $24,038 on the  Debentures  is being  accreted  from
     issuance  through July 1, 2003 at an effective rate of 13.5% per annum. The
     unamortized  balance of the  original  issuance  discount  was  $23,980 and
     $20,349 at June 30,  1998 and June 30,  1999,  respectively.  After July 1,
     2003,  the  Debentures  will accrue  interest at a rate of 13.5% per annum,
     payable  semi-annually,  commencing  January 1, 2004.  The  Debentures  are
     redeemable at the option of Holding, in whole or in part, at any time on or
     after July 1, 2003 at a price up to 106.75%  of the  outstanding  principal
     balance plus accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to July 1, 2003, Holding is
     permitted to  repurchase  up to 35% of the  aggregate  principal  amount at
     maturity of the Debentures originally issued at a redemption price equal to
     113.5% of the accreted value of the Debentures with the net proceeds of one
     or more public equity offerings.  The Debentures  contain certain customary
     covenants  including   restrictions  on  the  declaration  and  payment  of
     dividends and limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness.  On
     December 22, 1998,  the Company  completed the  registration  of its Senior
     Discount Debentures with the Securities and Exchange Commission.




                                      F-18
<PAGE>





                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)

11.  OTHER NOTES PAYABLE

         On June  9,  1995,  the  Predecessor  acquired  all of the  issued  and
     outstanding  stock of Scent Seal Inc.  ("Scent  Seal").  The acquisition of
     Scent  Seal did not have a material  impact on the  financial  position  or
     results  of  operations  of the  Predecessor  and  was  accounted  for as a
     purchase  transaction  whereby the purchase  cost was allocated to the fair
     value of the net assets  acquired.  In connection  with the  acquisition of
     Scent Seal, the Predecessor issued $3,627 in noninterest bearing promissory
     notes (the "Notes") to an employee of the  Predecessor who was previously a
     Scent Seal stockholder. The Predecessor recorded a debt discount of $649 in
     connection with the issuance of the Notes to reflect an effective  interest
     rate of 10%. The discount was being amortized over the term of the Notes.

         Under certain provisions of the Scent Seal acquisition  agreement,  the
     Company was permitted to reduce the  outstanding  principal  balance of the
     Notes based upon the ultimate realization of assets acquired and settlement
     of liabilities assumed. In June 1998, the Company reached a settlement with
     the  holder of the Notes  under  these  provisions  which  resulted  in the
     reduction of the  outstanding  principal  balance of the Notes of $120. The
     remaining  principal balance of the Notes of $1,330 was repaid in July 1998
     in accordance with the terms of the Notes.

12.  REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK OF THE PREDECESSOR

         In connection  with the 1993  acquisition  of Arcade,  the  Predecessor
     authorized  and  issued  8,000  shares  of  7%  cumulative,  $1  par  value
     redeemable  preferred stock at $1,000 per share.  The redeemable  preferred
     stock prohibited the Predecessor from acquiring its common stock as long as
     the preferred  stock was  outstanding  and restricted the payment of common
     stock  dividends.  Accrued and unpaid  dividends  of $678  accrued  through
     December 31, 1994,  were added to the outstanding  balance.  The redeemable
     preferred  stock  would have been  redeemable  on  December  31,  2001,  at
     liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. In
     conjunction with the sale of the Predecessor on December 15, 1997 (see Note
     3), all outstanding  redeemable  preferred stock was redeemed at $1,000 per
     share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

13.  INITIAL CAPITALIZATION

         In conjunction with the Acquisition,  Acquisition  Corp. issued $30,000
     of Floating Rate Notes, $50,279 of Manditorily  Redeemable Senior Preferred
     Stock (the "Senior  Preferred  Stock") and $1,111 of its Common Stock.  The
     Floating  Rate Notes were  issued  with an  original  issuance  discount of
     $5,389  and bear  interest  at a rate  equal to the rate in  effect  on the
     Bridge  Loans  (see  Note  3)  plus  2.50%.  After  the  completion  of the
     Refinancing  (see Note 3) on June 25, 1998,  the  Floating  Rate Notes bear
     interest at 15% per annum. Interest is payable quarterly and can be settled
     through the issuance of additional  Floating Rate Notes through maturity at
     the  discretion of  Acquisition  Corp.  The original  issuance  discount of
     $5,389 is being amortized using the effective interest method over the life
     of the  Floating  Rate  Notes.  The  unamortized  balance  of the  original
     issuance discount was $5,152 and $4,470 at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999,
     respectively.  The Floating  Rate Notes mature on December 15, 2009 and are
     held by affiliates of the primary  shareholder  of  Acquisition  Corp.  The
     Senior  Preferred  Stock  accretes  in value at 15% per  annum  and must be
     redeemed by December 15, 2012. The Floating Rate Notes and Senior Preferred
     Stock are general unsecured obligations of Acquisition Corp.




                                      F-19

<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


13.  INITIAL CAPITALIZATION (Continued)

         The cash proceeds from the issuance of the Floating Rate Notes,  Senior
     Preferred Stock and Common Stock of approximately $76,000 and a Manditorily
     Redeemable  Senior  Preferred  Stock  Option of  $2,363  (see Note 17) were
     contributed  by  Acquisition  Corp.  to AKI in exchange for 1,000 shares of
     AKI's Common Stock.  Subsequent to the  capitalization of AKI,  Acquisition
     Corp.  contributed  $1 of cash and all of its ownership  interest in AKI to
     Holding for all of the outstanding equity of Holding.

         Acquisition  Corp.  has no other  operations  other  than the  Company.
     Absent addition  financing by Acquisition  Corp., the Company's  operations
     represent  the only  current  source  of funds  available  to  service  the
     Floating Rate Notes and  Manditorily  Redeemable  Senior  Preferred  Stock;
     however,  the Company is not  obligated to pay or otherwise  guarantee  the
     Floating Rate Notes and Manditorily Redeemable Senior Preferred Stock.

14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     Operating Leases

         Equipment and office,  warehouse and production  space under  operating
     leases expire at various dates.  Rent expense was $443, $192, $198 and $338
     for the year ended June 30,  1997,  the  period  from July 1, 1997  through
     December 15, 1997,  the period from December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998
     and the year  ended  June 30,  1999,  respectively.  Future  minimum  lease
     payments under these leases are as follows:

                                         2000..............  $    162
                                         2001..............       138
                                                             --------

                                                             $    300
                                                             ========

     Royalty Agreements

           Royalty  agreements are maintained for certain  technologies  used in
     the  manufacture  of  certain  products.  Under  the  terms of one  royalty
     agreement,  payments  are required  based on a  percentage  of net sales of
     those products  manufactured with the specific technology,  or a minimum of
     $500 per year. This agreement expires in 2003 or when a total of $12,500 in
     cumulative royalty payments has been paid. The Company expensed $761, $437,
     $516 and $500 under this  agreement  for the year ended June 30, 1997,  the
     period  from July 1, 1997  through  December  15,  1997,  the  period  from
     December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999,
     respectively.  The Company has paid $4,576 in cumulative  royalty  payments
     under this agreement through June 30, 1999.

         Under the terms of another  agreement,  royalty  payments  are required
     based on the  number  of  products  sold that  were  manufactured  with the
     specific licensed technology,  or a minimum payment per year. These minimum
     payments for years after fiscal 1999 are $625 through the expiration of the
     agreement in 2012.  The Company  expensed $475,  $241,  $284 and $575 under
     this  agreement  for the year ended June 30, 1997,  the period from July 1,
     1997 through  December 15, 1997,  the period from December 16, 1997 through
     June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.




                                      F-20
<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



14.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

     Employment Agreements

         The Company has employment  agreements with certain officers with terms
     through  February  1,  2002.  Such  agreements  provide  for base  salaries
     totaling $825 per year. One officer has an incentive bonus of up to 200% of
     base salary which is payable if certain  financial and management goals are
     attained  and  certain  other  incentive  payments.  One of the  employment
     agreements  also  provides  severance  benefits  of up to two years of base
     salary if the officer's services are terminated under certain conditions.

         During fiscal 1999,  two executive  officers  employment was terminated
     with the  Company.  In  accordance  with  the  terms  of  former  officers'
     employment agreements,  the Company was obligated for severance benefits of
     approximately  $610.  The  Company  had  paid  approximately  $457 of these
     benefits by June 30,  1999.  The  remaining  balance of $153 is included in
     accrued compensation at June 30, 1999.

     Litigation

         The Company is a party to litigation  arising in the ordinary course of
     business  which,  in the  opinion of  management,  will not have a material
     adverse effect on the Company's financial condition,  results of operations
     or cash flows.

15.  RETIREMENT PLANS

         A 401(k)  defined  contribution  plan (the  "Plan") is  maintained  for
      substantially all full-time salaried employees.  Applicable  employees who
      have six  months of  service  and have  attained  age 21 are  eligible  to
      participate in the Plan. Employees may elect to contribute a percentage of
      their  earnings to the Plan in accordance  with limits  prescribed by law.
      Contributions  to the Plan are  determined  annually  by the  Company  and
      generally  are a matching  percentage  of  employee  contributions.  Costs
      associated  with the Plan totaled  $180,  $95,  $113 and $201 for the year
      ended June 30,  1997,  the period from July 1, 1997  through  December 15,
      1997, the period from December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and the year
      ended June 30, 1999, respectively.

         Certain  hourly  employees  are covered under a  multiemployer  defined
     benefit plan administered under a collective  bargaining  agreement.  Costs
     (determined by union  contract)  under the defined  benefit plan were $143,
     $80, $81 and $204 for the year ended June 30, 1997, the period from July 1,
     1997 through  December 15,  1997,  from  December 16, 1997 through June 30,
     1998 and for the year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.












                                      F-21
<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



16.  INCOME TAXES

         The Company is included in the  consolidated  federal income tax return
     filed by  Acquisition  Corp.  for periods  subsequent to December 15, 1997.
     Income taxes  related to the Company for the period from  December 16, 1997
     through  June 30, 1999 were  determined  on a separate  entity  basis.  The
     Company files  separate  state income tax returns and  calculates its state
     tax  provision on a separate  company  basis.  Any income taxes  payable or
     receivable  by the  consolidated  group are settled or received by AKI. The
     Predecessor was not part of a consolidated group.

         For  financial  reporting  purposes,  income (loss) before income taxes
includes the following components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    July 1,       December 16,
                                                                     1997             1997
                                                Year Ended          through          through         Year Ended
                                                 June 30,        December 15,       June 30,          June 30,
                                                   1997              1997             1998              1999
                                                   ----              ----             ----              ----
         <S>                                     <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>

         Income (loss) before income taxes:
           United States....................     $   7,609        $   3,298         $  (8,227)       $  (5,978)
           Foreign..........................          (492)             (64)              682              522
                                                 ----------       ----------        ---------        ---------

                                                 $   7,117        $     3,234       $  (7,545)       $  (5,456)
                                                 ==========       ==========        =========        =========



     Significant  components of the provision  (benefit) for income taxes are as
follows:

                                                                    July 1,       December 16,
                                                                     1997             1997
                                                Year Ended          through          through         Year Ended
                                                 June 30,         December 15       June 30,          June 30,
                                                   1997              1997             1998              1999
                                                   ----              ----             ----              ----

         Current expense (benefit):
           Federal..........................     $   2,880        $   1,623         $       -        $       -
           Foreign..........................             -                -               104              204
           State............................           552              278              (121)               -
                                                 ---------        ---------         ----------       ---------
                                                     3,432            1,901               (17)             204
                                                 ---------        ---------         ----------       ---------

         Deferred expense (benefit):

           Federal..........................           (90)            (376)           (1,916)            (481)
           Foreign..........................          (165)             (25)              162                -
           State............................           (42)             (59)             (281)             (63)
                                                 ----------       ---------         ----------       ----------
                                                      (297)            (460)           (2,035)            (544)
                                                 ----------       ---------         ---------        ----------

                                                 $    3,135       $   1,441         $  (2,052)       $    (340)
                                                 ==========       =========         =========        =========



</TABLE>




                                      F-22
<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



16.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)

         The  significant  components  of deferred  tax assets and  deferred tax
     liability at June 30, 1998 and 1999, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                           June 30, 1998                      June 30, 1999
                                                       ----------------------             ---------------------
                                                       Current     Noncurrent             Current    Noncurrent
                                                       ----------------------             ---------------------
         <S>                                         <C>          <C>                   <C>         <C>

         Deferred income tax assets:
           Accrued expenses........................  $     719    $       -             $     308    $       -
           Allowance for doubtful accounts.........        108            -                    92            -
           Net operating loss carryforwards........          -        2,966                     -        4,338
           Preferred stock option..................          -          922                     -            -
                                                     ---------    ---------             ---------    ---------
                                                           827        3,888                   400        4,338

         Deferred income tax liability:
             Property, plant and equipment.........          -        4,143                     -        3,340
                                                     ---------    ---------             ---------    ---------

                                                     $     827    $    (255)            $     400    $     998
                                                     =========    ==========            =========    =========

         The income tax provision recognized by the Predecessor for the year ended June 30, 1997 and the period
     from July 1, 1997  through  December  15, 1997 and by the Company  for the period from  December  16, 1997
     through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999 differs from the amount  determined by applying the
     applicable U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to pretax income as a result of the following:


                                                                    July 1,            December 16,
                                                                     1997                  1997
                                                     Year Ended     through               through    Year Ended
                                                      June 30,   December 15,            June 30,     June 30,
                                                        1997         1997                  1998         1999
                                                        ----         ----                  ----         ----
         <S>                                         <C>          <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>           <C>

         Computed tax provision (benefit)
           at the statutory rate...................  $   2,420    $   1,100            $   (2,565)   $   (1,855)
         State income tax provision (benefit),
           net of federal effect...................        335          145                  (265)         (152)
         Nondeductible expenses....................        455          193                   723         1,655
         Other, net................................        (75)           3                    55            12
                                                     ----------   ---------            ----------    ----------

                                                     $   3,135    $   1,441            $   (2,052)   $     (340)
                                                     =========    =========            ==========    ==========


         In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $7,327 related to
     the  excess of the  redemption  price  over the  strike  price of  certain  non-qualified  options  of the
     Predecessor redeemed and retired by the Company. This benefit was recorded as a reduction to goodwill.


</TABLE>




                                                     F-23


<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



16.    INCOME TAXES (continued)

         Due to the Company's current year losses and certain  transactions made
     in conjunction with the  Acquisition,  the Company has recorded a long-term
     deferred  tax asset of $4,338  reflecting  cumulative  net  operating  loss
     carryforwards   available  to  offset  future  federal  taxable  income  of
     approximately  $10,000 and future  state  taxable  income of  approximately
     $17,500 at June 30, 1999. These cumulative net operating loss carryforwards
     expire in  varying  amounts  through  2019.  Realization  is  dependent  on
     generating  sufficient  taxable  income  prior  to  expiration  of the loss
     carryforwards.  Although  realization is not assured,  management  believes
     that it is more likely than not that all of the  deferred tax asset will be
     realized.  The  amount of the  deferred  tax asset  considered  realizable,
     however,  could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future  taxable
     income during the carryforward period are reduced.

17.  STOCK OPTIONS

            The  Predecessor  sponsored a key  employee  stock option plan under
     which a maximum of 12,571 shares of the Predecessor's common stock could be
     reserved for nonqualified  options;  all stock options were granted with an
     exercise  price  equal to the fair  market  value  of $100 per  share.  All
     options  vested  ratably  over five years and would have  expired ten years
     from the grant date.

           The  Predecessor  accounted  for its  employee  stock  options  under
     Accounting  Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
     Employees  ("APB  25").  Under APB 25,  because the  exercise  price of the
     Predecessor's  employee  stock  options  equaled  the  market  value of the
     underlying  stock  on the  date  of  grant,  no  compensation  expense  was
     recognized.

         A summary  of the  Predecessor's  stock  option  activity  and  related
information follows:

                                                  June 30, 1997
                                                     Weighted
                                                      Average
                                                      Exercise
                                                 Options     Price

         Outstanding, beginning of year......     12,571    $   100
           Granted...........................          -          -
           Exercised.........................          -          -
           Forfeited.........................          -          -
                                                --------    -------

         Outstanding, end of year............     12,571    $   100
                                                ========    =======

         Exercisable, end of year............      5,866    $   100
                                                ========    =======

         Weighted average remaining
           contractual life..................         7.3 years




                                      F-24
<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



17.  STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)

         Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 123,  Accounting  for
     Stock-Based  Compensation  ("SFAS 123"),  requires  disclosure of pro forma
     information  regarding net income for option grants  subsequent to December
     15, 1995.  Because all of the  Predecessor's  options were granted prior to
     that  date,  no pro  forma  adjustments  to net  income  or  disclosure  of
     information would apply under SFAS 123.

         As a result of the sale of the  Predecessor  on December  15, 1997 (see
     Note 3), all outstanding  options became immediately vested and exercisable
     under the terms of the  original  individual  stock option  agreements.  In
     connection with the Acquisition,  the Company  purchased and retired 11,201
     options of the Predecessor for $19,342.  The remaining 1,370 options of the
     Predecessor,  which had a cumulative exercise price of $137, were exchanged
     at fair  value for an  option to  purchase  100,000  shares of  Acquisition
     Corp.'s Senior  Preferred  Stock with a cumulative  stated valued of $2,500
     ("the  Preferred  Stock  Option").  The  1,370  options  were  subsequently
     retired.  The  Preferred  Stock Option had an exercise  price of $137.  The
     total  consideration of $21,705 used to purchase and retire the outstanding
     options of the Predecessor was included in the cost of the Acquisition (see
     Note 3).

         The  Preferred  Stock Option was issued with a Put and Call Option (the
     "Put and Call  Option")  which  granted  the  officer  the  right to compel
     DLJMBII to purchase the 100,000 shares of Senior Preferred Stock obtainable
     under the  Preferred  Stock  Option,  together  with certain  common equity
     interests in Acquisition Corp. held by the officer, for $2,590. The Put and
     Call  Option  also  granted  DLJMBII  the  right  to  purchase  the  equity
     interests,  both common and preferred,  of the officer for the same amount.
     The Put and Call  Option had a stated  termination  of June 30,  1998.  The
     officer  agreed to  terminate  the Put and Call Option and enter into a new
     put option (the "Put Option")  dated June 17, 1998.  The Put Option granted
     the officer an irrevocable option to require  Acquisition Corp. to purchase
     80,000 shares of the Senior  Preferred Stock obtainable under the Preferred
     Stock  Option,  for  $2,000 in cash.  As the terms of the Put  Option  were
     generally more  restrictive  than the Put and Call Option,  no compensation
     expense was  recognized as a result of the  transaction.  On July 30, 1998,
     the officer exercised the Preferred Stock Option and Put Option. To provide
     Acquisition Corp. the funds to redeem the 80,000 shares of Senior Preferred
     Stock,  Holding  issued  Acquisition  Corp. a dividend of $1,863 in cash on
     such date.

         Subsequent to the Acquisition, Acquisition Corp. adopted the 1998 Stock
     Option Plan  ("Option  Plan") for certain key  employees  and  directors of
     Acquisition  Corp.  and any parent or subsidiary of  Acquisition  Corp. The
     Option  Plan  authorizes  the  issuance of options to acquire up to 100,000
     shares of  Acquisition  Corp.  Common Stock.  The terms of each  individual
     options grant are determined by the Board of Directors.  The exercise price
     for each  grant is  required  to be set at least  equal to the fair  market
     value per share of Acquisition Corp. provided that the exercise price shall
     not be less than $1.00 per share.  Options may be exercisable for up to ten
     years.







                                      F-25

<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



17.  STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)

         On June 17, 1998,  Acquisition Corp.  granted an officer of the Company
     options to purchase 32,500 shares of Acquisition  Corp.  Common Stock.  All
     options  have an exercise  price of $1.00 per share and a term of 10 years.
     These  options  were  forfeited  during  1999 upon the  resignation  of the
     officer.

         The Company  has  elected to account  for its stock based  compensation
     with employees under the intrinsic value method as permitted under FAS 123.
     Under the intrinsic value method,  because the stock price of the Company's
     employee stock options  equaled the fair value of the  underlying  stock on
     the date of grant, no compensation  expense was recognized.  If the Company
     had elected to recognize  compensation  expense  based on the fair value of
     the options at grant date as  prescribed  by FAS 123,  the net loss for the
     period from December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June
     30, 1999 would have been  $(5,494) and  $(5,119),  respectively.  In making
     this determination, fair value was estimated on the date of grant using the
     minimum value method and a risk-free  interest  rate of 5.4%.  The weighted
     average  fair value at date of grant of  options  granted  during  1998 was
     approximately $0.41 per option.

18.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

         The Predecessor made payments to a company  controlled by a stockholder
     of the  Predecessor  of $612 for the year ended June 30,  1997 and $160 for
     the period from July 1, 1997  through  December 15,  1997,  for  management
     fees, bonuses and expense reimbursements.

          The Predecessor  made payments to another  stockholder of $120 for the
     year ended June 30, 1997 and $55 for the period  from July 1, 1997  through
     December 15, 1997, for management fees.

          The  Successor  made  payments to an  affiliate of DLJMBII of $125 and
     $250 for the period from  December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the
     year ended June 30, 1999,  respectively,  for financial  advisory  fees. In
     addition,  the Company had  approximately  $2,401 of cash on deposit with a
     financial institution affiliated with DLJMBII as of June 30, 1998.

19.      SUBSEQUENT EVENT

          On  September  15, 1999,  AKI acquired all of the equity  interests in
     RetCom Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries for a total cost of approximately
     $12,000 and refinanced working capital indebtedness of approximately $4,500
     of RetCom  Holdings  Ltd.  and its  subsidiaries.  The  purchase  price and
     refinancing of indebtedness were initially financed by borrowings under the
     credit agreement.









                                      F-26

<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)




20.  GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

         The following table illustrates geographic information for revenues and
     long-lived  assets.  Revenues  are  attributed  to  countries  based on the
     receipt of sales orders,  and long-lived  assets are based upon the country
     of domicile.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 United
                                                 States                France                 Total

                                                                     Predecessor
                                                                     -----------
     <S>                                       <C>                   <C>                  <C>

     Net sales:

     Year ended June 30, 1997.............     $    70,660           $     7,063          $    77,723
     Period from July 1, 1997
       through December 15, 1997..........          32,600                 2,586               35,186




                                                                      Successor
                                                                      ---------
     Net sales:

     Period from December 16, 1997
       through June 30, 1998..............     $    29,162           $     6,904          $    36,066
     Year ended June 30, 1999.............          71,056                14,911               85,967

     Long-lived assets:

     June 30, 1998........................         188,532                   158              188,690
     June 30, 1999........................         184,177                   107              184,284


</TABLE>





                                      F-27
<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



21.  CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         The  following  condensed  balance  sheet at June 30, 1998 and June 30,
     1999 and condensed statement of operations, changes in stockholder's equity
     and cash flows for the period from  December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998
     and the year ended June 30, 1999 for Holding  should be read in conjunction
     with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                BALANCE SHEETS

                                                                                 June 30,          June 30,
                                                                                   1998              1999
                                                                                   ----              ----
     <S>                                                                        <C>              <C>
     Assets
     Cash..............................................................         $    2,201       $         -
     Investment in subsidiaries........................................             95,408            92,817
     Deferred charges..................................................              1,263             1,520
     Deferred income taxes.............................................                 19             1,206
                                                                                ----------       -----------
       Total assets....................................................         $   98,891       $    95,543
                                                                                ==========       ===========

     Liabilities
     Senior Discount Debentures........................................         $   26,020       $    29,651

     Stockholder's equity
     Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized;
       1,000 shares issued and outstanding.............................                  -                 -
     Additional paid-in capital........................................             78,364            78,364
     Accumulated deficit...............................................             (5,493)          (12,472)
                                                                                ----------       -----------
       Total stockholder's equity......................................             72,871            65,892
                                                                                ----------       -----------
       Total liabilities and stockholder's equity......................         $   98,891       $    95,543
                                                                                ==========       ===========




                                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

                                                                               December 16,
                                                                                   1997
                                                                                 through          Year ended
                                                                                 June 30,           June 30
                                                                                   1998              1999
                                                                                   ----              ----

     Equity in losses of subsidiaries..................................         $   (5,454)      $    (2,591)
     Interest expense, net.............................................                (58)           (3,712)
                                                                                ----------       ------------

       Loss before income taxes........................................             (5,512)           (6,303)

     Income tax benefit................................................                (19)           (1,187)
                                                                                ----------       -----------

       Net loss........................................................         $   (5,493)      $    (5,116)
                                                                                ==========       ============

</TABLE>




                                      F-28

<PAGE>


                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


21.  CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

                                                                 Additional
                                             Common Stock          Paid-in      Accumulated
                                          Shares     Amount        Capital        Deficit         Total
                                          ------     ------        -------        -------         -----
     <S>                                  <C>        <C>        <C>             <C>            <C>
     Balances, December 16, 1997......          -    $     -    $         -     $        -     $         -
     Initial capitalization...........      1,000          -         78,364              -          78,364
     Net loss.........................          -          -              -         (5,493)         (5,493)
                                          -------    -------    -----------     -----------    ------------

     Balances, June 30, 1998..........      1,000          -         78,364         (5,493)         72,871
     Net loss.........................          -          -              -         (5,116)         (5,116)
     Dividend to AHC I
       Acquisition Corp...............          -          -              -         (1,863)         (1,863)
                                          -------    -------    -----------     ----------     -----------

     Balances, June 30, 1999..........      1,000    $     -    $    78,364     $  (12,472)    $    65,892
                                          =======    =======    ===========     ==========     ===========



                                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                                                                                December 16,
                                                                                   1997
                                                                                  through      Year ended
                                                                                 June 30,       June 30,
                                                                                   1998           1999
                                                                                   ----           ----
     <S>                                                                        <C>            <C>
     Cash flows from operating activities:
       Net loss............................................................     $   (5,493)    $    (5,116)
       Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
         net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
         Net change in investment in subsidiaries..........................          5,454           2,591
         Amortization of original issuance discount and loan closing costs.             58           3,722
         Deferred income taxes.............................................            (19)         (1,187)
         Increase in deferred charges......................................              -            (348)
                                                                                ----------     -----------
           Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.............              -            (338)
                                                                                ----------     ------------

     Cash flows from investing activities:
       Capital contributed to subsidiary...................................        (22,499)              -
                                                                                ----------     -----------

     Cash flows from financing activities:
       Proceeds from issuance of stock.....................................              1               -
       Proceeds from issuance of Senior Discount Debentures................         24,699               -
       Dividend paid to AHC I Acquisition Corp.............................              -          (1,863)
                                                                                ----------     -----------
           Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.............         24,700          (1,863)
                                                                                ----------     ------------

     Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..............              2,201          (2,201)
     Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period....................                  -           2,201
                                                                                ----------     -----------
     Cash and cash equivalents, end of period..........................         $    2,201     $         -
                                                                                ==========     ===========

</TABLE>


                                      F-29
<PAGE>

                       AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



22.  UNAUDITED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations
for Fiscal 1998 and Fiscal 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                       Predecessor                                    Successor
                                            October 1,    December 16,
                                               1997           1997
                           Quarter Ended      through        through     Quarter  Ended  Quarter Ended
                           September 30,   December 15,   December 31,      March 31,      June 30,         Full
     Fiscal 1998               1997            1997           1997             1998          1998           Year
                               ----            ----           ----             ----          ----           ----
     <S>                     <C>            <C>           <C>              <C>            <C>           <C>
     Net sales.............  $  21,928      $  13,258     $  2,791         $  19,191      $  14,084     $    71,252
     Gross profit..........      8,306          4,071          813             7,256          3,479          23,925
     Income from operations      4,680          1,426          153             3,603            104           9,966
     Interest expense, net.      1,451          1,195          759             4,404          6,164          13,973
     Net income (loss).....      1,796             (3)        (443)             (887)        (4,163)         (3,700)





                                                                      Successor
                                  Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended    Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended
                                  September 30,     December 31,       March 31,         June 30,           Full
     Fiscal 1999                      1998              1998             1999              1999             Year
                                      ----              ----             ----              ----             ----
     <S>                           <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>                <C>
     Net sales.............         $ 24,024         $  20,437         $  24,518        $  16,988         $  85,967
     Gross profit..........            8,603             6,777             9,691            5,697            30,768
     Income from operations            4,337             2,331             4,616              378            11,662
     Interest expense, net.            4,096             4,149             4,258            4,237            16,740
     Net loss..............             (324)           (1,579)             (364)          (2,849)           (5,116)
















</TABLE>





                                      F-30

<PAGE>

                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
  AKI, Inc. and Subsidiaries

     In our  opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  and the
related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  of changes in  stockholder's
equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position  of AKI,  Inc. (a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of AKI Holding  Corp.) and
Subsidiaries  (the  "Successor"),  formerly known as Arcade Holding  Corporation
(the  "Predecessor"),  at June  30,  1998  and  1999  and the  results  of their
operations  and their cash flows for the period from  December  16, 1997 through
June 30,  1998 and the year ended June 30,  1999 in  conformity  with  generally
accepted   accounting   principles.   These   financial   statements   are   the
responsibility  of management;  our  responsibility  is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which
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,  assessing the  accounting  principles
used and  significant  estimates made by management,  and evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.






PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
July 31, 1999 except for Note 18
which is as of September 15, 1999


















                                      F-31
<PAGE>


                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
  AKI, Inc. and Subsidiaries

     In our opinion, the accompanying  consolidated statements of operations, of
changes in stockholders'  equity and of cash flows of Arcade Holding Corporation
and Subsidiaries present fairly, in all material respects,  the results of their
operations  and their cash flows for the year ended June 30, 1997 and the period
from July 1,  1997  through  December  15,  1997 in  conformity  with  generally
accepted   accounting   principles.   These   financial   statements   are   the
responsibility  of management;  our  responsibility  is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements  in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing  standards  which
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,  assessing the  accounting  principles
used and  significant  estimates made by management,  and evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
July 31, 1998











                                      F-32



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (dollars in thousands, except share
                                  information)


                                                                                             Successor
                                                                                             ---------
                                                                                  June 30, 1998    June 30, 1999
                                                                                  -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                               <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents.....................................                      $   1,641        $   7,015
Accounts receivable, net......................................                         13,550           16,287
Inventory.....................................................                          2,078            5,109
Income tax refund receivable..................................                          5,155               32
Prepaid expenses..............................................                            379              452
Deferred income taxes.........................................                            827              400
                                                                                    ---------        ---------
      Total current assets....................................                         23,630           29,295

Property, plant and equipment, net............................                         18,936           18,511
Goodwill, net ................................................                        151,842          147,990
Deferred charges, net.........................................                          5,272            5,319
Other intangible assets, net..................................                          7,289            6,560
Deferred income taxes.........................................                          3,869            3,132
Other assets..................................................                            200               46
                                                                                    ---------        ---------
      Total assets............................................                      $ 211,038        $ 210,853
                                                                                    =========        =========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current portion of capital lease obligation...................                      $     609        $     688
Current portion of other notes payable........................                          1,330                -
Accounts payable, trade.......................................                          4,293            3,400
Accrued income taxes..........................................                            100              497
Accrued compensation..........................................                          2,497            2,527
Accrued interest..............................................                            167            6,047
Accrued expenses..............................................                          1,789            1,283
                                                                                    ---------        ---------
      Total current liabilities...............................                         10,785           14,442

Long-term portion of capital lease obligation.................                          1,489            1,349
Senior notes..................................................                        115,000          115,000
Deferred income taxes.........................................                          4,143            3,340
                                                                                    ---------        ---------
      Total liabilities.......................................                        131,417          134,131

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 13)

Stockholder's equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par, 8,700 shares authorized; no shares
    issued or outstanding at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999..                              -                -
Common stock, $0.01 par, 100,000 shares authorized; 1,000
    shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999                        -                -
Additional paid-in capital....................................                        100,862          100,862
Accumulated deficit...........................................                         (5,454)          (8,045)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss..........................                            (57)            (365)
Carryover basis adjustment....................................                        (15,730)         (15,730)
                                                                                    ---------        ---------
      Total stockholder's equity..............................                         79,621           76,722
                                                                                    ---------        ---------
      Total liabilities and stockholder's equity..............                      $ 211,038        $ 210,853
                                                                                    =========        =========




</TABLE>

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
                             financial statements.



                                      F-33
<PAGE>


                                            AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                              (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      Predecessor                        Successor
                                                                                 July 1,       December 16,
                                                                                  1997              1997
                                                                Year Ended       through          through       Year Ended
                                                                 June 30,     December 15,       June 30,        June 30,
                                                                   1997           1997             1998            1999
                                                                   ----           ----             ----            ----


<S>                                                           <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>
Net sales..........................................           $    77,723    $     35,186      $   36,066       $  85,967
Cost of goods sold.................................                49,467          22,809          24,518          55,199
                                                              -----------    ------------      ----------       ---------

     Gross profit..................................                28,256          12,377          11,548          30,768

Selling, general and administrative expenses.......                13,333           5,703           5,587          14,500
Amortization of goodwill and
   other intangibles...............................                 1,234             568           2,101           4,606
                                                              -----------    ------------      ----------       ---------

     Income from operations........................                13,689           6,106           3,860          11,662

Other expenses (income):
   Interest expense to stockholder(s) and
      affiliate....................................                 5,196           2,143          10,785               -
   Interest expense, other.........................                 1,007             503             484          13,028
   Management fees to stockholders
     and affiliate.................................                   470             215             125             250
   Other, net......................................                  (101)             11             (47)            128
                                                              -----------    ------------      ----------       ---------

     Income (loss) before income taxes.............                 7,117           3,234          (7,487)         (1,744)

Income tax expense (benefit).......................                 3,135           1,441          (2,033)            847
                                                              -----------    ------------      ----------       ---------

     Net income (loss).............................           $     3,982    $      1,793      $  (5,454)       $  (2,591)
                                                              ===========    ============      =========        =========



</TABLE>









        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
                             financial statements.

