LEE SARA CORP
10-K, 1998-09-24
FOOD AND KINDRED PRODUCTS
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                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                ----------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
(MARK ONE)
 
  /X/              ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                      OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                      FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 27, 1998
                                        OR
  / /            TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                      OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
      FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ________________ TO ________________
 
                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-03344
 
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                              SARA LEE CORPORATION
 
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
             MARYLAND                               36-2089049
     (State of incorporation)             (I.R.S. Employer Identification
                                                       No.)
    THREE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA
         CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                          60602-4260
  (Address of principal executive                   (Zip Code)
             offices)
 
       Registrant's telephone number including area code: (312) 726-2600
 
                                ----------------
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
 
                                               NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
        TITLE OF EACH CLASS                     ON WHICH REGISTERED
- -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
 Common Stock, $1.33 1/3 par value      The Chicago Stock Exchange
                                        The New York Stock Exchange
                                        The Pacific Exchange
                                        Amsterdam Stock Exchange
                                        The Bourse (Paris)
                                        The Swiss Exchange
                                        The Stock Exchange (London)
  Preferred Stock Purchase Rights       The Chicago Stock Exchange
                                        The New York Stock Exchange
                                        The Pacific Exchange
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
                                      NONE
                                 --------------
 
    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all required
reports 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) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /X/ No
 
    Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's 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. / /
 
    As of September 1, 1998, the aggregate market value of the voting and
non-voting common equity (based upon the closing price per share of Common Stock
on the New York Stock Exchange on such date) held by non-affiliates of the
registrant was approximately $21.4 billion.
 
    On September 1, 1998, the registrant had outstanding 458,598,930 shares of
common stock, par value $1.33 1/3 per share, which is the registrant's only
class of common stock.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
    Portions of the Company's Proxy Statement, dated September 21, 1998, are
incorporated by reference into Items 10-12 of Part III.
 
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                                     PART I
 
Item 1. Business.
 
                      (A) GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
 
    Sara Lee Corporation ("Sara Lee" or the "Corporation") is a global
manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, brand-name products for consumers
throughout the world. Sara Lee has operations in more than 40 countries and
markets branded products in more than 140 countries. It was organized in
Baltimore, Maryland in 1939 as the C.D. Kenny Company and adopted its current
name in 1985.
 
    Sara Lee's mission is to continue to build leadership brands in consumer
packaged goods categories. Sara Lee currently has 32 "megabrands", defined as a
brand with sales of more than $100 million. While Sara Lee's mission has
remained unchanged over the years, in fiscal 1998 Sara Lee embarked on a program
designed to reshape the Corporation to enable the Corporation to produce higher
returns on a smaller asset base. Sara Lee's decision to undertake the program
was prompted by fundamental changes in the economic environment in which it
operates. Historically, Sara Lee has manufactured the branded consumer products
it markets. The Corporation's strategy was to vertically integrate the
manufacturing processes into the business in order to assure a readily available
product source that met quality standards. In recent years, alternative sources
of competitively priced manufactured products have increased and excess
manufacturing capacity has developed in the markets for certain of the
Corporation's products. These competitive sources have allowed the Corporation
to purchase needed commodities from a number of suppliers at prices which are
less than, or equal to, prior manufacturing costs. These forces also create
opportunities for Sara Lee to build stockholder value and Sara Lee intends to
take advantage of these opportunities by focusing Sara Lee's energies on
knowledge-based skills that will characterize successful companies of the
future.
 
    Sara Lee announced its new strategic direction on September 15, 1997. The
program is intended to more tightly focus Sara Lee's business activity and make
Sara Lee more competitive. The goal of the program is to create an organization
that is less vertically integrated (by divesting, to the extent practical and
possible, operating assets), owns fewer fixed assets and uses knowledge-based
skills to develop and market products. Sara Lee has coined the term
"de-verticalization" to describe this process. Sara Lee has also committed to
repurchase $3 billion of the Corporation's common stock by the end of fiscal
year 2000. As of August 31, 1998, Sara Lee had completed the repurchase of
approximately 29 million shares at a total cost of $1.6 billion. In connection
with Sara Lee's adoption of a new strategic focus, Sara Lee also restructured
its worldwide operations. The restructuring resulted in an after-tax charge
$1.625 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 1998. The planned restructuring
activities include the disposition of 116 manufacturing and distribution
facilities. The restructuring charge was related primarily to the sale and write
down of assets that Sara Lee has determined it does not need to own in order to
fulfill its primary mission of building brands on a global basis. Of the total
after-tax provision, 89% or approximately $1.45 billion is non-cash and 11%, or
approximately $176 million, will require cash outflows. The restructuring is
discussed in greater detail in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
    In fiscal 1998, Sara Lee renamed three lines of business. Sara Lee Foods
replaces Packaged Meats and Bakery; Coffee and Tea replaces Coffee and Grocery;
and Branded Apparel replaces Personal Products. Household and Body Care remains
the same. A fifth line of business, Foodservice, which was previously a part of
Packaged Meats and Bakery, has been added.
 
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SARA LEE FOODS
 
    Sara Lee Packaged Meats had sales of $4.3 billion in fiscal 1998, holding a
leading position in the $25 billion U.S. packaged meats industry. Sara Lee
Packaged Meats is the world's number one packaged meats company, with brands
marketed in the United States, Mexico, Europe (where it is the leading packaged
meats company) and Asia. In response to consumer demand for healthful products
and on-the-go meal solutions, Sara Lee Packaged Meats continued to focus on
convenient and "better-for-you" products, including reduced-fat and low-calorie
products during fiscal 1998. This focus, combined with lower commodity prices
throughout the year, enabled Sara Lee Packaged Meats to grow sales and profits
to record levels, excluding the restructuring charge. Worldwide unit volumes
increased 2%, driven primarily by new products and product innovations designed
to meet consumer demand for convenience and variety. During fiscal 1998, a
number of Sara Lee's packaged meats companies, such as Hillshire Farm, Bil Mar
Foods and Bessin Foods introduced new reduced-fat and "better-for-you" products.
Nearly one-third of Sara Lee's retail meat sales are generated by reduced-fat
and low-calorie products. Sara Lee Packaged Meats also expanded its line of
convenient, easy to cook products in fiscal 1998.
 
    Sara Lee Bakery maintained its leadership position as the top frozen-baked
goods brand in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. In fiscal
1998, Sara Lee Bakery had sales of $1.1 billion. Worldwide unit volumes,
excluding acquisitions, were comparable to fiscal 1997 levels. Worldwide, the
Bakery markets its products through multiple channels of distribution, including
retail, bakery-deli and foodservice. During fiscal 1998, Sara Lee Bakery
continued to pursue growth and expansion opportunities in international markets.
Currently, approximately 40% of total Bakery sales are generated outside the
U.S. In fiscal 1998, Sara Lee acquired Grand Metropolitan's frozen and chilled
cakes business. This acquisition, combined with Sara Lee's fiscal 1997
acquisition of Finnegan's Famous Cakes, enabled Sara Lee Bakery to increase its
product offerings in the United Kingdom under the Sara Lee name. In India, the
acquisition of the NUTRINE brand will serve as an introduction into this
developing Bakery market. Sara Lee Bakery also introduced and expanded its
distribution of a number of new products, including new ambient and chilled
products. In response to consumer demand, in fiscal 1998, Sara Lee also expanded
the number of products with microwaveability, smaller or single-serving sizes
and added convenience.
 
COFFEE AND TEA
 
    Sara Lee Coffee and Tea reported sales of $2.8 billion in fiscal 1998, down
0.3% from the prior year. Operating income, excluding the restructuring charge,
fell 2.5% to $429 million. These results were impacted by the strength of the
U.S. dollar relative to European currencies. Excluding the effects of currency,
sales and operating income for Coffee and Tea grew 9%.
 
    Sara Lee maintained a leading position in the $15 billion European roasted
coffee category in fiscal 1998, on the strength of its well-known coffee brands,
including DOUWE EGBERTS, MAISON DU CAFE, MARCILLA and MERRILD. Sara Lee Coffee
and Tea also continued to lead in the out-of-home coffee segment in Europe and
the United States. The out-of-home business provides coffee, tea, juices and
equipment to foodservice customers such as restaurants, schools, businesses, and
hospitals in 50 countries. Unit volumes for roasted coffee declined 7% during
fiscal 1998, reflecting the impact of higher green coffee costs which resulted
in increased consumer prices throughout most of the year.
 