                                      F-34




<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                            AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                 (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER(S) EQUITY
                                 (dollars in thousands, except share information)


                                                   Retained     Accumulated
                                                Addititonal  Stock    Earnings        Other     Carryover
                                 Common  Stock    Paid-in  Purchase (Accumulated  Comprehensive   Basis
                                 Shares  Amount   Capital  Warrants   Deficit)        Loss     Adjustment    Total
                                 ------  ------   ------   --------   -------         ----     ----------    -----

                                                                      Predecessor
                                                                      -----------
<S>                             <C>     <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>
Balances, June 30, 1996......   48,000  $     1  $   4,889  $1,923     $   1,199    $     (80)  $      -   $  7,932
Net income...................        -        -          -       -         3,982            -          -      3,982
Other comprehensive income, net
  of tax:
   Foreign currency translation
     adjustment..............        -        -          -       -             -          (73)         -        (73)
                                                                                                           --------
Comprehensive income.........                                                                                 3,909
Preferred stock dividend.....        -        -          -       -          (616)           -          -       (616)
                               -------  -------  ---------  ------     ----------   ---------   --------   ---------

Balances, June 30, 1997......   48,000        1      4,889   1,923         4,565         (153)         -     11,225
Net income...................        -        -          -       -         1,793            -          -      1,793
Other comprehensive income, net
  of  tax:
   Foreign currency translation
     adjustment..............        -        -          -       -             -          (19)         -        (19)
                                                                                                           --------
Comprehensive income.........                                                                                 1,774
Preferred stock dividend.....        -        -          -       -          (283)           -          -       (283)
                               -------  -------  ---------  ------     ----------   ---------   --------   ---------

Balances, December 15, 1997..   48,000  $     1  $   4,889  $1,923     $   6,075    $    (172)  $      -   $ 12,716
                               =======  =======  =========  ======     =========    =========   ========   ========


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

                                                                          Successor
                                                                          ---------
Balances, December 16, 1997..        -  $     -  $       -  $    -     $       -    $       -   $      -   $      -
Initial capitalization           1,000        -     78,363       -             -            -          -     78,363
   (see Note 12)
Carryover basis adjustment...        -        -          -       -             -            -    (15,730)   (15,730)
Equity contribution by Holding       -        -     22,499       -             -            -          -     22,499
Net loss.....................        -        -          -       -        (5,454)           -          -     (5,454)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
   Foreign currency translation
     adjustment..............        -        -          -       -             -          (57)         -        (57)
                                                                                                           --------
Comprehensive loss...........                                                                                (5,511)
                               -------  -------  ---------  ------     ---------    ---------   --------   --------

Balances, June 30, 1998......    1,000        -    100,862       -        (5,454)         (57)   (15,730)    79,621
Net loss.....................        -        -          -       -        (2,591)           -          -     (2,591)
Other comprehensive loss, net
  of tax:
   Foreign currency translation
     adjustment..............        -        -          -       -             -         (308)         -       (308)
                                                                                                           --------
Comprehensive loss...........                                                                                (2,899)
                               -------  -------  ---------  ------     ---------    ---------   --------   --------

Balances, June 30, 1999......    1,000  $     -  $ 100,862  $    -     $  (8,045)   $    (365)  $(15,730)  $ 76,722
                               =======  =======  =========  ======     =========    =========   ========   ========



</TABLE>

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
                             financial statements.

                                                       F-35

<PAGE>
                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Predecessor                        Successor
                                                                               July 1,        December 16,
                                                                                1997              1997
                                                           Year Ended          through           through      Year Ended
                                                            June 30,        December 15,        June 30,       June 30,
                                                              1997              1997              1998           1999
                                                              ----              ----              ----           ----

   <S>                                                      <C>              <C>                <C>           <C>
   Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income (loss)...........................           $   3,982        $   1,793          $ (5,454)     $  (2,591)
     Adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to
       net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization of goodwill
         and other intangibles...................               5,084            2,456             3,954          8,487
       Amortization of debt discount.............                 560              233                81              -
       Amortization of loan closing costs........                 258              101             3,808            636
       Deferred income taxes.....................                (297)            (460)           (2,016)           643
       Gain on sale of equipment.................                   -                -                 -            (50)
       Other.....................................                (138)             (18)              (57)          (308)
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
         Accounts receivable.....................               2,546            1,153            (4,562)        (2,737)
         Inventory...............................                (550)              69               543         (3,031)
         Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and
           other assets..........................                (101)             (62)             (453)          (627)
         Income taxes............................              (1,163)             699               767          5,238
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses...              (1,239)          (1,036)           (5,432)         4,511
                                                            ---------        ---------         ---------      ---------

         Net cash provided by (used in) operating
           activities............................               8,942            4,928            (8,821)        10,171
                                                            ---------        ---------         ---------      ---------
   Cash flows from investing activities:
     Purchases of equipment......................              (2,462)            (807)             (514)        (2,856)
     Proceeds from sale of equipment.............                  38                -                 -             50
     Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired                -                -          (141,403)             -
                                                            ---------        ---------        ----------     ----------


         Net cash used in investing activities...              (2,424)            (807)         (141,917)        (2,806)
                                                            ---------        ---------         ---------      ---------

   Cash flows from financing activities:
     Payments under capital leases for equipment.              (2,359)            (249)             (308)          (661)
     Net proceeds (repayments) on line of credit.               4,338            2,362            (6,700)             -
     Proceeds from issuance of senior increasing rate
        notes, net of offering costs.............                   -                -           119,735              -
     Payments on senior increasing rate notes....                   -                -          (123,500)             -
     Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net
       of offering costs.........................                   -                -           110,158              -
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock......                   -                -            98,499              -
     Redemption of preferred stock...............                   -                -            (8,678)             -
     Repayment of loans payable to stockholder...              (7,004)          (1,851)          (36,649)             -
     Repayment of other notes payable............              (1,200)             (50)              (50)        (1,330)
     Dividends paid on preferred stock...........                (616)            (155)             (128)             -
                                                            ---------        ---------         ----------     ---------

       Net cash provided by (used in)
         financing activities....................              (6,841)              57           152,379         (1,991)
                                                            ---------        ---------         ---------      ---------

   Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents          (323)           4,178             1,641          5,374
   Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                 626              303                 -          1,641
                                                            ---------        ---------         ---------      ---------
   Cash and cash equivalents, end of period......           $     303        $   4,481         $   1,641      $   7,015
                                                            =========        =========         =========      =========


   Supplemental information: Cash paid (received) during the period for:
       Interest to stockholder(s)................           $   4,559        $   1,146          $ 11,503      $       -
       Interest, other...........................                 917              459               214          6,512
       Income taxes..............................               4,594            1,222              (784)        (5,123)

   Significant non-cash activities:
     Assets acquired under capital lease.........           $       -        $       -          $      -      $     600


</TABLE>
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
                             financial statements.
                                      F-36
<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


1.       ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

         Arcade Holding  Corporation (the  "Predecessor")  was organized for the
     purpose  of  acquiring  all the  issued and  outstanding  capital  stock of
     Arcade,  Inc.  ("Arcade")  on  November  4,  1993.  Arcade  is  engaged  in
     interactive advertising for consumer products companies and has a specialty
     in the design,  production and  distribution  of sampling  systems from its
     Chattanooga,  Tennessee facilities,  and distributes its products in Europe
     through  its  French  subsidiary,  Arcade  Europe  S.A.R.L.  As more  fully
     described  in Note 3, DLJ  Merchant  Banking  Partners II, L.P. and certain
     related  investors  (collectively,  "DLJMBII")  and certain  members of the
     Predecessor organized AHC I Acquisition Corp. ("Acquisition Corp.") and AHC
     I Merger Corp.  ("Merger Corp.") for purposes of acquiring the Predecessor.
     On December 15, 1997, Merger Corp.  acquired all of the equity interests of
     the Predecessor  then merged with and into the Predecessor and the combined
     entity assumed the name AKI, Inc. and Subsidiaries  ("AKI," the "Successor"
     or  the  "Company").  Subsequent  to  the  Acquisition,  Acquisition  Corp.
     contributed  $1 of cash  and all of its  ownership  interest  in AKI to AKI
     Holding  Corporation  ("Holding")  for  all of the  outstanding  equity  of
     Holding.

         Unless  otherwise  indicated,  all  references  to  years  refer to the
     Predecessor's and AKI's fiscal year, June 30.


2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Principles of Consolidation

         The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts
     of  the  Company  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries.   All  significant
     intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

     Reclassification

         Certain prior year amounts have been  reclassified  to conform with the
current year presentation.

     Cash and Cash Equivalents

         For purposes of the consolidated  statements of cash flows, the Company
     considers all highly liquid  investments with an original maturity of three
     months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

     Concentration of Credit Risk

         The Company  maintains  its cash in bank  deposit  accounts  which,  at
     times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced
     any losses in such accounts;  in addition,  the Company  believes it is not
     exposed to any significant  credit risk on cash and cash  equivalents.  The
     Company  grants  credit  terms in the  normal  course  of  business  to its
     customers and as part of its ongoing  procedures,  the Company monitors the
     credit worthiness of its customers. The Company does not believe that it is
     subject to any unusual  credit risk beyond the normal credit risk attendant
     in its business.




                                      F-37

<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

         Two customers  accounted for 23.5% and 35.3% of the  Predecessor's  net
     sales  during the year ended June 30, 1997 and the period from July 1, 1997
     through December 15, 1997,  respectively.  One customer accounted for 13.3%
     of net sales  during the period from  December  16, 1997  through  June 30,
     1998. Two customers  accounted for 26.8% of net sales during the year ended
     June 30, 1999.

     Concentration of Purchasing

         Products  accounting  for a majority of the Company's net sales utilize
     specific  grades of paper that are produced  exclusively for the Company by
     one domestic supplier.  The Company does not have a purchase agreement with
     the  supplier  and is not aware of any other  suppliers  of these  specific
     grades of paper.  These products can be manufactured  using other grades of
     paper; however, the Company believes these specific grades of paper provide
     the  Company  with an  advantage  over  its  competitors.  The  Company  is
     currently  researching  methods  of  replicating  the  advantages  of these
     specific grades of paper with other grades of paper available from multiple
     suppliers.  Until such  methods  are  developed,  a loss of supply of these
     specific  grades of paper and the  resulting  competitive  advantage  could
     cause a possible  loss of sales  which  could  adversely  affect  operating
     results.

     Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

         Product sales are recognized upon shipment, net of estimated discounts.
     Accounts  receivable  are  accounted  for net of  allowances  for  doubtful
     accounts.

     Inventory

         Paper  inventory  is stated  at the  lower of cost or market  using the
     last-in,  first-out (LIFO) method;  all other inventories are stated at the
     lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

     Property, Plant and Equipment

         Property,  plant and  equipment are stated at cost.  Expenditures  that
     extend the  economic  lives or improve  the  efficiency  of  equipment  are
     capitalized. The costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
     Upon retirement or disposal, the related cost and accumulated  depreciation
     are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss is recorded.

         Depreciation  is computed using the  straight-line  method based on the
     estimated  useful lives of the assets as indicated in Note 6 for  financial
     reporting  purposes and  accelerated  methods for tax  purposes.  Leasehold
     improvements  are depreciated  over the shorter of their  estimated  useful
     lives or the lease term.




                                      F-38
<PAGE>



                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

     Goodwill

         The aggregate purchase price of business  acquisitions was allocated to
     the  assets  and  liabilities  of the  acquired  companies  based  on their
     respective fair values as of the acquisition dates. Goodwill represents the
     excess purchase price paid over the fair value of net  identifiable  assets
     acquired and is amortized over forty years using the straight-line  method.
     Accumulated  amortization  was $2,087 and $5,939 at June 30,  1998 and June
     30, 1999, respectively.

         Management  periodically  reviews the value of its  goodwill  and other
     long-lived assets to determine if an impairment has occurred. The potential
     impairment of recorded  goodwill and other long-lived assets is measured by
     the undiscounted  value of expected future operating cash flows in relation
     to its net capital  investment.  Based on its review,  management  does not
     believe that an impairment of its goodwill or other  long-lived  assets has
     occurred.

     Deferred Charges

         Deferred  charges are primarily  comprised of debt issuance costs which
     are being amortized  using the effective  interest method over the terms of
     the related debt. Such costs are included in the accompanying  consolidated
     balance sheets, net of accumulated amortization.

     Other Intangible Assets

         Other  intangible  assets  include a covenant  not to compete and other
     intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of the fragrance  sampling
     business of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing  Company ("3M") (see Note 3)
     in June 1998 and are being amortized over ten years using the straight-line
     method.  Accumulated  amortization  related to these intangible  assets was
     $729 at June 30, 1999.

     Fair Value of Financial Instruments

         SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Values of Financial Instruments,"
     requires the  disclosure  of the fair value of financial  instruments,  for
     assets and liabilities  recognized and not recognized on the balance sheet,
     for which it is practicable  to estimate fair value.  The fair value of the
     Company's  Senior Notes,  as  determined  from quoted  market  prices,  was
     $112,000  at June 30, 1999  compared to a carrying  value of $115,000 as of
     the same date.  The carrying  value of the Senior Notes  approximated  fair
     value  at  June  30,  1998.  The  carrying  value  of all  other  financial
     instruments approximates fair value at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999.





                                      F-39
<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

     Foreign Currency Transactions

         Gains and losses on foreign  currency  transactions  with third parties
     have been included in the  determination  of net income in accordance  with
     SFAS No. 52, "Foreign  Currency  Translation."  Foreign currency losses and
     (gains) amounted to $387, ($44),  ($52) and $91 for the year ended June 30,
     1997,  the period from July 1, 1997 through  December 15, 1997,  the period
     from  December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30,
     1999, respectively.

     Research and Development Expenses

         Research and development  expenditures are charged to selling,  general
     and   administrative   expenses  in  the  period  incurred.   Research  and
     development  expenses  totaled  $1,263,  $664, $717 and $1,136 for the year
     ended June 30,  1997,  the period from July 1, 1997  through  December  15,
     1997,  the period from December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and the year
     ended June 30, 1999, respectively.

     Income Taxes

         Income taxes are  provided in  accordance  with  Statement of Financial
     Accounting  Standards No. 109,  "Accounting for Income Taxes." Accordingly,
     deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized at the applicable income
     tax rates  based upon  future tax  consequences  of  temporary  differences
     between  the  tax  bases  and  financial  reporting  bases  of  assets  and
     liabilities  using  enacted  tax  rates in effect in the years in which the
     differences  are expected to reverse.  Deferred tax assets are reduced,  if
     necessary,  by the  amount of any tax  benefits  that,  based on  available
     evidence, are not expected to be realized.

     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
     disclosures  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at the  date  of the
     financial  statements  and the  reported  amounts of revenues  and expenses
     during  the  reporting  period.  Actual  results  could  differ  from those
     estimates.

     Comprehensive Income (Loss)

         The Company adopted the provision of Statement of Financial  Accounting
     Standards  No.  130  ("SFAS  No.  130")  on July 1,  1998.  This  Statement
     establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and
     its  components in the financial  statements.  This Statement also requires
     that comparative  information for earlier periods be  reclassified.  As the
     Company only has two items of comprehensive  income, net income and foreign
     currency  translations,  adoption of this statement did not have a material
     effect upon the Company's financial position or results of operations.




                                      F-40


<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


3.   SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS

         DLJMBII and certain  members of the Predecessor  organized  Acquisition
     Corp.  and Merger Corp. for purposes of acquiring the  Predecessor.  Merger
     Corp. was a wholly-owned  subsidiary of Acquisition Corp. and was initially
     capitalized by Acquisition  Corp.  with an equity  contribution of $78,363,
     comprised  of  $76,000  of cash  (see  Note  12)  and  $2,363  of  non-cash
     consideration  in the form of an option to purchase Senior  Preferred Stock
     of  Acquisition  Corp.  (see Note 16).  Immediately  following  this equity
     contribution,  Merger Corp. issued $123,500 of senior increasing rate notes
     (the "Bridge Loans") to an entity with an ownership interest in Acquisition
     Corp.  The Bridge Loans had a stated  maturity of December 15, 1998 and had
     an  interest  rate  equal to the  greater of (i) 10.0% per annum and (ii) a
     daily  floating  rate of prime  plus 2.25%  plus an  additional  percentage
     amount equal to (a) 1.0% from and  including  the interest  payment date on
     June 15, 1998 or (b) 1.5% from and including  the interest  payment date on
     September 15, 1998.  Merger Corp.  received cash proceeds from the issuance
     of the Bridge Loans of $119,735,  net of $3,765 of associated debt issuance
     costs.

         On December 15, 1997, Merger Corp. acquired all of the equity interests
     of the Predecessor (the  "Acquisition")  for a total cost of $197,730 which
     consisted of $138,634 cash paid for equity interests and direct acquisition
     costs,  $2,363  in  non-cash  consideration  in the  form of an  option  to
     purchase Senior Preferred Stock of Acquisition  Corp. (see Note 16) and the
     assumption  of $56,733 in debt,  preferred  stock and related  interest and
     dividends, including a capital lease obligation.  Included in the amount of
     direct  acquisition costs was  approximately  $2,022 paid to an entity that
     has an ownership  interest in Acquisition  Corp.  Merger Corp.  then merged
     with and into the Predecessor and the combined entity assumed the name AKI.
     Subsequent to the Acquisition, Acquisition Corp. contributed $1 of cash and
     all of its ownership  interest in AKI to Holding for all of the outstanding
     equity of Holding.  Since all companies are under common  control and since
     Holding and Acquisition  Corp. have no operations  other than those related
     to the Company,  the contribution was accounted for as if it were a pooling
     of interests.

         The  Acquisition  was  accounted  for  using  the  purchase  method  of
     accounting. In accordance with the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues
     Task Force of the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board in Issue  88-16,
     "Basis in Leveraged  Buyout  Transactions,"  the purchase price  allocation
     required  an  adjustment  for  the  continuing  interest   attributable  to
     management's   ownership  interest  in  the  Predecessor  carried  over  in
     connection with the Acquisition.  As a result, a reduction in stockholders'
     equity of $15,730 was recorded which represents the difference  between the
     fair value of the Company's assets and the related book value  attributable
     to  the  interest  of  the  continuing   shareholders'  investment  in  the
     Predecessor.  The remaining purchase price has been allocated to assets and
     liabilities  based  upon  estimates  of  their  respective  fair  value  as
     determined  by  management  and  third-party  appraisals  with  respect  to
     property, plant and equipment.

         In connection with the Acquisition,  the Company repaid the outstanding
     balance  and  related  interest  of the  Predecessor's  loans  payable to a
     shareholder of $37,374, the outstanding balance and related interest of the
     Predecessor's  line of credit of $6,278  and the  outstanding  balance  and
     related dividends on the Predecessor's preferred stock of $8,806.





                                      F-41

<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


3.   SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS (Continued)

     The  following  shows  the  acquisition  costs  and the  allocation  of the
purchase price:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         <S>                                                                              <C>
         Acquisition costs
              Cash paid for stock.......................................................  $   134,403
              Direct acquisition costs..................................................        4,231
                                                                                          -----------
                                                                                              138,634
              Non-cash consideration for stock in the form of an
                option to purchase Senior Preferred Stock of
                Acquisition Corp. (see Note 16).........................................        2,363
                                                                                          -----------

              Total.....................................................................      140,997
              Less--Carryover basis adjustment...........................................     (15,730)
                                                                                          -----------

              Purchase price to be allocated............................................  $   125,267
                                                                                          ===========

         Summary allocation of purchase price
              Cash......................................................................  $     4,481
              Other current assets......................................................       17,782
              Property, plant and equipment.............................................       20,132
              Deferred income taxes.....................................................        2,953
              Other assets..............................................................          329
              Goodwill..................................................................      153,929
                                                                                          -----------

              Total allocation to assets................................................  $   199,606
                                                                                          ===========


              Current liabilities.......................................................  $    13,190
              Long-term debt (including current portion) and related interest...........       47,927
              Deferred income taxes.....................................................        4,416
              Preferred stock and related dividends.....................................        8,806
                                                                                          -----------

              Total liabilities assumed.................................................  $    74,339
                                                                                          ===========
</TABLE>


         Included in cash paid for stock of  $134,403 is $19,342  related to the
     purchase and retirement of 11,201 options of the Predecessor.  In addition,
     the non-cash  consideration for stock of $2,363 was incurred to acquire and
     retire the remaining 1,370 options of the Predecessor (see Note 16).

         On June 22,  1998,  the Company  acquired  (the "3M  Acquisition")  the
     fragrance  sampling  business  of  the  Industrial  and  Consumer  Products
     division  of 3M for  approximately  $7,250  in cash and the  assumption  of
     liabilities of  approximately  $182. The only tangible assets acquired were
     approximately  $143 of equipment.  The  acquisition was accounted for using
     the  purchase  method of  accounting  and  resulted in  assigning  value to
     certain  intangible assets,  including a covenant not to compete,  totaling
     approximately  $7,289 which are being  amortized  on a straight  line basis
     over a period of 10 years.





                                      F-42

<PAGE>



                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



3.   SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS (Continued)

         Unaudited pro forma results for the Company  assuming the  Acquisition,
     the 3M Acquisition  and the Refinancing had occurred as of the beginning of
     each applicable fiscal year are presented below:

                                       Unaudited Pro Forma Results
                                            for the Year Ended

                                          June 30,        June 30,
                                            1997           1998
                                            ----           ----

         Net sales.....................  $  87,771       $ 81,831
         Income from operations........      9,565          5,838
         Interest expense, net.........     12,961         13,049
         Net loss......................     (3,665)        (6,091)

         On June 25, 1998, the Bridge Loans were repaid,  without penalty,  with
     the  proceeds  from the Senior  Note  offering  (see Note 9) and the equity
     contribution from Holding (see Note 12) (collectively,  the "Refinancing").
     Contemporaneous  with  the  repayment  of the  Bridge  Loans,  the  Company
     wrote-off the  unamortized  balance of debt issuance costs  associated with
     the Bridge Loans of $1,795 to interest expense.

4.       ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

     The following table details the components of accounts receivable:

                                                 June 30,        June 30,
                                                   1998             1999
                                                   ----             ----

         Trade accounts receivable...........  $  13,782       $ 16,349
         Allowance for doubtful accounts.....       (277)          (251)
                                               ---------       --------
                                                  13,505         16,098
         Other accounts receivable...........         45            189
                                               ---------       --------

                                               $  13,550       $ 16,287
                                               =========       ========












                                      F-43

<PAGE>



                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)

5.   INVENTORY

     The following table details the components of inventory:

                                                      June 30,       June 30,
                                                        1998           1999
                                                        ----           ----
         Raw materials
           Paper.................................    $     556       $  1,088
           Other raw materials...................        1,024          2,328
                                                     ---------       --------
              Total raw materials................        1,580          3,416
         Work in process.........................          498          1,693
                                                     ---------       --------

         Total inventory.........................    $   2,078       $  5,109
                                                     =========       ========


         The difference  between the carrying value of paper inventory using the
     FIFO method as compared to the LIFO method was not  significant at June 30,
     1998 or June 30, 1999.

6.       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

         The  following  table  details the  components  of property,  plant and
     equipment as well as their estimated useful lives:

                                            Estimated      June 30,   June 30,
                                          Useful Lives       1998       1999
                                          ------------       ----       ----

         Land............................                $     256    $    258
         Buildings....................... 7 - 15 years       1,048       1,648
         Leasehold improvements.......... 1 -  3 years         153         579
         Machinery and equipment......... 5 -  7 years      17,146      19,483
         Furniture and fixtures.......... 3 -  5 years       1,634       2,084
         Construction in progress........                      552         193
                                                         ---------    --------
                                                            20,789      24,245
         Accumulated depreciation........                   (1,853)     (5,734)
                                                         ---------    --------
                                                         $  18,936  $   18,511
                                                         =========  ==========

         Depreciation expense amounted to $3,850,  $1,888, $1,853 and $3,881 for
     the year ended June 30, 1997, the period from July 1, 1997 through December
     15, 1997,  the period from  December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and the
     year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.






                                      F-44
<PAGE>



                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)

6.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Continued)

         Property  held  under  capital  lease  is  included  in the  respective
     property, plant and equipment category as follows:

                                                      June 30,       June 30,
                                                        1998           1999
                                                        ----           ----

         Machinery and equipment..................   $   3,000       $  3,000
         Building.................................           -            600
                                                     ---------       --------
                                                         3,000          3,600
         Less accumulated depreciation............        (275)          (790)
                                                     ---------       --------
                                                     $   2,725       $  2,810
                                                     =========       ========

         Depreciation of the assets under capital lease totaled $633, $232, $275
     and $515 for the year ended  June 30,  1997,  the period  from July 1, 1997
     through  December 15, 1997,  the period from December 16, 1997 through June
     30, 1998 and the year ended June 30,  1999,  respectively.  Future  minimum
     lease payments under the remaining leases are as follows:

                                                     Payment       Interest

                2000............................   $     884       $    197
                2001............................         948            100
                2002............................         529             27
                                                   ---------       --------

                                                   $   2,361       $    324
                                                   =========       ========

7.       LINE OF CREDIT

         On April  30,  1996,  the  Predecessor  entered  into a line of  credit
     agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which was amended on December 12, 1997,
     in  connection  with the  Acquisition,  and amended  again on September 30,
     1998. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving loan commitment up to a
     maximum of $20,000 and expires on December 31, 2002. Borrowings are limited
     to a borrowing  base  consisting  of  accounts  receivable,  inventory  and
     property, plant and equipment which serve as collateral for the borrowings.
     As of June  30,  1999,  the  Company's  borrowing  base  was  approximately
     $17,500.  Interest on amounts borrowed accrue at a floating rate based upon
     either  prime or LIBOR (9.25% and 8.50% at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999,
     respectively).  The  weighted  average  interest  rate  on the  outstanding
     balance under the Credit  Agreement was 9.31%,  9.50%,  9.25% and 8.51% for
     the year ended June 30, 1997, the period from July 1, 1997 through December
     15, 1997,  the period from  December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and the
     year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.







                                      F-45
<PAGE>



                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)

7.   LINE OF CREDIT (Continued)

         The Company is required to pay commitment fees on the unused portion of
     the revolving loan commitment at a rate of approximately 0.5% per annum. In
     addition,  the Company is required to pay fees equal to 2.5% of the average
     daily  outstanding  amount of lender  guarantees.  The  Company had $600 of
     lender  guarantees  outstanding  at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999.  These
     fees totaled $109,  $30, $59 and $111 for the year ended June 30, 1997, the
     period  from July 1, 1997  through  December  15,  1997,  the  period  from
     December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999,
     respectively. The Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants and
     other restrictions  including  restrictions on additional  indebtedness and
     restrictions on the payment of dividends.

         As of June  30,  1999,  the  Company  was in  compliance  with all debt
     covenants.  However, the Company expects to be in violation of certain loan
     covenants  in Fiscal  2000.  Management  expects to obtain loan  amendments
     and/or waivers in Fiscal 2000 with respect to such covenants. If management
     is unable to obtain loan  amendments  and/or  waivers in Fiscal  2000,  the
     Company may need to seek additional sources of financing.

8.   LOANS PAYABLE TO STOCKHOLDER

         The   Predecessor   entered  into  a  Senior  Loan  Agreement  and  two
     Subordinated Loan Agreements  (collectively,  the "Loan Agreements") with a
     party that had owned the  Predecessor's  preferred  stock and a significant
     portion of its common stock.  The Loan  Agreements were  collateralized  by
     substantially  all the  assets  of the  Predecessor.  The  Loan  Agreements
     limited the  Predecessor's  ability to incur additional  indebtedness,  pay
     dividends and purchase  fixed  assets.  Additionally,  the Loan  Agreements
     required that certain  financial  covenants be maintained.  The Predecessor
     was not in compliance  with all such  covenants at June 30, 1997.  However,
     this debt was subsequently  retired upon the acquisition of the Predecessor
     as  discussed  in Note 3.  All  amounts  borrowed  under  the  Senior  Loan
     Agreement bore interest at prime plus 1.50%.

         The  Predecessor   borrowed   $30,000  under  the   Subordinated   Loan
     Agreements,  of which  $23,000  was  designated  as Loan I and  $7,000  was
     designated  as Loan II. Loan I bore  interest,  payable  quarterly,  at 12%
     until  November 4, 1998,  and then would have  converted  to prime plus 4%.
     Loan II bore interest,  payable quarterly, at 7%. The outstanding amount of
     the subordinated  loans was net of unamortized  debt discounts,  which were
     being amortized over the term of the related loan.

         In  connection  with  Loan II,  the  Predecessor  issued a  warrant  to
     purchase 19,233 shares of common stock at $0.05 per share.  The warrant was
     exercisable until November 4, 2003. The Predecessor  valued the warrants at
     $100  each  based on the  fair  market  value of a share of the  underlying
     common stock  resulting from a sale with a third party.  In connection with
     the warrant issued, the Predecessor  recorded a debt discount of $1,923. In
     connection  with the sale of the Predecessor on December 15, 1997 (see Note
     3), all outstanding warrants were purchased from the holder by the buyer of
     the Predecessor and retired.








                                      F-46

<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


9.   SENIOR NOTES

         On June 25, 1998, the Company completed a private placement of $115,000
     of Senior  Notes  (the  "Senior  Notes").  The  Senior  Notes  are  general
     unsecured  obligations of the Company and bear interest at 10.5% per annum,
     payable  semi-annually  on January 1 and July 1. The Senior Notes mature on
     July 1, 2008 and may be redeemed at the option of the Company,  in whole or
     in part,  at any time on or after July 1, 2003 at a price  equal to 105.25%
     of the outstanding principal balance plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The
     placement of the Senior Notes  yielded the Company net proceeds of $110,158
     after  deducting   offering   expenses  of  $4,842,   including  $3,450  of
     underwriting fees paid to an affiliate of the stockholder. The Senior Notes
     are redeemable at the option of the Company,  in whole or part, at any time
     after July 1, 2003 at a price of up to 105.25% of the outstanding principal
     balance  plus  accrued  and unpaid  interest.  Prior to July 1,  2003,  the
     Company is  permitted  to  repurchase  up to 35% of the  Senior  Notes at a
     redemption  price of up to 110.5% of the  aggregate  principal  amount plus
     accrued  and unpaid  interest  with the net  proceeds of one or more public
     equity  offerings.  The Senior Notes contain  certain  customary  covenants
     including  restrictions  on the declaration and payment of dividends by the
     Company  to  Holding  and  limitations  on  the  incurrence  of  additional
     indebtedness.  On December 22, 1998, the Company completed the registration
     of its Senior Notes with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

10.  OTHER NOTES PAYABLE

         On June  9,  1995,  the  Predecessor  acquired  all of the  issued  and
     outstanding  stock of Scent Seal Inc.  ("Scent  Seal").  The acquisition of
     Scent  Seal did not have a material  impact on the  financial  position  or
     results  of  operations  of the  Predecessor  and  was  accounted  for as a
     purchase  transaction  whereby the purchase  cost was allocated to the fair
     value of the net assets  acquired.  In connection  with the  acquisition of
     Scent Seal, the Predecessor issued $3,627 in noninterest bearing promissory
     notes (the "Notes") to an employee of the  Predecessor who was previously a
     Scent Seal stockholder. The Predecessor recorded a debt discount of $649 in
     connection with the issuance of the Notes to reflect an effective  interest
     rate of 10%. The discount was being amortized over the term of the Notes.

         Under certain provisions of the Scent Seal acquisition  agreement,  the
     Company was permitted to reduce the  outstanding  principal  balance of the
     Notes based upon the ultimate realization of assets acquired and settlement
     of liabilities assumed. In June 1998, the Company reached a settlement with
     the  holder of the Notes  under  these  provisions  which  resulted  in the
     reduction of the  outstanding  principal  balance of the Notes of $120. The
     remaining  principal balance of the Notes of $1,330 was repaid in July 1998
     in accordance with the terms of the Notes.
















                                      F-47

<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


11.  REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK OF PREDECESSOR

         In connection  with the 1993  acquisition  of Arcade,  the  Predecessor
     authorized  and  issued  8,000  shares  of  7%  cumulative,  $1  par  value
     redeemable  preferred stock at $1,000 per share.  The redeemable  preferred
     stock prohibited the Predecessor from acquiring its common stock as long as
     the preferred  stock was  outstanding  and restricted the payment of common
     stock  dividends.  Accrued and unpaid  dividends  of $678  accrued  through
     December 31, 1994,  were added to the outstanding  balance.  The redeemable
     preferred  stock  would have been  redeemable  on  December  31,  2001,  at
     liquidation value of $1,000 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. In
     conjunction with the sale of Predecessor on December 15, 1997 (see Note 3),
     all outstanding redeemable preferred stock was redeemed at $1,000 per share
     plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

12.  INITIAL CAPITALIZATION

         In conjunction with the Acquisition,  Acquisition  Corp. issued $30,000
     of Floating Rate Notes, $50,279 of Manditorily  Redeemable Senior Preferred
     Stock (the "Senior  Preferred  Stock") and $1,111 of its Common Stock.  The
     Floating  Rate Notes were  issued  with an  original  issuance  discount of
     $5,389  and bear  interest  at a rate  equal to the rate in  effect  on the
     Bridge  Loans  (see  Note  3)  plus  2.50%.  After  the  completion  of the
     Refinancing  (see Note 3) on June 25, 1998,  the  Floating  Rate Notes bear
     interest at 15% per annum. Interest is payable quarterly and can be settled
     through the issuance of additional  Floating Rate Notes through maturity at
     the  discretion of  Acquisition  Corp.  The original  issuance  discount of
     $5,389 is being amortized using the effective interest method over the life
     of the Floating Rate Notes.  The unamortized  balance of the original issue
     discount  was  $5,152  and  $4,740  at June 30,  1998  and  June 30,  1999,
     respectively.  The Floating  Rate Notes mature on December 15, 2009 and are
     held by affiliates of the primary  shareholder  of  Acquisition  Corp.  The
     Senior  Preferred  Stock  accretes  in value at 15% per  annum  and must be
     redeemed by December 15, 2012. The Floating Rate Notes and Senior Preferred
     Stock are general unsecured obligations of Acquisition Corp.

         The cash proceeds from the issuance of the Floating Rate Notes,  Senior
     Preferred  Stock and Common  Stock of  approximately  $76,000  and a Senior
     Preferred  Stock  option  of  $2,363  (see  Note  16) were  contributed  by
     Acquisition  Corp.  to the  Company  in  exchange  for 1,000  shares of the
     Company's  Common Stock.  Subsequent to the initial  capitalization  of the
     Company, Acquisition Corp. contributed $1 and all of its ownership interest
     in the Company to Holding for all of the outstanding equity of Holding.