    New geographic markets, expanded channels of distribution and innovative
product development remain the principal tools of growth for Sara Lee's coffee
business. In fiscal 1998, Sara Lee entered the South American market with the
acquisition of the Brazilian coffee company Cafe do Ponto, which has the number
two position in Brazil. New product development for Sara Lee Coffee and Tea
emphasizes regional taste preferences and growing demand for premium, specialty
and convenience products. Sara Lee also continued to expand its coffee store
concept in fiscal 1998, opening three JACQMOTTE STORE coffee shops in Belgium
and the Netherlands. In early fiscal 1999, Sara Lee sold its cut and pipe
tobacco business to Imperial Tobacco Group Plc, a major tobacco company based in
the United Kingdom.
 
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HOUSEHOLD AND BODY CARE
 
    Household and Body Care is Sara Lee's most global line of business and
includes Sara Lee's leading Household and Body Care products as well as a Direct
Selling division. In fiscal 1998, Household and Body Care reported sales of $2.0
billion, up 8.7% from the prior year. Operating income, excluding the
restructuring charge, was $252 million, up 10.4% from the prior year. The
strength of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies negatively affected
reported results for fiscal 1998. Excluding the effect of currency, sales grew
20% and operating income grew 23%. In early fiscal 1999, Sara Lee Household and
Body Care announced several de-verticalization transactions. Included were plant
and equipment sales and other actions expected to generate cash of $200 million
by the end of fiscal 2000.
 
    Sara Lee Household and Body Care is comprised of four core categories --
shoe care, body care, insecticides and air fresheners. In fiscal 1998, Household
and Body Care continued to grow and posted increased sales and profits on the
strength of all four categories. KIWI remained the world's top name in shoe care
in fiscal 1998. The brand is marketed in 122 countries. Product developments in
Sara Lee's shoe care business continued in fiscal 1998 with the introductions of
a Kiwi "low-gloss" shoe shine and several variations of shining and cleaning
products. Sara Lee continues to be a leader in Europe with its body care
products marketed under the SANEX, DUSCHDAS, BADEDAS, RADOX and DELIAL brands.
In the body care category, body care products under the SANEX brand were
launched in France, Italy, Indonesia, Denmark, Portugal and the Netherlands and
relaunched in South Africa. In fiscal 1998, sales of air fresheners grew
significantly and the insecticide business also posted strong results.
 
    Sara Lee's Direct Selling division distributes cosmetics, fragrances,
jewelry, toiletries and apparel products directly to consumers' doors in 15
countries. Through acquisitions and internal growth, Direct Selling now has more
than 750,000 independent sales representatives worldwide. Direct Selling, with
businesses in Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa, China and
Uruguay, was bolstered in fiscal 1998 by the acquisition of the Australian
direct selling business Nutri-Metics International, which has operations in 15
countries. House of Fuller, with more than 235,000 independent sales
representatives, is the number-two direct seller in Mexico. In Asia, House of
Sara Lee expanded product offerings for consumers in Indonesia and the
Philippines.
 
FOODSERVICE
 
    Sara Lee's Foodservice business, PYA/Monarch, maintained its position as the
leading foodservice distributor in the southeastern United States and the
fourth-largest full-line foodservice company in the nation. During fiscal 1998,
PYA/Monarch enjoyed strong sales and profit growth. Fiscal 1998 sales were $2.6
billion, up 8.9% from the prior year. Operating income was $90 million,
excluding the restructuring charge, up 9.4% from the prior year. Excluding
acquisitions, unit volumes increased 7%. PYA/Monarch continues to focus on cost
control, geographic expansion and increasing unit volumes. During fiscal 1998,
PYA/Monarch continued its strategy of growth through warehouse expansion,
enabling it to respond quickly and cost effectively to the demands of large
speciality customers, such as restaurant chains. Several centers were expanded
in fiscal 1998, including a 123,000 square-foot increase in Charlotte, N.C. In
fiscal 1998, PYA/Monarch acquired the Tennessee-based Kesterson Companies,
allowing expansion into the important markets of Nashville, Memphis and western
Kentucky.
 
BRANDED APPAREL
 
    Sara Lee Branded Apparel is comprised of Sara Lee's Intimates, Knit
Products, Legwear and Accessories businesses. In fiscal 1998, sales for Branded
Apparel declined 2.2% to $7.3 billion. Operating income, excluding the
restructuring charge, fell 3.5% to $734 million.
 
    Sara Lee Intimates recorded increased sales and operating income in fiscal
1998 through product innovations and design advancements that strengthened its
core brands, including BALI, DIM, HANES HER WAY, JUST MY SIZE, PLAYTEX and
WONDERBRA. Unit volumes for Sara Lee's intimate apparel business increased
 
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7%, excluding acquisitions. In fiscal 1998, Sara Lee maintained its number-one
position in the intimate apparel category in North America. It also expanded its
presence in key European and Asian markets. During fiscal 1998, Sara Lee's
Worldwide Intimates business introduced a number of new products that offer
innovations in comfort and design. Playtex introduced the EIGHTEEN HOUR POSTURE
BRA and Bali launched the BEYOND SEAMLESS line, featuring a proprietary STRETCH
PERFECT fiberfill lining, and a SMOOTH FINISH collection of cotton-lined bras.
Wonderbra launched the RIVIERA line of European-inspired bras and Hanes Her Way
introduced a collection of performance sports bras under the new HANES SPORT
brand. Under the DIM brand in Europe, Sara Lee introduced the PULPY intimate
apparel line. In early fiscal 1999, Sara Lee acquired The Strouse, Adler
Company, a 137 year old maker of shapewear and specialty bras.
 
    Sara Lee Knit Products significantly altered its operating model as part of
Sara Lee's overall de-verticalization program in fiscal 1998. The most
significant development for Sara Lee Knit Products was the divestment of nine
yarn and textile facilities. One additional facility was divested in early
fiscal 1999. In connection with the divestment of these facilities, Sara Lee
Knit Products entered into a supply agreement with the purchaser of the
facilities to provide Sara Lee with yarn and textile products. These actions
allow Sara Lee Knit Products to focus more of its resources toward developing
and marketing new products and establishing its brands in new categories. This
focus is intended to further Sara Lee's strategy of growing its Knit Products
megabrands, including its leading HANES, HANES HER WAY, CHAMPION, DIM, JUST MY
SIZE, RINBROS, ABANDERADO and PRINCESA brands. In fiscal 1998, Sara Lee's HANES
and HANES HER WAY megabrands had sales of $2.2 billion. During the fiscal year,
Sara Lee extended the HANES brand to babywear. Sara Lee also continued to expand
in the children's and toddlers' category with its KIDSWEAR line. Sara Lee also
launched a line of products under the HANES SPORT label in fiscal 1998, as an
initiative to attract new consumers. The HANES SPORT line emphasizes
fashionable, sports-inspired apparel. Also in fiscal 1998, the HANES and HANES
HER WAY megabrand was extended into a new category--loungewear. HANES sleepwear
for boys and girls was also launched in fiscal 1998. Despite significant growth
in Europe, Sara Lee's Champion business posted lower results in fiscal 1998 due
to significant competition in the sports apparel category. Champion is focusing
on improving product quality, customer service and distribution, and cost-
efficiency. Worldwide unit volumes for Knit Products grew 6% in fiscal 1998.
 
    Sara Lee Legwear posted lower sales in fiscal 1998 due to a continuing
global decline in the sheer hosiery category. However, operating income and
returns improved, due to improvements in productivity and a simplified product
mix. Worldwide Legwear unit volumes declined 3%, reflecting a 7% decline in
sheer hosiery, partially offset by an 11% increase in socks.
 
    Sara Lee continues to be the U.S. leader in the sheer hosiery category with
its leading HANES, L'EGGS, DONNA KARAN and DKNY brands. Sara Lee is also the
U.S. leader in the socks category. In fiscal 1998, Sara Lee continued to
emphasize higher-margin products and additional product offerings for casual
wear. Sara Lee's European hosiery business, which includes the BELLINDA, DIM,
ELBEO, FILODORO, NUR DIE, PHILIPPE MATIGNON and PRETTY POLLY brands, also
continued to emphasize high-margin, value-added products in fiscal 1998. Sara
Lee also expanded geographically in fiscal 1998 by introducing FILODORO and
PHILIPPE MATIGNON hosiery products in Spain. In Europe, Sara Lee is also growing
its hosiery brands through strategic acquisitions. In fiscal 1998 Sara Lee
acquired the EDOO brand in Austria. To further growth in Western Europe, Sara
Lee also introduced a new retail concept that brings together Sara Lee's
hosiery, intimate apparel and knit product brands. The stores market only Sara
Lee brands. Six stores are slated to open in fiscal 1999 in Italy and Spain.
 
    Sara Lee Accessories consists of Sara Lee's Coach division, which markets
fine leathergoods, apparel and related accessories. In fiscal 1998, Coach posted
lower sales, principally due to market conditions in Asia. To improve sales and
profitability, Coach is focusing on its core branded leathergoods and continuing
to respond to rapidly changing fashion trends by developing new products.
Product introductions in fiscal 1998 included the COACH NEO COLLECTION, a
mixed-materials product featuring a customized lightweight modern fabric trimmed
in glove leather, and the TRIBECA SERIES of updated classic handbags and
accessories. In a licensing agreement with the Movado Group, Coach launched its
first watch collection. Through a
 
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partnership with Motorola, a leather phone case for Motorola's StarTAC Wearable
Phone Series was introduced. In fiscal 1998, Coach opened five full-price and
eight factory stores in the United States, bringing the total number of retail
stores to 162. Internationally, Coach operates in more than 150 locations. In
fiscal 1998, Coach renovated 15 of its stores in Asia.
 
               (B) FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
 
    Sara Lee's businesses are classified into five industry segments: Sara Lee
Foods, Coffee and Tea, Household and Body Care, Foodservice, and Branded
Apparel. The financial information about Sara Lee's industry segments can be
found on page F-25 of this Report.
 
                     (C) NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
SARA LEE FOODS
 
    Sara Lee Packaged Meats processes and sells pork, poultry and beef products
to supermarkets, warehouse clubs, national chains and institutions throughout
the United States, Europe and Mexico. Sales are transacted through Sara Lee's
own sales force, brokers and institutional buyers. Some of the more prominent
brands in the United States within this category include BALL PARK, BEST'S
KOSHER, BRYAN, HILLSHIRE FARM, HYGRADE, JIMMY DEAN, KAHN'S, MR. TURKEY, SARA LEE
and SINAI 48. Sara Lee's more prominent European brands include AOSTE, JUSTIN
BRIDOU and COCHONOU in France, STEGEMAN in the Netherlands, ARGAL in Spain and
NOBRE in Portugal. Sara Lee has a 49.9% interest in AXA Alimentos, S.A. de C.V.
AXA Alimentos owns Kir Alimentos S. de R.L. de C.V., and Zwanenberg de Mexico,
S.A. de C.V., which are leading processed meats companies in Mexico. Sara Lee is
the largest processed meats company in the world.
 
    The products offered by this line of business include smoked sausage, bacon,
hot dogs, breakfast sausage, breakfast sandwiches, premium deli and luncheon
meats, ham, turkey, and packaged lunch combinations. The ingredients -- pork,
turkey and beef -- are purchased by Sara Lee from a variety of sources. The
prices of these raw materials fluctuate, depending primarily on supply and
demand. Meat commodity costs fell in fiscal 1998. Because of the range of
sources from which these raw materials are available, Sara Lee believes that it
will continue to have access to adequate supplies.
 
    The Packaged Meats business is highly competitive, with an emphasis on
product quality, price, advertising and promotion, and customer service. Sara
Lee's competitors include international, national, regional and local companies.
Sara Lee Packaged Meats has accounted for 10% or more of Sara Lee's consolidated
revenues during the past three fiscal years. Sara Lee believes it is one of the
three industry leaders in the United States.
 
    Most of Sara Lee's Packaged Meats operations are regulated by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, whose focus is the quality, sanitation and safety of
meat products, and, to some extent, by state and local government agencies. Sara
Lee's Packaged Meats operations in Europe and Mexico are regulated by local
authorities.
 
    Sara Lee Bakery produces a wide variety of fresh and frozen baked and
specialty items. Its core products are frozen and fresh pies, cheesecakes, pound
cakes and bagels. These products are sold through supermarkets, foodservice
distributors, bakery-deli and direct channels throughout the United States,
United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Australia and numerous Asia-Pacific countries.
Sales are transacted through Sara Lee's sales force and independent wholesalers
and distributors. The key ingredients for these products -- butter, milk, sugar,
fruits, eggs and flour -- are purchased from suppliers at prices that are
subject to such influences as supply and demand, weather, and government price
controls. Because of the number of sources from which such raw materials are
generally available, Sara Lee believes it will continue to have access to
adequate supplies.
 
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    Competition in this business is keen, with a large number of participants.
Sara Lee seeks to maintain and enhance a leading position in the industry
through superior quality and value, marketing efforts that are designed to
reinforce and build brand recognition, and through superior customer service.
 
    In the United States, Sara Lee Bakery products are subject to regulation by
the Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency charged with, among other
things, enforcing laws pertaining to food processing, content and labeling, and
to a lesser extent, by state and local government agencies.
 
COFFEE AND TEA
 
    Sara Lee believes it is one of the top four coffee roasters in the world,
and one of the top three in the European market. It has a significant presence
in such countries as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Denmark, Spain and
Australia, and has established positions in Central and Eastern Europe through
acquisitions and expanded sales efforts. While DOUWE EGBERTS is its European
flagship brand, its other premium European coffee brands include MAISON DU CAFE,
MARCILLA and MERRILD. Sara Lee's PICKWICK brand, an important brand in the
European tea market, is expanding its current lines in an effort to appeal to
younger consumers and has entered the Russian and Eastern European markets.
 
    This is a very competitive business with the other participants consisting
primarily of other large multi-national companies. Sara Lee seeks to maintain a
competitive edge by offering its customers superior quality and value.
 
    Sara Lee is also a significant competitor in the out-of-home coffee service
business. Its Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems business provides coffee and
dispensing equipment in Europe, while its Superior Coffee and Foods business
provides similar products and services in the United States.
 
    The significant cost item in the production of coffee products is the price
of green coffee, which varies depending on such factors as weather (which
affects the quality and quantity of available supplies), consumer demand, the
political climate in the producing nations, unilateral pricing policies of
producing nations, speculation on the commodities market, and the relative
valuations and fluctuations of the currencies of producer versus consumer
countries. These factors also generally affect Sara Lee's competitors.
Uncertainty over the availability of supplies resulted in extreme volatility in
the price of green coffee in fiscal 1995, leading to the highest prices in
recent years. In fiscal 1996, green coffee prices declined. Green coffee
experienced significant cost volatility in fiscal 1997 and green coffee prices
rose substantially in fiscal 1998. Sara Lee anticipates that green coffee prices
will continue to be affected due to uncertainty over the availability of future
supplies. Sara Lee has, and expects to continue to, reduce the negative effect
of price increases through careful inventory management, cost cutting, and
higher prices for its coffee products. Primarily due to higher retail prices
driven by higher green coffee costs, unit volumes declined for Sara Lee coffee
brands in fiscal 1998 in most European markets.
 
    The Coffee and Tea business also manufactures rice products under the LASSIE
brand in the Netherlands and snack and nut products under the DUYVIS, FELIX and
BENENUTS brands in the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
 
    The Coffee and Tea business has accounted for 10% or more of Sara Lee's
consolidated revenues during the past three fiscal years.
 
HOUSEHOLD AND BODY CARE
 
    Household and Body Care is composed of four primary core categories: shoe
care -- led by a worldwide line of Kiwi products; body care items -- led by the
SANEX brand, but also including DUSCHDAS and BADEDAS and baby care products sold
under the ZWITSAL, FISSAN and PRODERM names; insecticides -- sold
internationally under the CATCH, BLOOM, VAPONA and RIDSECT brand names; and air
fresheners -- led by the AMBI-PUR brand. ZENDIUM and PRODENT oral care products,
and BIOTEX and NEUTRAL specialty detergents are also important categories for
Sara Lee. Body care items and insecticides are marketed principally in
 
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Europe as well as into the Asia-Pacific and Latin America markets. These
products are sold through a variety of retail channels including supermarkets.
These are very competitive businesses. Sara Lee seeks to maintain a competitive
advantage by offering its customers superior quality and value.
 
    Sara Lee Direct Selling distributes a wide range of products -- cosmetics,
fragrances, jewelry, toiletries and apparel products -- through a network of
independent sales representatives. This method of reaching the consumer has been
particularly successful at the House of Fuller business in Mexico, the House of
Sara Lee businesses in Indonesia and the Philippines, and the Avroy Shlain
business in South Africa. Sara Lee also operates direct selling organizations in
Japan, Australia, China and Uruguay. While this segment is very fragmented, Sara
Lee believes it has an important position in many product lines in those
countries in which it competes.
 