                                      F-48

<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


12.  INITIAL CAPITALIZATION (Continued)

         On June 25,  1998,  Holding  completed  a private  offering  of $50,000
     Senior Discount Debentures (the "Debentures"). The Debentures do not accrue
     or pay  interest  until  July 1,  2003 and  were  issued  with an  original
     issuance  discount  of $24,038.  The  original  issuance  discount is being
     accreted from issuance  through July 1, 2003 at an effective  rate of 13.5%
     per annum. The unamortized  balance of the original  issuance  discount was
     $23,980 and $20,349 at June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999, respectively. After
     July 1, 2003,  the Debentures  will accrue  interest at a rate of 13.5% per
     annum,  payable  semi-annually,  commencing January 1, 2004. The Debentures
     are  redeemable at the option of Holding,  in whole or in part, at any time
     on or after  July 1, 2003 at a price of up to  106.75%  of the  outstanding
     principal balance plus accrued and unpaid interest.  Prior to July 1, 2003,
     Holding is permitted to  repurchase  up to 35% of the  aggregate  principal
     amount at  maturity of the  Debentures  originally  issued at a  redemption
     price equal to 113.5% of the accreted value of the Debentures  with the net
     proceeds of one or more public equity offerings. The Debentures are general
     unsecured  obligations  of  Holding.  With the  proceeds  of the  Debenture
     offering, Holding contributed $22,499 of cash to the Company. No additional
     shares were issued to Holding as a result of this contribution. On December
     22,  1998,  Holding  completed  the  registration  of its  Senior  Discount
     Debentures with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         Acquisition  Corp. and Holding have no other  operations other than the
     Company.  Absent additional  financing by Acquisition Corp. or Holding, the
     Company's  operations  represent the only current source of funds available
     to service the Floating Rate Notes,  Senior Preferred Stock and Debentures;
     however,  the Company is not  obligated to pay or otherwise  guarantee  the
     Floating Rate Notes, Senior Preferred Stock and Debentures.

13.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     Operating Leases

         Equipment and office,  warehouse and production  space under  operating
     leases expire at various dates.  Rent expense was $443, $192, $198 and $338
     for the year ended June 30,  1997,  the  period  from July 1, 1997  through
     December 15, 1997,  the period from December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998
     and the year  ended  June 30,  1999,  respectively.  Future  minimum  lease
     payments under these leases are as follows:

                                         2000..............  $    162
                                         2001..............       138
                                                             --------

                                                             $    300
                                                             ========










                                      F-49
<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


13.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

     Royalty Agreements

         Royalty agreements are maintained for certain  technologies used in the
     manufacture of certain products.  Under the terms of one royalty agreement,
     payments are required  based on a percentage of net sales of those products
     manufactured with the specific  technology,  or a minimum of $500 per year.
     This  agreement  expires in 2003 or when a total of  $12,500 in  cumulative
     royalty  payments has been paid. The Company  expensed $761, $437, $516 and
     $500 under this agreement for the year ended June 30, 1997, the period from
     July 1, 1997 through  December 15, 1997,  the period from December 16, 1997
     through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999,  respectively.  The
     Company has paid $4,576 in cumulative royalty payments under this agreement
     through June 30, 1999.

         Under the terms of another  agreement,  royalty  payments  are required
     based on the  number  of  products  sold that  were  manufactured  with the
     specific licensed technology,  or a minimum payment per year. These minimum
     payments  for  years  after  fiscal  1999 are $625  per  year  through  the
     expiration of the agreement in 2012. The Company  expensed $475, $241, $284
     and $575 under this  agreement for the year ended June 30, 1997, the period
     from July 1, 1997 through  December 15, 1997,  the period from December 16,
     1997 through June 30, 1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.

     Employment Agreements

         The Company has employment  agreements with certain officers with terms
     through  February  1,  2002.  Such  agreements  provide  for base  salaries
     totaling $825 per year. One officer has an incentive bonus of up to 200% of
     base salary which is payable if certain  financial and management goals are
     attained  and  certain  other  incentive  payments.  One of the  employment
     agreements  also  provides  severance  benefits  of up to two years of base
     salary if the officer's services are terminated under certain conditions.

         During fiscal 1999,  two executive  officers  employment was terminated
     with the  Company.  In  accordance  with  the  terms  of  former  officers'
     employment agreements,  the Company was obligated for severance benefits of
     approximately  $610.  The  Company  had  paid  approximately  $457 of these
     benefits by June 30,  1999.  The  remaining  balance of $153 is included in
     accrued compensation at June 30, 1999.

     Litigation

         The Company is a party to litigation  arising in the ordinary course of
     business  which,  in the  opinion of  management,  will not have a material
     adverse effect on the Company's financial condition,  results of operations
     or cash flows.






                                      F-50

<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


14.  RETIREMENT PLANS

         A 401(k)  defined  contribution  plan (the  "Plan") is  maintained  for
     substantially all full-time salaried  employees.  Applicable  employees who
     have six  months  of  service  and have  attained  age 21 are  eligible  to
     participate in the Plan.  Employees may elect to contribute a percentage of
     their  earnings to the Plan in  accordance  with limits  prescribed by law.
     Contributions  to the Plan  are  determined  annually  by the  Company  and
     generally  are a  matching  percentage  of  employee  contributions.  Costs
     associated  with the Plan  totaled  $180,  $95,  $113 and $201 for the year
     ended June 30,  1997,  the period from July 1, 1997  through  December  15,
     1997,  the period from December 16, 1997 through June 30, 1998 and the year
     ended June 30, 1999, respectively.

         Certain  hourly  employees  are covered under a  multiemployer  defined
     benefit plan administered under a collective  bargaining  agreement.  Costs
     (determined by union  contract)  under the defined  benefit plan were $143,
     $80, $81 and $204 for the year ended June 30, 1997, the period from July 1,
     1997 through  December 15,  1997,  from  December 16, 1997 through June 30,
     1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999, respectively.

15.  INCOME TAXES

         The Company is included in the  consolidated  federal income tax return
     filed by  Acquisition  Corp.  for periods  subsequent to December 15, 1997.
     Income taxes  related to the Company for the period from  December 16, 1997
     through  June 30, 1999 were  determined  on a separate  entity  basis.  The
     Company files  separate  state income tax returns and  calculates its state
     tax  provision on a separate  company  basis.  Any income taxes  payable or
     receivable  by the  consolidated  group  are  settled  or  received  by the
     Company. The Predecessor was not part of a consolidated group.

         For  financial  reporting  purposes,  income (loss) before income taxes
includes the following components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                July 1,       December 16,
                                                                 1997             1997
                                               Year Ended       through          through      Year Ended
                                                June 30,     December 15,       June 30,       June 30,
                                                  1997           1997             1998           1999
                                                  ----           ----             ----           ----
         <S>                                    <C>          <C>              <C>              <C>
         Income (loss) before income taxes:
             United States.................     $  7,609       $  3,298       $   (8,169)      $  (2,266)
             Foreign.......................         (492)           (64)             682             522
                                                ---------      ---------      ----------       ---------

                                                $  7,117       $  3,234       $   (7,487)      $  (1,744)
                                                ========       ========        =========       =========

</TABLE>




                                      F-51


<PAGE>


                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



15.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)

         Significant  components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                July 1,       December 16,
                                                                 1997             1997
                                               Year Ended       through          through      Year Ended
                                                June 30,     December 15,       June 30,       June 30,
                                                  1997           1997             1998           1999
                                                  ----           ----             ----           ----
         <S>                                    <C>          <C>                <C>           <C>
         Current expense (benefit):
             Federal.......................     $  2,880       $    1,623     $        -       $       -
             Foreign.......................            -                -            104             204
             State.........................          552              278           (121)              -
                                                --------       ----------     ----------       ---------
                                                   3,432            1,901            (17)            204
                                                --------       ----------     ----------       ---------


         Deferred expense (benefit):
             Federal.......................          (90)           (376)         (1,900)            569
             Foreign.......................         (165)            (25)            162               -
             State.........................          (42)            (59)           (278)             74
                                                --------       ---------      ----------       ---------
                                                    (297)           (460)         (2,016)            643
                                                --------       ---------      ----------       ---------

                                                $  3,135       $    1,441     $   (2,033)      $     847
                                                ========       ==========     ==========       =========

</TABLE>



         The  significant  components  of deferred  tax assets and  deferred tax
     liability at June 30, 1998 and 1999, were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          June 30, 1998                      June 30, 1999
                                                    ------------------------           ------------------------
                                                    Current       Noncurrent           Current       Noncurrent
                                                    ------------------------           ------------------------
         <S>                                       <C>           <C>                  <C>            <C>
         Deferred income tax assets:
             Accrued expenses...................   $     719      $       -           $     308      $       -
             Allowance for doubtful accounts....         108              -                  92              -
             Net operating loss carryforwards...           -          2,947                   -          3,132
             Preferred stock option.............           -            922                   -              -
                                                   ---------      ---------           ---------      ---------
                                                         827          3,869                 400          3,132
         Deferred income tax liability:
             Property, plant and equipment......           -          4,143                   -          3,340
                                                   ---------      ---------           ---------      ---------

                                                   $     827      $    (274)          $     400      $    (208)
                                                   =========      =========           =========      =========


</TABLE>







                                      F-52

<PAGE>



                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


15.  INCOME TAXES (Continued)

         The income tax  provision  recognized by the  Predecessor  for the year
     ended June 30, 1997, the period from July 1, 1997 through December 15, 1997
     and by the Company for the period from  December  16, 1997 through June 30,
     1998 and the year ended June 30, 1999,  differs from the amount  determined
     by applying the applicable U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to pretax
     income as a result of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    July 1,         December 16,
                                                                     1997               1997
                                                  Year Ended        through            through       Year Ended
                                                   June 30,      December 15,         June 30,        June 30,
                                                     1997            1997               1998            1999
                                                     ----            ----               ----            ----
         <S>                                       <C>            <C>               <C>               <C>
         Computed tax provision (benefit)
           at statutory rate....................   $   2,420      $   1,100         $ (2,546)         $   (593)
         State income tax provision (benefit),..
           net of federal effect................         335            145             (263)              (49)
         Nondeductible expenses.................         455            193              720             1,477
         Other, net.............................         (75)             3               56                12
                                                   ---------      ---------        ---------         ---------

                                                   $   3,135      $   1,441        $  (2,033)        $     847
                                                   =========      =========        ==========        =========


</TABLE>

         In conjunction with the Acquisition,  the Company  recognized an income
     tax benefit of $7,327  related to the excess of the  redemption  price over
     the  strike  price of  certain  non-qualified  options  of the  Predecessor
     redeemed  and  retired by the  Company.  This  benefit  was  recorded  as a
     reduction to goodwill.

         Due to the Company's current year losses and certain  transactions made
     in conjunction with the  Acquisition,  the Company has recorded a long-term
     deferred  tax asset of $3,132  reflecting  cumulative  net  operating  loss
     carryforwards   available  to  offset  future  federal  taxable  income  of
     approximately  $6,900  and future  state  taxable  income of  approximately
     $15,600 at June 30, 1999. These cumulative net operating loss carryforwards
     expire in  varying  amounts  through  2019.  Realization  is  dependent  on
     generating  sufficient  taxable  income  prior  to  expiration  of the loss
     carryforwards.  Although  realization is not assured,  management  believes
     that it is more likely than not that all of the  deferred tax asset will be
     realized.  The  amount of the  deferred  tax asset  considered  realizable,
     however,  could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future  taxable
     income during the carryforward period are reduced.



















                                      F-53

<PAGE>




                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)

16.  STOCK OPTIONS

         The Predecessor  sponsored a key employee stock option plan under which
     a maximum  of 12,571  shares of the  Predecessor's  common  stock  could be
     reserved for nonqualified  options;  all stock options were granted with an
     exercise  price  equal to the fair  market  value  of $100 per  share.  All
     options  vested  ratably  over five years and would have  expired ten years
     from the grant date.

         The  Predecessor   accounted  for  its  employee  stock  options  under
     Accounting  Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
     Employees  ("APB  25").  Under APB 25,  because the  exercise  price of the
     Predecessor's  employee  stock  options  equaled  the  market  value of the
     underlying  stock  on the  date  of  grant,  no  compensation  expense  was
     recognized.

         A summary  of the  Predecessor's  stock  option  activity  and  related
information follows:

                                                       June 30, 1997
                                                              Weighted
                                                               Average
                                                              Exercise
                                                    Options     Price

         Outstanding, beginning of year.........    12,571    $   100
              Granted...........................         -          -
              Exercised.........................         -          -
              Forfeited.........................         -          -
                                                  --------    -------

         Outstanding, end of year...............    12,571    $   100
                                                  ========    =======

         Exercisable, end of year...............     5,866    $   100
                                                  ========    =======

         Weighted average remaining
              contractual life..................         7.3 years

         Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 123,  Accounting  for
     Stock-Based  Compensation  ("SFAS 123"),  requires  disclosure of pro forma
     information  regarding net income for option grants  subsequent to December
     15, 1995.  Because all of the  Predecessor's  options were granted prior to
     that  date,  no pro  forma  adjustments  to net  income  or  disclosure  of
     information would apply under SFAS 123.

          As a result of the sale of the  Predecessor  on December 15, 1997 (see
     Note 3), all outstanding  options became immediately vested and exercisable
     under the terms of the  original  individual  stock option  agreements.  In
     connection with the Acquisition,  the Company  purchased and retired 11,201
     options of the Predecessor for $19,342.  The remaining 1,370 options of the
     Predecessor  held by an officer,  which had a cumulative  exercise price of
     $137, were exchanged at fair value for an option to purchase 100,000 shares
     of Acquisition  Corp.'s  Senior  Preferred  Stock with a cumulative  stated
     value of $2,500 (the  "Preferred  Stock  Option").  The 1,370  options were
     subsequently  retired.  The Preferred Stock Option had an exercise price of
     $137.  The total  consideration  of $21,705 used to purchase and retire the
     outstanding  options of the  Predecessor  was  included  in the cost of the
     Acquisition (see Note 3).











                                      F-54


<PAGE>




                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)

16.  STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)

         The  Preferred  Stock Option was issued with a Put and Call Option (the
     "Put and Call  Option")  which  granted  the  officer  the  right to compel
     DLJMBII to purchase the 100,000 shares of Senior Preferred Stock obtainable
     under the  Preferred  Stock  Option,  together  with certain  common equity
     interests in Acquisition Corp. held by the officer, for $2,590. The Put and
     Call  Option  also  granted  DLJMBII  the  right  to  purchase  the  equity
     interests,  both common and preferred,  of the officer for the same amount.
     The Put and Call  Option had a stated  termination  on June 30,  1998.  The
     officer  agreed to  terminate  the Put and Call Option and enter into a new
     put option (the "Put Option")  dated June 17, 1998.  The Put Option granted
     the officer an irrevocable option to require  Acquisition Corp. to purchase
     80,000 shares of the Senior  Preferred Stock obtainable under the Preferred
     Stock  Option  for  $2,000  in cash.  As the terms of the Put  Option  were
     generally more  restrictive  than the Put and Call Option,  no compensation
     expense was  recognized as a result of the  transaction.  On July 30, 1998,
     the officer exercised the Preferred Stock Option and Put Option. To provide
     Acquisition Corp. the funds to redeem the 80,000 shares of Senior Preferred
     Stock,  Holding  issued  Acquisition  Corp. a dividend of $1,863 in cash on
     such date.

         Subsequent to the Acquisition, Acquisition Corp. adopted the 1998 Stock
     Option Plan  ("Option  Plan") for certain key  employees  and  directors of
     Acquisition  Corp.  and any parent or subsidiary of  Acquisition  Corp. The
     Option  Plan  authorizes  the  issuance of options to acquire up to 100,000
     shares of  Acquisition  Corp.  Common Stock.  The terms of each  individual
     options grant are determined by the Board of Directors.  The exercise price
     for each  grant is  required  to be set at least  equal to the fair  market
     value per share of Acquisition Corp. provided that the exercise price shall
     not be less than $1.00 per share.  Options may be exercisable for up to ten
     years.

         On June 17, 1998,  Acquisition Corp.  granted an officer of the Company
     options to purchase 32,500 shares of Acquisition  Corp.  Common Stock.  All
     options  had an  exercise  price of $1.00 per share and a term of 10 years.
     These  options  were  forfeited  during  1999 upon the  resignation  of the
     officer.

         The Company  has  elected to account  for its stock based  compensation
     with  employees  under the intrinsic  value method as permitted  under SFAS
     123.  Under the  intrinsic  value  method,  because  the stock price of the
     Company's  employee stock options  equaled the fair value of the underlying
     stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense was recognized.  If the
     Company had elected to  recognize  compensation  expense  based on the fair
     value of the options at grant date as  prescribed by SFAS 123, the net loss
     for the period from  December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the year
     ended June 30, 1999 would have been $(5,455) and $(2,593), respectively. In
     making this  determination,  fair value was  estimated on the date of grant
     using the minimum value method and a risk-free  interest rate of 5.4%.  The
     weighted average fair value at date of grant of options granted during 1998
     was approximately $0.41 per option.










                                      F-55


<PAGE>




                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)



17.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

         The Predecessor made payments to a company  controlled by a stockholder
     of the  Predecessor  of $612 for the year ended June 30,  1997 and $160 for
     the period from July 1, 1997  through  December 15,  1997,  for  management
     fees, bonuses and expense reimbursements.


         The  Predecessor  made payments to another  stockholder of $120 for the
     year ended June 30, 1997 and $55 for the period  from July 1, 1997  through
     December 15, 1997, for management fees.

         The Successor made payments to an affiliate of DLJMBII of $125 and $250
     for the period from  December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the year
     ended  June  30,  1999,  respectively,  for  financial  advisory  fees.  In
     addition,  the Successor had  approximately  $200 of cash on deposit with a
     financial institution affiliated with DLJMBII as of June 30, 1998.

18.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

          On  September  15, 1999,  AKI acquired all of the equity  interests in
     RetCom Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries for a total cost of approximately
     $12,000 and refinanced working capital indebtedness of approximately $4,500
     of RetCom  Holdings  Ltd.  and its  subsidiaries.  The  purchase  price and
     refinancing of indebtedness were initially financed by borrowings under the
     credit agreement.

19.  GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

         The following table illustrates geographic information for revenues and
     long-lived  assets.  Revenues  are  attributed  to  countries  based on the
     receipt of sales orders,  and long-lived  assets are based upon the country
     of domicile.
                                        United
                                        States           France         Total

                                                       Predecessor
                                                       -----------

     Net sales:

     Year ended June 30, 1997......  $    70,660    $     7,063    $    77,723
     Period from July 1, 1997
       through December 15, 1997...       32,600          2,586         35,186

      ________________________________________________________________________

                                                       Successor
                                                       ---------
     Net sales:

     Period from December 16, 1997
       through June 30, 1998.......  $    29,162    $     6,904    $    36,066
     Year ended June 30, 1999......       71,056         14,911         85,967

     Long-lived assets:

     June 30, 1998.................      187,250            158        187,408
     June 30, 1999.................      181,451            107        181,558





                                      F-56


<PAGE>



                           AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AKI Holding Corp.)
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (dollars in thousands, except share information)


20.  UNAUDITED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations
for Fiscal 1998 and Fiscal 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                       Predecessor                                    Successor
                                            October 1,    December 16,
                                               1997           1997
                           Quarter Ended      through        through      Quarter Ended  Quarter Ended
                           September 30,   December 15,   December 31,      March 31,      June 30,         Full
     Fiscal 1998               1997            1997           1997             1998          1998           Year
                               ----            ----           ----             ----          ----           ----

     <S>                     <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
     Net sales.............  $  21,928      $  13,258     $     2,791     $   19,191      $  14,084       $  71,252
     Gross profit..........      8,306          4,071             813          7,256          3,479          23,925
     Income from operations      4,680          1,426             153          3,603            104           9,966
     Interest expense, net.      1,451          1,195             759          4,404          6,106          13,915
     Net income (loss).....      1,796             (3)           (443)          (887)        (4,124)         (3,661)







                                                                      Successor
                                  Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended    Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended
                                  September 30,     December 31,       March 31,         June 30,           Full
     Fiscal 1999                      1998              1998             1999              1999             Year
                                      ----              ----             ----              ----             ----

     <S>                            <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
     Net sales.............         $ 24,024         $  20,437         $  24,518        $  16,988         $  85,967
     Gross profit..........            8,603             6,777             9,691            5,697            30,768
     Income from operations            4,337             2,331             4,616              378            11,662
     Interest expense, net.            3,210             3,244             3,298            3,276            13,028
     Net income (loss).....              273              (970)              281           (2,175)           (2,591)


</TABLE>




                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9


                            THIRD AMENDMENT TO CREDIT
                                    AGREEMENT


         This THIRD  AMENDMENT  TO CREDIT  AGREEMENT  ("Amendment")  is made and
entered into this 30th day of August,  1999 by and between AKI,  Inc.,  formerly
known as Arcade, Inc. ("Borrower") and Heller Financial, Inc. ("Lender").

         WHEREAS,  Lender and Borrower are parties to a certain Credit Agreement
dated April 30, 1996 and all amendments thereto (as such agreement has from time
to time been amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the "Agreement"); and

         WHEREAS,  the parties desire to amend the Agreement as hereinafter  set
forth;

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual conditions and agreements
set forth in the  Agreement  and this  Amendment,  and other  good and  valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1.       Definitions.  Capitalized terms used in this Amendment, unless
otherwise  defined herein,  shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the
Agreement.

         2.       Amendments.  Subject to the  conditions  set forth below,  the
Agreement is amended as follows:


                  (a)  Subsection  1.2 is amended by deleting the  definition of
"LIBOR" and inserting the following in lieu thereof:


                  "LIBOR"  means,  for each  Interest  Period,  a rate per annum
equal to:


                  (a) the offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars in an amount
         comparable to the amount of the applicable Loan in the London interbank
         market which is published by the British Bankers' Association, and that
         currently  appears on Telerate Page 3750, or any other source available
         to Lender,  as of 11:00 a.m.  (London time) on the day which is two (2)
         Business  Days prior to the first day of the relevant  Interest  Period
         for a term comparable to such Interest  Period;  or if, for any reason,
         such a rate is not  published by the British  Bankers'  Association  on
         Telerate or any other source  available  to Lender,  the rate per annum
         equal to the  average  rate  (rounded  upwards,  if  necessary,  to the
         nearest 1/100 of 1%) at which Lender determines that U.S. dollars in an
         amount  comparable  to the  amount  of the  applicable  Loans are being
         offered to prime banks at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the
         day  which is two (2)  Business  Days  prior to the  first  day of such
         Interest  Period  for a term  comparable  to such  Interest  Period for
         settlement  in  immediately  available  funds by  leading  banks in the
         London interbank market selected by Lender; divided by


                  (b) a number  equal to 1.0 minus the  aggregate  (but  without
         duplication) of the rates (expressed as a decimal  fraction) of reserve
         requirements  in effect on the day which is two (2) Business Days prior
         to  the  beginning  of  such  Interest   Period   (including,   without
         limitation, basic, supplemental,  marginal and emergency reserves under

<PAGE>


         any regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
         or  other  governmental  authority  having  jurisdiction  with  respect
         thereto,  as now and  from  time to time in  effect)  for  Eurocurrency
         funding  (currently  referred  to  as  "Eurocurrency   Liabilities"  in
         Regulation D of such Board) which are  required to be  maintained  by a
         member  bank of the  Federal  Reserve  System;  such rate to be rounded
         upward to the next  whole  multiple  of  one-sixteenth  of one  percent
         (.0625%).

                  (b) Subsection  4.3 is amended by deleting such  subsection in
its entirety and inserting the following in lieu thereof:

                  "4.3 EBIDAT.  Borrower  shall not permit EBIDAT for the twelve
         month (12) ending on the last day of any month,  during the periods set
         forth below to be less than the amount set forth below for such period:

                           Period                                Amount

          July 1, 1999 through September 30, 1999              $20,000,000
          October 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999            $25,500,000
          January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000                $27,800,000
          July 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000               $28,800,000
          January 1, 2001 through June 30, 2001                $29,800,000
          July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002                   $32,000,000
          July 1, 2002 and thereafter                          $34,300,000

                  "EBIDAT will be calculated as illustrated on Exhibit 4.6(C)."

                  (c) Subsection  4.4 is amended by deleting such  subsection in
         its entirety and inserting the following in lieu thereof:

                  "4.4     Fixed  Charge Coverage.

                                    Borrower   shall  not  permit  Fixed  Charge
                  Coverage for the twelve (12) month  period  ending on the last
                  day of each month to be less than the  amount set forth  below
                  for such period:

                           Period                                       Ratio

                  July 1, 1999 through September 30, 1999               1.05
                  October 1, 1999 through June 30, 2002                 1.10
                  July 1, 2002 and thereafter                           1.15

                  " Fixed Charge  Coverage will be calculated as  illustrated on
Exhibit 4.6(c)."

                   (d) Subsection 4.5 is amended by deleting such  subsection in
         its entirety and inserting the following in lieu thereof:

                  "4.5     Total Indebtedness to Operating Cash Flow Ratio.

                           Borrower   shall  not   permit  the  ratio  of  Total
                  Indebtedness calculated as of the last day of any month during
                  the  periods set forth  below to  Operating  Cash Flow for the
                  twelve (12) month period ending on such day to be greater than
                  the amount set forth below for such period:

                                       2
<PAGE>


                           Period                                      Ratio

                  July 1, 1999 through September 30, 1999               7.9
                  October 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999             7.9
                  January 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000                 7.2
                  July 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000                6.9
                  January 1, 2001 through June 30, 2001                 6.7
                  July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002                    6.20
                  July 1, 2002 and thereafter                           5.75

                           "Total  Indebtedness,  Operating  Cash Flow,  will be
                  calculated as illustrated as Exhibit 4.6(C)."

                  (e) Exhibit  4.6(C) is amended by deleting the portion of that
Exhibit setting forth the calculations for determining  compliance with covenant
4.5  Total  Indebtedness  to  Operating  Cash  Flow  Ratio in its  entirety  and
substituting the calculations attached on Exhibit A.

         3.  Conditions.  The  effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the
following  conditions  precedent  (unless  specifically  waived  in  writing  by
Lender):

                  (a) Borrower shall have executed and delivered this Amendment,
and such other  documents and  instruments as Lender may require shall have been
executed and/or delivered to Lender;

                  (b) All proceedings  taken in connection with the transactions
contemplated  by this Amendment and all documents,  instruments  and other legal
matters incident thereto shall be satisfactory to Lender and its legal counsel;

                  (c) No Default or Event of Default  shall have occurred and be
continuing.

        4.  Representations and Warranties.  To induce Lender to enter into this
Amendment, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender:

                  (a) that  the  execution,  delivery  and  performance  of this
Amendment has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part
of Borrower and that this  Amendment  has been duly  executed  and  delivered by
Borrower;

                  (b) each of the  representations  and  warranties set forth in
Section 5 of the Agreement (Other than those which, by their terms, specifically
are made as of certain  date prior to the date  hereof)  are true and correct in
all material respects as of the date hereof;

                  (c)  Borrower  has made an  assessment  of the  microchip  and
computer-based  systems and the software  used in its  business,  and based upon
such  assessment,  believes that it will be "Year 2000  Compliant" by January 1,
2000.  For  purposes of this  paragraph,  "Year 2000  Compliant"  means that all
software, embedded microchips and other processing capabilities utilized by, and
material to the business operations or financial condition of, Borrower are able
to interpret,  store, transmit, receive and manipulate data on and involving all
calendar dates correctly and without  causing any abnormal  ending  scenarios in
relation to dates in and after the Year 2000.  From time to time, at the request
of Lender,  Borrower  shall  provide to Lender such  updated  information  as is
requested regarding the status of its efforts to become Year 2000 Compliant.


                                        3
<PAGE>

         5.  Severability.  Any provision of this  Amendment  held by a court of
competent  jurisdiction  to be  invalid  or  unenforceable  shall not  impair or
invalidate  the  remainder of this  Amendment  and the effect  thereof  shall be
confined to the provision so held to be invalid or unenforceable.

         6.  References.  Any  reference  to  the  Agreement  contained  in  any
document,  instrument  or agreement  executed in  connection  with the Agreement
shall  be  deemed  to be a  reference  to the  Agreement  as  modified  by  this
Amendment.

         7.  Counterparts.  This  Amendment  may be  executed  in  one  or  more
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which taken
together shall be one and the same instrument.

         8.  Ratification.  The terms and provisions set forth in this Amendment
shall  modify  and  supersede  all  inconsistent  terms  and  provisions  of the
Agreement and shall not be deemed to be a consent to the  modification or waiver
of any other term or condition of the  Agreement.  Except as expressly  modified
and superseded by this Amendment,  the terms and provisions of the Agreement are
ratified and confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect.














                                       4
<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be
duly  executed  under seal and  delivered by their  respective  duly  authorized
officers on the date first written above.

Heller Financial, Inc.                     AKI, INC.

By:     /S/ GEORGE F. KURTESON             By       /S/ KENNETH BUDDE
        ----------------------                      ----------------------------
Title:  Senior Vice President              Title:   Chief Financial Officer


                                           AKI HOLDING CORP.

                                           By:      /S/ KENNETH BUDDE
                                                    ----------------------------
                                           Title:   Chief Financial Officer













                                       5
<PAGE>


                                                                    EXHIBIT A to
                                                                  EXHIBIT 4.6(C)



                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

                                    AKI, INC.

                          Date: _______________, 199__

          Covenant 4.5 Total Indebtedness to Operating Cash Flow Ratio

Total Indebtedness:

Average daily principal  balance of the Revolving Loans for the one month period
ending on the date set forth above
                                                                     $----------
Plus:    Outstanding principal balance of all other Indebtedness,
         excluding Subordinated Indebtedness held by SBA and
         Refinanced Subordinated Indebtedness
                                                                     -----------
Total Indebtedness                                                   $__________

Operating Cash Flow (defined in 4.4)                                 $__________

Total Indebtedness to Operating Cash Flow Ratio                      ___________

Maximum Total Indebtedness to Operating Cash Flow Ratio
                                                                     -----------
In Compliance                                                           Yes/No





                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.10


                      FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

         THIS FOURTH  AMENDMENT  TO CREDIT  AGREEMENT  is made and entered as of
September  21,  1999  (this  "Amendment")  is  between  AKI,  Inc.,  a  Delaware
corporation,  formerly known as Arcade, Inc.  ("Borrower") and HELLER FINANCIAL,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("Lender").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS,  Borrower  and  Lender  are  parties  to that  certain  Credit
Agreement dated as of April 30, 1996 and all amendments  thereto (as amended and
supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement");

         WHEREAS,  pursuant to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of
September __, 1999 (the "RetCom Purchase Agreement"), Borrower shall acquire all
of the issued and outstanding capital stock of RetCom Holdings, Ltd., a Delaware
corporation ("Target"); and

         WHEREAS,  the parties  wish to amend the Credit  Agreement  as provided
herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

         1.       Definitions.  Capitalized terms used in this Amendment, unless
otherwise defined herein,  shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the
Credit Agreement.

         2.       Amendments to the Credit Agreement.

                  (a)  Subsection  4.3(b) is amended by deleting all periods and
amounts  beginning  with "July 1, 1999 through  December 31, 1999 - $25,500,000"
through  the end of such  subsection  and  substituting  the  following  in lieu
thereof:

         "July 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999               $20,000,000
         January 1, 2000 through March 31, 2000                $21,000,000
         April 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000               $22,000,000
         January 1, 2001 through June 30, 2001                 $23,000,000
         July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002                    $24,000,000
         July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003                    $25,000,000
         July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004                    $26,000,000
         July 1, 2004 and thereafter                           $27,000,000"


<PAGE>


                  (b)      Subsection 4.4 is amended by deleting such subsection
                           in its entirety and the following is inserted in lieu
                           thereof:

         "4.4 Fixed  Charged  Coverage.  Borrower  shall not permit Fixed Charge
         Coverage for the twelve  month  period  ending on any of July 31, 1999,
         August 31, 1999 and September  30, 1999 to be less than 1.05.  Borrower
         shall not permit  Fixed  Charge  Coverage  for the twelve  month period
         ending on the last day of each month  thereafter  to be less than 1.10.
         "Fixed Charge  Coverage"  will be calculated as  illustrated on Exhibit
         4.6(C)."

                  (c)      Subsection  4.5 is  deleted in its  entirety  and the
                           following is inserted in lieu thereof:

         "4.5   Total Indebtedness to Operating Cash Flow Ratio

                  Borrower  shall not  permit  the  ratio of Total  Indebtedness
         calculated as of the last day of any month during the periods set forth
         below to Operating Cash Flow for the twelve (12) month period ending on
         such day to be greater than the amount set forth below for such period:

                           Period                             Ratio

         July 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999               7.90
         January 1, 2000 through March 31, 2000               7.00
         April 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000                  6.80
         July 1, 2000 through September 30, 2000              6.50
         October 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000            6.30
         January 1, 2001 through March 31, 2001               6.10
         April 1, 2001 through June 30, 2001                  5.90
         July 1, 2001 and thereafter                          5.75

                  "Total  Indebtedness,  Operating Cash Flow, will be calculated
         as illustrated on Exhibit 4.6(C)."

         3. Representations and Warranties.  To induce Lender to enter into this
Amendment, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender that:

                  (a) the  execution,  delivery and  performance  by Borrower of
this Amendment are within its corporate power,  have been duly authorized by all
necessary  corporate  action and do not and will not contravene or conflict with
any provision of law applicable to Borrower, the Certificate of Incorporation or
By-laws  of  Borrower,  or any order,  judgment  or decree of any court or other
agency of government or any contractual obligation binding upon Borrower;


<PAGE>


                  (b) the Credit  Agreement  as amended as of the date hereof is
the legal, valid and binding obligation of Borrower enforceable against Borrower
in accordance with its terms;

                  (c) each of the  representations  and  warranties set forth in
Section 5 of the Credit  Agreement  (other  that those  which,  by their  terms,
specifically  are made as of a certain  date prior to the date  hereof) are true
and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof;

                  (d) no  Default  or  Event  of  Default  has  occurred  and is
continuing; and

                  (e) all conditions precedent to the obligations of the parties
to the consummate  the purchase and sale of the stock of Target  pursuant to the
RetCom Purchase Agreement have been satisfied in all material respects.