FOODSERVICE
 
    Sara Lee Foodservice is conducted principally under the PYA/Monarch name.
PYA/Monarch is the leading foodservice distributor in the southeastern United
States. PYA/Monarch is the fourth largest full-line foodservice company in the
nation. This business distributes dry, refrigerated and frozen foods, paper
supplies and foodservice equipment to institutional and commercial foodservice
customers.
 
    The institutional foodservice distribution industry is highly competitive,
with price and service being the major means by which Sara Lee Foodservice
competes. This line of business generates lower margins on sales dollars than
Sara Lee's other businesses. Sara Lee Foodservice accounted for 10% or more of
Sara Lee's consolidated revenues during the past three fiscal years.
 
BRANDED APPAREL
 
    The Branded Apparel line of business includes the Intimates, Knit Products,
Legwear and Accessories businesses.
 
    Sara Lee Intimates includes bras, panties and shapewear. These are
manufactured and distributed under such labels as BALI, HANES HER WAY, PLAYTEX,
WONDERBRA and DAISYFRESH in North America, and PLAYTEX and DIM in Europe. Sara
Lee Intimates strengthened its position as the leader in the North American
intimates category during the 1998 fiscal year. Sara Lee has the leading dollar
share of the $4.1 billion U.S. bra category. Sara Lee holds a leading position
in the Mexican bra market through its PLAYTEX and HANES HER WAY brand and
continued to build market share in Canada during fiscal 1998 through its
PLAYTEX, WONDERBRA, DAISYFRESH and HANES HER WAY brands.
 
    Distribution channels for intimate apparel range from department and
specialty stores for such premium brands as BALI, and some PLAYTEX products, to
warehouse clubs and mass-merchandise outlets for some of the value-priced
brands. Sales are effected through Sara Lee's sales force.
 
    The intimate apparel market is a competitive one based on consumer brand
loyalty. Sara Lee endeavors to maintain its competitive edge through marketing
and promotional efforts, and by offering consumers value through a superior
combination of quality and price.
 
    Sara Lee Knit Products involves the manufacture and distribution of men's,
women's and children's underwear and activewear (T-shirts, fleecewear and other
jersey products for casualwear) in North America, South and Central America,
Europe and the Asia-Pacific countries. These products are sold through Sara
Lee's sales force to department stores, mass merchandisers, discount chains and
the screen-print trade. Principal brands in this category include CHAMPION,
HANES, HANES HER WAY and RINBROS in North America, and ABANDERADO, PRINCESA,
CHAMPION, HANES and DIM in Europe. Sara Lee believes that it is the leader in
both the women's and girls' panties category in the United States, and in the
heavily branded category of men's and boys' underwear in the United States, and
has the leading position in men's and boys' underwear in Mexico.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
    Activewear is marketed under Sara Lee's HANES and CHAMPION lines. In
addition to targeting the public activewear market, Champion also manufactures
and markets authentic uniforms and practicewear for professional and amateur
athletic teams, including such organizations as the National Basketball
Association, the National Football League and a number of major university
sports teams.
 
    The principal raw material in this product category is cotton. Sara Lee
currently believes there is an adequate supply of cotton from a variety of
sources.
 
    The knit products business is highly competitive, with products relying on
brand recognition, quality, price and loyalty. Sara Lee competes by offering
superior value, making use of low-cost sourcing, marketing activities and
utilizing its megabranding strategy. The megabrands strategy entails marketing
various products through common packaging, promotion and advertising. The Knit
Products business has accounted for 10% or more of Sara Lee's consolidated
revenues during each of the past three fiscal years.
 
    Sara Lee Legwear is the leader in the hosiery category in North America,
Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It also continues to
establish operations in various Asia-Pacific countries, placing it in a
strategic position to capitalize on developing markets in that area.
 
    Sara Lee Legwear products consist of a wide variety of branded, packaged
consumer products, including pantyhose, stockings, combination panty and
pantyhose garments, tights, knee-highs and socks, many of which are available in
both sheer and opaque styles. These products are sold in the United States under
such brand names as HANES, L'EGGS, DONNA KARAN and DKNY (the last two being
licensed), and abroad under such labels as DIM, PRETTY POLLY, ELBEO, NUR DIE,
BELLINDA, FILODORO, PHILIPPE MATIGNON and OMERO. Sara Lee is the largest sock
manufacturer in the United States.
 
    Sara Lee Legwear products are sold by Sara Lee's sales force in channels
ranging from department and specialty stores (for premium brands such as HANES,
DONNA KARAN and DKNY in the United States, and DIM outside the United States),
to supermarkets, warehouse clubs, discount chains and convenience stores for
brands like L'EGGS and some DIM products aimed at the price-conscious consumer.
Legwear products are also distributed through catalog sales and Sara Lee stores.
The legwear business has accounted for 10% or more of Sara Lee's consolidated
revenues during each of the past three fiscal years.
 
    The legwear business is very competitive in both the United States and
Europe and worldwide demand for hosiery products has declined over at least the
last three years. In the United States, Sara Lee's major competitors are other
hosiery companies, and the primary methods of competition are quality, value,
function, and, with respect to L'eggs products, service and distribution. In
Europe, where most of Sara Lee's competitors are small companies who compete in
the unbranded sector of the market, the primary focus is on quality.
 
    Raw materials -- nylon, spandex, and cotton -- for the products in this
category are readily available to Sara Lee from a variety of sources.
 
    Sara Lee Accessories involves the manufacture and marketing of premium
leather products, apparel and related accessories under the COACH brand. Coach
products are sold through department stores, catalog sales and Sara Lee stores.
Coach operates 162 retail stores in the United States and 150 stores located
outside the United States.
 
                                   TRADEMARKS
 
    Sara Lee is the owner of over 30,000 trademark registrations and
applications in over 140 countries. Sara Lee's trademarks are among its most
valuable assets as it pursues its strategy of building brands globally.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                                   CUSTOMERS
 
    None of Sara Lee's business segments or lines of business is dependent upon
a single customer or a small number of customers, the loss of which would have a
material adverse effect on Sara Lee's consolidated results of operations,
financial position or cash flows. Sara Lee considers major mass retailers and
supermarket chains in both the United States and Europe to be significant
customers across one or more product categories, and it has developed specific
approaches to working with individual customers.
 
                                  SEASONALITY
 
    Sara Lee Foods experiences some seasonality. Sara Lee Packaged Meats' sales
tend to be higher in the fourth fiscal quarter due to increased demand
associated with the onset of the outdoor barbecuing season and various holidays.
Sara Lee Bakery experiences increased demand for its products during the second
fiscal quarter, driven principally by holiday buying. Sara Lee Branded Apparel,
particularly Coach and Knit Products, generally experience increased demand
during the second fiscal quarter as a result of "back to school" purchases and
the holiday season. The European hosiery business is somewhat seasonal in
nature, unlike the United States hosiery business, and tends to experience a
reduced demand in the summer months.
 
                             ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    Sara Lee is subject to a number of federal, state and local statutes, rules,
regulations and ordinances in the United States and other countries relating to
the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the
protection of the environment ("Environmental Laws").
 
    While Sara Lee expects to make capital and other expenditures in compliance
with Environmental Laws, it does not anticipate that such compliance will have a
material adverse effect on its consolidated, results of operations, financial
position or cash flows. Sara Lee has an ongoing program to monitor compliance
with Environmental Laws and is continually examining its methods of operation
and product packaging to reduce its use of natural resources.
 
                                   EMPLOYEES
 
    Sara Lee has approximately 139,000 employees worldwide.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
        (D) FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS
                                AND EXPORT SALES
 
    Sara Lee's foreign operations are conducted primarily through wholly- or
partially-owned subsidiaries incorporated outside the United States. Sara Lee's
principal foreign subsidiary is Sara Lee/DE N.V., a Netherlands limited
liability company headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands ("Sara Lee/DE").
Sara Lee indirectly owns a 100% interest in Sara Lee/DE, 41% in the form of
voting shares and 59% in the form of depository receipts issued by the
independent Stichting Administratiekantoor Douwe Egberts Sara Lee. Sara Lee/DE
has responsibility for managing the Coffee and Tea and Household and Body Care
divisions of Sara Lee, as well as Sara Lee's foreign bakery operations.
 
    The foreign operations of Sara Lee Foods Packaged Meats line of business are
conducted through Sara Lee Processed Meats (Europe) B.V., the Aoste Group and
Imperial Meat Products N.V., while the foreign operations of Sara Lee Bakery are
conducted through Kitchens of Sara Lee U.K. Ltd., Sara Lee Bakery (Australia)
Pty Ltd. and Brossard France S.A.
 