         4.  Covenants.  Borrower  hereby  covenants  and  agrees to, as soon as
reasonably  possible but in no event later than 10 Business  Days after the date
draft documentation is delivered to Borrower:

                  (a) cause Target and each of its Subsidiaries to guarantee the
Obligations and to secure such guarantee by granting a lien on substantially all
of its and their assets,  in each instance pursuant to documentation in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender;

                  (b) pledge and deliver to Lender all of the  capital  stock of
Target  and each of its  Subsidiaries  to secure  the  Obligations  pursuant  to
documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender;

                  (c) deliver to Lender a copy of the articles or certificate of
incorporation  of Borrower  certified  as of a recent date by the  Secretary  of
State  of  Delaware  and  such  other  corporate  organizational  and  authority
documents as Lender may reasonably request; and

                  (d)  deliver  to  Lender  such UCC  financing  statements  and
amendments thereto as Lender may reasonably require.

         5.  Conditions.  The  effectiveness  of the  amendments  stated in this
Amendment  is  subject  to  each  of  the  following   conditions  precedent  or
concurrent:

                  (a) No Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement,
as amended hereby, shall have occurred and be continuing;

                  (b) Borrower shall have executed and delivered this Amendment,
and such other  documents and  instruments as Lender may require shall have been
executed and/or delivered to Lender; and



<PAGE>


                  (c) All proceedings  taken in connection with the transactions
contemplated  by this Amendment and all documents,  instruments  and other legal
matters incident thereto, shall be satisfactory to Lender and its legal counsel.


         6.       Miscellaneous.

                  (a) Captions.  Section captions used in this Amendment are for
convenience only, and shall not affect the construction of this Amendment.

                  (b)  Governing  Law. This  Amendment  shall be a contract made
under  and  governed  by the laws of the State of New  York,  without  regard to
conflict of laws principals.  Whenever possible each provision of this Amendment
shall  be  interpreted  in  such  manner  as to be  effective  and  valid  under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Amendment shall be prohibited by or
invalid under such law, such  provision  shall be  ineffective  to the extent of
such  prohibition  or  invalidity,  without  invalidating  the remainder of such
provision or the remaining provisions of this Amendment.

                  (c) Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number
of counterparts,  and each such  counterpart  shall be deemed to be an original,
but all  such  counterparts  shall  together  constituted  but one and the  same
Agreement.

                  (d)  Successors and Assigns.  This Amendment  shall be binding
upon Borrower and Lender and their respective  successors and assigns, and shall
inure to the sole benefit of Borrower and Lender and their respective successors
and assigns.

                  (e)  References.   Any  reference  to  the  Credit   Agreement
contained  in any  notice,  request,  certificate,  or other  document  executed
concurrently with or after the execution and delivery of this Amendment shall be
deemed to include this Amendment unless the context shall otherwise require.

                  (f) Continued  Effectiveness.  The Credit Agreement as amended
hereby and each of the other Loan Documents remains in full force and effect.

                  (g)  Costs,   Expenses   and  Taxes.   Borrower   affirms  and
acknowledges  that  subsection  1.3(B) of the Credit  Agreement  applies to this
Amendment  and  the  transactions  and  Agreements  and  document   contemplated
hereunder.


<PAGE>



         Delivered  at  Chicago,  Illinois,  as of the day and year first  above
written.

                                       AKI, INC.


                                       By:           /S/ WILLAIM J. FOX
                                                     ------------------
                                       Name Printed: William J. Fox
                                       Title:        President

                                       HELLER FINANCIAL, INC., as Lender


                                       By:           /S/ GEORGE F. KURTESON
                                                     ----------------------
                                       Name Printed: George F. Kurteson
                                       Title:        Senior Vice President





                                                                  EXECUTION COPY










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


                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  BY AND AMONG

                                    AKI, INC.

                                       AND

                THE SELLERS LISTED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGES HEREOF




                          Dated as of September 2, 1999


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










<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                                                               Page
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
Article I SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES.............................................................................1
   Section 1.1    Sale and Purchase of Shares.....................................................................1

Article II PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT.............................................................................1
   Section 2.1    Amount of Purchase Price........................................................................1
   Section 2.2    Payment of Estimated Purchase Price.............................................................2
   Section 2.3    Escrows.........................................................................................2
   Section 2.4    Determination of Purchase Price.................................................................3

Article III CLOSING AND TERMINATION...............................................................................5
   Section 3.1    Closing Date....................................................................................5
   Section 3.2    Termination of Agreement........................................................................5
   Section 3.3    Procedure Upon Termination......................................................................5
   Section 3.4    Effect of Termination...........................................................................5

Article IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS..........................................................6
   Section 4.1    Organization and Good Standing..................................................................6
   Section 4.2    Authorization of Agreement......................................................................6
   Section 4.3    Capitalization..................................................................................7
   Section 4.4    Subsidiaries....................................................................................7
   Section 4.5    Conflicts; Certain Consents of Third Parties....................................................8
   Section 4.6    Ownership and Transfer of Shares; Seller Consents...............................................8
   Section 4.7    Financial Statements............................................................................9
   Section 4.8    No Undisclosed Liabilities.....................................................................10
   Section 4.9    Absence of Certain Developments................................................................10
   Section 4.10   Taxes..........................................................................................11
   Section 4.11   Real Property..................................................................................13
   Section 4.12   Tangible Personal Property.....................................................................14
   Section 4.13   Intellectual Property; Proprietary Information.................................................14
   Section 4.14   Material Contracts.............................................................................16
   Section 4.15   Employee Benefits..............................................................................16
   Section 4.16   Labor..........................................................................................18
   Section 4.17   Litigation.....................................................................................19
   Section 4.18   Compliance with Laws; Permits..................................................................19
   Section 4.19   Environmental Matters..........................................................................19
   Section 4.20   Insurance......................................................................................20
   Section 4.21   Inventories; Receivables; Payables.............................................................20
   Section 4.22   Related Party Transactions.....................................................................21
   Section 4.23   Banks..........................................................................................22
   Section 4.24   Full Disclosure................................................................................22


                                                         i
<PAGE>


   Section 4.25   Financial Advisors.............................................................................22
   Section 4.26   Year 2000 Compliance...........................................................................22
   Section 4.27   Representations and Warranties Exclusive.......................................................23

Article V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER........................................................23
   Section 5.1    Organization and Good Standing.................................................................23
   Section 5.2    Authorization of Agreement.....................................................................23
   Section 5.3    Conflicts; Consents of Third Parties...........................................................23
   Section 5.4    Litigation.....................................................................................24
   Section 5.5    Investment Intention...........................................................................24
   Section 5.6    Financial Advisors.............................................................................24

Article VI COVENANTS.............................................................................................25
   Section 6.1    Access to Information..........................................................................25
   Section 6.2    Conduct of the Business Pending the Closing....................................................26
   Section 6.3    Consents.......................................................................................27
   Section 6.4    Other Actions..................................................................................27
   Section 6.5    No Solicitation................................................................................27
   Section 6.6    Preservation of Records........................................................................28
   Section 6.7    Publicity......................................................................................29
   Section 6.8    Termination of Agreements......................................................................29
   Section 6.9    Intellectual Property..........................................................................29
   Section 6.10   Collection of Accounts Receivable..............................................................29

Article VII OTHER AGREEMENTS.....................................................................................30
   Section 7.1    Payment of Sleepeck Indebtedness...............................................................30
   Section 7.2    Exercise of Options and Releases...............................................................30
   Section 7.3    Employees......................................................................................31
   Section 7.4    Certain Insurance Coverage.....................................................................31

Article VIII CONDITIONS TO CLOSING...............................................................................31
   Section 8.1    Conditions Precedent to Obligations of the Purchaser...........................................31
   Section 8.2    Conditions Precedent to Obligations of the Sellers.............................................34

Article IX CLOSING DELIVERIES....................................................................................35
   Section 9.1    Documents to be Delivered by the Sellers.......................................................35
   Section 9.2    Documents to be Delivered by the Purchaser.....................................................36
   Section 9.3    Simultaneous Transactions......................................................................37

Article X INDEMNIFICATION........................................................................................37
   Section 10.1   Non-Tax Indemnification........................................................................37
   Section 10.2   Limitations on Indemnification for Breaches of Representations
                    and Warranties...............................................................................39
   Section 10.3   Non-Tax Indemnification Procedures.............................................................40
   Section 10.4   Tax Matters....................................................................................41
   Section 10.5   Tax Treatment of Indemnity Payments............................................................46





                                                         ii
<PAGE>


Article XI MISCELLANEOUS.........................................................................................46
   Section 11.1   Certain Definitions............................................................................46
   Section 11.2   Survival.......................................................................................51
   Section 11.3   Expenses.......................................................................................51
   Section 11.4   Specific Performance...........................................................................52
   Section 11.5   Further Assurances.............................................................................52
   Section 11.6   Arbitration....................................................................................52
   Section 11.7   Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers.......................................................52
   Section 11.8   Governing Law..................................................................................53
   Section 11.9   Table of Contents and Headings.................................................................53
   Section 11.10  Notices........................................................................................53
   Section 11.11  Severability...................................................................................55
   Section 11.12  Binding Effect; Assignment.....................................................................55
   Section 11.13  Sellers'Representatives........................................................................56
   Section 11.14  Disclaimer of Certain Kinds of Damages.........................................................56



</TABLE>



                                                        iii
<PAGE>




                                          SCHEDULES

Schedule 1.1      -      Sellers; Shares; Sharing Ratios
Schedule 2.1      -      1998 Working Capital
Schedule 2.3      -      Accounts Receivable
Schedule 4.1      -      Organizations and Good Standing
Schedule 4.3(a)   -      Owners of Stock
Schedule 4.3(b)   -      Rights Holders/Exceptions
Schedule 4.4      -      Subsidiaries/Qualifications
Schedule 4.5      -      Consents of Third Parties
Schedule 4.6      -      Share Ownership
Schedule 4.8      -      Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 4.7      -      Financial Statements
Schedule 4.9      -      Certain Developments
Schedule 4.10     -      Taxes
Schedule 4.11     -      Real Property Leases
Schedule 4.12(a)  -      Personal Property Leases
Schedule 4.13     -      Intellectual Property
Schedule 4.14     -      Material Contracts
Schedule 4.15     -      Employee Benefits
Schedule 4.16     -      Labor
Schedule 4.17     -      Litigation
Schedule 4.19     -      Environmental Matters
Schedule 4.20     -      Insurance
Schedule 4.21     -      Inventories; Receivables; Payables
Schedule 4.22     -      Related Party Transactions
Schedule 4.23     -      Banks
Schedule 5.3(b)   -      Consents Required of Purchaser
Schedule 6.8      -      Termination of Agreements
Schedule 8.1(r)   -      Employee Receivables
Schedule 8.1(u)   -      Terminated Employees
Schedule 10.1     -      Indemnification Exceptions

                                       EXHIBITS

Exhibit A         -      Form of Escrow Agreement
Exhibit B         -      Form of Employment Agreement
Exhibit C         -      Form of Consulting Agreement
Exhibit D         -      Printing Services Agreement
Exhibit E         -      Form of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement
Exhibit F         -      Form of Release


                                       iv
<PAGE>



                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                  STOCK PURCHASE  AGREEMENT,  dated as of September 2, 1999 (the
"Agreement"),  by and among AKI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"),
and the  shareholders  and rights  holders of RetCom  Holdings  Ltd., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), listed on the signature pages hereof (collectively,
the "Sellers").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              - - - - - - - - - -

                  WHEREAS,  the Sellers own as  specified in Schedule 1.1 all of
the issued and  outstanding  shares of the Company's  common stock, no par value
(the "Common  Stock"),  and all of the issued and outstanding  options and other
rights to purchase  capital  stock of and all of the other equity  rights of the
Company (collectively, the "Options"); and

                  WHEREAS,  the  Sellers  desire to sell to  Purchaser,  and the
Purchaser desires to purchase from the Sellers, the Common Stock and Options set
forth on Schedule 1.1  (collectively,  the "Shares") for the purchase  price and
upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and

                  WHEREAS,  certain terms used in this  Agreement are defined in
Section 11.1;

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  premises  and the
mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter contained,  the parties hereby agree
as follows:


                                   Article I
                           SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES

                  Section 1.1 Sale and Purchase of Shares.

                  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein,
on the Closing Date each Seller  identified on Schedule 1.1 shall sell,  assign,
transfer,  convey and deliver to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall purchase
from  each such  Seller,  the  Shares of such  Seller  set forth  opposite  such
Seller's name on Schedule 1.1 hereto.


                                   Article II
                           PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT

                  Section 2.1 Amount of Purchase Price.

                  The aggregate  purchase price (the  "Purchase  Price") for the
Shares  shall be an amount  equal to  $10,180,000  less (A) the  amount by which
Working  Capital as of the earlier of  September  15, 1999 and the Closing  Date
(the  "Determination  Date")  (i) falls  short of 108% of the  amount of Working
Capital for September 15, 1998 (the "1998 Working  Capital") if the 1998 Working
Capital was  greater  than or equal to zero or (ii) is less than 92% of the 1998

<PAGE>


Working  Capital if the 1998  Working  Capital  was less than zero,  and (B) the
excess of  Indebtedness  as of the  Determination  Date over $4.5 million.  Each
Seller  identified on Schedule 1.1 shall  receive the amount set forth  opposite
his or its name on Schedule  1.1,  subject to adjustment as described in (A) and
(B) above,  such  adjustments for each such Seller being  calculated pro rata in
accordance  with the  sharing  ratios set forth on  Schedule  1.1 (the  "Sharing
Ratios").

                  Section 2.2 Payment of Estimated Purchase Price.

                  No later than the close of business on September 7, 1999,  the
Purchaser  and Jay  Gartlan  shall  agree on the  estimate  of the 1998  Working
Capital and shall  agree on a schedule  to this  Agreement  to be  initialed  by
William J. Fox and Jay Gartlan and inserted as Schedule 2.1.  Schedule 2.1 shall
show the  estimate  of the 1998  Working  Capital,  based on the  average of the
Working  Capital as of August 31, 1998 and the Working  Capital as of  September
30, 1998,  as shown on the  unaudited  balance  sheets of the Company as of such
respective dates (the "1998 Interim Balance  Sheets").  The 1998 Working Capital
shall be  compiled  from the  relevant  line items on the 1998  Interim  Balance
Sheets  consistent  with the  definition of Working  Capital  herein,  including
consistency with GAAP, except as noted in Schedule 2.1.

                  At least two  Business  Days prior to the  Closing  Date,  the
Purchaser  and the  Sellers'  Representatives  shall agree on an estimate of the
Purchase  Price  (the  "Estimated  Purchase  Price")  based on the 1998  Working
Capital as shown on Schedule  2.1 and using the internal  accounting  records of
the Company and its  Subsidiaries for purposes of estimating the Working Capital
as of the  Determination  Date. On the Closing Date, the Purchaser shall pay the
Estimated  Purchase Price,  adjusted as set forth in Section 2.3, to the Sellers
identified on Schedule 1.1 in accordance with the Sharing Ratios.  Each Seller's
portion of the  Estimated  Purchase  Price  shall be paid to such Seller by wire
transfer of immediately available funds into an account designated in writing by
such Seller not later than two Business  Days before the Closing Date (or, if no
account is designated,  then by certified check payable in immediately available
funds to the order of such Seller).

                  Section 2.3 Escrows.

                  (a) The Purchaser  shall withhold from each Seller  identified
on Schedule 1.1, pro rata in accordance with the Sharing Ratios, an aggregate of
$200,000 (the "Purchase Price Escrow Amount") from the Estimated  Purchase Price
on the Closing Date pending agreement  pursuant to Section 2.4 as to the amounts
of  1998  Working   Capital  and  Working   Capital  and   Indebtedness  on  the
Determination  Date.  The Purchase  Price Escrow Amount shall be deposited in an
interest  bearing  escrow  account  with Hudson  United  Bank or another  Person
acceptable to the Purchaser  and the Sellers'  Representatives,  as escrow agent
(the "Escrow Agent"),  pursuant to an Escrow Agreement (the "Escrow  Agreement")
substantially  in  the  form  of  Exhibit  A  attached  hereto,   pending  final
determination  of the Purchase  Price  pursuant to Section  2.4.  Upon the final
determination  of the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.4, the Purchase Price
Escrow  Amount,  if any,  shall be  disbursed  in  accordance  with  such  final
determination.

                  (b) The Purchaser  shall withhold from each Seller  identified
on Schedule 1.1, pro rata in accordance with the Sharing Ratios, an aggregate of
$500,000  (together  with the  Additional  Indemnification  Amount,  if any, the


                                       2
<PAGE>


"Indemnification  Escrow  Amount")  from  the  Estimated  Purchase  Price on the
Closing  Date,  which will be held in an interest  bearing  escrow  account (the
"Indemnification  Escrow  Account") with the Escrow Agent pursuant to the Escrow
Agreement, as security for the Purchaser with respect to the representations and
warranties  of the  Sellers  set  forth in  Article  IV and the  indemnification
obligations of the Sellers set forth in Article X. Subject to certain exceptions
set  forth in the  Escrow  Agreement,  on  January  2,  2001 or as  promptly  as
practicable  thereafter,  the remaining  balance of the  Indemnification  Escrow
Amount and  interest  earned on all  amounts  deposited  pursuant  to the Escrow
Agreement,  if any,  shall be disbursed to the Sellers in accordance  with their
Sharing Ratios.

                  (c) The Purchaser  shall withhold from each Seller  identified
on Schedule 1.1, pro rata in accordance with the Sharing Ratios, an aggregate of
$500,000 (the "Receivable  Escrow Amount") from the Estimated  Purchase Price on
the Closing Date,  which will be held in an interest bearing escrow account with
the Escrow Agent pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, as security for the Purchaser
with respect to the collectability of accounts receivable of the Company and its
Subsidiaries  existing as of the Closing Date which are older than 90 days,  and
which  are set  forth on  Schedule  2.3,  which  Schedule  shall be  updated  in
accordance  with  Section  6.1(b)  hereof as of the close of business on the day
immediately  preceding  the  Closing  Date  (collectively,  the  "Aged  Accounts
Receivable").  An amount equal to the aggregate Aged Accounts  Receivable (other
than Aged Accounts Receivable which have been previously written-off) which have
not been  collected by the Company or its  Subsidiaries  by the date which is 90
days after the Closing Date (the "Collection Date"), less an amount equal to the
$38,743  general  reserve  against  Aged  Accounts  Receivable  reflected on the
unaudited  compiled  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of  June  30,  1999  (the
"Uncollected  Receivables  Amount") shall be disbursed to the Purchaser from the
Receivable  Escrow Amount as promptly as  practicable  following the  Collection
Date,  and the remaining  balance of the Receivable  Escrow Amount,  if any (the
"Additional  Indemnification  Amount"),  shall be transferred and deposited into
the  Indemnification  Escrow Account.  Thereafter,  the  Indemnification  Escrow
Amount shall be increased by an amount equal to the  Additional  Indemnification
Amount,  and shall be held as security  for the  Purchaser  with  respect to the
representations  and  warranties  of the Sellers set forth in Article IV and the
indemnification obligations of the Sellers set forth in Article X. The Purchaser
shall cause the Company and/or its  Subsidiaries,  as the case may be, to assign
to the Sellers (or their  respective  designees) all of the Company's and/or its
Subsidiaries' right, title and interest in and to Aged Accounts  Receivable,  as
the Purchaser  shall select in its sole  discretion (as evidenced by one or more
invoices),  in an aggregate  amount equal to the funds  disbursed from escrow to
the  Purchaser  in respect of the  Uncollected  Receivables  Amount.  During the
period following the Closing Date and until the Collection Date (the "Collection
Period"),  all payments  received by the Company and its  Subsidiaries  from any
customer owing both Aged Accounts  Receivable  and other accounts  receivable to
the Company or any Subsidiary  during the Collection  Period shall be applied to
such accounts receivables as directed by such customer.

                  Section 2.4 Determination of Purchase Price.

                  (a) As soon as practicable  following the Closing Date, but in
no event later than 30 days  following  the Closing Date,  the  Purchaser  shall
cause the Company to prepare and deliver to the Sellers a final  calculation  of
1998  Working   Capital  and  Working   Capital  and   Indebtedness  as  of  the

<PAGE>



Determination  Date and a balance sheet for the Company and its  Subsidiaries as
of the  Determination  Date (the "Closing  Date Balance  Sheet") and Jay Gartlan
shall be entitled to consult with the Company in the  preparation  of such final
calculations  and the Closing Date Balance Sheet. The Closing Date Balance Sheet
shall be  prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP and shall  (i)  include  all Taxes
accrued on the June 30, 1999  Balance  Sheet,  (ii)  include all Taxes  accruing
after  June 30,  1999 and  until  the  Closing  Date in the  ordinary  course of
business of the Company and its  Subsidiaries  and which are not due for payment
on or prior to the Closing Date,  (iii) be subject to the exception set forth on
Schedule  10.1 hereto with  respect to sales and use Tax  liabilities,  and (iv)
include all such other reserves required by GAAP. If no objections are raised to
the calculations of 1998 Working Capital, Working Capital and Indebtedness as of
the  Determination  Date or the  Closing  Date  Balance  Sheet  by the  Sellers'
Representatives  within 30 days  after  receipt  thereof  by the  Sellers,  such
calculations  and such Closing Date Balance  Sheet shall be deemed  accepted and
approved  by  the  Sellers  and  a  supplemental   closing  (herein  called  the
"Supplemental  Closing")  shall be held at either  the same place and time as is
provided in Section 3.1 hereof,  by conference  telephone  originated  from such
place at such time or as the Sellers and the Purchaser may otherwise  agree in a
signed  writing on the fifth (5th) Business Day following the expiration of such
30 day period. At such Supplemental Closing any difference between the Estimated
Purchase  Price and the actual  Purchase  Price  shall be paid to the Sellers or
reimbursed to the Purchaser,  as the case may be. Any amount  payable  hereunder
shall be satisfied  first from the Purchase  Price Escrow Amount and  thereafter
shall be satisfied by direct payments by the Sellers  identified on Schedule 1.1
(pro rata in accordance with their Sharing Ratios) or the Purchaser, as the case
may be.

                  (b) During the 30-day period after the Sellers' receipt of the
final  calculations of 1998 Working Capital and Working Capital and Indebtedness
as  of  the  Determination   Date,  the  Purchaser  shall  permit  the  Sellers'
Representatives, at the expense of the Sellers, to have reasonable access during
normal  business  hours  to  appropriate  supporting  work  papers  specifically
requested by the Sellers' Representatives with respect to such calculations.  If
the Sellers'  Representatives  object to the final  calculations of 1998 Working
Capital,  Working Capital or Indebtedness  as of the  Determination  Date or the
Closing  Date  Balance  Sheet  within 30 days after  receipt  thereof,  then the
specific matters disputed by the Sellers'  Representatives shall be submitted to
Deloitte & Touche LLP or another independent,  nationally  recognized accounting
firm  acceptable  to the  Purchaser  and  the  Sellers'  Representatives,  which
accounting firm shall make a final and binding determination as to such matters.
The Supplemental  Closing shall then take place five (5) Business Days following
the  receipt of such  final  determination  by the  Purchaser  and the  Sellers'
Representatives.

                  (c) The  parties  shall  cooperate  with  each  other and each
other's authorized  representatives and with the accounting firm selected by the
Purchaser and the Sellers'  Representatives in order that any and all matters in
dispute under this Section 2.4 shall be resolved as soon as practicable and that
a final determination shall be made.

                  (d) The fees and  expenses  of the  accounting  firm  retained
pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be paid by the objecting Seller(s) and/or the
Purchaser, as determined by such accounting firm.




                                       4

<PAGE>



                                  Article III
                             CLOSING AND TERMINATION

                  Section 3.1 Closing Date.

                  Subject to the  satisfaction  of the  conditions  set forth in
Sections  8.1 and 8.2 hereof  (except  for the  condition  set forth in Sections
8.1(q) and  8.2(l)) or the waiver  thereof by the party  entitled  to waive that
condition,  the closing of the sale and  purchase of the Shares  provided for in
Section 1.1 hereof (the "Closing") shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York City
time, at the offices of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. located at 590
Madison Avenue,  New York, New York 10022 (or at such other place as the parties
may designate in writing) on the date that the parties hereto  reasonably expect
the  conditions  in Sections  8.1 and 8.2 hereof to be  satisfied  or as soon as
practicable thereafter as the parties may otherwise agree. The date on which the
Closing shall be held is referred to in this Agreement as the "Closing Date."

                  Section 3.2 Termination of Agreement.

                  This  Agreement  may be  terminated  prior to the  Closing  as
follows:

                  (a) At the  election of the  Sellers'  Representatives  or the
Purchaser on or after September 21, 1999, if conditions to the obligation of the
relevant  party to close shall not have been  fulfilled or if the Closing  shall
not have otherwise occurred by the close of business on such date, provided that
the  party  seeking  to  terminate  is not  in  material  default  of any of its
obligations hereunder;

                  (b) by mutual written consent of the Sellers'  Representatives
and the Purchaser;

                  (c) by the Sellers'  Representatives or the Purchaser if there
shall  be in  effect  a final  nonappealable  Order  of a  Governmental  Body of
competent  jurisdiction  restraining,  enjoining  or otherwise  prohibiting  the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby; it being agreed that the
parties  hereto shall  promptly  appeal any adverse  determination  which is not
nonappealable (and pursue such appeal with reasonable diligence); or

                  (d) by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.1.

                  Section 3.3 Procedure Upon Termination.

                  In the event of a termination  of this  Agreement  pursuant to
Section 3.2 hereof, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given to the other
parties,  this  Agreement  shall  terminate,  and  the  purchase  of the  Shares
hereunder  shall be abandoned,  without  further  action by the Purchaser or the
Sellers.  If this  Agreement is terminated  as provided  herein each party shall
redeliver  all  documents,  work  papers and other  material  of any other party
relating to the transactions  contemplated hereby, whether so obtained before or
after the execution hereof, to the party furnishing the same.

                  Section 3.4 Effect of Termination.




                                       5
<PAGE>


                  In the event  that this  Agreement  is validly  terminated  as
provided herein,  then each of the parties shall be relieved of their respective
duties  and  obligations  arising  under this  Agreement  after the date of such
termination and such  termination  shall be without  liability to the Purchaser,
the  Company or any  Seller;  provided,  however,  that the  obligations  of the
parties set forth in Sections 6.5,  11.3 and 11.6 and the  provisions of Section
6.1 relating to confidentiality  shall survive any such termination and shall be
enforceable hereunder;  provided, further, however, that nothing in this Article
III shall  relieve the  Purchaser or any Seller of any liability for a breach of
this Agreement.


                                   Article IV
                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

                  Each of the Sellers  hereby  jointly and severally  represents
and warrants to the Purchaser with respect to all representations and warranties
in this  Article  IV,  other  than those set forth in  Sections  4.2 and 4.6 and
Section 4.24 (to the extent Section 4.24 relates to Sections 4.2 and 4.6).  Each
of the Sellers  severally  represents and warrants to the Purchaser as to itself
only with respect to the  representations and warranties in Sections 4.2 and 4.6
and Section 4.24 (to the extent Section 4.24 relates to Sections 4.2 and 4.6).

                  Section 4.1 Organization and Good Standing.

                  The Company is a corporation duly organized,  validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of Delaware and has all requisite  corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as now  conducted.  The Company is duly  qualified or  authorized to do
business as a foreign  corporation and is in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdictions  set forth on Schedule 4.1, which lists each jurisdiction in which
it owns or leases real property and each other jurisdiction in which the conduct
of its business or the ownership of its properties  requires such  qualification
or  authorization  except  where a failure to be so  qualified  would not have a
material  adverse  effect on the  condition,  financial or otherwise,  or on the
earnings,  prospects, business or operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole ("Material Adverse Effect").

                  Section 4.2 Authorization of Agreement.

                  Such  Seller  has all  requisite  power,  authority  and legal
capacity  to execute  and  deliver  this  Agreement  and each  other  agreement,
document instrument or certificate contemplated by this Agreement to be executed
by  such  Seller  in  connection  with  the  consummation  of  the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (the "Seller  Documents"),  and to consummate the
transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been, and each
of the Seller  Documents  shall be at or prior to the Closing,  duly and validly
authorized (if applicable),  executed and delivered by such Seller and (assuming
the due  authorization,  execution and delivery by the other parties  hereto and
thereto) this Agreement  constitutes,  and each of the Seller  Documents when so
executed and delivered shall constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of
such Seller, enforceable against such Seller in accordance with their respective
terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,  moratorium
and  similar  laws  affecting  creditors'  rights and  remedies  generally,  and

                                       6

<PAGE>
subject,  as to  enforceability,  to general  principles  of  equity,  including
principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless
of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

                  Section 4.3 Capitalization.

                  (a) The  authorized  capital stock of the Company  consists of
1,500 shares of Common  Stock.  After  giving  effect to the exercise of Options
contemplated  by Section  7.2 hereof and the  exercise of the Option held by Jay
Gartlan  (collectively,  the "Options  Exercise"),  as of the Closing Date there
will be 110 shares of Common Stock issued and  outstanding.  After giving effect
to the  Options  Exercise,  as of  the  Closing  Date  all  of  the  issued  and
outstanding  shares of Common Stock will be duly  authorized and validly issued,
fully  paid and  non-assessable.  Schedule  4.3(a)  sets  forth the names of the
record and  beneficial  owners of all of the issued  and  outstanding  shares of
Common  Stock as of the  Closing  Date and the number of shares of Common  Stock
owned by each such stockholder as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the
Options Exercise.

                  (b)  Except as set forth on  Schedule  4.3(b)  and in the Memo
Agreement  dated  January 15, 1998 (the  "January  Memo"),  there is no existing
option,  warrant, call, right, commitment or other agreement of any character to
which  any  Seller  or the  Company  is a  party  requiring,  and  there  are no
securities of the Company  outstanding  which upon  conversion or exchange would
require,  the  issuance,  sale or transfer of any  additional  shares of capital
stock or other equity  securities of or rights to  participate in the Company or
other securities  convertible into,  exchangeable for or evidencing the right to
subscribe for or purchase shares of capital stock or other equity  securities of
or rights to participate in the Company.  Except for the January Memo and as set
forth on Schedule 4.3(b),  none of the Sellers nor the Company is a party to any
voting  trust or other  voting  agreement  with  respect to any of the shares of
Common  Stock or other  equity  securities  of or rights to  participate  in the
Company or to any agreement relating to the issuance, sale, redemption, transfer
or other disposition of the capital stock of the Company.

                  (c) The Shares to be sold to the  Purchaser  represent  all of
the capital  stock and other equity  securities or rights of any kind to acquire
any such securities of the Company.  Upon the Closing and after the consummation
of the transactions  contemplated  hereby, no party other than the Purchaser (or
other Persons  acquiring such rights  directly or indirectly from the Purchaser)
will have any right or claim to  participate  in the assets or  earnings  of the
Company.

                  Section 4.4 Subsidiaries.

                  Schedule 4.4 sets forth each  Subsidiary of the Company,  and,
with respect to each Subsidiary, the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or
organized, the jurisdictions, if any, in which it is qualified to do business as
a foreign corporation, the number of shares of its authorized capital stock, the
number and class of shares thereof duly issued and outstanding, the names of all
stockholders  or other equity  owners and the number of shares of stock owned by
each  stockholder  or the  amount of equity  owned by each  equity  owner.  Each
Subsidiary  of  the  Company  is  in  good  standing   under  the  laws  of  the
jurisdictions  set forth on Schedule 4.4, which lists each jurisdiction in which


                                       7

<PAGE>

such  Subsidiary  owns or leases real  property and each other  jurisdiction  in
which the conduct of its business or the ownership of its properties requires it
to possess such qualification or authorization,  except where a failure to be so
qualified would not have a Material  Adverse Effect.  The outstanding  shares of
capital stock or equity  interests of each Subsidiary are validly issued,  fully
paid  and  non-assessable,  and  all  such  shares  or  other  equity  interests
represented  as being owned by the Company are owned by it free and clear of any
and all Liens, except as set forth in Schedule 4.4 hereto.  There is no existing
option,  warrant,  call,  commitment  or agreement to which any  Subsidiary is a
party  requiring,  and there are no  convertible  securities  of any  Subsidiary
outstanding which upon conversion would require,  the issuance of any additional
shares of capital  stock or other equity  interests of any  Subsidiary  or other
securities convertible into shares of capital stock or other equity interests of
any Subsidiary or other equity security of any Subsidiary.  Each Subsidiary is a
duly organized and validly existing corporation or other entity in good standing
under the laws of the  jurisdiction of its organization and is duly qualified to
do business and is in good standing under the laws of (i) each  jurisdiction  in
which it owns or leases real property and (ii) each other  jurisdiction in which
the  conduct  of its  business  or the  ownership  of its assets  requires  such
qualification  except  where a  failure  to be so  qualified  would  not  have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                  Section 4.5 Conflicts; Certain Consents of Third Parties.

                  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.5, none of the execution
and  delivery  by any Seller of this  Agreement  and the Seller  Documents,  the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby or thereby, or compliance
by any Seller with any of the  provisions  hereof or thereof  will (i)  conflict
with,  or  result  in  the  breach  of,  any  provision  of the  certificate  of
incorporation or by-laws or comparable  organizational  documents of the Company
or any  Subsidiary;  (ii)  conflict  with,  violate,  result  in the  breach  or
termination of,  accelerate the performance  required by, give rise to any right
of termination,  acceleration,  cancellation or amendment under, or constitute a
default under any Contract,  instrument, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease,
license, franchise, commitment, covenant, understanding,  arrangement, agreement
or other  instrument or  obligation to which the Company or any  Subsidiary is a
party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties or assets is
bound;  (iii)  violate any  statute,  rule,  regulation,  order or decree of any
Governmental  Body by which the  Company  or any  Subsidiary  is bound;  or (iv)
result in the creation of any Lien upon the  properties or assets of the Company
or any  Subsidiary  except,  in case of clauses (ii),  (iii) and (iv),  for such
violations, breaches or defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (b) Except as set forth on Schedule  4.5, no consent,  waiver,
approval,  Order,  Permit or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, or
notification to, any Person or Governmental  Body is required on the part of the
Company or any Subsidiary in connection  with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement or the Seller Documents, or the compliance by the Company, with any of
the provisions  hereof or thereof,  except that no  representation is made as to
anything under the Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "HSR Act").

                  Section 4.6 Ownership and Transfer of Shares; Seller Consents.

                  (a) After  giving  effect to the Options  Exercise,  as of the
Closing  Date the  Purchaser  shall be the  record and  beneficial  owner of the



                                       8
<PAGE>

Shares  indicated  as being  owned by each Seller on  Schedule  4.6,  and on the
Closing Date, after giving effect to the Options  Exercise,  will have valid and
marketable title to the Shares to be sold by such Seller,  free and clear of any
and all Liens  after  giving  effect to the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.  Each Seller has the capacity,  power,  corporate or  otherwise,  and
authority to sell, transfer,  assign and deliver such Shares as provided in this
Agreement,  and such delivery will convey to the Purchaser  good and  marketable
title to such Shares,  free and clear of any and all Liens upon the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  (b) Except as set forth on Schedule  4.6, no consent,  waiver,
approval,  Order,  Permit or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, or
notification to, any Person or Governmental  Body is required on the part of any
Seller in connection  with the  execution and delivery of this  Agreement or the
Seller documents, or the compliance by each Seller with any provisions hereof or
thereof, except that no representation is made as to anything under the HSR Act.

                  Section 4.7 Financial Statements.

                  Attached  hereto as Schedule 4.7 are copies of (i) the audited
consolidated  balance sheets of the Company and its  Subsidiaries as at December
31, 1998 and the related audited  consolidated  statements of income and of cash
flows of the Company and its  Subsidiaries for the year then ended and, (ii) the
unaudited compiled consolidated balance sheets of RCC and its subsidiaries as at
December 31, 1997 and the unaudited compiled  consolidated balance sheets of the
Company and its  Subsidiaries  as at June 30,  1999 (the "June 30, 1999  Balance
Sheet") and the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows (except
that there are no cash flows for the June 30, 1999  Balance  Sheet) for the year
and  six-month  period  then ended,  respectively  (such  audited and  unaudited
statements,  including the related notes (except that there are no notes for the
June 30, 1999 Balance  Sheet) and schedules  thereto,  are referred to herein as
the  "Financial  Statements").  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.7, each of the
Financial Statements is complete and correct in all material respects,  has been
prepared  in  accordance   with  GAAP  and  in  conformity  with  the  practices
consistently  applied  by RCC or  the  Company,  as the  case  may  be,  without
modification of the accounting  principles  used in the preparation  thereof and
presents fairly the financial position,  results of operations and cash flows of
RCC and its  subsidiaries or the Company and its  Subsidiaries,  as the case may
be, as at the dates and for the periods indicated.

                  For the  purposes  hereof,  the audited  consolidated  balance
sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 1998 is referred to
as the  "Balance  Sheet" and  December  31, 1998 is referred to as the  "Balance
Sheet Date."

                  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.1, the 1998 Interim  Balance
Sheets, to the extent relevant to the determination of the 1998 Working Capital,
are  complete  and  correct in all  material  respects,  have been  prepared  in
accordance with GAAP and in conformity with the practices  consistently  applied
by RCC  or the  Company,  as  the  case  may  be,  without  modification  of the
accounting  principles  used in the  preparation  thereof and present fairly the
financial  position of the Company and its  Subsidiaries as at the dates and for
the periods  indicated.  The 1998 Working  Capital set forth on Schedule 2.1 has



                                       9

<PAGE>


been  accurately  compiled  from the  relevant  line  items in the 1998  Interim
Balance  Sheets and properly  calculated  in accordance  with the  definition of
Working  Capital  contained  herein  (except  for   inconsistencies   with  GAAP
specifically set forth on Schedule 2.1).

                  Section 4.8 No Undisclosed Liabilities.

                  Except as set forth on Schedule  4.8,  neither the Company nor
any  Subsidiary  has any  indebtedness,  obligations  or liabilities of any kind
(whether  accrued,  absolute,  contingent  or  otherwise,  and whether due or to
become due) that would have been required to be reflected in,  reserved  against
or otherwise  described on the Balance  Sheet or the June 30, 1999 Balance Sheet
or in the notes  thereto in accordance  with GAAP which was not fully  reflected
in,  reserved  against or otherwise  described in the Balance Sheet or the notes
thereto or the June 30, 1999 Balance  Sheet in  accordance  with GAAP or was not
incurred in the ordinary course of business  consistent with past practice since
June 30, 1999.

                  Section 4.9 Absence of Certain Developments.

                  Except as expressly  contemplated  by this Agreement or as set
forth on Schedule 4.9, since the Balance Sheet Date:

                           (i) there has not been any  Material  Adverse  Change
nor has there  occurred  any  event  which is  reasonably  likely to result in a
Material Adverse Change;

                           (ii) there has not been any  damage,  destruction  or
loss,  whether or not covered by  insurance,  with  respect to the  property and
assets of the Company or any Subsidiary  having a replacement  cost of more than
$25,000 for any single loss or $100,000 for all such losses;

                           (iii)  there  has not been any  declaration,  setting
aside or payment of any dividend or other  distribution in respect of any shares
of  capital  stock  of  the  Company  or any  repurchase,  redemption  or  other
acquisition  by any Seller or the Company or any  Subsidiary of any  outstanding
shares of capital stock or other securities of, or other ownership  interest in,
the Company or any Subsidiary;

                           (iv)  neither  the  Company  nor any  Subsidiary  has
awarded or paid any bonuses to employees of the Company or any  Subsidiary  with
respect to the  fiscal  year  ending  December  31,  1999,  or entered  into any
employment,  deferred compensation,  severance or similar agreement (nor amended
any such agreement) or agreed to increase the compensation  payable or to become
payable by it to any of the Company's or any Subsidiary's  directors,  officers,
employees,  agents or  representatives  or agreed to  increase  the  coverage or
benefits  available  under any severance  pay,  termination  pay,  vacation pay,
company  awards,  salary  continuation  for  disability,  sick  leave,  deferred
compensation, bonus or other incentive compensation, insurance, pension or other
employee  benefit  plan,  payment  or  arrangement  made  to,  for or with  such
directors,  officers,  employees,  agents or representatives  (other than normal
increases in the ordinary  course of business  consistent  with past practice or
consistent  with the terms of the existing  employment  agreements  set forth in
Schedule  4.15(a)  and that in the  aggregate  have not  resulted  in a material
increase  in the  benefits  or  compensation  expense  of the  Company  and  its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole);



                                       10
<PAGE>


                           (v) there has not been any  change by the  Company or
any Subsidiary in accounting or Tax reporting principles, methods or policies;

                           (vi)  neither  the  Company  nor any  Subsidiary  has
entered  into any  transaction  or  Contract  in excess of $25,000  (other  than
contracts relating to sales to customers and purchases of materials and services
included in the  Company's  accounts  for costs of goods sold,  in each case (A)
which have been fully  performed  by all  parties  thereto or (B) which have not
been fully performed and do not involve payments exceeding $50,000) or conducted
its business other than in the ordinary  course  consistent  with past practice,
except to the extent that during the entire period since the Balance Sheet Date,
the Company and its  Subsidiaries  have been engaged in discussions  relating to
the sale or refinancing of their respective businesses;

                           (vii) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has made
any loans,  advances or capital  contributions to, or investments in, any Person
or paid any fees or expenses to any Seller or any Affiliate of any Seller (other
than (x)  payments  to  Sleepeck  Printing  or Dixon Webb  Printing  Company for
printing  services in the ordinary  course of business which are included in the
Company's   accounts  for  costs  of  goods  sold,  and  (y)  employee   expense
reimbursements  in the  ordinary  course of  business  consistent  with  current
contracts in an amount not to exceed $50,000 in the aggregate per employee);

                           (viii)  neither the Company  nor any  Subsidiary  has
subjected to any Lien (other than Permitted  Exceptions)  any of its assets,  or
acquired  any  assets  or  sold,  assigned,  transferred,  conveyed,  leased  or
otherwise  disposed of any assets of the Company or any  Subsidiary,  except for
assets acquired or sold, assigned,  transferred,  conveyed,  leased or otherwise
disposed of in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and
Liens granted and transfers to Sleepeck Printing in connection with the Sleepeck
Indebtedness;

                           (ix) neither the Company nor any  Subsidiary has made
or  committed  to  make  any  capital   expenditures  or  capital  additions  or
betterments in excess of $25,000 individually or $100,000 in the aggregate; and

                           (x) none of the Sellers nor the Company has agreed to
do anything set forth in and not excepted by this Section 4.9.

                  Section 4.10 Taxes.

                  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule  4.10, (A) all Tax Returns
required to be filed by or on behalf of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries
have been  properly  prepared  and duly and timely  filed  with the  appropriate
taxing  authorities in all  jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required
to be filed (after  giving  effect to any valid  extensions  of time in which to
make such filings),  and all such Tax Returns were true, complete and correct in
all material respects;  (B) all Taxes owed and required to be paid by any of the
Company  and its  Subsidiaries  prior to the date hereof or prior to the Closing
Date  (whether  or not  shown on any Tax  Return)  have  been  paid or  properly
reflected as an accrual on the June 30, 1999 Balance Sheet;  and (C) neither the
Company  nor any  Subsidiary  has  executed  or filed  with the IRS or any other
taxing  authority  any  agreement,  waiver  or  other  document  or  arrangement
extending  or having  the effect of  extending  the  period  for  assessment  or
collection of Taxes  (including,  but not limited to, any applicable  statute of


                                       11
<PAGE>

limitation),  and no  power  of  attorney  with  respect  to any Tax  matter  is
currently in force.

                  (b) The Company and each of its  Subsidiaries  has complied in
all material  respects with all applicable laws, rules and regulations  relating
to the payment and  withholding  of Taxes and has duly and timely  withheld from
employee  salaries,  wages  and  other  compensation  and has  paid  over to the
appropriate  taxing  authorities all amounts required to be so withheld and paid
over for all periods under all applicable laws.

                  (c) Purchaser has received complete copies of (A) all federal,
state, local and foreign income or franchise Tax Returns of the Company and each
Subsidiary  relating  to taxable  periods  since  1995 and (B) any audit  report
issued within the last three years relating to Taxes due from or with respect to
the Company and each Subsidiary,  its income,  assets or operations.  All income
and  franchise  Tax  Returns  filed  by or on  behalf  of the  Company  and each
Subsidiary  for the  taxable  years ended on the  respective  dates set forth on
Schedule 4.10 have been examined by the relevant taxing authority or the statute
of limitations with respect to such Tax Returns has expired.

                  (d) Except as set forth on  Schedule  4.10,  no claim has been
made by a taxing  authority  in a  jurisdiction  where the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries  does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation
by that jurisdiction.

                  (e) Except as set forth on  Schedule  4.10,  all  deficiencies
asserted or assessments  made as a result of any  examinations by the IRS or any
other  taxing  authority  of the Tax  Returns of or covering  or  including  the
Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  have  been  fully  paid,  and  none of the
Sellers,  the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  have received any notice that
there are any other audits or investigations by any taxing authority that are in
progress, nor have the Sellers,  Company or any of its Subsidiaries received any
notice  from any taxing  authority  that it intends to conduct  such an audit or
investigation.  No issue has been raised by a federal,  state,  local or foreign
taxing  authority in any current or prior  examination  which, by application of
the same or similar  principles,  could  reasonably  be  expected to result in a
proposed deficiency for any subsequent taxable period.

                  (f) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.10,  neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any other Person  (including any of the Sellers)
on  behalf of the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  has (A) filed a consent
pursuant to Section  341(f) of the Code or agreed to have  Section  341(f)(2) of
the Code apply to any  disposition  of a  subsection  (f) asset (as such term is
defined in Section  341(f)(4)  of the Code)  owned by the  Company or any of its
Subsidiaries,  (B) agreed to or is required to make any adjustments  pursuant to
Section 481(a) of the Code or any similar  provision of state,  local or foreign
law by reason of a change in accounting  method  initiated by the Company or any
of its  Subsidiaries  or has any  knowledge  that the IRS has  proposed any such
adjustment or change in accounting  method, or has any application  pending with
any taxing authority requesting permission for any changes in accounting methods
that  relate  to  the  business  or  operations  of  the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries or (C) requested any extension of time within which to file any Tax
Return of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which Tax Return has since not
been filed.  Each of the  Company  and its  Subsidiaries  has  disclosed  in its
federal  income  Tax  Returns  all  positions  taken  that  could give rise to a

                                       12

<PAGE>


substantial  understatement  of federal income Tax within the meaning of Section
6662 of the Code.

                  (g) No  Seller is a  foreign  person  within  the  meaning  of
Section 1445 of the Code.

                  (h) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party
to any tax sharing or similar agreement or arrangement  (whether or not written)
pursuant to which it will have any  obligation  to make any  payments  after the
Closing.

                  (i)  There  is no  contract,  agreement,  plan or  arrangement
covering any person that,  individually or collectively,  could give rise to the
payment of any amount by the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  that would not
be deductible by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,  the Purchaser,  or any
of their respective Affiliates by reason of Section 280G of the Code.

                  (j) There are no Liens except Permitted Exceptions as a result
of any  unpaid  Taxes  upon  any  of the  assets  of the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries.

                  (k) Neither the Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has ever
been a member of any consolidated,  combined or affiliated group of corporations
for any Tax purposes except the  consolidated  group of which they are currently
members.

                  (l) For each  taxable  period  beginning in 1986 and ending on
December 31, 1997, RCC had a valid election to be treated as an S corporation as
the term is defined in Code Sections 1361(a) for federal income tax purposes and
a similar  valid  election  under the laws of the State of New York or any other
applicable governmental authority. RCC has not been, and will not be, subject to
Tax under Code  Section  1374 or 1375 (or any  comparable  provision of New York
law) for any period ending on or prior to the Closing Date.

                  Section 4.11 Real Property.

                  Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries own any real property
or interests in real  property in fee.  Schedule 4.11 sets forth a complete list
of all real property and  interests in real  property  leased by the Company and
its Subsidiaries  ("Real Property Leases") as lessee, all security deposits made
thereunder and any and all guarantees or other  agreements  relating to the Real
Property  Leases.  The Real  Property  Leases  constitute  all interests in real
property  currently  used or  currently  held  for use in  connection  with  the
business of the Company and its  Subsidiaries  and which are  necessary  for the
continued  operation of the business of the Company and its  Subsidiaries as the
business is currently  conducted.  The Company and its Subsidiaries have a valid
and  enforceable  leasehold  interest  under each of the Real  Property  Leases,
subject to applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium and
similar laws affecting  creditors' rights and remedies generally and subject, as
to  enforceability,  to  general  principles  of equity  (regardless  of whether
enforcement  is sought in a proceeding  at law or in equity),  and except as set
forth on Schedule 4.11, there is no default under any Real Property Lease by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the best knowledge of the Sellers,  by
any other party thereto,  and no event has occurred that with notice or lapse of
time,  or both,  would  constitute  a default by the  Company or any  Subsidiary
thereunder.  The Sellers  have  delivered  to the  Purchaser  true,  correct and
complete  copies of the Real  Property  Leases,  together  with all  amendments,
modifications or supplements, if any, thereto.



                                       13

<PAGE>

                  Section 4.12 Tangible Personal Property.

                  (a) Schedule  4.12 sets forth each lease of personal  property
("Personal  Property  Leases")  involving  annual  payments  in excess of $6,000
relating to personal  property used in the business of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by
which the  properties  or assets of the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  is
bound.  The Sellers have delivered to the Purchaser  true,  correct and complete
copies  of  the  Personal   Property  Leases,   together  with  all  amendments,
modifications or supplements thereto.

                  (b) The  Company  and  each of its  Subsidiaries  have a valid
leasehold  interest under each of the Personal Property Leases under which it is
a  lessee,  subject  to  applicable  bankruptcy,   insolvency,   reorganization,
moratorium and similar laws affecting  creditors' rights and remedies  generally
and subject,  as to enforceability,  to general principles of equity (regardless
of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity), and there
is no material  default under any Personal  Property Lease by the Company or any
of its  Subsidiaries  or, to the  knowledge of the  Sellers,  by any other party
thereto,  and no event has  occurred  that with  notice or lapse of time or both
would constitute a material default thereunder by the Company or any Subsidiary.

                  (c) The Company and its Subsidiaries  have good and marketable
title to all of the items of tangible personal property reflected in the Balance
Sheet  (except as sold or  disposed  of  subsequent  to the date  thereof in the
ordinary course of business  consistent  with past practice),  free and clear of
any and all Liens  other  than the  Permitted  Exceptions  and Liens in favor of
Sleepeck  Printing.   All  such  items  of  tangible  personal  property  which,
individually or in the aggregate,  are material to the operation of the business
of the Company and its Subsidiaries are in good condition and in a state of good
maintenance  and repair  (ordinary  wear and tear excepted) and are suitable for
the purposes used.

                  (d) All of the items of tangible personal property used by the
Company and its  Subsidiaries  under the  Personal  Property  Leases are in good
condition and repair  (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and are suitable for the
purposes used.

                  Section 4.13 Intellectual Property; Proprietary Information.

                  (a) Schedule 4.13 contains a complete and correct list of each
patent,   patent   application,   trademark   (registered  or  not),   trademark
application,   common  law  mark,  trade  name,   service  mark,   service  mark
application,  and copyright  (registered or not),  software,  manufacturing  and
development process, know-how, inventions, trade-secret,  regardless of the form
of  manifestation  of any of the above,  and Internet domain name (including the
domain  name  registration,  the  content  contained  within said domain and any
proprietary  software used in conjunction with said domain) owned,  necessary or
used by the Company  and/or its  Subsidiaries  in the business as now  conducted
(collectively the "Intellectual  Property") as well as all registrations thereof
and pending applications  therefor, and each license or other agreement relating
thereto.  Except for Liens in favor of Sleepeck Printing,  each of the foregoing
is owned by the party shown on such Schedule as owning the same,  free and clear

                                       14

<PAGE>


of all Liens and is in good standing and not the subject of any challenge. There
have been no claims made and neither the Sellers, the Company nor any Subsidiary
has received any notice or otherwise  knows, or has reason to believe,  that any
of the foregoing or the  operations,  business or products of the Company or any
Subsidiary,  is invalid,  unenforceable,  infringes  upon or conflicts  with the
proprietary rights of others, nor does the Company or any Subsidiary know of any
basis for any such claim (whether  pending or threatened).  The Company and each
of its Subsidiaries possess or have rights to use all the Intellectual  Property
necessary for the conduct of its business as now  conducted,  not subject to any
restrictions,  licenses or  third-party  rights  except as set forth on Schedule
4.13, and without any known conflict with the rights of others,  and neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has forfeited or otherwise  relinquished any
right in or to such  Intellectual  Property  necessary  for the conduct of their
respective  businesses as conducted or  contemplated to be conducted on the date
hereof.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is under any obligation
to pay any royalties or similar  payments in connection  with any license to any
Seller or any Affiliate thereof.

                  (b)  Except  as set  forth on  Schedule  4.13,  the  products,
processes,  proprietary technology and other proprietary know-how owned, used or
contemplated to be used by the Company and/or its  Subsidiaries  were completely
developed  by the full time  employees  of the Company  and/or its  Subsidiaries
only,  using  only  resources  of  the  Company  and/or  its  Subsidiaries.  The
inventions and original works of authorship  owned or used by the Company and/or
its  Subsidiaries  were developed or conceived by employees  within the scope of
their  employment by the Company and/or its  Subsidiaries in connection with the
underlying products,  processes and proprietary technology of the Company and/or
its  Subsidiaries.  Except  as  set  forth  on  Schedule  4.13,  no  independent
contractors  or  consultants  were used or contracted by the Company  and/or its
Subsidiaries  in  the  development  of  the  products,  processes,   proprietary
technology and other  proprietary  know-how owned or used or  contemplated to be
used by the Company  and/or its  Subsidiaries.  To the extent  that  independent
contractors or  consultants  were used or contracted by the Company as specified
in Schedule 4.13 (the "Consultants"), the Sellers represent and warrant that any
and all such  Consultants  have executed and delivered to the Company a document
evidencing either the exclusive  ownership of such Intellectual  Property by the
Company or its Subsidiaries,  or the due conveyance,  assignment and transfer of
any and all rights,  title and interest  such  Consultants  may have in any work
product,  invention,  idea, concept, original work of authorship or Intellectual
Property they may have conceived, worked upon or otherwise participated in their
development  within the context of, or in connection with, their employment with
the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, and the Company has all necessary releases,
documents  and  agreements  to  make  all  necessary   future  filings  for  the
registration and otherwise  perfection of rights and to defend against any claim
raised thereupon,  duly executed by such  Consultants,  complete copies of which
have been delivered to the Purchaser.

                  (c)  Except  as set forth on  Schedule  4.13,  each  employee,
consultant or contractor of the Company and/or its  Subsidiaries  who works with
Intellectual Property (other than clerical workers) has executed and delivered a
non-disclosure,  non-solicitation or invention assignment agreement,  and a true
and complete copy of each such  agreement has been  delivered to the  Purchaser.
The Company is not aware that any of its employees is in violation thereof,  and
the Sellers  shall cause the Company to use its best efforts to prevent any such
violation prior to Closing.


                                       15

<PAGE>


                  Section 4.14 Material Contracts.

                  Schedule  4.14 sets forth all of the  following  Contracts  to
which the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them
are bound, other than Contracts for which the Company or its Subsidiaries has no
liabilities or continuing  obligations whatsoever  (collectively,  the "Material
Contracts"): (i) Contracts with any Seller or any current officer or director of
the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries;  (ii)  Contracts  pursuant to which any
party is required to purchase or sell a stated  portion of its  requirements  or
output from or to another party or relating to the sale or  distribution  of the
Company's  products;  (iii)  Contracts  for the sale of any of the assets of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than in the ordinary course of business
or for the grant to any person of any preferential rights to purchase any of its
assets; (iv) joint venture agreements;  (v) Contracts  containing  nondisclosure
covenants or covenants not to compete in any line of business or with any person
in any  geographical  area;  (vi) Contracts  relating to the  acquisition by the
Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  of any  operating  business  or the capital
stock of any other person;  (vii) Contracts  relating to the borrowing of money;
or (viii)  any  other  Contracts,  other  than Real  Property  Leases,  Personal
Property  Leases or  Contracts  which  pertain to the  purchase or sale of goods
and/or services in the ordinary course of business,  which individually  involve
the  expenditure  of more than $50,000 in the aggregate or $6,000  annually,  or
require  performance by any party more than one year from the date hereof.  True
and complete copies of all of the Material  Contracts have been delivered to the
Purchaser, or its representatives.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.14, all of
the Material Contracts and other agreements are in full force and effect and are
the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries,
enforceable  against them in accordance with their respective terms,  subject to
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium and similar laws
affecting   creditors'  rights  and  remedies  generally  and  subject,   as  to
enforceability,   to  general   principles  of  equity  (regardless  of  whether
enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).  Neither the Company
nor any  Subsidiary  is in default in any  material  respect  under any Material
Contract,  nor,  to the  knowledge  of any  Seller,  is any  other  party to any
Material Contract in default thereunder in any material respect and no event has
occurred  that with notice or lapse of time or both would  constitute a material
default thereunder by the Company or any Subsidiary.

                  Section 4.15 Employee Benefits.

                  (a) All benefit and compensation plans,  contracts,  policies,
agreements  or  other  arrangements   providing  for  compensation,   severance,
termination  pay,  performance  awards,  stock or stock related  awards,  fringe
benefits,  change in control  compensation  or  benefits,  employment,  deferred
compensation or other employee benefits of any kind, whether formal or informal,
funded or  unfunded,  written or oral,  and whether or not legally  binding,  or
arrangements  covering current  employees or former employees of the Company and
its Subsidiaries  ("Employees")  and current or former directors of the Company,
including,  but not limited to,  "employee  benefit plans" within the meaning of
Section 3(3) of the Employee  Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA") (the "Benefit  Plans"),  are listed on Schedule 4.15.  Each "change in
control" or similar provision  contained  therein is specifically  identified on
Schedule 4.15.


                                       16

<PAGE>


                  (b) All  employee  benefit  plans,  other than  "multiemployer
plans" within the meaning of Section  3(37) of ERISA,  covering  Employees  (the
"Plans"),  to the extent subject to ERISA,  are in substantial  compliance  with
ERISA,  the Code, and all other  applicable law. Each Plan which is an "employee
pension  benefit  plan"  within the meaning of Section  3(2) of ERISA  ("Pension
Plan") and which is intended to be qualified  under Section  401(a) of the Code,
has received a favorable  determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service
with  respect to "TRA" (as defined in Section 1 of Rev.  Proc.  93-39),  and the
Company is not aware of any circumstances  likely to result in revocation of any
such favorable  determination letter. There is no material pending or threatened
litigation  relating  to  the  Plans.   Neither  the  Company  nor  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  has  engaged  in a  transaction  with  respect  to any Plan  that,
assuming the taxable period of such  transaction  expired as of the date hereof,
could  subject  the  Company or any  Subsidiary  to a tax or penalty  imposed by
either  Section  4975 of the Code or Section  502(i) of ERISA in an amount which
would be material.

                  (c) No current or former Pension Plan of the Company or any of
its  Subsidiaries,  or any entity  which is  considered  one  employer  with the
Company  under  Section  4001 of ERISA  or  Section  414 of the Code (an  "ERISA
Affiliate"),  is or has ever been subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of
the Code.

                  (d) All  contributions  required to be made under the terms of
any Benefit Plan have been timely made or have been  reflected on the  financial
statements of the Company.

                  (e) Neither the  Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has any
obligations  for retiree  health and life benefits under any Benefit Plan or has
ever  represented,  promised or contracted  (whether in oral or written form) to
any Employee(s) that such  Employee(s)  would be provided with retiree health or
life benefits, other than rights and obligations under COBRA.

                  (f) Except as contemplated by Section 8.1(u), the consummation
of the  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement  will not (x) entitle any
Employees  of the  Company or any of the  Subsidiaries  to  severance  pay,  (y)
accelerate  the time of payment or  vesting  or trigger  any  payment or funding
(through a grantor  trust or  otherwise)  of  compensation  or  benefits  under,
increase the amount  payable or trigger any other material  obligation  pursuant
to, any of the Benefit  Plans or (z) result in any breach or violation  of, or a
default  under,  any of the Benefit Plans.  It is understood  that in connection
with the  agreements  referred to in Section 7.3 hereof,  the Company will incur
the obligations set forth therein.

                  (g) Any  amount  that  could  be  received  (whether  in cash,
property, or vesting of property) as a result of the transaction contemplated by
this Agreement by any officer,  director,  employee or independent contractor of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries,  who is a "disqualified  individual" (as
defined in proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1),  under any employment
arrangement or Benefit Plan would not be characterized  as an "excess  parachute
payment" (as defined in Section 280G of the Code).

                  (i)  True,  correct  and  complete  copies  of  the  following
documents,  with respect to each of the Benefit Plans have been delivered to the
Purchaser (A) any plans and related trust documents, and all amendments thereto,
(B) the Forms 5500 for the past three years and schedules thereto,  (C) the most

                                       17

<PAGE>


recent financial  statements and actuarial  valuations for the past three years,
(D) the most recent Internal Revenue Service  determination letter, (E) the most
recent summary plan descriptions  (including letters or other documents updating
such  descriptions) and (F) written  descriptions of all non-written  agreements
relating to the Benefit Plans.

                  (j) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.15, the Company and each
of its  Subsidiaries  and any ERISA  Affiliate  which  maintains a "group health
plan" within the meaning of Section  5000(b)(1)  of the Code have  complied with
the notice and continuation  requirements of Section 4980B of the Code or Part 6
of Title I of ERISA and the applicable regulations thereunder.

                  (k) No stock or other security issued by the Company or any of
its  Subsidiaries  forms or has  formed a  material  part of the  assets  of any
Benefit Plan.

                  Section 4.16 Labor.

                  (a) Neither the Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries  is party
to any labor or collective  bargaining agreement and as of the date hereof there
are no labor or collective  bargaining  agreements which pertain to employees of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

                  (b) No employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are
represented  by any  labor  organization.  No  labor  organization  or  group of
employees of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  has made a pending  demand
for  recognition,  and  there are no  representation  proceedings  or  petitions
seeking a representation  proceeding presently pending or, to the best knowledge
of the  Sellers,  threatened  to be brought or filed,  with the  National  Labor
Relations  Board or any other labor relations  tribunal.  There is no organizing
activity  involving  the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  pending or, to the
best knowledge of any Seller,  threatened by any labor  organization or group of
employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

                  (c)  There  are no (i)  strikes,  work  stoppages,  slowdowns,
lockouts or  arbitrations  or (ii) material  grievances or other labor  disputes
pending or, to the best knowledge of any Seller, threatened against or involving
the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries.  There are no unfair  labor  practice
charges,  grievances  or  complaints  pending or, to the best  knowledge  of any
Seller,  threatened by or on behalf of any employee or group of employees of the
Company.

                  (d) Schedule 4.16 sets forth all  consultants  and independent
contractors used by the Company as of the date hereof.  None of such consultants
and independent contractors is an employee of the Company.

                  (e) All employees treated as "exempt" employees by the Company
are "exempt"  employees  under the Fair Labor  Standards Act, 29 U.S.C.  Section
201, et seq., or under another analogous  federal,  state, or municipal wage and
hour law.






                                       18

<PAGE>


                  Section 4.17 Litigation.

                  Except  as set  forth  in  Schedule  4.17,  there  is no Legal
Proceeding  pending or, to the  knowledge  of the  Sellers,  overtly  threatened
against the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  (or,  to the  knowledge  of the
Sellers,  pending or threatened,  against any of the officers,  directors or key
employees  of the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  with  respect  to their
business activities on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries),  or to
which the  Sellers or the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  is  otherwise  a
party,  before any court, or before any Governmental  Body; nor to the knowledge
of the  Sellers is there any  reasonable  basis for any such  Legal  Proceeding.
Except as set forth in Schedule 4.17,  neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is
subject to any judgment, order or decree of any court or governmental agency and
neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is engaged in any legal action to recover
monies due it or for damages sustained by it. None of the Purchaser, the Company
or any of its  Subsidiaries  shall have any  liabilities  or damages  whatsoever
incurred after the Closing Date (other than legal fees and expenses  relating to
the  dismissal  of such  action)  arising  out of or  otherwise  related  to the
Cellesence proceeding set forth on Schedule 4.17 (the "Cellesence Matter").

                  Section 4.18 Compliance with Laws; Permits.

                  The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with
 all Laws  applicable  to it or to the conduct of its business or  operations or
 the use of its properties  (including any leased properties) and assets, except
 for such  non-compliances,  individually  or in the aggregate,  as would not be
 reasonably  expected to result in a Material  Adverse  Effect.  The Company and
 each of its Subsidiaries has all  governmental  Permits from state,  federal or
 local  authorities  which  are  required  for  the  Company  and  each  of  its
 Subsidiaries  to  operate  its  business,  except for the  absence of  Permits,
 individually  or in the  aggregate,  that would not be  reasonably  expected to
 result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  Section 4.19 Environmental Matters.

                  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.19 hereto:

                  (a) the operations of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries
have been and are in compliance with all applicable  Environmental  Laws and all
permits issued pursuant to Environmental Laws or otherwise;

                  (b) the Company and each of its  Subsidiaries has obtained all
permits  required under all applicable  Environmental  Laws necessary to operate
its business;

                  (c) neither the  Company  nor any of its  Subsidiaries  is the
subject of any  outstanding  written  order or  Contract  with any  governmental
authority or person respecting (i)  Environmental  Laws, (ii) Remedial Action or
(iii) any Release or threatened Release of a Hazardous Material;








                                       19

<PAGE>



                  (d)  neither  the  Company  nor  any of its  Subsidiaries  has
received any written  communication  alleging that the Company and/or any of its
Subsidiaries may be in violation of any Environmental  Law, or any Permit issued
pursuant  to any  Environmental  Law,  or  may  have  any  liability  under  any
Environmental Law;

                  (e) neither the  Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has any
current  contingent  liability in  connection  with any Release of any Hazardous
Materials into the indoor or outdoor environment  (whether on-site or off-site),
or the unlawful use, generation, emission, discharge,  transportation,  storage,
handling, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Material;

                  (f) to the Sellers' knowledge,  there are no investigations of
the business,  operations,  or currently or previously owned, operated or leased
property of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  pending or threatened which
could lead to the imposition of any liability pursuant to any Environmental Law;

                  (g) there has been no release  of  Hazardous  Material  at any
property leased or operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

                  (h) Neither the Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries  is aware
of any existing, pending, threatened or past demand, suit or cause of action for
damages, including,  without limitation,  claims for personal injury or property
damage, by any Person,  including,  without limitation,  those alleged to result
from use, handling or exposure to or injury from any Hazardous Material; and

                  (i) None of the off-site  locations to where Company or any of
its Subsidiaries has transported, disposed or arranged for disposal of Hazardous
Materials has been identified as a facility that is subject to an existing claim
under any Environmental  Law, or, to the Sellers'  knowledge,  is the subject of
any threatened claim by any Governmental Body, and all of the off-site locations
to  where  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  has  transported,  disposed  or
arranged for disposal of Hazardous  Materials are properly permitted pursuant to
Environmental Laws.

                  Section 4.20 Insurance.

                  Schedule  4.20 sets forth a complete and accurate  list of all
policies of insurance  of any kind or nature  covering the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries  or  any of  their  respective  employees,  properties  or  assets,
including,  without  limitation,  policies  of life,  disability,  fire,  theft,
workers  compensation,  employee  fidelity  and  other  casualty  and  liability
insurance.  All such policies are in full force and effect, and, to the Sellers'
knowledge,  neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default of any
provision thereof, except for such defaults as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Since December 31, 1997, no policy of
insurance of any kind has lapsed or been  cancelled  which was not replaced by a
policy  or  insurance  with  substantially  the  same or  better  coverage  at a
comparable price.

                  Section 4.21 Inventories; Receivables; Payables.

                  (a) The inventories of the Company and its Subsidiaries are in
good and  marketable  condition,  and are  saleable  in the  ordinary  course of

                                       20

<PAGE>


business.  None  of the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  has  obsolete  or
otherwise  unusable inventory which is not reflected on the Balance Sheet or the
June 30, 1999 Balance Sheet.