    Coffee and Tea is conducted by a number of subsidiaries, principally
European, including Sara Lee/ DE, Douwe Egberts Nederland B.V., Douwe Egberts
France S.A., Douwe Egberts Espana S.A., Merrild Kaffe A/S, Douwe Egberts N.V.,
Compack Douwe Egberts Kft., Harris/DE Pty. Ltd., Balirny Douwe Egberts A.S. and
Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems Nederland B.V.
 
    Household and Body Care is conducted by subsidiaries in over forty
countries, principally Sara Lee/ DE, Kiwi Brands Pty. Ltd., Kiwi France S.N.C.,
Kortman Intradal B.V., A/S Blumoller, Sara Lee/DE Espana S.A., Sara Lee
Household and Body Care U.K. Ltd., Sara Lee/DE Italy S.p.A., and Sara Lee/DE
Deutschland GmbH and House of Fuller S.A. de C.V.
 
    Branded Apparel includes numerous foreign businesses, including Dim S.A.,
Grupo Sans, a division of Sara Lee/DE Espana S.A., Sara Lee Personal Products,
S.p.A., Sara Lee Personal Products (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Pretty Polly, a
division of Sara Lee UK Holdings Ltd., Vatter GmbH, the Filodoro Group, Sara Lee
Hosiery, S.A. de C.V., Rinbros, S.A. de C.V., and Maglificio Bellia S.p.A.
 
    The financial information about foreign and domestic operations can be found
on page F-26 of this Report.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
Item 2. Properties.
 
    Sara Lee operates 278 food processing and consumer product manufacturing
plants, each containing more than 20,000 square feet in building area, in 25
states and 39 foreign countries. Sara Lee owns 215 and leases 63 of these
plants. It also operates 132 warehouses containing more than 20,000 square feet
in building area in 19 states and 25 foreign countries. Of these warehouses, 61
are owned and 71 are leased. The following table identifies the plants and
warehouses presently owned or leased by Sara Lee that contain at least 250,000
square feet in building area.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    APPROXIMATE
                                                                                                   BUILDING AREA
                INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND                                                                    IN
               DIVISION OR SUBSIDIARY                 LOCATION                                      SQUARE FEET
- ----------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------  ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                                         <C>
SARA LEE FOODS
Aoste...............................................  Aoste, France                                     743,000
Aoste...............................................  Maclas, France                                    387,000
Aoste...............................................  Peyrolles, France                                 374,000
Aoste...............................................  St. Symphorien, France                            303,000
Bil Mar Foods.......................................  Zeeland, Michigan                                 577,000
Bryan Foods, Inc....................................  West Point, Mississippi                           769,000
Hillshire Farm & Kahn's.............................  Alexandria, Kentucky                              325,000
Hillshire Farm & Kahn's.............................  Cincinnati, Ohio                                  563,000
Hillshire Farm & Kahn's.............................  New London, Wisconsin                             565,000
Kitchens of Sara Lee................................  Bridlington, England                              285,000
Sara Lee Bakery.....................................  New Hampton, Iowa                                 294,000
Sara Lee Bakery.....................................  Tarboro, North Carolina                           346,000
Sara Lee Bakery.....................................  Traverse City, Michigan                           295,000
Sara Lee Processed Meats (Europe) B.V...............  Rio Maior, Portugal                               348,000
Sara Lee Processed Meats (Europe) B.V...............  Miralcamp, Spain                                  260,000
 
COFFEE AND TEA
Douwe Egberts Van Nelle Tabaksmaatschappij B.V......  Rotterdam, the Netherlands                        605,000
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.......................  Joure, the Netherlands                          1,094,000
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.......................  Utrecht, the Netherlands                          577,000
Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.......................  Zaandam, the Netherlands                          367,000
Van Nelle International B.V.........................  Joure, the Netherlands                            301,000*
 
HOUSEHOLD AND BODY CARE
Bama Polska.........................................  Polska, Poland                                    260,754
Kiwi Brands.........................................  Douglassville, Pennsylvania                       290,000
Kiwi Brands Pty. Ltd................................  Clayton, Australia                                313,000
Sara Lee/DE Espana S.A..............................  Santiga, Spain                                    284,000*
Sara Lee/DE Germany.................................  Dusseldorf, Germany                               333,000*
Sara Lee Household & Body Care U.K. Limited.........  Slough, England                                   318,000
 
FOODSERVICE
PYA/Monarch, Inc....................................  Charlotte, North Carolina                         415,000
PYA/Monarch, Inc....................................  Bloomington, Indiana                              321,000
PYA/Monarch, Inc....................................  Lexington, South Carolina                         364,000
PYA/Monarch, Inc....................................  Montgomery, Alabama                               276,000
</TABLE>
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    APPROXIMATE
                                                                                                   BUILDING AREA
                INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND                                                                    IN
               DIVISION OR SUBSIDIARY                 LOCATION                                      SQUARE FEET
- ----------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------  ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                                         <C>
BRANDED APPAREL
Canadelle Limited Partnership.......................  Montreal, Canada                                  289,000
Champion Products, Inc..............................  Laurel Hill, North Carolina                       368,000
Champion Products, Inc..............................  Dunn, North Carolina                              289,000
Coach Leatherware...................................  Jacksonville, Florida                             357,000*
Dim, S.A............................................  Autun, France                                     328,000
Filodoro Calze SpA..................................  Casalmoro, Italy                                  343,000
Filodoro Calze SpA..................................  Casalmoro, Italy                                  251,000
L'eggs Products.....................................  Clarksville, Arkansas                             321,000
L'eggs Products.....................................  Rockingham, North Carolina                        440,000
Playtex Apparel, Inc................................  Dover, Delaware                                   424,000
Sara Lee Direct.....................................  Rural Hall, North Carolina                        598,000*
Sara Lee Hosiery....................................  East Rockingham, North Carolina                   330,000*
Sara Lee Hosiery....................................  Winston-Salem, North Carolina                     770,000
Sara Lee Hosiery....................................  Darlington, South Carolina                        287,000
Sara Lee Knit Products..............................  Martinsville, Virginia                            704,000*
Sara Lee Knit Products..............................  Rural Hall, North Carolina                        986,000
Sara Lee Knit Products..............................  Winston-Salem, North Carolina                     568,000
Sara Lee Knit Products..............................  Winston-Salem, North Carolina                     395,000
Sara Lee Sock Company...............................  Kernersville, North Carolina                      340,000
Vatter GmbH.........................................  Rheine, Germany                                   549,000
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
* These facilities are leased; the remainder are owned by Sara Lee.
 
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
 
    Sara Lee is a party to various pending legal proceedings and claims. Some of
the proceedings and claims against Sara Lee are for alleged environmental
contamination, and arise under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA" or "Superfund"). CERCLA imposes
liability, regardless of fault, on certain classes of parties that are
considered to be responsible for contamination at a site. Although any one party
can be held responsible for all the costs of investigation and cleanup, those
costs are usually allocated among parties based on a variety of factors, such as
the amount of waste each contributed to the site. Although the outcome of the
pending legal proceedings, including Superfund claims, cannot be determined with
certainty, Sara Lee's General Counsel and management are of the opinion that the
final outcomes should not have a material adverse effect on Sara Lee's
consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
 
    Not Applicable.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
 
Item 5. Market for Sara Lee's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
    Sara Lee's securities are traded on the exchanges listed on the cover page
of this Form 10-K Report. As of September 1, 1998, Sara Lee had approximately
84,696 holders of record of its common stock. Information about the high and low
sales prices for each full quarterly period and the amount of cash dividends
declared on Sara Lee's common stock during the past three fiscal years is set
forth on page F-28 of this Report.
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
 
    Financial information for Sara Lee for the five fiscal years ended June 27,
1998, is set forth on pages F-2 and F-3 of this Report. Such information should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated Financial Statements and related
Notes to Financial Statements on pages F-4 through F-28 of this Report.
 
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.
 