                  (b) Set forth on Schedule 4.21 is a true, complete and correct
list of all outstanding  accounts receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries
as of August 27, 1999 (the "Outstanding Receivables").  All outstanding accounts
receivable  of the  Company  and its  Subsidiaries  have  arisen  from bona fide
transactions in the ordinary  course of business  consistent with past practice.
All accounts  receivable  of the Company and its  Subsidiaries  reflected on the
June 30, 1999 Balance Sheet are good and  collectible at the aggregate  recorded
amounts thereof,  net of any applicable reserve for returns or doubtful accounts
reflected  thereon,  which reserves are adequate and were calculated in a manner
consistent with past practice and in accordance with GAAP consistently  applied.
Except as set forth on Schedule 4.21, all accounts  receivable arising after the
Balance Sheet Date are good and  collectible at the aggregate  recorded  amounts
thereof,  net of any applicable reserve for returns or doubtful accounts,  which
reserves are  adequate  and were  calculated  in a manner  consistent  with past
practice and in accordance with GAAP consistently  applied.  The representations
and  warranties  contained in this Section  4.21(b)  shall not be deemed to be a
guaranty  of  collection  of  Outstanding  Receivables.  Except  as set forth on
Schedule 4.21, none of such accounts  receivable are older than 90 days from the
date the Company  recognized  such revenue except for accounts  receivable  from
Gary Farn  Ltd.  which  are not  older  than 120 days from the date the  Company
recognized  such revenue and are in an aggregate  amount not  exceeding  $85,000
Except  as set  forth on  Schedule  4.21,  there  are no  loans,  draws  against
commissions or other accounts receivable from any officer,  director or employee
of  the  Company  or  any  of  its  Subsidiaries  (collectively,  the  "Employee
Receivables").

                  (c) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.21, all accounts payable
of the Company and its  Subsidiaries  reflected in the Balance  Sheet or arising
after the date thereof are the result of bona fide  transactions in the ordinary
course  of  business  and have  either  since  been  paid or are not yet due and
payable.  Schedule 4.21 sets forth a  description  of all  outstanding  accounts
payable of the Company to Sleepeck Printing Company ("Sleepeck  Printing"),  and
shows the date of each invoice.  Except as set forth on Schedule  4.21,  none of
such accounts payable to Sleepeck Printing are overdue by 30 days or more.

                  Section 4.22 Related Party Transactions.

                  Except as set forth on Schedule  4.22,  none of the Sellers or
any  of  their  respective  Affiliates  has  borrowed  any  moneys  from  or has
outstanding any indebtedness or other similar  obligations to the Company or any
of its  Subsidiaries.  Except  as set forth in  Schedule  4.22,  and other  than
ownership of three percent (3%) or less of the outstanding  voting securities of
a company whose stock is traded on a national  securities exchange or The Nasdaq
Stock Market, none of the Sellers,  the Company,  any Subsidiary of the Company,
any of their  respective  Affiliates  nor any officer or employee of any of them
(i) owns any direct or  indirect  interest  of any kind in, or  controls or is a
director,  officer,  employee or partner of, or  consultant  to, or lender to or
borrower  from or has the right to  participate  in the  profits  of, any Person
which is (A) a competitor,  supplier,  customer,  landlord,  tenant, creditor or
debtor of the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries,  (B)  engaged in a business
related to the  business  of the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or (C) a
participant in any  transaction to which the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries

                                       21

<PAGE>


is a party or (ii) is a party to any  Contract  with the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries.

                  Section 4.23 Banks.

                  Schedule  4.23  contains a complete  and  correct  list of the
names and locations of all banks and other  financial  institutions in which the
Company or any  Subsidiary  has  accounts  or safe  deposit  boxes or lockbox or
similar  arrangements  into  which  accounts  receivable  of the  Company or any
Subsidiary are deposited or remitted and the names of all persons  authorized on
behalf of the  Company  or any  Subsidiary  to draw  thereon  or to have  access
thereto.  Except  as set forth on  Schedule  4.23,  no  person  holds a power of
attorney or other authority to act on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary.

                  Section 4.24 Full Disclosure.

                  The Sellers know of no information or facts that  individually
or in the aggregate, have had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse  Effect  which has not been  disclosed  to the  Purchaser  Group in this
Agreement or other  written  materials  furnished  to the  Purchaser  Group.  No
representation  or warranty of any Seller  contained in this Agreement or in any
schedule hereto or in any Seller  Document,  contains any untrue  statement of a
material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
contained herein or therein not misleading.

                  Section 4.25 Financial Advisors.

                  No Person  has acted,  directly  or  indirectly,  as a broker,
finder or financial  advisor for the Sellers or the Company in  connection  with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and no Person is entitled to any
fee or commission or like payment in respect thereof.

                  Section 4.26 Year 2000 Compliance.

                  Each  item  of  hardware,  software,  information  technology,
embedded,  or processor based system and/or any combination thereof, used by the
Company  in  providing  service  to  its  customers,  developed,   manufactured,
distributed or licensed by the Company and its Subsidiaries  (collectively,  the
"System"), shall be able to correctly function, operate, process data or perform
date-related calculations, including, but not limited to, calculating, comparing
and  sequencing,  from,  into and  between  the years  1999 and 2000,  and shall
accurately  process,  provide  and/or  receive  date-data,  including  leap year
calculations,  into and  between  the  years  1999  and  2000,  except  for such
inabilities  which,  individually  or in the aggregate,  would not be reasonably
expected  to  result in a  Material  Adverse  Effect.  Neither  performance  nor
functionality  of the System  shall be affected  by dates  prior to,  during and
after January 1, 2000, except for such  non-performances or  non-functionalities
which,  individually  or in the aggregate,  would not be reasonably  expected to
result in a  Material  Adverse  Effect.  A System  containing  or  calling  on a
calendar function including, without limitation, any function indexed to the CPU
clock, and any function  providing  specific dates or days, or calculating spans
of dates or days shall record, store,  process,  provide and, where appropriate,
insert,  true and accurate dates and calculations  for dates and spans,  before,
during  and  following  January  1, 2000,  except  for such  inabilities  which,
individually or in the aggregate,  would not be reasonably expected to result in
a Material  Adverse  Effect.  The System shall have no lesser  functionality  or



                                       22

<PAGE>


operability with respect to records  containing dates,  before,  during or after
January 1, 2000 than  heretofore with respect to dates prior to January 1, 2000,
except for such lesser  functionalities or operabilities which,  individually or
in the  aggregate,  would not be  reasonably  expected  to result in a  Material
Adverse Effect.

                  Section 4.27 Representations and Warranties Exclusive

                  The representations and warranties made by the Sellers in this
Agreement  and in the other Seller  Documents are the only  representations  and
warranties made by any Seller in connection with the  transactions  contemplated
hereby and by the other  Seller  Documents,  and are  intended by the parties to
exclude  any  other  basis of  recovery  against  the  Sellers  by reason of any
representation  or  warranty  of the  Sellers  which  is not set  forth  in this
Agreement  and in the other Seller  Documents,  including  liability  under Rule
10b-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


                                   Article V
                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER

The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Sellers that:


                  Section 5.1 Organization and Good Standing.

                  The  Purchaser  is  a  corporation  duly  organized,   validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

                  Section 5.2 Authorization of Agreement.

                  The  Purchaser  has full  corporate  power  and  authority  to
execute  and  deliver  this  Agreement  and  each  other  agreement,   document,
instrument or  certificate  contemplated  by this Agreement or to be executed by
the  Purchaser  in  connection  with  the   consummation  of  the   transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby (the "Purchaser  Documents"),  and to consummate
the transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby.  The execution,  delivery and
performance by the Purchaser of this Agreement and each Purchaser  Document have
been  duly  authorized  by all  necessary  corporate  action  on  behalf  of the
Purchaser.  This Agreement has been,  and each Purchaser  Document will be at or
prior to the Closing, duly executed and delivered by the Purchaser and (assuming
the due  authorization,  execution and delivery by the other parties  hereto and
thereto)  this  Agreement  constitutes,  and  each  Purchaser  Document  when so
executed and delivered will constitute,  legal, valid and binding obligations of
the  Purchaser,  enforceable  against the  Purchaser  in  accordance  with their
respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,  reorganization,
moratorium and similar laws affecting  creditors' rights and remedies generally,
and subject,  as to enforceability,  to general principles of equity,  including
principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless
of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

                  Section 5.3 Conflicts; Consents of Third Parties.


                                       23

<PAGE>


                  (a) None of the  execution  and  delivery by the  Purchaser of
this  Agreement  and of the  Purchaser  Documents,  nor  the  compliance  by the
Purchaser with any of the  provisions  hereof or thereof will (i) conflict with,
or result in the breach of, any provision of the certificate of incorporation or
by-laws of the Purchaser,  (ii) conflict with, violate, result in the breach of,
or constitute a default under any Contract,  instrument,  note, bond,  mortgage,
indenture,  lease,  license,  franchise,  commitment,  covenant,  understanding,
arrangement,  agreement or other obligation to which the Purchaser is a party or
by which the  Purchaser or its  properties  or assets are bound or (iii) violate
any  statute,  rule,  regulation,  order or decree of any  governmental  body or
authority by which the Purchaser is bound,  except,  in the case of clauses (ii)
and (iii), for such violations,  breaches or defaults as would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the condition,  financial
or  otherwise,  or  the  earnings,  prospects,  business  or  operations  of the
Purchaser and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                  (b) Except as set forth on Schedule  5.3, no consent,  waiver,
approval,  Order,  Permit or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, or
notification to, any Person or Governmental  Body is required on the part of the
Purchaser in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
Purchaser  Documents  or  the  compliance  by  the  Purchaser  with  any  of the
provisions hereof or thereof.

                  Section 5.4 Litigation.

                  There  are no  Legal  Proceedings  pending  or,  to  the  best
knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened against the Purchaser before any court or
any  Governmental  Body that are  reasonably  likely to prohibit or restrain the
ability  of the  Purchaser  to enter  into  this  Agreement  or any of the other
Purchaser  Documents or to consummate the transactions  contemplated  hereby and
thereby.

                  Section 5.5 Investment Intention.

                  The Purchaser is acquiring the Shares for its own account, for
investment  purposes  only and not with a view to the  distribution  thereof  in
violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities  Act"). The
Purchaser  understands  that  the  Shares  have not been  registered  under  the
Securities  Act and  cannot be sold  unless  subsequently  registered  under the
Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available.

                  Section 5.6 Financial Advisors.

                  Except for Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
("DLJ") and William J. Fox, no Person has acted,  directly or  indirectly,  as a
broker,  finder or financial  advisor for the Purchaser in  connection  with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and no person is entitled to any fee
or  commission  or like payment in respect  thereof.  All fees payable to DLJ or
William J. Fox as a result of the  transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement
shall be paid by the Purchaser.








                                       24

<PAGE>


                                   Article VI
                                    COVENANTS

                  Section 6.1 Access to Information.

                  (a) The Sellers  shall use their  reasonable  best  efforts to
afford the  Purchaser  and its  representatives  full  access to all  financial,
legal,   management  and  other  information  concerning  the  Company  and  its
Subsidiaries  and their  respective  businesses,  and  permit the  Purchaser  to
complete its reasonable due diligence investigation. Such investigation shall be
conducted in all respects in  accordance  with the terms of the  Confidentiality
Agreement  entered into between the Company and Arcade,  Inc., dated as of March
31, 1998 (the  "Retcom  Confidentiality  Agreement"),  and, as  applicable,  the
Confidentiality  Agreement  entered  into  between  Arcade  Marketing,  Inc. and
Sleepeck  Printing  dated as of October 6, 1998 (the  "Sleepeck  Confidentiality
Agreement",  and collectively  with the Retcom  Confidentiality  Agreement,  the
"Confidentiality  Agreements") which the Purchaser agrees are both still in full
force and effect and are binding on the Purchaser,  its parent  corporation  and
all of its subsidiaries,  consultants and agents  (collectively,  the "Purchaser
Group").   The  Purchaser   shall  not  involve  anyone  in  the  due  diligence
investigation   on  its   behalf   who  has  not  agreed  to  be  bound  by  the
Confidentiality  Agreements.  Subject  to the  foregoing,  until the  Closing or
earlier termination of this Agreement,  each of the parties shall take, or cause
to be taken, such further actions as are reasonably  necessary to consummate the
transactions  contemplated  hereby.  No  investigation  by the  Purchaser or any
Seller prior to or after the date of this  Agreement  shall  diminish or obviate
any of the representations,  warranties,  covenants or agreements of the Sellers
or  the  Purchaser,  respectively,  contained  in  this  Agreement,  the  Seller
Documents or the Purchaser Documents, as the case may be; provided however, that
if the  Purchaser  discovers  any fact prior to the Closing which would make any
representation  or warranty of the Sellers untrue  (regardless  of  materiality)
then the Purchaser  shall notify the Sellers'  Representatives  of such fact and
the  Purchaser may (i) terminate  this  Agreement  pursuant to Section 3.2, (ii)
request a reduction in the  Purchase  Price,  or (iii)  proceed with closing the
transactions  contemplated  hereby without a reduction to the Purchase Price. If
the  Purchaser  fails to notify the Sellers'  Representatives,  then the Closing
shall   constitute   the   Purchaser's   waiver  of  any  such  untruth  in  any
representation  or warranty and the Sellers  shall have no liability as a result
thereof.  If the Purchaser notifies the Sellers'  Representatives but elects not
to proceed as  provided  in clause (i) above,  or proceeds as provided in clause
(ii)  above and  reaches a  satisfactory  agreement  with the  Sellers in regard
thereto or  proceeds as provided in clause  (iii)  above,  then at the  Sellers'
request the Purchaser shall waive such untruth in the relevant representation or
warranty  in writing and then the Sellers  shall have no  liability  as a result
thereof, except as otherwise provided in Section 11.3 hereof.

                  (b) The  Sellers  may  deliver  to the  Purchaser  information
concerning  events subsequent to the date of this Agreement which relates to the
business of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course,  which with
the written  consent of the Purchaser  (which consent shall not be  unreasonably
withheld),  shall supplement the information  contained in the Schedules hereto.
In addition,  the Sellers shall  promptly  deliver to the Purchaser  information
concerning  events subsequent to the date of this Agreement which relates to the
business  of the  Company  and its  Subsidiaries  which are not in the  ordinary

                                       25

<PAGE>


course;  provided that receipt of such information  shall not be deemed a waiver
by the  Purchaser  of any of the  conditions  precedent  to the  Closing and the
Purchaser may at its option either terminate this Agreement  pursuant to Section
3.2,  seek a  reduction  in the  Purchase  Price or  proceed  with  closing  the
transactions  contemplated  hereby without a reduction to the Purchase Price. If
the  Purchaser  terminates  this  Agreement or seeks a reduction in the Purchase
Price by reason of such  information  and reaches a satisfactory  agreement with
the Sellers in regard  thereto or proceeds  without a reduction  to the Purchase
Price, then at the Sellers'  request,  the Purchaser shall waive such untruth in
the  relevant  representation  or warranty,  and then the Sellers  shall have no
liability as a result thereof, except as provided in Section 11.3 hereof.

                  Section 6.2 Conduct of the Business Pending the Closing.

                  (a)  Except  as  otherwise  expressly   contemplated  by  this
Agreement or with the prior written consent of the Purchaser, the Sellers shall,
and shall cause the Company and its  Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct the respective
businesses  of the  Company and its  Subsidiaries  only in the  ordinary  course
consistent  with past  practice  and (ii) use its  reasonable  best  efforts  to
preserve  the  business  assets and  earning  potential  of the  Company and its
Subsidiaries.

                  (b)  Except  as  otherwise  expressly   contemplated  by  this
Agreement or with the prior written consent of the Purchaser,  the Sellers shall
not, and shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries not to:

                           (i) declare,  set aside,  make or pay any dividend or
other distribution in respect of the capital stock of the Company or repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any outstanding shares of the capital stock or other
securities  of, or other  ownership  interests  in,  the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries;

                           (ii) transfer,  issue,  sell or dispose of any shares
of capital stock or other  securities of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries
or grant  options,  warrants,  calls or other  rights to purchase  or  otherwise
acquire shares of the capital stock or other securities of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries;

                           (iii) effect any recapitalization,  reclassification,
stock  split or like change in the  capitalization  of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries;

                           (iv)  amend  the  certificate  of   incorporation  or
by-laws of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

                           (v) make any payments to (other than  payments  under
employment  agreements  existing as of the Balance Sheet Date) or enter into any
other transactions with its shareholders;

                           (vi) write-off any of the Outstanding Receivables; or

                           (vii) agree to do anything prohibited by this Section
6.2 or anything  which would make any of the  representations  and warranties of
the Sellers in this Agreement or the Seller  Documents untrue or incorrect as of
any time through and including the Closing Date.



                                       26

<PAGE>


                  Notwithstanding  anything in this  Agreement to the  contrary,
the parties hereto agree that Sleepeck Printing shall be entitled to protect its
interests  as a  vendor  and  a  lender  to  the  Company  and  certain  of  its
Subsidiaries.

                  Section 6.3 Consents.

                  (a) The Sellers shall use their  reasonable best efforts,  and
the  Purchaser  shall  cooperate  with the  Sellers,  to obtain at the  earliest
practicable  date all  consents  and  approvals  required  to be obtained by the
Sellers or the  Company so that the  Sellers  may  consummate  the  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement,  including, without limitation, the consents and
approvals referred to in Sections 4.5(b) and 4.6(b) hereof;  provided,  however,
that  neither  the  Sellers  nor the  Purchaser  shall be  obligated  to pay any
consideration  therefor  to any third  party from whom  consent or  approval  is
requested.

                  (b) The Purchaser shall use its reasonable  best efforts,  and
the  Sellers  shall  cooperate  with the  Purchaser,  to obtain at the  earliest
practicable  date all  consents  and  approvals  required  to be obtained by the
Purchaser so that the Purchaser may consummate the transactions  contemplated by
this  Agreement,  including,  without  limitation,  the  consents  and  approval
referred  to in Section  5.3(b)  hereof;  provided,  however,  that  neither the
Purchaser or the Sellers shall be obligated to pay any consideration therefor to
any third party from whom consent or approval is requested.

                  Section 6.4 Other Actions.

                  Each of the  Sellers  and the  Purchaser  shall  use its  best
efforts to (i) take all actions  necessary  or  appropriate  to  consummate  the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement by September 21, 1999 and (ii) cause
the  fulfillment  at the earliest  practicable  date of all of the conditions to
their respective obligations to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.  The Purchaser shall prepare the necessary  filings and shall pay all
filing  fees in  connection  with any filing  under the HSR Act  relating to the
transactions contemplated hereby in the event that the Purchaser determines such
a filing is necessary or required.

                  Section 6.5 No Solicitation.

                  Each of the Sellers agrees, severally, that it will not and it
will cause the Company not to, directly or indirectly, without the prior written
consent of Purchaser,  until the Closing Date or earlier termination hereof: (i)
solicit  or  encourage  any other  offers  for any  shares of  capital  stock or
material  assets of the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or  provide  any
information  to, or participate in any  discussions or negotiations or otherwise
cooperate with any person other than Purchaser and its designees with respect to
the possible  sale or other  transfer of any shares of capital stock or material
assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, regardless of when such offers
were received or  negotiations  were initiated or (ii) take any action or permit
any action or inaction to be taken that would, directly or indirectly, frustrate
the purpose of this  Agreement or the ability of Purchaser to consummate  any of
the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the Sellers further agrees that it
will inform Purchaser immediately of the terms and details of any offer received


                                       27

<PAGE>


by it or the  Company  after the date of this  Agreement  to acquire any capital
stock or material assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

                  Without  limitation  of any other  rights or  remedies  of the
Purchaser hereunder,  if any of the Sellers or the Company engage in discussions
regarding  the sale or transfer of the Common  Stock or Options or any  material
assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries  with a third party (whether or
not in response to a proposal) or take any of the other  actions  prohibited  by
the first  paragraph of this Section 6.5 during the period  referred to therein,
and prior to September 21, 2000, the Sellers sell their Shares or the Sellers or
the Company  otherwise  engage in a transaction  which in either case results in
the  realization  by the Sellers of cash or non-cash  proceeds in an amount that
would exceed the amount that they could  reasonably  be expected to realize from
the  consummation  of the  transactions  set forth herein,  then the Sellers who
realize such proceeds  severally (pro rata in accordance  with the percentage of
such  proceeds  realized  by each of them from the  consummation  of the sale or
other  transaction or their percentage of ownership of the Company,  as the case
may be) and not jointly, shall pay the Purchaser the lesser of (x) $1,000,000 or
(y)  the  amount  realized  by  the  Sellers  in  the  consummation  of  such  a
transaction,  minus (i) the Purchase  Price (as adjusted) and (ii) the Company's
reasonable  attorney's  and  accountant's  fees incurred in connection  with the
transactions  contemplated hereby;  provided,  however, that if the transactions
contemplated hereby are not consummated as a result of a breach by the Purchaser
of its  obligations  under this  Agreement,  or an  injunction  prohibiting  the
consummation  of the  transaction  (which is not the  result of  actions  by the
Sellers),  then the payment  obligations  of this paragraph of Section 6.5 shall
not apply.

                  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  nothing  contained  in  this
Section 6.5 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of the Company from furnishing
information  to or negotiating  with any Person that makes a Superior  Proposal,
if, and only to the extent that, the Board of Directors in good faith determines
that such action is required to comply  with its  fiduciary  duties.  Nothing in
this paragraph shall permit the Sellers to terminate or breach this Agreement or
to  enter  into  any  agreement  which  would  frustrate  the  purposes  of this
Agreement.

                  Section 6.6 Preservation of Records.

                  Subject   to  Section   10.4(e)   hereof   (relating   to  the
preservation of Tax records),  the Sellers and the Purchaser shall each preserve
and keep the records  held by it relating to the business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries  and the Purchaser shall cause the Company and its  Subsidiaries to
preserve and keep their respective  records for a period of three years from the
Closing  Date and shall make such records and  personnel  available to the other
party as may be  reasonably  required by such party in  connection  with,  among
other things, any insurance claims by, legal proceedings against or governmental
investigations  of the Sellers or the Purchaser or any of their Affiliates or in
order to enable the Sellers or the  Purchaser  to comply  with their  respective
obligations  under  this  Agreement  and  each  other  agreement,   document  or
instrument  contemplated  hereby  or  thereby.  In the event  the  Sellers,  the
Purchaser,  the Company or any  Subsidiary  wishes to destroy such records after
that  time,  such  party  (or the  Purchaser  on behalf  of the  Company  or any
Subsidiary) shall first give ninety (90) days' prior written notice to the other
parties  and each of such other  parties  shall have the right at its option and
expense,  upon prior written  notice given to such party within that ninety (90)
day period,  to take  possession  of the  records  within one hundred and eighty
(180) days after the date of such notice.



                                       28


<PAGE>


                  Section 6.7 Publicity.

                  None of the  Sellers nor the  Purchaser  shall issue any press
release or public  announcement  concerning  this Agreement or the  transactions
contemplated  hereby  or  otherwise  publicly  disclose  the  existence  of this
Agreement  without  obtaining  the prior  written  approval  of the other  party
hereto, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed,  unless, in
the  sole  judgment  of the  Purchaser,  disclosure  is  otherwise  required  by
applicable  Law,  provided that, to the extent required by applicable Law or the
rules or regulations of any securities  exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market, the
party  intending  to make such  release  shall use its  reasonable  best efforts
consistent  with  such  applicable  Law  or  the  rules  or  regulations  of any
securities  exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market, to consult with the other party
with respect to the text thereof.

                  Section 6.8 Termination of Agreements.

                  Prior  to  or  simultaneously   with  the  Closing,   (a)  the
Employment  Agreement by and between  Michael  Berman and RCC dated December 31,
1997,  (b)  the  Employment   Agreement  by  and  between   Michael  Berman  and
Encapsulation Services, Inc. dated January 1, 1998, (c) the Employment Agreement
by and between Jay Gartlan and  Encapsulation  Services,  Inc.  dated January 1,
1998,  and the  Employment  Agreement  by and  between Jay Gartlan and RCC dated
January 1, 1998, and (d) all other Contracts or transactions  between Affiliates
of the Company,  on the one hand,  and the Company or its  Subsidiaries,  on the
other  hand,  as set  forth on  Schedule  4.22  (other  than (i) any  agreements
relating to photography  services  between Paul Pearl and the Company,  (ii) the
consulting  agreement  between  Albert Pearl and RCC dated January 15, 1998 (the
"Pearl Consulting Agreement"),  and (iii) any completed work not yet invoiced or
accounts payable to Sleepeck  Printing by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
which are not included in the  Sleepeck  Indebtedness  and any  work-in-progress
being performed by Sleepeck  Printing for the Company or its Subsidiaries in the
ordinary  course of  business)  shall have been  terminated  without  payment or
further liability of any party thereto,  except as otherwise contemplated hereby
or as set forth on Schedule 6.8. The bonuses payable in respect of calendar year
1998,  which are  identified  on Schedule  6.8,  shall be paid at Closing to the
extent such  bonuses are  reflected  on the Balance  Sheet and the June 30, 1999
Balance Sheet.

                  Section 6.9 Intellectual Property.

                  Prior  to or  simultaneously  with  the  Closing,  any and all
right, title and interest in any Intellectual  Property held by any Affiliate of
any of the Sellers and/or Fragrance  Technology Trust that is currently used, or
contemplated  to be used,  in the  business of the  Company or its  Subsidiaries
shall be conveyed to RCC,  without  further  consideration,  or  otherwise  made
available  to the  Company or its  Subsidiaries  on an  irrevocable,  worldwide,
exclusive  and royalty free basis,  provided  however,  that this  obligation to
convey  Intellectual  Property  does not  extend  to  Intellectual  Property  of
Sleepeck  Printing  relating to the  printing of  products or the  rendering  of
printing services.

                  Section 6.10 Collection of Accounts Receivable.






                                       29


<PAGE>



                  The Purchaser shall cause the Company and its  Subsidiaries to
use their diligent efforts to collect all accounts receivable  outstanding as of
the Closing Date prior to the Collection Date. Prior to the Collection Date, and
only to the extent requested by the Company in its sole  discretion,  Paul Pearl
shall (i) assist in accordance  with the Company's  directions in the collection
of such  accounts  receivable  and  (ii) act as an  advisor  to the  Company  in
connection  with  any   settlements   with  customers  of  the  Company  or  its
Subsidiaries with respect to such accounts receivable.


                                  Article VII
                                OTHER AGREEMENTS

                  Section 7.1 Payment of Sleepeck Indebtedness.

                  Simultaneously  with the Closing,  the Purchaser shall pay, or
cause the Company or one of its  Subsidiaries to pay, the Sleepeck  Indebtedness
in  full.   Contemporaneously   with  the  payment  in  full  of  the   Sleepeck
Indebtedness,  Sleepeck  Printing shall release all guarantees and Liens made in
connection with the Sleepeck Indebtedness and shall acknowledge to the Purchaser
that  no  money  is owed  to  Sleepeck  Printing  by the  Company  or any of its
Affiliates  in  relation  to  the  Sleepeck  Indebtedness.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing, any release or acknowledgement given or made pursuant to this Section
7.1 shall not be  deemed  to  include  any  obligations  of the  Company  or any
Affiliate  with  respect  to (a)  amounts  not yet  paid for  printing  services
performed by Sleepeck  Printing,  which has been billed and such bills have been
outstanding  for  less  than 90 days,  (b)  payments  set  aside,  withdrawn  or
otherwise revoked in respect of printing services performed by Sleepeck Printing
prior  to  the  Closing  Date,  or  (c)  obligations  associated  with  printing
work-in-progress being performed by Sleepeck Printing.

                  Section 7.2 Exercise of Options and Releases.

                  (a)  Simultaneously  with the  Closing,  the  Purchaser  shall
exercise  the  Options  which as of the date  hereof  are owned by (i)  Sleepeck
Printing to acquire Common Stock from Retail TCA Corporation  ("TCA") and Retail
TCB Corporation  ("TCB") and (ii) Stuart  Fleischer to acquire Common Stock from
TCB at the exercise  price of $1,000,000,  $884,000 and $136,000,  respectively.
Immediately  upon  the  exercise  of such  Options,  (i)  TCA  shall  repay  all
outstanding indebtedness owed by TCA to the Company or its Subsidiaries and (ii)
TCB  shall  repay  all  outstanding  indebtedness  owed by TCB to  Albert  Pearl
pursuant  to  the  Note  dated  January  15,  1998  and to  the  Company  or its
Subsidiaries.

                  (b)  Simultaneously  with  the  Closing,  each of the  Sellers
shall,  and the Sellers shall cause Albert Pearl to, issue full releases to each
other and to the Company,  its Subsidiaries and their respective  Affiliates (in
the  form  attached  hereto  as  Exhibit  F and  otherwise  satisfactory  to the
Purchaser).

                  (c) Simultaneously with the Closing,  Sellers shall cause each
of the  parties  referenced  in the January  Memo to execute  and  deliver  such
releases as are set forth therein,  in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit F and otherwise satisfactory to the Purchaser.


                                       30

<PAGE>

                  (d)  Simultaneously  with  the  Closing,   the  Company,   its
Affiliates  and the Sellers  (other than Sleepeck  Printing)  shall issue a full
release to Sleepeck Printing (except with respect to liabilities associated with
completed   work   not  yet   invoiced,   accounts   receivable   and   printing
work-in-progress  as described in Section  6.8(iii)),  in substantially the form
attached hereto as Exhibit F and otherwise satisfactory to the Purchaser.

                  Section 7.3 Employees.

                  Subsequent  to the  Closing  and  for a  period  of  one  year
thereafter,  Purchaser agrees that it will not and it will cause the Company not
to  terminate  without  cause  the  employment  with the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries of any of (i) Bob Dona,  Arthur Inglesby or Paul Bousselli prior to
the date that is nine (9) months  from  written  notice  from  Purchaser  to the
Company  regarding  the  employment  status of each such  person,  (ii)  William
Deierlein or Bob Westover  prior to the date that is six (6) months from written
notice from  Purchaser to the Company  regarding the  employment  status of each
such  person,  and (iii)  Robert  Larr or Fayez  Hamma prior to the date that is
three (3) months from written notice from Purchaser to the Company regarding the
employment status of each such person.  Purchaser shall provide Jay Gartlan with
a copy of each such notice.  The Sellers  (other than Sleepeck  Printing)  shall
recommend  and  encourage  in good  faith  each such  employee  to enter  into a
confidentiality  and  non-compete  agreement   satisfactory  to  the  Purchaser.
Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary, none of the Purchaser, the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries shall have any obligation or liability to the Sellers or
any such employee if such employee fails to enter into such  confidentiality and
non-compete agreement.

                  Section 7.4 Certain Insurance Coverage.

                  After  the  Closing  Date  and  until  January  2,  2001,  the
Purchaser  shall cause the Company to maintain the  Company's  insurance  policy
covering  professional  errors and omissions  liability having an annual premium
cost of $3,486 in effect on the date  hereof or  another  substantially  similar
insurance  policy  providing  for coverage on a "claims  made" basis;  provided,
however,  that the Purchaser and the Company shall have no obligations  pursuant
to this  Section  7.4 in the  event  of any  material  increase  in the  cost of
premiums  charged for any such policy over the costs of premiums  charged  under
the  Company's  current  policy.  In the event that the Purchaser or the Company
determines to cancel such insurance policy prior to the sixth anniversary of the
Closing Date,  the Purchaser  shall or shall cause the Company to (a) notify the
Sellers'  Representatives  of such  cancellation at least 30 days prior thereto,
and (b) reasonably cooperate (without any cost to the Purchaser,  the Company or
any of its  Subsidiaries)  with the  Sellers'  Representatives'  undertaking  to
purchase  continuation of such insurance  coverage for the benefit of any of Jay
Gartlan, Michael Berman or Paul Pearl who choose to be so insured.

                                  Article VIII
                              CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

                  Section  8.1  Conditions   Precedent  to  Obligations  of  the
Purchaser.






                                       31


<PAGE>


                  The obligation of the Purchaser to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the fulfillment, on or prior to the
Closing Date, of each of the  following  conditions  (any or all of which may be
waived  by the  Purchaser  in  whole  or in  part  to the  extent  permitted  by
applicable law or which shall be deemed waived if the Closing occurs):

                  (a)  all   representations   and  warranties  of  the  Sellers
contained herein qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct,  and the
representations  and warranties of the Sellers contained herein not qualified as
to  materiality  shall be true and correct in all material  respects,  as of the
date  hereof and at and as of the  Closing  Date with the same  effect as though
those  representations and warranties had been made again at and as of that time
without amendment for subsequent disclosure,  except as specifically provided in
Section 6.1;

                  (b) the  Sellers  shall have  performed  and  complied  in all
material respects with all obligations and covenants  required by this Agreement
to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the Closing Date;

                  (c) the Purchaser shall have been furnished with  certificates
(dated the Closing Date and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Purchaser)  executed  by each Seller  certifying  as to the  fulfillment  of the
conditions specified in Sections 8.1(a) and 8.1(b) hereof;

                  (d) Stock  certificates (or other  appropriate  documentation)
representing  100% of the Shares  shall have been,  or shall at the  Closing be,
validly  delivered and  transferred to the Purchaser,  free and clear of any and
all Liens;

                  (e) there shall not have been or occurred any Material Adverse
Change;

                  (f) the Sellers  shall have  obtained all consents and waivers
referred to in Schedules 4.5 and 4.6 hereto,  in a form reasonably  satisfactory
to  the  Purchaser,  with  respect  to the  transactions  contemplated  by  this
Agreement and the Seller Documents and the Sellers shall have obtained releases,
in form and substance  satisfactory  to the Purchaser,  of all Liens (other than
Permitted  Exceptions)  filed against the Company or its  Subsidiaries  or their
respective assets;

                  (g)  no  Legal  Proceedings  shall  have  been  instituted  or
threatened  or claim or demand made against the  Sellers,  the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, or the Purchaser which challenges the validity or propriety of
the transactions  contemplated hereby or otherwise affects the ability of any of
the parties to gain the material intended benefits contemplated hereby;

                  (h) there  shall not be in effect any Order by a  Governmental
Body of competent jurisdiction  restraining,  enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;

                  (i) each of the Sellers shall have provided the Purchaser with
an affidavit of  non-foreign  status that complies with Section 1445 of the Code
(a "FIRPTA Affidavit");

                  (j) the Purchaser shall have received the written  resignation
of each director of the Company;




                                       32

<PAGE>


                  (k)  each of the  Sellers  and the  Escrow  Agent  shall  have
entered into the Escrow Agreement;

                  (l)  Jay  Gartlan   shall  have  entered  into  an  employment
agreement with the Purchaser or the Company containing terms that are acceptable
to the Purchaser;

                  (m) Paul Pearl shall have entered into an employment agreement
with the  Company  (the  "Employment  Agreement")  substantially  in the form of
Exhibit B hereto;

                  (n)  Michael  Berman  shall  have  entered  into a  consulting
agreement (the  "Consulting  Agreement")  substantially in the form of Exhibit C
hereto;

                  (o)  Sleepeck  Printing  shall  have  entered  into a printing
services agreement (the "Printing Services Agreement") substantially in the form
of Exhibit D hereto;

                  (p) each of Jay Gartlan,  Michael  Berman and Paul Pearl shall
have entered  into a  non-competition  and  non-solicitation  agreement  (each a
"Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation  Agreement")  substantially in the form of
Exhibit E hereto;

                  (q) the actions  contemplated by Sections 6.9, 7.1 (other than
the  first  sentence  of such  Section)  and 7.2  hereof  (other  than the first
sentence of Section 7.2(a)),  including,  without limitation,  the execution and
delivery of the releases  described in such sections,  substantially in the form
of Exhibit F hereto, shall have been taken simultaneously with the Closing;

                  (r) each Employee Receivable,  other than Employee Receivables
set forth on Schedule 8.1(r),  shall have been paid to the Company and satisfied
in full;

                  (s) the  Sleepeck  Lockbox  shall have been  terminated  as of
11:59 p.m.,  New York City time,  on the day  immediately  preceding the Closing
Date and  provision  shall  have been made to have (i) all  amounts  held in the
Sleepeck  Lockbox  for the  account  of the  Company or its  Subsidiaries  to be
disbursed and paid to the Company,  and (ii) all future amounts  remitted to the
Sleepeck Lockbox for the account of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to be
remitted to the Company;

                  (t) no  Person  other  than  a  Seller  shall  have  made,  or
threatened to make, any claim to any Common Stock, Option or other rights in the
Company;

                  (u) the employment of the employees  listed on Schedule 8.1(u)
shall have been terminated; and

                  (v) Sleepeck  Printing  shall have executed a  confidentiality
agreement in form
and substance reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser and Sleepeck Printing.

                  It is understood that it is not a condition to the Purchaser's
obligations  to  consummate  the  transactions   contemplated  hereby  that  the
Purchaser  shall  have  obtained   financing  to  consummate  the   transactions
contemplated hereby.




                                       33

<PAGE>


                  Section  8.2  Conditions   Precedent  to  Obligations  of  the
Sellers.

                  The obligations of the Sellers to consummate the  transactions
contemplated  by this Agreement are subject to the  fulfillment,  prior to or on
the Closing Date, of each of the following  conditions  (any or all of which may
be  waived  by the  Sellers  in  whole  or in part to the  extent  permitted  by
applicable law or which shall be deemed waived if the Closing occurs):

                  (a)  all  representations  and  warranties  of  the  Purchaser
contained herein qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct,  and all
representations  and warranties of the Purchaser  contained herein not qualified
as to materiality shall be true and correct in all material respects,  as of the
date  hereof and at and as of the  Closing  Date with the same  effect as though
those representations and warranties had been made again at and as of that date;

                  (b) the  Purchaser  shall have  performed  and complied in all
material respects with all obligations and covenants  required by this Agreement
to be performed or complied with by Purchaser on or prior to the Closing Date;

                  (c) the Sellers shall have been  furnished  with  certificates
(dated the Closing Date and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Sellers)  executed by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of
the Purchaser  certifying as to the  fulfillment of the conditions  specified in
Sections 8.2(a) and 8.2(b);

                  (d) the Purchaser shall have obtained all consents and waivers
referred to in Schedule 5.3 hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated
hereby;

                  (e)  no  Legal  Proceedings  shall  have  been  instituted  or
threatened  or claim or demand made against the  Sellers,  the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, or the Purchaser which challenges the validity or propriety of
the transactions  contemplated hereby or otherwise affects the ability of any of
the parties to gain the material intended benefits contemplated hereby;

                  (f) there  shall not be in effect any Order by a  Governmental
Body of competent jurisdiction  restraining,  enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;

                  (g) the  Purchaser  shall  have  entered  into,  or caused the
Company to enter into, an employment  agreement  with Jay Gartlan  acceptable to
Jay Gartlan;

                  (h) the  Purchaser  shall  have  entered  into,  or caused the
Company to enter into, the Employment Agreement with Paul Pearl substantially in
the form of Exhibit B hereto;

                  (i) the  Purchaser  shall have  entered  in to the  Consulting
Agreement with Michael Berman substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto;

                  (j)  the  Purchaser  shall  have  entered  into  the  Printing
Services Agreement with Sleepeck Printing substantially in the form of Exhibit D
hereto;





                                       34

<PAGE>

                  (k) the  Purchaser  shall have entered into a  Non-Competition
and Non-Solicitation Agreement with each of Jay Gartlan, Michael Berman and Paul
Pearl substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto;

                  (l) the actions  contemplated  by Sections  7.1 and 7.2 (other
than  the  second  sentence  of  Section  7.2(a))  hereof,   including   without
limitation,  the  execution  and  delivery  of the  releases  described  in such
sections  substantially  in the form of Exhibit F hereto,  shall have been taken
simultaneously with the Closing;

                  (m) the Purchaser and the Escrow Agent shall have entered into
the Escrow Agreement;

                  (n) the Sellers  shall have received any waivers to which they
are properly entitled pursuant to Section 6.1; and

                  (o) the Purchaser  shall have proffered the payments  referred
to in Section  2.2 hereof and shall have  proffered  the  deposits  into  escrow
contemplated by Section 2.3 hereof.

                                   Article IX
                               CLOSING DELIVERIES

                  Section 9.1 Documents to be Delivered by the Sellers.

                  At the  Closing,  the Sellers  shall  deliver,  or cause to be
delivered,  to  the  Purchaser  and to  each  other  party  as  appropriate  the
following:

                  (a) stock  certificates (or other  appropriate  documentation)
representing the Shares, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by stock transfer
powers and with all requisite stock transfer tax stamps attached;

                  (b) the certificates referred to in Section 8.1(c) hereof;

                  (c) copies of all consents, waivers and Lien releases referred
to in Section 8.1(f) hereof;

                  (d) Escrow  Agreement,  substantially in the form of Exhibit A
hereto, duly executed by each Seller and the Escrow Agent;

                  (e)  employment  agreement   acceptable  to  Purchaser,   duly
executed by Jay Gartlan;

                  (f) Employment Agreement  substantially in the form of Exhibit
B hereto, duly executed by Paul Pearl;

                  (g) Consulting Agreement  substantially in the form of Exhibit
C hereto, duly executed by Michael Berman;




                                       35

<PAGE>


                  (h) Printing Services  Agreement  substantially in the form of
Exhibit D hereto, duly executed by Sleepeck Printing;

                  (i)    Non-Competition   and    Non-Solicitation    Agreements
substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto,  duly executed by each of Michael
Berman, Jay Gartlan and Paul Pearl;

                  (j) the conveyances of Intellectual  Property  contemplated by
Section 6.9 and the  acknowledgment of payment and Seller releases  contemplated
by Sections 7.1 and 7.2, with the releases  being  substantially  in the form of
Exhibit F hereto, duly executed by each appropriate Seller;

                  (k)  written  resignation  of  each  of the  directors  of the
Company;

                  (l) duly executed FIRPTA Affidavits for each Seller;

                  (m)  certificates of good standing with respect to the Company
and its  Subsidiaries  issued by the  Secretary of State for each state in which
the Company and its  Subsidiaries is incorporated and in which each is qualified
to do business as a foreign corporation;

                  (n) evidence  satisfactory to the Purchaser of the payment and
satisfaction of each Employee  Receivable,  other than Employee  Receivables set
forth on Schedule 8.1(r);

                  (o) evidence  satisfactory to the Purchaser of the termination
of the Sleepeck Lockbox;

                  (p) the  corporate  books and  records of the  Company and its
Subsidiaries; and

                  (q) such other  documents as the  Purchaser  shall  reasonably
request three (3) days prior to Closing.

                  Section 9.2 Documents to be Delivered by the Purchaser.

                  At the Closing,  the  Purchaser  shall  deliver to the Sellers
(except as provided below) the following:

                  (a) evidence of payment in full of the payments referred to in
Section  2.2 hereof and the  deposits  into escrow  contemplated  by Section 2.3
hereof ;

                  (b) the certificates referred to in Section 8.2(c) hereof;

                  (c) copies of all consents and waivers  referred to in Section
8.2(d) hereof;

                  (d) Escrow  Agreement,  substantially in the form of Exhibit A
hereto, duly executed by the Purchaser and the Escrow Agent;

                  (e) employment  agreement  with Jay Gartlan  acceptable to the
Purchaser, duly executed by the Purchaser to be delivered to Jay Gartlan;





                                       36

<PAGE>


                  (f) Employment Agreement  substantially in the form of Exhibit
B hereto, duly Executed by the Purchaser;

                  (g) Consulting Agreement  substantially in the form of Exhibit
C hereto, duly executed by the Purchaser;

                  (h) Printing Services  Agreement  substantially in the form of
Exhibit D hereto, duly executed by the Purchaser;

                  (i) Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation  Agreements with each
of Michael  Berman,  Jay  Gartlan  and Paul Pearl  substantially  in the form of
Exhibit E hereto, duly executed by the Purchaser;

                  (j) the payments required by Sections 7.1 and 7.2;

                  (k) the releases of Sleepeck Printing  contemplated by Section
7.2;

                  (l) any waivers executed by the Purchaser  pursuant to Section
6.1; and

                  (m) such  other  documents  as the  Sellers  shall  reasonably
request three (3) days prior to Closing.

                  Section 9.3 Simultaneous  Transactions.  All things which this
Agreement  contemplates are to happen at or in connection with the Closing shall
be deemed to have happened in the order contemplated,  if any, and unless all of
such things shall happen none shall be deemed to have occurred.

                                   Article X
                                 INDEMNIFICATION

                  Section 10.1 Non-Tax Indemnification.

                  (a) Subject to Section 6.1, if  applicable,  and Section 10.2,
the Sellers shall jointly and severally  indemnify and hold the  Purchaser,  the
Company,  and  their  respective  directors,  officers,  employees,  Affiliates,
agents,  successors  and  assigns  (collectively,   the  "Purchaser  Indemnified
Parties") harmless from and against:

                           (i) subject to Sections 10.2(f) and 10.3(d),  any and
all Losses of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries of every kind,  nature and
description,  absolute or contingent,  existing as against the Company or any of
its  Subsidiaries  prior to and including the Closing Date,  including,  without
limitation, the Cellesence Matter (except as otherwise provided in Schedule 10.1
hereto),  or thereafter coming into being or arising by reason of Claims related
to any matters  occurring on or prior to the Closing Date,  except to the extent
that  the same  (x) are  reflected  on the  Balance  Sheet or the June 30,  1999
Balance Sheet, (y) have been incurred in the ordinary course of business between
the  Balance  Sheet  Date and the  Closing  Date,  or (z) are  disclosed  on the
Schedules hereto (except as otherwise provided in Schedule 10.1 hereto);



                                       37


<PAGE>


                           (ii)  subject  to  Section  11.2,  any and all Losses
attributable to or resulting from the failure of any  representation or warranty
of the Sellers set forth in Article IV hereof or any  representation or warranty
contained  in any Seller  Document to be true and correct in all  respects as of
the date made, as amended at or prior to Closing in accordance with Section 6.1,
other than the  representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.6 or
Section  4.24,  to the extent  Section  4.24  relates to Sections 4.2 and 4.6 or
similar representations and warranties contained in any Seller Document;

                           (iii) any and all Losses attributable to or resulting
from the breach of any  covenant  or other  agreement  on the part of any of the
Sellers under this Agreement or the other Seller Documents; and

                           (iv)   any   and   all   notices,   actions,   suits,
proceedings,  claims,  demands,  assessments,  judgments,  costs,  penalties and
expenses,  including  attorneys' and other professionals' fees and disbursements
(collectively,  "Expenses") incident to any and all Losses with respect to which
indemnification  is provided  hereunder or the  enforcement of the provisions of
this Article X.

                  (b)  Notwithstanding   anything  in  Section  10.1(a)  to  the
contrary  and  subject to  Sections  10.2 and 11.2,  each of the  Sellers  shall
severally  (and not  jointly and  severally)  indemnify  and hold the  Purchaser
Indemnified  Parties  harmless  from and against any Losses and  Expenses  based
upon,  attributable  to or resulting  from the failure of any of the  respective
individual  representations  and  warranties  of each such  Seller  set forth in
Sections  4.2,  4.6 or Section  4.24,  to the  extent  Section  4.24  relates to
Sections 4.2 and 4.6 or any similar  representation or warranty contained in any
Seller Document, to be true and correct in all respects as of the date made.

                  (c) The  Purchaser  shall  indemnify  and hold the Sellers and
their respective Affiliates,  agents, successors and assigns, and in the case of
Sellers which are not natural persons, their respective directors,  officers and
employees  (collectively,  the "Seller Indemnified Parties"),  harmless from and
against:

                           (i)  subject  to  Section  11.2,  any and all  Losses
attributable to or resulting from the failure of any  representation or warranty
of the  Purchaser  set  forth in  Article  V hereof,  or any  representation  or
warranty contained in any Purchaser's Document, to be true and correct as of the
date made;

                           (ii) any and all Losses based upon,  attributable  to
or resulting  from the breach of any covenant or other  agreement on the part of
the Purchaser under this Agreement or the other Purchaser Documents; and

                           (iii) any and all Losses of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries of every kind,  nature and  description  absolute or contingent (A)
existing  as  against  the  Company  or  any of its  Subsidiaries  prior  to and
including the Closing Date or thereafter  coming into being or arising by reason
of any matters occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, but only to the extent
that  the same  (x) are  reflected  on the  Balance  Sheet or the June 30,  1999



                                       38

<PAGE>


Balance Sheet, (y) have been incurred in the ordinary course of business between
the  Balance  Sheet  Date and the  Closing  Date,  or (z) are  disclosed  on the
Schedules hereto (except as otherwise provided in Schedule 10.1 hereto), and (B)
arising from Claims related to any matters occurring after the Closing Date; and

                           (iv) any and all  Expenses  incident  to Losses  with
respect to which indemnification is provided hereunder or the enforcement of the
provisions of this Article X.

                  (d) Sleepeck  Printing shall  indemnify and hold the Purchaser
Indemnified Parties harmless from and against any and all Losses attributable to
or resulting  from the  employment or  termination  of employment of the persons
listed on Schedule 8.1(u).

                  Section 10.2  Limitations on  Indemnification  for Breaches of
Representations and Warranties.

                  (a) The Sellers  shall not have any liability  under  Sections
10.1(a)(i), 10.1(a)(ii), 10.1(a)(iv), 10.1(b) or 10.4(a)(i)(c) hereof unless the
aggregate  amount of Losses and Expenses of the  Purchaser  Indemnified  Parties
finally  determined to arise  thereunder that are attributable to or result from
the  failure of any  representation  or  warranty  of the Sellers to be true and
correct exceeds  $50,000 (the "Basket") and in such event,  the Sellers shall be
required  to pay the entire  amount of such Losses and  Expenses  from the first
dollar  thereof.  In addition,  the Sellers shall not have any  liability  under
Sections  10.1(a),  10.1(b) and 10.4  (a)(i)(c)  hereof  which in the  aggregate
exceeds the Purchase Price (the  "Ceiling").

                  (b) The  liabilities  of the  Sellers  under  Section  10.1(a)
hereof  shall be joint and several  and the  liabilities  of the  Sellers  under
Section 10.1(b) hereof shall be several only.  Subject to Section  10.2(a),  the
maximum  liability  of each  Seller  under this  Agreement  pursuant to Sections
10.1(a),  10.1(b)  and  10.4(a)(i)(c)  shall not exceed  such  Seller's  Maximum
Obligation.  Each Seller's "Maximum Obligation" shall be as follows and shall be
subject to  proportionate  adjustment  upon an adjustment to the Purchase  Price
pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.4 hereof:

                  Michael Berman:           $3,829,500
                  Paul Pearl:               $1,665,000
                  Jay Gartlan:              $1,100,000
                  Sleepeck Printing:        $3,344,100
                  Stuart Fleischer:         $   241,400

                  (c)  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary and subject to
Section 10.2(b) hereof, the Sellers who are equity holders in any Seller that is
a corporation  shall be jointly and severally  liable with such corporate Seller
for any and all indemnification obligations of such corporate Seller pursuant to
Section 10.1(a) or 10.1(b).

                  (d)  Notwithstanding  anything  to the  contrary,  the Sellers
shall  not  have  any  liability  for  any  Loss  arising  from  the  breach  or
untruthfulness of any of the representations or warranties  contained in Section
4.21(b) solely to the extent that the Purchaser  shall have recovered in full an
amount equal to such Loss pursuant to Section 2.3(c).






                                       39


<PAGE>


                  (e) The  obligations of the Sellers under this Article X shall
be  satisfied  first from the amount  deposited  in escrow  pursuant to Sections
2.3(a)  and  2.3(b)  provided  that  funds are then held in escrow  pursuant  to
Sections 2.3(a) or 2.3(b).

                  (f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event any
Purchaser  Indemnified  Party has a claim  for  indemnification  which,  but for
Section  11.2  or  otherwise,  may be  brought  pursuant  to (x)  both  Sections
10.1(a)(ii) and 10.1(a)(i)  hereof,  such claim may only be brought  pursuant to
Section  10.1(a)(ii)  hereof and  recovery  for such claim  pursuant  to Section
10.1(a)(i)  shall be barred,  or (y) both Sections  10.1(a)(ii) and 10.4 hereof,
such  claim may only be  brought  pursuant  to  Section  10.1(a)(ii)  hereof and
recovery for such claim pursuant to Section 10.4 hereof shall be barred.

                  Section 10.3 Non-Tax Indemnification Procedures.

                  (a) In the  event  that  any  Claim  shall  be  instituted  or
asserted by any Person in respect of which  indemnification  may be sought under
Section 10.1 hereof  (regardless of the Basket or the Ceiling),  the indemnified
party shall reasonably and promptly cause written notice of the assertion of any
Claim  of which  it has  knowledge  which is  covered  by this  indemnity  to be
forwarded  to the  indemnifying  party.  The  indemnifying  party shall have the
right,  at its  sole  option  and  expense,  to have  the  indemnified  party be
represented  by  counsel  of the  indemnifying  party's  choice,  which  must be
reasonably  satisfactory  to  the  indemnified  party,  and to  defend  against,
negotiate,  settle or otherwise  deal with any Claim which relates to any Losses
indemnified  against  hereunder.  If the  indemnifying  party  elects  to defend
against, negotiate, settle or otherwise deal with any Claim which relates to any
Losses indemnified against hereunder,  it shall within ten (10) days (or sooner,
if the  nature of the Claim so  requires)  notify the  indemnified  party of its
intent  to do so.  If the  indemnifying  party  elects  not to  defend  against,
negotiate,  settle or otherwise  deal with any Claim which relates to any Losses
indemnified  against  hereunder,  fails to notify the  indemnified  party of its
election  as herein  provided  or  contests  its  obligation  to  indemnify  the
indemnified  party for such Losses under this Agreement,  the indemnified  party
may defend against,  negotiate, settle or otherwise deal with such Claim. If the
indemnified party defends any Claim, then the indemnifying party shall reimburse
the  indemnified  party for the Expenses of defending such Claim upon submission
of periodic  bills.  If the  indemnifying  party shall assume the defense of any
Claim, the indemnified party may participate,  at his or its own expense, in the
defense of such Claim;  provided,  however, that such indemnified party shall be
entitled to participate in any such defense with separate counsel at the expense
of the  indemnifying  party if, (i) so  requested by the  indemnifying  party to
participate  or (ii) in the  reasonable  opinion of  counsel to the  indemnified
party, an actual or potential  conflict exists between the indemnified party and
the  indemnifying  party that would require such separate  representation  under
applicable rules of procedure or code of ethics; and provided, further, that the
indemnifying  party shall not be required to pay for more than one such  counsel
for all  indemnified  parties in connection  with any Claim.  The parties hereto
agree to  cooperate  fully  with  each  other in  connection  with the  defense,
negotiation or settlement of any such Claim.

                  (b) After any final judgment or award shall have been rendered
by a court, arbitration board or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction
and the  expiration  of the time in which to appeal  therefrom,  or a settlement


                                       40

<PAGE>


shall have been consummated, or the indemnified party and the indemnifying party
shall have  arrived  at a mutually  binding  agreement  with  respect to a Claim
hereunder,  the indemnified party shall forward to the indemnifying party notice
of any sums due and owing by the  indemnifying  party pursuant to this Agreement
with respect to such matter and the indemnifying  party shall be required to pay
all of the sums so due and owing to the  indemnified  party by wire  transfer of
immediately  available  funds  within 10  Business  Days  after the date of such
notice.

                  (c) The failure of the  indemnified  party to give  reasonably
prompt  notice of any Claim shall not  release,  waive or  otherwise  affect the
indemnifying  party's obligations with respect thereto except to the extent that
the indemnifying  party can demonstrate actual loss and prejudice as a result of
such failure.

                  (d) A claim for indemnity under Section 10.1(a)(i) may be made
at any time  prior  to the  close  of  business  on  December  31,  2001 and not
thereafter.

                  Section 10.4 Tax Matters.

                  (a) Tax Indemnification.

                           (i) Except to the extent  Taxes are  reserved  for on
the Closing Date Balance Sheet, each Seller, jointly and severally, agrees to be
responsible  for and to indemnify  and hold the  Purchaser  Indemnified  Parties
harmless  from and  against  any and all Taxes due and payable by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries:

                               (a) with respect to all taxable periods ending on
         or prior to the Closing Date;

                               (b)  with  respect  to any and all  Taxes  of the
         Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  for the period  allocated  to the
         Sellers pursuant to Section 10.4(b)(iv);

                               (c)  arising  by  reason  of  any  breach  of the
         Sellers  or  inaccuracy  of  any of the  representations  contained  in
         Section 4.10 hereof; and

                               (d)  with  respect  to any and all  Taxes  of any
         member  of a  consolidated,  combined  or  unitary  group of which  the
         Company (or any  predecessor)  or any of its  Subsidiaries  is or was a
         member on or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to Treasury  Regulation
         Section 1.1502-6(a) or any analogous or similar state, local or foreign
         law  or  regulation,   as  transferee  or  successor,  by  contract  or
         otherwise.

The Sellers  shall also pay and shall  indemnify and hold harmless the Purchaser
Indemnified  Parties  from  and  against  any  losses,   damages,   liabilities,
obligations,  deficiencies,  costs and expenses (including,  without limitation,
reasonable  expenses and fees for attorneys and accountants)  ("Related  Costs")
incurred in connection  with the Taxes for which the Sellers are  responsible to
indemnify the Purchaser Indemnified Parties pursuant to this Section 10.4(a) (or
any asserted deficiency,  claim, demand, action, suit,  proceeding,  judgment or
assessment, including the defense or settlement thereof, relating to such Taxes)
or the enforcement of this Section 10.4(a).



                                       41

<PAGE>


                           (ii) The Purchaser  shall indemnify and hold harmless
the Seller  Indemnified  Parties  from and  against any and all Taxes (A) of the
Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  with  respect to any taxable  period of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries  beginning after the Closing Date, (B) of the
Company of any of its  Subsidiaries  with respect to any taxable period prior to
the Closing Date to the extent  reserved on the Closing Date Balance  Sheet,  or
(C)  attributable  to the period  allocated  to  Purchaser  pursuant  to Section
10.4(b)(iv) as well as any Related Costs  incurred in connection  with the Taxes
for which the  Purchaser  is  responsible  to indemnify  the Seller  Indemnified
Parties  pursuant to this Section  10.4(a) (or any asserted  deficiency,  claim,
demand, action, suit, proceeding, judgment or assessment,  including the defense
or  settlement  thereof,  relating  to such  Taxes) or the  enforcement  of this
Section 10.4(a).

                           (iii)  If  any  indemnification  payment  under  this
Section 10.4  (including,  without  limitation,  this Section  10.4(a)(iii))  is
determined  to be  taxable  to the party  receiving  such  payment by any taxing
authority,  the paying  party  shall also  indemnify  the party  receiving  such
payment for any Taxes incurred by reason of the receipt of such payment  (taking
into account any actual  reduction in tax liability to the receiving  party) and
any Related  Costs  incurred by the party  receiving  such payment in connection
with such  Taxes (or any  asserted  deficiency,  claim,  demand,  action,  suit,
proceeding, judgment or assessment, including the defense or settlement thereof,
relating to such Taxes).

                  (b) Preparation of Tax Returns; Payment of Taxes.

                           (i) The  Sellers  shall cause the Company and each of
its Subsidiaries to file all the federal,  state,  local and foreign Tax Returns
required to be filed by the Company and each of its Subsidiaries for all periods
ending on or prior to the Closing  Date and shall pay any and all Taxes due with
respect to such  Returns to the extent not  reserved on the Closing Date Balance
Sheet. All Tax Returns described in this Section 10.4(b)(i) shall be prepared in
a manner  consistent with prior practice unless a past practice has been finally
determined  to be incorrect  by the  applicable  taxing  authority or a contrary
treatment  is required by  applicable  tax laws (or  judicial or  administrative
interpretations  thereof).  The Sellers  shall cause the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries  to provide the Purchaser with copies of such completed Tax Returns
at least 10 days prior to the filing date,  and the Purchaser  shall be provided
an opportunity to review and propose  changes to such Tax Returns and supporting
workpapers  and schedules  prior to the filing of such Tax Returns.  The Sellers
and  the  Purchaser  shall  attempt  in  good  faith  mutually  to  resolve  any
disagreements  regarding  such Tax  Returns  prior  to the due  date for  filing
thereof.

                           (ii)  Following the Closing,  the Purchaser  shall be
responsible for preparing or causing to be prepared all federal,  foreign, state
and  local  Tax  Returns  required  to be filed by the  Company  and each of its
Subsidiaries  for all periods which begin before and end after the Closing Date.
To the extent any Taxes  shown due on any such Tax Return are  indemnifiable  by
the Sellers, (A) the Purchaser shall provide the Sellers with copies of such Tax
Return at least 30 days prior to the due date for filing  such  return,  and (B)
the Sellers shall have the right to review and approve (which approval shall not
be  unreasonably  withheld)  such  Tax  Returns  for 15 days  following  receipt
thereof.  The  Sellers and  Purchaser  shall  attempt in good faith  mutually to
resolve any  disagreements  regarding such Tax Returns prior to the due date for
filing  thereof.  The  Purchaser  shall  file or cause to be filed  all such Tax


                                       42

<PAGE>


Returns on or prior to the due date, as it may be extended,  and shall,  subject
to receiving the payments from the Sellers referred to in Section  10.4(b)(iii),
pay the Taxes shown due thereon;  provided,  however,  that nothing contained in
the foregoing shall in any manner terminate, limit or adversely affect any right
of  Purchaser  Indemnified  Parties,  the  Sellers  or the  Company  to  receive
indemnification pursuant to any provision in this Agreement.

                           (iii) Not later  than 5 days  before the due date for
payment  of Taxes  with  respect  to any Tax  Returns  which  Purchaser  has the
responsibility  to file,  each of the Sellers  shall pay to the  Purchaser  such
Seller's  proportionate  share of an amount  equal to that  portion of the Taxes
shown on such return for which the Sellers have an  obligation  to indemnify the
Purchaser Indemnified Parties pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.4(a).

                           (iv) For  federal  income tax  purposes,  the taxable
year of the  Company and each of its  Subsidiaries  shall end as of the close of
the Closing Date and, with respect to all other Taxes of the Company and each of
its  Subsidiaries,  the Sellers and the  Purchaser  will,  unless  prohibited by
applicable  law,  close  the  taxable  period  of the  Company  and  each of its
Subsidiaries  as of the close of the Closing  Date.  Neither the Sellers nor the
Purchaser shall take any position  inconsistent  with the preceding  sentence on
any Tax Return. In any case where applicable law does not permit the Company and
each of its Subsidiaries to close its taxable year on the Closing Date or in any
case in which a Tax is assessed with respect to a taxable  period which includes
the Closing  Date (but does not begin or end on that day),  then Taxes,  if any,
attributable  to the taxable period of the Company and each of its  Subsidiaries
beginning before and ending after the Closing Date shall be allocated (i) to the
Sellers  for the  period  up to and  including  the  Closing  Date,  and (ii) to
Purchaser  for the period  subsequent  to the Closing  Date.  Any  allocation of
income or deductions  required to determine any Taxes attributable to any period
beginning  before  and  ending  after the  Closing  Date  shall be  prepared  by
Purchaser  and shall be made by means of a closing  of the books and  records of
the Company and each of its  Subsidiaries  as of the close of the Closing  Date,
provided that  exemptions,  allowances or deductions  that are  calculated on an
annual  basis  (including,  but not limited to,  depreciation  and  amortization
deductions) shall be allocated between the period ending on the Closing Date and
the period  after the Closing Date in  proportion  to the number of days in each
such period. The Purchaser shall provide the Sellers with a schedule showing the
computation  of each item which is subject to  allocation  under this Section at
least 30 days prior to the due date for filing a Tax Return for a taxable period
which includes the Closing Date. The Sellers shall have the right to review such
schedule,  and the Purchaser and Sellers shall attempt in good faith mutually to
resolve any  disagreements  regarding the  determination of any such allocation.
Any amount owing from Sellers  under this Section  10.4(b)(iv)  shall be paid no
later than five (5) days prior to the filing of the underlying Tax Return.  With
respect to the Tax  Returns of the Company  and its  Subsidiaries  for the first
taxable  period  following the Closing Date and  amendments  made  following the
Closing  Date to Tax  Returns of the Company  and its  Subsidiaries  for taxable
periods prior to the Closing Date,  the Purchaser  shall (i) notify or cause the
Company and its Subsidiaries to notify the Sellers'  Representatives at least 30
days  prior to the due date for  filing  such Tax  Returns  if such Tax  Returns
report any item in a manner  that is  inconsistent  with prior  years,  and (ii)
provide the Sellers'  Representatives  with an  opportunity  to consult with the
Purchaser and the Company in connection therewith.



                                       43

<PAGE>


                  (c) Cooperation with Respect to Tax Returns. Purchaser and the
Sellers  agree to furnish or cause to be  furnished  to each other,  and each at
their own expense, as promptly as practicable,  such information relating to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries  (including  access to books and records) and
assistance,  including making employees available on a mutually convenient basis
to provide  additional  information and explanations of any material provided as
is reasonably  necessary for the preparation  and filing of any Tax Return,  for
the preparation for any audit,  and for the prosecution or defense of any claim,
suit or  proceeding  relating  to any  adjustment  or proposed  adjustment  with
respect to Taxes of the Company or any Subsidiary. Purchaser, the Company or any
of its  Subsidiaries  shall  retain in its  possession,  and shall  provide  the
Sellers  reasonable  access to  (including  the right to make copies  of),  such
supporting  books and  records  and any other  materials  that the  Sellers  may
specify with respect to Tax matters  relating to any taxable period ending on or
prior to the Closing  Date or  relating  to the  portion of any  taxable  period
occurring  on  or  before  the  Closing  Date  until  the  relevant  statute  of
limitations  has  expired.  After  such  time,  Purchaser  may  dispose  of such
material,  provided  that  prior to such  disposition  Purchaser  shall give the
Sellers a reasonable opportunity to take possession of such materials.

                  (d) Tax Audits.

                           (i) The  Purchaser  shall  have  the  sole  right  to
represent the interests of the Company and each of its  Subsidiaries  in any Tax
audit or administrative  or court proceeding  relating to taxable periods of the
Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  beginning  after the  Closing  Date and to
employ  counsel of its choice at its  expense;  provided  that Jay  Gartlan  and
Sleepeck  Printing  shall each have the right to consult with such counsel.  The
Sellers agrees that they will cooperate  fully with Purchaser and its counsel in
the defense against or compromise of any claim in any said proceeding.

                           (ii) If any taxing  authority  in  writing  asserts a
claim,  makes an assessment  or otherwise  disputes or affects the Tax reporting
position of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for taxable periods ending on
or  prior to the  Closing  Date,  Purchaser  shall,  promptly  upon  receipt  by
Purchaser,  the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  of written notice  thereof,
inform the Sellers thereof.

                           (iii) Sellers'  Representatives  shall have the right
to represent  the interests of the Company and each of its  Subsidiaries  in any
Tax audit or administrative  or court proceeding  relating to taxable periods of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries ending on or prior to the Closing Date to
the extent  that it involves an asserted  Tax  liability  with  respect to which
indemnity is sought under Section  10.04.  The Purchaser  shall  cooperate,  and
shall cause the Company  and its  Subsidiaries  to  cooperate,  at the  Sellers'
expense,  with the  Sellers and their  counsel in the  defense  against any such
claim in any such  proceeding.  At the request of the Sellers'  Representatives,
the Purchaser shall grant a power of attorney to the Sellers' Representatives to
the extent reasonably necessary or required for the Sellers'  Representatives to
exercise their rights under this Section  10.4(d)  (iii).  The Sellers shall not
enter into on behalf of the Purchaser any  settlement  agreement with respect to
any asserted Tax liability  without the prior written  consent of the Purchaser,
which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.





                                       44

<PAGE>


                           (iv) The  Sellers  and the  Purchaser  jointly  shall
represent  the  interests of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  in any Tax
audit or  administrative  or court proceeding  relating to any taxable period of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which includes (but does not begin or end
on) the Closing Date. All costs,  fees and expenses paid to third parties in the
course of such proceeding shall be borne by the Sellers and the Purchaser in the
same ratio as the ratio in which,  pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,  the
Sellers  and the  Purchaser  would share the  responsibility  for payment of the
Taxes asserted by the taxing authority in such claim or assessment if such claim
or assessment were sustained in its entirety.