    This discussion and analysis of results of operations, financial condition
and risk management should be read in conjunction with the General Development
of Business on pages 1 through 5, Narrative Description of Business on pages 5
through 9, and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes to
Financial Statements on pages F-4 through F-28 of this Report.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    1998 RESTRUCTURING
 
    In the second quarter of fiscal 1998, the Corporation provided for the cost
of restructuring its worldwide operations. The planned restructuring activities
include the disposition of 116 manufacturing and distribution facilities -- 86
facilities are owned and 30 are leased. This restructuring provision reduced
income before income taxes, net income and basic earnings per share in 1998 by
$2,040 million, $1,625 million and $3.46 per share, respectively. The 1998
pretax income of the Corporation's industry segments includes the following
restructuring charges: Sara Lee Foods -- $208 million; Coffee and Tea -- $71
million; Household and Body Care -- $185 million; Foodservice -- $2 million; and
Branded Apparel -- $1,574 million.
 
    Of the total pretax charge for restructuring, $899 million relates to
anticipated losses associated with the disposal of manufacturing and
distribution facilities. Substantially all of these facilities were acquired
through a series of business combinations and capital expenditures made between
1988 and 1994. The gross book value of the manufacturing and distribution assets
to be disposed of was $2,312 million. $830 million of the restructuring charge
relates to goodwill associated with the disposition of the remaining assets from
various business combinations in the period from 1988 through 1992. The gross
book value of the goodwill being disposed of was $1,136 million. The remainder
of the charge consists of $219 million for pension and social costs associated
with the facility disposals; $47 million for anticipated costs to close and
dispose of idled facilities; and $45 million for anticipated losses on the
disposal of certain equity and cost method investments. Of the total after-tax
provision, 89% is non-cash and 11% will require cash outflows.
 
    Management's decision to restructure its worldwide manufacturing and
distribution operations resulted from a change in the Corporation's strategic
direction, which was precipitated by fundamental changes in the economic
environment in which it operates. Historically, the Corporation has manufactured
the branded consumer products it markets. The Corporation's strategy was to
vertically integrate the manufacturing processes into the business in order to
assure a readily available product source that met quality standards.
Contributing factors to this situation included trade barriers associated with
apparel products that limited the utilization of product sourcing options
outside the United States. In addition, alternative sources for other products
were not generally considered reliable or cost efficient.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
    In recent years, several significant external economic factors have caused
the Corporation to modify its strategy. As the global economy has grown and
trade barriers have fallen, alternative sources of competitively priced
manufactured products have increased. In addition, business entities all over
the world have become increasingly specialized and efficient by focusing on core
competencies such as manufacturing, distribution and marketing. Since many of
the corporation's manufacturing processes do not involve proprietary or
sophisticated technology, a number of efficient and reliable third-party
suppliers have grown in this economic environment.
 
    Secondly, the Corporation has historically operated in a highly
decentralized manner. A large number of discrete profit centers have been
maintained with each entity having separate manufacturing, distribution and
administrative functions for the branded products it markets. The Corporation
has numerous business entities in each segment producing comparable and, in some
cases, competing products under varying brand names. The elimination of certain
of these assets will result in a more efficient combined operation. Finally,
excess manufacturing capacity has developed in the markets for certain of the
Corporation's products. Lower worldwide demand for products such as sheer
hosiery, as well as competitive pressures from other manufacturers, are causal
factors. A substantial portion of the total restructuring charge is to eliminate
excess manufacturing and distribution capacity and thereby improve the long-term
profitability of the Corporation.
 
    In the past year, two significant competitors in the branded apparel
business have also announced plans to close a substantial portion of their
productive capacity for competitive reasons. This, along with the economic
factors that resulted in the restructuring plan, have depressed the prices for
the manufacturing assets to be disposed. The estimated net realizable values for
the assets being disposed are responsible for the $1,729 million loss associated
with long-lived assets.
 
    The current competitive environment has allowed the Corporation to purchase
needed commodities from a number of suppliers at prices which are less than, or
equal to, prior manufacturing costs. Such purchases are generally made under
short-term contracts that are cancelable without penalty by either party upon
less than six months notice. The Corporation anticipates that it will be able to
continue sourcing needed commodities in this manner.
 
    As of the close of fiscal 1998, facilities representing 49% of the estimated
loss have been sold or closed. The Corporation expects to complete the
restructuring by the year 2000, and it is anticipated that the remaining costs
of the plan will be funded from internal sources and available borrowings.
Operating costs in fiscal 1998 were lowered by $61 million, primarily as a
result of lower plant overhead and amortization expense. The Corporation expects
the restructuring plan to generate increased savings in subsequent years,
growing to an annual savings of approximately $200 million in 2001. Savings from
the planned actions will be used for both business-building initiatives and
profit improvement. The restructuring reserve is analyzed in greater detail in
the Restructuring Provision note to the financial statements on page F-19.
 
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS -- 1998 COMPARED WITH 1997
 
    Net sales increased 1.4% to $20.0 billion in 1998, from $19.7 billion in
1997. Businesses acquired net of businesses sold subsequent to the start of 1997
increased net sales by 2.2%. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to
foreign currencies had the effect of reducing sales by 4.4%. Thus, on a
comparable basis, sales increased 3.6%. Comparable sales growth was
approximately 8% in the Foodservice, Coffee and Tea, and Household and Body Care
business segments. Comparable sales growth in the Branded Apparel segment was
2.4%, while Sara Lee Foods' sales were essentially the same as the prior year
after excluding the impacts of acquisitions, dispositions and foreign currency
movements.
 
    The gross profit margin was 38.4% in 1998, compared with 37.8% in 1997.
Higher gross margins in the Corporation's Sara Lee Foods, Foodservice, Household
and Body Care and Branded Apparel segments more than offset gross margin
declines in Coffee and Tea. Operating income (pretax earnings before
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
interest and corporate expenses) increased $38 million, or 2.0%, excluding the
restructuring charge. Businesses acquired net of businesses sold subsequent to
the start of 1997 increased operating income by 1.9%. The strengthening of the
U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies had the effect of reducing operating
income by 5.5%. Thus, on a comparable basis, operating income increased 5.6%.
The benefits associated with the 1998 restructuring had a significant impact on
the improvement in operating income.
 
    Net interest expense was $176 million in 1998, compared with $159 million in
1997. The higher interest expense was attributable to higher average total
borrowings during the year offset in part by the strengthening of the U.S.
dollar relative to foreign currencies. Unallocated corporate expenses, which are
costs not directly attributable to specific segment operations, decreased in
1998. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies
reduced foreign-denominated minority interest expense and also had a positive
impact on the hedging of foreign currency movements. In addition, 1997 corporate
unallocated expenses were negatively impacted by expenses associated with
certain sold companies.
 
    The effective tax rate, excluding the restructuring charge, was 31.0% in
1998 as compared to 32.0% in 1997. The reduction in the tax rate was
attributable primarily to increased earnings in certain foreign jurisdictions
that had lower tax rates than the United States. Including the 1998
restructuring, the Corporation recognized a pretax loss of $443 million and a
tax provision of $80 million. The 20.4% effective tax rate associated with the
$2,040 million pretax restructuring charge was attributable primarily to the
$830 million nondeductible goodwill component.
 
    Excluding the 1998 restructuring charge, net income increased 9.3% to $1,102
million, and basic earnings per share increased 13.2% to $2.32. Basic earnings
per share, excluding the restructuring charge, increased at a rate in excess of
net income primarily because of fewer shares outstanding during the period and
lower preferred dividends. Including the restructuring charge, the corporation
recognized a net loss of $523 million or $1.14 per share.
 
    For the year ended June 27, 1998, approximately 2% of the Corporation's
sales and 1% of the pretax profits, excluding the restructuring charge, were
derived from Asia. The recent financial problems in the area have not had a
material impact on the consolidated results of the Corporation.
 
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS -- 1997 COMPARED WITH 1996
 
    Net sales increased 6.0% to $19.7 billion in 1997, from $18.6 billion in
1996. Businesses acquired net of businesses sold subsequent to the start of 1996
increased net sales by approximately 6.0%. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar
relative to foreign currencies had the effect of reducing sales growth by
approximately 2.3%. Thus, on a comparable basis, sales increased 2.3%.
Comparable sales growth by segment was approximately 7% in Foodservice, 3% in
Sara Lee Foods and Household and Body Care, 2% in Coffee and Tea, and 1% in
Branded Apparel.
 
    The gross profit margin was 37.8% in 1997, compared to 38.4% in 1996. The
reduction in 1997 was attributable primarily to lower margins in the
corporation's Branded Apparel segment, offset in part by improved margins in
Coffee and Tea, and Household and Body Care. Operating income increased 6.2%.
Businesses acquired net of businesses sold subsequent to the start of 1996
increased operating income by 2.9%. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar
relative to foreign currencies had the effect of reducing operating income by
3.3%. Thus, on a comparable basis, operating income increased 6.6%.
 
    Net interest expense was $159 million in 1997, compared with $173 million in
1996. The lower interest expense was attributable to lower average interest
rates and average borrowings. Unallocated corporate expenses increased 8.3% over
1996. This increase is due to higher administrative costs and expenses
associated with certain sold companies, offset by positive impacts of hedging
foreign currency movements.
 
    The effective tax rate was 32.0% in 1997, compared with 33.5% in 1996. The
reduction in the tax rate was attributable primarily to increased earnings in
foreign jurisdictions that had lower tax rates than the United States.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
    Net income for 1997 increased 10.1% to $1.0 billion and basic earnings per
share increased 10.8% to $2.05. The higher percentage increase in basic earnings
per share to net income was attributable primarily to lower preferred dividends.
 
OPERATING RESULTS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT -- 1998 COMPARED WITH 1997
 
    During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Corporation adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS 131). The adoption of SFAS 131
requires the presentation of descriptive information about reportable segments
that is consistent with that made available to the management of the Corporation
to assess performance. As a result of this change, the Corporation will report
segment performance on an after-tax basis and will separately report information
on its Foodservice operations. In determining the net income of each segment,
the Corporation's net interest expense is allocated based upon the average
invested capital in each business, and effective tax rates are determined for
each business segment. Comparative segment information is presented on page
F-25.
 
    The following comments regarding business segment performance exclude the
restructuring charge discussed above.
 
    Net sales in the Sara Lee Foods segment increased in 1998 by 1.6%, while
operating income increased 11.3%. The improved level of profitability was
largely due to lower hog costs; new product activity focusing on higher-margin
"better-for-you" and convenience items; and the benefits associated with the
restructuring. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and changes in foreign
currencies, Sara Lee Foods sales approximated 1997 levels while operating income
increased 11.9%. Unit volumes for worldwide Packaged Meats rose 2%, led by gains
in key categories such as hot dogs, sausage products, ham, bacon and breakfast
sandwiches. Worldwide unit volumes for Sara Lee Bakery were flat for the full
year. All unit volume comparisons exclude acquisitions. Interest expense
allocated to the Sara Lee Foods segment increased $6 million. This business had
a higher share of the invested capital of the Corporation and consolidated net
interest increased over 1997 levels. Net income grew to $252 million, an
increase of 9.1%.
 
    Coffee and Tea sales and operating income declined 0.3% and 2.5%,
respectively, in 1998. These results reflect the impact of a stronger U.S.
dollar relative to European currencies. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and
changes in foreign currencies, Coffee and Tea sales and operating income
increased by approximately 8.0%. Unit volumes for retail and out-of-home roasted
coffee declined 7%, reflecting higher green coffee costs and increased consumer
prices throughout most of the year. Performance was aided by a continued
emphasis on operating efficiencies. Interest expense allocated to the Coffee and
Tea segment increased $4 million, primarily as a result of this business having
a higher share of the invested capital of the Corporation. Net income declined
to $285 million, or 2.0%.
 
    Net sales in the Household and Body Care segment increased 8.7%, while
operating income increased 10.4%. These results were also significantly affected
by the impact of the stronger U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies during
the year. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and changes in foreign
currencies, Household and Body Care sales and operating income increased by 7.7%
and 18.9%, respectively. The Household and Body Care segment has four core
categories: shoe care, body care, insecticides and air fresheners. Unit sales
for these four product lines, excluding acquisitions, grew 11% for the year. The
profit growth is attributable primarily to strong gross margin improvement,
significant market share gains and new product introductions. The direct selling
component of this segment reported increased sales and profits principally on
the contributions of operations in Mexico and the Australian company
Nutri-Metics International, acquired in 1998. Interest expense allocated to the
Household and Body Care segment increased $7 million. This business had a higher
share of the invested capital of the Corporation and consolidated net interest
increased over 1997 levels. Net income increased 9.0% to $142 million.
 
    Foodservice operations produced sales growth of 8.9% and operating income
growth of 9.4%. Excluding acquisitions, sales and operating income grew 7.7% and
9.1%, respectively. Foodservice unit
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
volumes increased 7% for the year, excluding acquisitions. The improved sales
and profits were attributable largely to a continued focus on low-cost
production and geographic expansion throughout the South, Midwest and Eastern
portions of the United States. Interest allocated to this segment increased
slightly, and net income grew 8.7% to $52 million.
 
    Sales and operating income of the Branded Apparel segment declined 2.2% and
3.5%, respectively. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, dispositions and
changes in foreign currencies, sales increased 2.4% while operating income
declined 3.5%. The Corporation's worldwide Intimate Apparel business had
increased sales and operating income in 1998 as a result of product innovations
and design advancements that strengthened its core brands. Unit volumes
increased 7%, excluding acquisitions, with growth in both North America and
Europe. Worldwide unit volumes for Knit Products grew 6% led by gains in
underwear and activewear. Knit Products operating income declined slightly as a
result of the impact of the stronger dollar, competitive pricing pressures and
lower results by the Champion business. Due to a continuing global decline in
the sheer hosiery market, the worldwide Legwear business had lower sales in
1998. However, profits improved as the Corporation streamlined manufacturing,
boosted productivity and simplified its product mix. Worldwide Legwear unit
volumes declined 3% reflecting a 7% decline in sheer hosiery, partially offset
by an 11% increase in socks. The Coach leatherware business had lower sales and
operating income in 1998 as a result of difficult market conditions in Asia.
Interest allocated to this segment declined slightly as a result of this
business having a lower share of the invested capital of the Corporation. The
effective tax rate of the Branded Apparel segment declined as a result of
increased earnings in foreign jurisdictions that had lower tax rates than the
United States and a lower amount of nondeductible goodwill amortization. Net
income increased 0.3% to $484 million.
 
OPERATING RESULTS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT -- 1997 COMPARED WITH 1996
 
    Net sales and operating income in the Sara Lee Foods segment increased in
1997 by 21.1% and 12.9%, respectively, largely due to the acquisition of the
European processed meats company, Aoste. Excluding the impact of acquisitions
and changes in foreign currencies, Sara Lee Foods sales and operating income
increased by 2.6%. Unit volumes for worldwide Packaged Meats were flat for the
fiscal year, reflecting higher commodity costs that affected retail prices for
most products. Worldwide unit volumes for the Bakery business declined 5% for
the full year, reflecting a soft U.S. retail environment for frozen baked goods.
All unit volume comparisons exclude acquisitions. Interest expense allocated to
the Sara Lee Foods segment increased by $3 million, primarily as a result of
this business having a higher share of the invested capital of the Corporation.
Net income increased 11.5% to $232 million.
 
    Net sales in the Coffee and Tea segment decreased 2.9% while operating
income increased 2.9%. These results reflect the negative impact of a stronger
U.S. dollar relative to European currencies. Excluding the impact of
acquisitions and changes in foreign currencies, Coffee and Tea sales and
operating income increased in 1997 by 2.1% and 11.7%, respectively. Operating
margins improved as a result of lower coffee costs in the first half of the
year, improved operating efficiencies and increased sales of higher-margin
products. Unit volumes for roasted coffee increased 3%. Interest expense
allocated to this business segment declined 8.7% and net income increased 6.2%
to $290 million.
 
    Net sales in the Household and Body Care segment increased 0.3% while
operating income increased 6.4%. Results benefited from increased profitability
within several Household and Body Care categories including shoe care, body care
and direct selling. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and changes in foreign
currencies, Household and Body Care sales and operating income increased in 1997
by 3.0% and 10.4%, respectively. Net income increased 11.0% as a result of a
lower effective tax rate.
 
    Foodservice sales and operating income increased 7.8% and 12.1%,
respectively. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, sales grew at 6.7% and
operating income grew at 12.2%. Foodservice unit volumes increased 4% for the
full year, and selling, general and administrative costs declined as a percent
of sales. Net income increased 16.1% over the prior year as interest expense and
the effective tax rate declined.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    During 1997, Branded Apparel sales and operating income increased 1.5% and
4.4%, respectively. The improvement in segment profitability was attributable
primarily to incremental savings from the 1994 restructuring and lower LIFO
inventory provisions. Unit volumes for Branded Apparel's major product
categories increased 3% for the year. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and
changes in foreign currencies, Branded Apparel sales and operating income
increased 0.9% and 3.8%, respectively. During the year, the Branded Apparel
segment had a lower share of the invested capital of the Corporation and this,
along with lower borrowing costs, reduced the interest allocated to this
business by 13.7%. The effective tax rate attributable to the Branded Apparel
business declined as a result of increased earnings in foreign jurisdictions
that had lower tax rates than the United States. Net income increased 10.7% over
the prior year to $483 million.
 