                  (e) Refund  Claims.  Except as  otherwise  provided in Section
10.4(f),  to the extent any determination of Tax liability of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries,  whether as the result of an audit or examination,  a claim
for refund, the filing of an amended return or otherwise,  results in any refund
of Taxes paid attributable to (i) any period which ends on or before the Closing
Date or (ii) any period  which  includes  the Closing Date but does not begin or
end on that day, any such refund shall belong to the Sellers,  provided  that in
the case of any Tax refund described in clause (ii) of this Section 10.4(e), the
portion of such Tax  refund  which  shall  belong to the  Sellers  shall be that
portion  that is  attributable  to the portion of that period  which ends on the
Closing Date  (determined on the basis of an interim  closing of the books as of
the Closing Date),  and Purchaser  shall  promptly pay any such refund,  and the
interest actually  received thereon,  to the Sellers upon receipt thereof by the
Purchaser  or by the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries.  Any and  all  other
refunds  shall belong to the  Purchaser.  Any  payments  made under this Section
10.4(e)  shall  be  net of  any  Taxes  payable  by  the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries  with respect to such refund,  credit or interest  thereon  (taking
into  account  any  actual  reduction  in Tax  liability  of the  Company or any
Subsidiary realized upon the payment pursuant to this Section 10.4(e)).

                  (f)  Carrybacks.  The Sellers  shall pay to the  Purchaser the
amount of any Tax benefit  (including  interest thereon) realized by the Sellers
or any Affiliate thereof as a result of the carryback of any Tax loss, deduction
or credit of the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  from any  taxable  period
beginning  after the Closing  Date to a taxable  period  ending on or before the
Closing Date. The Sellers shall pay such amount to Purchaser  within 10 Business
Days after such Tax benefit is realized  by the  Sellers or any  Affiliate  as a
refund or  otherwise,  provided that  Purchaser  shall return to the Sellers the
amount,  if any, by which the amount of such Tax benefit is  thereafter  reduced
pursuant to a final determination.

                  (g) Transfer Taxes.  The Sellers shall be liable for and shall
pay (and shall indemnify and hold harmless  Purchaser  against) all sales,  use,
stamp,  documentary,  filing,  recording,  transfer or similar  fees or taxes or
governmental  charges  (including,  without  limitation,  real property transfer
gains taxes,  UCC-3 filing fees,  FAA,  ICC,  DOT, real estate and motor vehicle
registration,  title  recording  or filing  fees and other  amounts  payable  in
respect of transfer  filings) as levied by any taxing  authority or governmental
agency in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (other
than taxes  measured by or with  respect to income  imposed on the Sellers or on
Purchaser or its  Affiliates).  The Sellers  hereby agree to file all  necessary
documents  (including,  but not limited to, all Tax Returns) with respect to all
such amounts in a timely manner.





                                       45



<PAGE>


                  (h) The  indemnification  provided  for in this  Section  10.4
shall be the sole remedy for any claim in respect of Taxes and the provisions of
Sections 10.1 through 10.3 hereof shall not apply to such claims.

                  (i) Any claim for  indemnity  under this  Section  10.4 may be
made at any time prior to 60 days after the  expiration  of the  applicable  Tax
statute of limitations  with respect to the relevant  taxable period  (including
all periods of extension, whether automatic of permissive).

                  Section 10.5 Tax Treatment of Indemnity Payments.

                  The Sellers  and the  Purchaser  agree to treat any  indemnity
payment made pursuant to this Article X as an  adjustment to the Purchase  Price
for federal, state, local and foreign income tax purposes.


                                   Article XI
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  Section 11.1 Certain Definitions.

                  "Affiliate"  means,  with  respect  to any  Person,  any other
Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person.

                  "Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday,  a Sunday or
a day on which  commercial  banks in New York City are authorized or required to
be closed.

                  "Code"  shall  mean the  Internal  Revenue  Code of  1986,  as
amended.

                  "Contract"  means any contract,  indenture,  note, bond, loan,
instrument, lease, commitment or other agreement.

                  "Claim" means any legal proceeding, claim or demand.

                  "Environmental Law" means any foreign, federal, state or local
statute,  regulation,  ordinance or rule of common law as currently in effect in
any way relating to the protection of human health and safety or the environment
including,   without  limitation,  the  Comprehensive   Environmental  Response,
Compensation  and  Liability  Act (42 U.S.C.  ss. 9601 et seq.),  the  Hazardous
Materials  Transportation  Act (49 U.S.C.  App. ss. 1801 et seq.),  the Resource
Conservation  and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. ss. 6901 et seq.), the Clean Water Act
(33 U.S.C.  ss. 1251 et seq.),  the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.  ss. 7401 et seq.),
the Toxic  Substances  Control  Act (15 U.S.C.  ss.  2601 et seq.),  the Federal
Insecticide,  Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. ss. 136 et seq.), and the
Occupational  Safety  and  Health  Act (29  U.S.C.  ss.  651 et  seq.),  and the
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

                  "GAAP"  means  generally  accepted  United  States  accounting
principles as of the date hereof.




                                       46


<PAGE>


                  "Governmental  Body" means any government or  governmental  or
regulatory body thereof,  or political  subdivision  thereof,  whether  federal,
state, local or foreign, or any agency, instrumentality or authority thereof, or
any court or arbitrator (public or private).

                  "Hazardous  Material"  means any substance,  material or waste
which is  regulated  by the United  States,  or any state or local  governmental
authority  including,   without  limitation,   petroleum  and  its  by-products,
asbestos, and any material or substance which is defined as a "hazardous waste,"
"hazardous  substance,"  "hazardous  material,"  "restricted  hazardous  waste,"
"industrial waste," "solid waste," "contaminant,"  "pollutant," "toxic waste" or
"toxic substance" under any provision of Environmental Law.

                  "Indebtedness"  means debt of the Company and its Subsidiaries
for borrowed money (including  letters of credit),  notes payable (including the
Sleepeck  Indebtedness),  obligations  to pay the  deferred  purchase  price  of
property or services, capitalized leases and guarantees, but shall exclude trade
accounts  payable  incurred and charges for liabilities  accrued in the ordinary
course of business,  in accordance  with GAAP and consistent with past practice.
For the  avoidance  of doubt,  the  indebtedness  of TCA to the  Company  or its
Subsidiaries  and the  indebtedness of TCB to Al Pearl and to the Company or its
Subsidiaries shall not be included in Indebtedness.

                  "Law"  means  any  federal,   state,   local  or  foreign  law
(including common law),  statute,  code,  ordinance,  rule,  regulation or other
requirement.

                  "Legal Proceeding" means any legal action,  suit,  proceeding,
investigation, claim or order.

                  "Lien"  means  any  lien,  pledge,  mortgage,  deed of  trust,
security  interest,  claim,  lease,  charge,  option,  right of  first  refusal,
easement,  servitude,  transfer  restriction  under any  shareholder  or similar
agreement, encumbrance or any other restriction or limitation whatsoever.

                  "Loss" means all losses,  liabilities,  obligations,  damages,
costs,  expenses and other amounts for which an indemnified party becomes liable
under Article X hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, the amount of a Loss and
the amount of any Expense shall be calculated after giving effect to any reserve
available  for the matter or  transaction  in question  reflected on the Closing
Date  Balance  Sheet,  and after  taking  into  account any  insurance  or other
third-party  payments tendered as compensation for such Loss or Expense accruing
to the  benefit of the  indemnified  party by reason of such Loss or Expense and
any tax effect by reason  thereof or by reason of the receipt of such  insurance
or other third party payments tendered as compensation for such Loss or Expense.

                  "Material Adverse Change" means any material adverse change in
the condition,  financial or otherwise, or in the earnings,  prospects, business
or operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                  "Order"  means  any  order,  injunction,  judgment,  decree or
ruling.

                  "Permit"  means  any  approvals,   authorizations,   consents,
licenses or permits.



                                       47


<PAGE>


                  "Permitted  Exceptions"  means  (i) all  defects,  exceptions,
restrictions, easements, rights of way and encumbrances disclosed in policies of
title insurance which have been provided to Purchaser;  (ii) statutory liens for
current taxes,  assessments or other governmental  charges not yet delinquent or
the amount or validity of which is being  contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings,  provided an  appropriate  reserve is established  therefor;  (iii)
mechanics',  carriers',  workers',  repairers'  and  similar  Liens  arising  or
incurred  in the  ordinary  course  of  business  that are not  material  to the
business,  operations  and financial  condition of the property so encumbered or
the  Company;  (iv)  zoning,  entitlement  and other land use and  environmental
regulations by any  Governmental  Body,  provided that such regulations have not
been violated;  and (v) such other imperfections in title,  charges,  easements,
restrictions and encumbrances  which do not materially detract from the value of
or materially  interfere with the present use of any property leased pursuant to
a Real Property Lease subject thereto or affected thereby.

                  "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, firm,
joint  venture,   association,   joint-stock  company,   trust,   unincorporated
organization, Governmental Body or other entity.

                  "RCC" means Retail Communications Corp.

                  "Release"  means  any  release,   spill,  emission,   leaking,
pumping, injection,  deposit, disposal,  discharge,  dispersal, or leaching into
the indoor or outdoor environment, or into or out of any property.

                  "Remedial  Action" means all actions to (x) clean up,  remove,
treat or in any other way  address  any  Hazardous  Material;  (y)  prevent  the
Release  of any  Hazardous  Material  so it does not  endanger  or  threaten  to
endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor  environment;  or (z)
perform pre-remedial studies and investigations or post-remedial  monitoring and
care.

                  "Sleepeck  Indebtedness" means all indebtedness of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries to Sleepeck Printing,  including  principal,  accrued
and unpaid interest and expenses  payable by the Company or a Subsidiary,  other
than indebtedness on account for goods or services provided by Sleepeck Printing
in the ordinary  course,  unless such  indebtedness  has been outstanding for 90
days or more on the Closing Date, with the exception of indebtedness outstanding
for 90 days or more on the Closing  Date that  relates to payables  for printing
services  performed for the benefit of Gary Farn Ltd. or Zaharoff  provided that
the related  accounts  receivable of the Company or its  Subsidiaries  from such
customers exceeds the related payable by the appropriate  amount of gross profit
and other related ordinary course ancillary charges.

                  "Sleepeck Lockbox" means the Sleepeck Printing lockbox account
(account  number  99475)  at the Bank of  America,  231  South  LaSalle  Street,
Chicago, Illinois.

                  "Subsidiary"  means  any  Person  of which a  majority  of the
outstanding  voting  securities  or other  voting  equity  interests  are owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Company.

                  "Superior Proposal" means an unsolicited bona fide offer by an
unaffiliated third party to purchase a majority of the Company's Common Stock or


                                       48

<PAGE>


substantially  all of the assets of the Company and its  Subsidiaries at a value
significantly higher than that implied by this Agreement.

                  "Taxes" shall mean any income,  gross income,  gross receipts,
profits,  capital  stock,  franchise,   business,  withholding  payroll,  social
security, workers compensation,  unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem,
stamp, excise, occupation, service, sales, use, license, lease, commercial rent,
transfer,  import,  export,  customs  duties,  value added,  goods and services,
alternative  minimum,  estimated  or  other  similar  tax  (including  any  fee,
assessment,  or other  charge in the nature of or in lieu of any tax) imposed by
any  Governmental  Body,  and any  interest,  penalties,  additions  to tax,  or
additional amounts in respect of the foregoing.

                  "Tax  Return"  means  all  returns,   declarations,   reports,
estimates, information returns and statements required to be filed in respect of
any Taxes.

                  "Working Capital" means, without  duplication,  the sum of (i)
accounts  receivable,  net of an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts,  plus (ii)
inventory,  plus (iii) taxes  receivable,  minus (iv)  accounts  payable  (which
includes accrued expenses and other current liabilities), minus (v) the Sleepeck
Indebtedness,  all as would be reflected on a balance sheet of RCC,  prepared in
accordance with GAAP on a basis  consistent with the financial  statements which
have  previously  been delivered to the  Purchaser.  For the avoidance of doubt,
accounts  receivable  which have been  written-off or accounts  receivable which
relate to  bill-and-hold  arrangements  shall not be included in Working Capital
for purposes of this definition.

                  In addition,  the  following  terms shall have the  respective
meanings set forth in the Section noted below:

                  Additional Indemnification Amount..................2.3(c)
                  Aged Accounts Receivable...........................2.3(c)
                  Agreement..........................................Recitals
                  Agreement Duties...................................11.14
                  Arcade Group.......................................6.1
                  Balance Sheet......................................4.7
                  Balance Sheet Date.................................4.7
                  Basket.............................................10.2(a)
                  Benefit Plans......................................4.15(a)
                  Ceiling............................................10.2(a)
                  Cellesence Matter..................................4.17
                  Claim..............................................10.3(a)
                  Closing............................................3.1
                  Collection Date....................................2.3(c)
                  Closing Date.......................................3.1
                  Closing Date Balance Sheet.........................2..4
                  Collection Date....................................2.3(c)
                  Collection Period..................................2.3(c)
                  Common Stock.......................................Recitals
                  Company............................................Recitals
                  Confidentiality Agreements.........................6.1



                                       49


<PAGE>

                  Consultants........................................4.13(b)
                  Consulting Agreement...............................8.1(n)
                  Determination Date.................................2.1
                  DLJ................................................5.6
                  Employee Receivables...............................4.21(b)
                  Employees..........................................4.15(a)
                  Employment Agreement...............................8.1(m)
                  ERISA..............................................4.15(a)
                  ERISA Affiliate....................................4.15(c)
                  Escrow Agent.......................................2.3(a)
                  Escrow Agreement...................................2.3(a)
                  Estimated Purchase Price...........................2.2
                  Expenses...........................................10.1(a)(iv)
                  Financial Statements...............................4.7
                  FIRPTA Affidavit...................................8.1(i)
                  HSR Act............................................4.5(b)
                  Indemnification Escrow Account.....................2.3(b)
                  Indemnification Escrow Amount......................2.3(b)
                  Intellectual Property..............................4.13(a)
                  January Memo.......................................4.3(b)
                  June 30, 1999 Balance Sheet........................4.7
                  Loss...............................................11.15
                  Material Adverse Effect............................4.1
                  Material Contracts.................................4.14
                  Maximum Obligation.................................10.2(b)
                  Nonbreaching Parties...............................11.4
                  Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement.....8.1(p)
                  Options............................................Recitals
                  Options Exercise ..................................4.3(a)
                  Outstanding Receivables............................4.21(b)
                  Pearl Consulting Agreement.........................6.8
                  Pension Plan.......................................4.15(b)
                  Personal Property Leases...........................4.12(a)
                  Plans..............................................4.15(b)
                  Printing Services Agreement........................8.1(o)
                  Purchase Price.....................................2.1
                  Purchase Price Escrow Amount.......................2.3(a)
                  Purchaser..........................................Recitals
                  Purchaser Documents................................5.2
                  Purchaser Group....................................6.1
                  Purchaser Indemnified Parties......................10.1(a)
                  Real Property Leases...............................4.11
                  Receivable Escrow Amount...........................2.3(c)
                  Related Costs......................................10.4
                  Retcom Confidentiality Agreement...................6.1
                  Securities Act.....................................5.5


                                       50

<PAGE>


                  Seller Documents...................................4.2
                  Seller Indemnified Parties.........................10.1(c)
                  Sellers' Representatives...........................11.14
                  Shares.............................................Recitals
                  Sharing Ratios.....................................2.1
                  Sleepeck Confidentiality Agreement.................6.1
                  Sleepeck Printing..................................4.21(c)
                  Supplemental Closing...............................2.4(a)
                  System.............................................4.26
                  TCA................................................7.2
                  TCB................................................7.2
                  Uncollected Receivables Amount.....................2.3(c)
                  1998 Interim Balance Sheet.........................2.1
                  1998 Working Capital...............................2.1



                  Section 11.2 Survival.

                  The parties hereto hereby agree that the  representations  and
warranties  and agreements  contained in this  Agreement or in any  certificate,
document or  instrument  delivered in  connection  herewith,  shall  survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing  hereunder,  regardless
of any investigation made by the parties hereto (except as otherwise provided in
Section 6.1),  and that claims based upon any of them may be asserted in writing
until  January 2, 2001;  provided,  however,  that  claims  with  respect to the
representations  and  warranties  contained  in Sections  4.2, 4.3 and 4.6 shall
survive for three (3) years from the Closing  Date and all claims based on fraud
shall  survive  for  the  applicable  statute  of  limitations.  The  agreements
contained in Articles  VII and X shall  survive the Closing in  accordance  with
their respective terms.

                  Section 11.3 Expenses.

                  Whether  or  not  the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  are
consummated,  each party shall bear its own fees and expenses in connection with
the proposed transaction, including but not limited to attorney's,  accountant's
and  consultant's  fees,  provided that the  Purchaser,  solely,  shall bear the
expense  of all  filings  fees  required  under  the  HSR Act or any  other  law
regarding competition; and provided further, that in the event this Agreement is
terminated  at any time prior to Closing by either the Sellers or the  Purchaser
for  material  breach  or  default  by the  other  party  of the  terms  of this
Agreement,  and such breach or default,  in the aggregate,  could  reasonably be
expected to result in a Loss of at least $50,000,  then the breaching party will
pay  or  reimburse  the  Sellers  or the  Purchaser,  as the  case  may be  (the
"Nonbreaching  Parties"),  for the out-of-pocket  costs and expenses incurred by
the Nonbreaching  Parties (but if the Purchaser is the breaching party, then the
Purchaser  shall not be liable for the fees and  expenses of more than  Dilworth
Paxon LLP as counsel for the Sellers and if one of the Sellers is the  breaching
party,  then the Sellers  shall not be liable for the fees and  expenses of more
than one set of counsel for the  Purchaser) in connection  with the  preparation
and negotiation of the Agreement and the parties' due diligence investigations.



                                       51

<PAGE>


                  Section 11.4 Specific Performance.

                  (a) The Sellers  acknowledge  and agree that in the event of a
breach of this Agreement by the Sellers, including the Sellers' failure to close
the  transactions  contemplated  hereby  in  accordance  with the  terms of this
Agreement,  the  Purchaser  would be  irreparably  damaged and would not have an
adequate  remedy at law.  Therefore,  the  obligations of the Sellers under this
Agreement,  including,  without limitation,  the Sellers' obligation to sell the
Shares  to  the  Purchaser,  shall  be  enforceable  by  a  decree  of  specific
performance  issued  by any court of  competent  jurisdiction,  and  appropriate
injunctive relief may be applied for and granted in connection  therewith.  Such
remedies  shall,  however,  be  cumulative  and not  exclusive  and  shall be in
addition to any other  remedies which any party may have under this Agreement or
otherwise.

                  Section 11.5 Further Assurances.

                  The Sellers and the  Purchaser  shall execute and deliver such
other documents or agreements and to take such other action as may be reasonably
necessary  or  desirable  for  the  implementation  of  this  Agreement  and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  Section 11.6 Arbitration.

                  Except as herein may be provided to the contrary, all disputes
between the Sellers and Purchaser, including, without limitation, those relating
to this Agreement,  shall be resolved by arbitration as provided in this Section
11.6. This agreement to arbitrate shall survive the rescission or termination of
this Agreement.  All arbitration  shall be conducted  pursuant to the Commercial
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association and shall be conducted
in the Borough of Manhattan,  The City of New York, unless otherwise agreed in a
signed  writing by all of the parties to any such  arbitration.  The decision of
the arbitrators shall be final and binding on all parties. All arbitration shall
be undertaken pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, where applicable, and the
decision  of the  arbitrators  shall be  enforceable  in any court of  competent
jurisdiction.

                  Section 11.7 Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers.

                  This Agreement  (including the schedules and exhibits  hereto)
and the  Confidentiality  Agreements  represent  the  entire  understanding  and
agreement  between the parties  hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof
(and  supersedes  the letter of intent  dated July 27, 1999) and can be amended,
supplemented or changed, and any provision hereof can be waived, only by written
instrument  making  specific  reference  to this  Agreement  signed by the party
against whom  enforcement of any such  amendment,  supplement,  modification  or
waiver is sought. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 8.1 or 8.2, no action
taken  pursuant  to  this   Agreement,   including   without   limitation,   any
investigation  by or on behalf of any  party,  shall be deemed to  constitute  a
waiver by the party taking such action of  compliance  with any  representation,
warranty,  covenant or agreement  contained  herein.  Subject to Section 6.1, if
applicable,  the waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this
Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a further or continuing waiver of
such breach or as a waiver of any other or subsequent  breach. No failure on the



                                       53
<PAGE>

part of any party to exercise,  and no delay in exercising,  any right, power or
remedy  hereunder  shall  operate as a waiver  thereof,  except as  provided  in
Section 11.2, nor shall any single or partial  exercise of such right,  power or
remedy by such  party  preclude  any other or  further  exercise  thereof or the
exercise  of any other  right,  power or  remedy.  All  remedies  hereunder  are
cumulative and are not exclusive of any other remedies provided by law.

                  Section 11.8 Governing Law.

                  This   Agreement   shall  be  governed  by  and  construed  in
accordance  with  the laws of the  State  of New  York,  without  regard  to the
conflicts of laws principles thereof.

                  Section 11.9 Table of Contents and Headings.

                  The table of contents and section  headings of this  Agreement
are  for  reference  purposes  only  and  are  to be  given  no  effect  in  the
construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

                  Section 11.10 Notices.

                  All  notices  and other  communications  under this  Agreement
shall be in writing  and shall be deemed  given  when  delivered  personally  or
mailed by certified mail,  return receipt  requested,  to the parties (and shall
also be transmitted by facsimile to the Persons receiving copies thereof) at the
following  addresses (or to such other address as a party may have  specified by
notice given to the other party pursuant to this provision):

                  If to the Purchaser:

                           Arcade Marketing, Inc.
                           120 East 56th Street
                           Twelfth Floor
                           New York, New York  10022
                           Attention:  Chief Executive Officer
                           Fax:     (212) 223-5776

                  and to:

                           Arcade Marketing, Inc.
                           1815 East Main Street
                           Chattanooga, Tennessee  37404
                           Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
                           Fax:     (423) 622-4635









                                       53


<PAGE>


                  with a copy to:

                           Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                           590 Madison Avenue
                           New York, New York  10022
                           Attention:  Edward D. Sopher
                           Fax:     (212) 872-1002

                  If to the Sellers:

                           Jay Gartlan
                           c/o Retail Communications Corp.
                           350 Fifth Avenue
                           Suite 7920
                           New York, New York  10018
                           Fax:     (212) 465-8135

                  with a copy to:

                           Dilworth Paxson LLP
                           457 Haddonfield Road
                           Suite 700
                           Cherry Hill, New Jersey  08002
                           Attention:  Harold G. Cohen
                           Fax:     (609) 663-8855

                  and to:

                           Sleepeck Printing Company
                           815 Twenty-Fifth Avenue
                           Bellwood, Illinois  60104
                           Attention:  Vice President - Finance
                           Fax:     (708) 544-8928












                                       54

<PAGE>


                  with a copy to:

                           Jenner & Block
                           One IBM Plaza
                           Chicago, Illinois 60611
                           Attention:  Arthur Martin
                           Fax:     (312) 527-0484

                  If to Michael Berman:

                           1346 Curtis Road
                           Southampton, Pennsylvania  18966
                           Attention:  Michael Berman
                           Fax:     (215) 953-5069

                  with a copy to:

                           Tenzer Greenblatt LLP
                           The Chrysler Building
                           405 Lexington Avenue
                           New York, New York  10174
                           Attention:  Michael S. Mullman
                           Fax:     (212) 885-5001

                  Section 11.11 Severability.

                  If  any   provision   of  this   Agreement   is   invalid   or
unenforceable, the balance of this Agreement shall remain in effect.

                  Section 11.12 Binding Effect; Assignment.

                  This Agreement  shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in
this Agreement  shall create or be deemed to create any third party  beneficiary
rights in any person or entity not a party to this Agreement  except as provided
below. No assignment of this Agreement or of any rights or obligations hereunder
may be made by either  the  Sellers or the  Purchaser  (by  operation  of law or
otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto and any
attempted  assignment  without the required  consents  shall be void;  provided,
however,  that the Purchaser may assign this  Agreement and any or all rights or
obligations hereunder (including,  without limitation, the Purchaser's rights to
purchase  the  Shares  and  the  Purchaser's  rights  to  seek   indemnification
hereunder) to any Affiliate of the Purchaser;  provided,  however, that any such
assignment to an Affiliate of the  Purchaser  shall not relieve the Purchaser of
its  obligations  hereunder  or  under  any  Purchaser  Document.  Upon any such
permitted  assignment,  the references in this Agreement to the Purchaser  shall
also apply to any such assignee unless the context otherwise requires.



                                       55

<PAGE>

                  Section 11.13 Sellers' Representatives.

                  Jay  Gartlan,  Michael  Berman  and  a  designee  of  Sleepeck
Printing,  acting by  majority,  or such  other  persons as shall  succeed  them
pursuant to this Section  11.13,  are hereby  designated as the  representatives
(the  "Sellers'  Representatives")  to act for and  represent  the Sellers  with
respect  to all  matters  arising  out of  Article X hereof  and in those  other
matters  with  respect  to which  this  Agreement  specifies  that the  Sellers'
Representatives  shall so act,  as well as matters  which  require  notice to be
given to the Sellers under this Agreement.

                  Each Seller hereby fully authorizes and empowers each Sellers'
Representative  to act for such Seller and for all other  Sellers in the matters
to which authority is delegated to the Sellers' Representative in this Agreement
(the "Agreement  Duties"),  and agrees that each Sellers'  Representative  shall
have such  authority  in addition to what is  expressly  set forth  herein as is
necessary  to  facilitate  disposition  of all such  Agreement  Duties  and that
actions taken pursuant to that additional authority shall be comprehended within
the term Agreement  Duties.  Each Seller further agrees and acknowledges that in
acting as a Sellers'  Representative,  no  Sellers'  Representative  assumes the
status of a  fiduciary  for the Sellers or any of them,  but serves  solely as a
volunteer for the  convenience of all, and each Seller hereby agrees and assents
to, and waives any right to make any claim  based  upon,  each and every real or
apparent conflict of interest each Sellers' Representative may have with respect
to such Agreement Duties.  Each Seller agrees that each Sellers'  Representative
shall be  entitled  to payment of all  expenses  they incur in  discharging  the
Agreement Duties, and reasonable compensation for their time spent in so acting,
from the Sellers in accordance with their Sharing Ratios or, if available,  from
funds  held   pursuant  to  the  Escrow   Agreement,   and  that  the   Sellers'
Representatives shall have no liability to any Seller for any action or omission
to act in the  discharge  of the  Agreement  Duties,  except in the event of the
Sellers'  Representatives'  gross negligence or willful misconduct.  The Sellers
agree jointly and  severally to indemnify and hold each Sellers'  Representative
harmless  from and  against any claims made  against  them  arising out of their
actions or failures to act in the discharge of the Agreement Duties and from and
against  all  costs  and  expenses,   including  attorneys'  fees,  incurred  in
investigating, defending and resolving any such claim, except to the extent that
any such  claims  are  determined  to arise out of gross  negligence  or willful
misconduct.

                  Section 11.14Disclaimer of Certain Kinds of Damages.

                  Notwithstanding   any  other   provision  of  this   Agreement
(including  those  provisions  which use and define the term  "Loss"),  no party
shall be  liable  to  another,  whether  for  breach of  contract,  warranty  or
representation,  for consequential damages,  including loss of revenues, loss of
profits,  down time, extra production or labor costs or increased overhead,  and
no party shall be liable to another for punitive damages.

                            [SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]



                                       56
<PAGE>


                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have caused this Agreement to
be executed as of the day first written above.

PURCHASER:                             AKI, INC.


                                       By:  /S/ WILLIAM FOX
                                            ---------------
                                       Name:William Fox
                                       Title:    President

SELLERS:                               /S/ MICHAEL  BERGMAN
                                       --------------------
                                       Michael Berman


                                       /S/ PAUL PEARL
                                       --------------
                                       Paul Pearl


                                       /S/ JAY GARTLAN
                                       ---------------
                                       Jay Gartlan


                                       /S/ STUART FLEISCHER
                                       --------------------
                                       Stuart Fleischer


                                       SLEEPECK PRINTING COMPANY


                                       By:  /S/ MICHAEL W. SLEEPECK
                                            -----------------------
                                       Name:    Michael W. Sleepeck
                                       Title:   President

                                       RETAIL TCA CORPORATION


                                       By:  /S/ STUART FLEISCHER
                                            --------------------
                                       Name:    Stuart Fleischer
                                       Title:   President

                                       RETAIL TCB CORPORATION


                                       By:  /S/ PAUL PEARL
                                            --------------
                                       Name:    Paul Pearl
                                       Title:   President


                                       57




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                                  EXHIBIT 12.1



                                        AKI HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                 COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                              (dollars in thousands)


                                                Predecessor                                         The Company
                          ------------------------------------------------------    -----------------------------------------

                          Fiscal Year Ended June 30,       July 1, 1997 through      December 16, 1997        Fiscal Year Ended
                          --------------------------       --------------------      -----------------        -----------------
                                                             December 15, 1997      through June 30, 1998       June 30, 1999
                                                             -----------------      ---------------------       -------------
                           1995      1996     1997
                           ----      ----     ----
<S>                        <C>       <C>      <C>           <C>                     <C>                       <C>

Income (loss) before
  income taxes......       $7,247    $4,279   $7,117                   $3,234                   $(7,545)               $(5,456)

Add:
Interest on all
  indebtedness which
  includes amortization
  of deferred financing
  costs.............        6,170     6,762    6,203                    2,646                     11,327                 16,740
                            -----     -----    -----                    -----                     ------                 ------


Earnings available for
  fixed charges.....       13,417    11,041   13,320                    5,880                      3,782                 11,284
Fixed charges.......        6,170     6,762    6,203                    2,646                     11,327                 16,740
                            -----     -----    -----                    -----                     ------                 ------

Ratio of earnings to
  fixed charges.....         2.2x      1.6x     2.1x                     2.2x                         --                     --



Earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed charges by $7,545 and $5,456 for the
period from  December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1999, respectively.




<PAGE>



                                             AKI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                 COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                              (dollars in thousands)


                                                 Predecessor                                              AKI, Inc.
                          ------------------------------------------------------     ---------------------------------------------

                          Fiscal Year Ended June 30,    July 1, 1997 through          December 16, 1997       Fiscal Year Ended June
                          --------------------------    ---------------------         ------------------      ----------------------
                                                          December 15, 1997          through June 30, 1998           30, 1999
                                                          -----------------          ---------------------           --------
                           1995     1996      1997
                           ----     ----      ----
<S>                        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>                          <C>                      <C>

Income (loss) before
  income taxes......        $7,247   $4,279   $7,117                 $3,234                    $(7,487)                   $(1,744)

Add:
Interest on all
  indebtedness which
  includes amortization
  of deferred financing
  costs.............         6,170    6,762    6,203                  2,646                      11,269                     13,028
                             -----    -----    -----                  -----                      ------                     ------

Earnings available for
  fixed charges.....        13,417   11,041   13,320                  5,880                       3,782                     11,284
Fixed charges.......         6,170    6,762    6,203                  2,646                      11,269                     13,028
                             -----    -----    -----                  -----                      ------                     ------

Ratio of earnings to
  fixed charges.....        2.2x       1.6x     2.1x                   2.2x                          --                         --



Earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed charges by $7,487 and $1,744 for the
period from  December  16, 1997  through June 30, 1998 and the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1999, respectively.

</TABLE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1



                        SUBSIDIARIES OF AKI HOLDING CORP.


AKI Holding Corp.'s only direct subsidiary is AKI, Inc.

AKI, Inc.'s only direct subsidiaries are Scent Seal Inc., Arcade Europe SARL and
RetCom Holdings Ltd.

RetCom Holdings Ltd.'s direct subsidiaries are:
RCC Retail Concepts Corp.
RetCom Holdings Europe Ltd.
RCC Product Development Corp.
Encapsulation Services Inc




                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                       ----------------------------------

We  hereby  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in this  Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of AKI,  Inc. (a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of AKI Holding
Corp.) and  Subsidiaries  of our report dated July 31, 1999,  except for Note 18
which is as of  September  15,  1999,  relating  to the  consolidated  financial
statements which appears in AKI, Inc. (a wholly-owned  subsidiary of AKI Holding
Corp.) and Subsidiaries'  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30,
1999. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Registration Statement.



/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
September 28, 1999


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2




                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                      ----------------------------------

We  hereby  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in this  Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of AKI Holding Corp. (a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of AHC I
Acquisition  Corp.) and  Subsidiaries of our report dated July 31, 1999,  except
for Note 19 which is as of  September  15,  1999,  relating to the  consolidated
financial  statements  which  appears  in  AKI  Holding  Corp.  (a  wholly-owned
subsidiary of AHC I Acquisition  Corp.) and Subsidiaries'  Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended June 30, 1999.  We also  consent to the  reference to us
under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.


/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
September 28, 1999

WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>



<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1999             JUN-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1999             JUL-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1999             JUN-30-1999
<CASH>                                           7,015                   7,015
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   16,538                  16,538
<ALLOWANCES>                                       251                     251
<INVENTORY>                                      5,109                   5,109
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                29,295                  29,295
<PP&E>                                          24,245                  24,245
<DEPRECIATION>                                   5,734                   5,734
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 213,579                 213,579
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           14,442                  14,442
<BONDS>                                        146,000                 146,000
                                0                       0
                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                             0                       0
<OTHER-SE>                                      49,797                  49,797
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   213,579                 213,579
<SALES>                                         16,988                  85,967
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                16,988                  85,967
<CGS>                                           11,291                  55,199
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   11,291                  55,199
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   114                     240
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,237                  16,740
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (3,870)                 (5,456)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (1,021)                   (340)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (2,849)                 (5,116)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (2,849)                 (5,116)
<EPS-BASIC>                                        0                       0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0                       0




</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>




<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1999             JUN-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1999             JUL-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1999             JUN-30-1999
<CASH>                                           7,015                   7,015
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   16,538                  16,538
<ALLOWANCES>                                       251                     251
<INVENTORY>                                      5,109                   5,109
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                29,295                  29,295
<PP&E>                                          24,245                  24,245
<DEPRECIATION>                                   5,734                   5,734
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 210,853                 210,853
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           14,442                  14,442
<BONDS>                                        116,349                 116,349
                                0                       0
                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                             0                       0
<OTHER-SE>                                      76,722                  76,722
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   210,853                 210,853
<SALES>                                         16,988                  85,967
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                16,988                  85,967
<CGS>                                           11,291                  55,199
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   11,291                  55,199
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   114                     240
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,276                  13,028
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (2,909)                 (1,744)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     (734)                     847
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (2,175)                 (2,591)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (2,175)                 (2,591)
<EPS-BASIC>                                        0                       0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0                       0



</TABLE>


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