FINANCIAL POSITION
 
    Net cash provided from operating activities was $1.9 billion in 1998, $1.6
billion in 1997 and $1.3 billion in 1996. Excluding the 1998 restructuring
charge, which was primarily non-cash, net income increased and working capital
management improved substantially in fiscal 1998. Higher profitability and lower
working capital requirements were also responsible for the improved 1997
operating cash flow results.
 
    Net cash used in investment activities was $275 million in 1998, $1.0
billion in 1997 and $693 million in 1996. Cash received for businesses and
property sold in 1998 was $418 million in excess of that received in 1997. In
addition, cash outflows for business acquisitions and capital expenditures
declined $354 million from 1997 levels. The lower level of cash used for
investment activities reflects the Corporation's decision to pursue a new
strategic direction and the related restructuring plan.
 
    During 1998, the Corporation acquired several companies for an aggregate
purchase price of $393 million in cash and $10 million of common stock. The
principal acquisitions were Nutri-Metics International Holding Pty. Ltd., an
Australian manufacturer and direct marketer of skin care products and
toiletries; Cafe do Ponto, S.A., a Brazilian manufacturer and retailer of
roasted and ground coffee; and Hornimans, a tea and sweetener distributor in
Spain. The Corporation also divested the production facilities and related
working capital of its yarn and textile manufacturing business. A loss was
recognized on the disposition of the manufacturing facilities in connection with
the 1998 restructuring, and the related working capital was sold for its net
book value.
 
    In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the corporation announced plans to
sell its international cut tobacco business, Douwe Egberts Van Nelle Tobacco, to
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, a major tobacco company based in the United Kingdom.
Cash proceeds of $391 million were received in July 1998. Additional cash
payments may be received beginning in fiscal 2004; however, these payments are
dependent upon significant contingencies related to the ongoing operation of the
sold business. Receipt of these contingent payments is not assured.
 
    During 1997, the Corporation acquired several companies for an aggregate
purchase price of $674 million in cash and $18 million of common stock. The
principal acquisitions were Aoste, a European manufacturer of processed meat
products; Lovable Italiana S.p.A., an intimate apparel company; and Brossard
France S.A., a French manufacturer and marketer of bakery products. The
Corporation also divested a minority ownership position in JP Foodservice, a
domestic distributor of food products, and a controlling interest in Aris
Isotoner, a manufacturer of gloves and accessories. No material gain or loss was
recognized on these divestments.
 
    Capital expenditures were $474 million in 1998 as compared to $547 million
in 1997 and $542 million in 1996. The Corporation expects 1999 capital
expenditures to be in the range of $400 million to $500 million. The 1999
expenditures will be funded by internal sources and available borrowing
capacity. The corporation retains substantial flexibility to adjust its spending
levels in order to act upon other opportunities, including share repurchases and
business acquisitions.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
    During 1998, cash of $1,650 million was used for financing activities. Cash
expended for the purchase of the Corporation's common stock totaled $1,500
million. In addition, the Corporation used $200 million to redeem preferred
stock and $447 million to pay dividends. Net borrowings provided $411 million of
cash in 1998. During 1997, cash of $468 million was used for financing
activities. $393 million was expended for the purchase of the Corporation's
common stock and was largely offset by net additional borrowings of $362
million. Dividend payments in 1997 totaled $430 million. For fiscal 1998,
operating cash flow was 56.8% of average total debt as compared to 49.3% in
1997. The corporation's stated objective is to maintain a ratio of operating
cash flow to average total debt of at least 40% over time.
 
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
 
    In January 1996, the Corporation initiated a program to address the Year
2000 issues that affect its operations. Essentially, the Year 2000 problem
consists of computer applications using only the last two digits to refer to a
year rather than all four digits. As a result, these applications could fail or
create erroneous results if they recognize "00" as the year 1900 rather than the
year 2000. The aforementioned program is designed to identify and correct these
problems.
 
    The program has been developed with the help of independent consultants and
consists of various steps of evaluation and remediation in the affected areas of
the Corporation. These areas include order, production, distribution and
financial systems. In addition, all third parties with whom there is systems
interaction, including outsourced services, and customers and suppliers, are
being surveyed to determine Year 2000 compliance or the need for remediation
efforts. As of the end of fiscal 1998, approximately 40% of the Corporation's
worldwide systems were Year 2000-compliant with the remaining areas targeted for
compliance by the end of fiscal 1999. The total cost of this project is
estimated to be $50 million, of which approximately one-half has been expensed.
These costs have not had, nor are expected to have, a material effect on the
Corporation's financial position, results of operations or cash flows in any of
the years in which spending has or will occur. This expectation assumes that the
Corporation will not be obligated to incur significant Year 2000 related costs
on behalf of its customers or suppliers.
 
    In the event that the efforts of this program do not address all potential
systems problems, the Corporation is currently developing contingency plans to
ensure that it will be able to operate the critical areas of its business. This
process includes developing alternative plans to engage in business activities
with customers and suppliers should they not be Year 2000-compliant. These plans
will continue to be monitored for completion as we approach the year 2000.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
    From time to time, in written reports and oral statements, the Corporation
discusses its expectations regarding future performance. For example, such
"forward-looking statements" are contained in the 1998 Annual Report in the
Chairman's Letter to Stockholders (pages 17-18); President's Letter (page 21);
Operations Review (pages 22-35); and the Financial Performance and Financial
Review, including Management's Discussion and Analysis (pages 36-45). These
forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive,
financial and economic data and management's views and assumptions regarding
future events. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and
investors must recognize that actual results may differ materially from those
expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Consequently, the
Corporation wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any
forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could impact the
Corporation's ability to achieve its stated goals are the following: (i) the
Corporation's ability to realize forecasted savings, as well as improvements in
productivity and efficiency, from its restructuring program; (ii) significant
competitive activity, including advertising, promotional and price competition,
and changes in consumer demand for the Corporation's products; (iii)
fluctuations in the cost and availability of various raw materials; (iv)
inherent risks in the marketplace associated with new product introductions,
including uncertainties about trade and consumer acceptance; (v) the
Corporation's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into its existing
operations
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
and the availability of new acquisitions, joint ventures and alliance
opportunities that build stockholder value; and (vi) the Corporation's ability,
and our suppliers' and customers' ability, to adequately address the "Year 2000"
computer issue. In addition, the Corporation's results may also be affected by
general factors, such as economic conditions and political developments in the
markets where the Corporation competes, including changes in currency exchange
rates, interest and inflation rates, accounting standards, taxes, and laws and
regulations generally affecting our businesses.
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
RISK MANAGEMENT
 
    The Corporation is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates,
foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. To modify the risk from these
interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and commodity price fluctuations,
the Corporation enters into various hedging transactions that have been
authorized pursuant to the corporation's policies and procedures. The
Corporation does not use financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a
party to any leveraged derivatives.
 
    FOREIGN EXCHANGE
 
    The Corporation uses primarily foreign currency forward contracts to hedge
its exposure from adverse changes in foreign exchange rates. The Corporation's
exposure to foreign exchange rates exists primarily with the Dutch guilder,
French franc, Italian lira, Spanish peseta and British pound against the U.S.
dollar. Hedging is accomplished through the use of financial instruments as the
gain or loss on the hedging instrument offsets the gain or loss on an asset,
liability or a basis adjustment to a firm commitment. Hedging of anticipated
transactions is accomplished with financial instruments as the gain or loss on
the hedge occurs on or near the maturity date of the anticipated transactions.
 
    INTEREST RATES
 
    The Corporation uses interest rate swaps to modify its exposure to interest
rate movements and to reduce borrowing costs. The Corporation's net exposure to
interest rate risk consists of floating rate instruments that are benchmarked to
U.S. and European short-term money market interest rates. Interest rate risk
management is accomplished through the use of swaps to create synthetic debt
instruments.
 
    COMMODITIES
 
    The Corporation is a purchaser of certain commodities such as beef, pork,
cotton, coffee, wheat, corn, soybean and corn oils, and sugar. The Corporation
generally buys these commodities based upon market prices that are established
with the vendor as part of the purchase process. The Corporation does not use
significant levels of commodity financial instruments to hedge commodity prices
due to a high correlation between the commodity cost and the ultimate selling
price of the Corporation's products.
 
    RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
 
    The Corporation maintains risk management control systems to monitor the
foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risks, and the Corporation's
offsetting hedge positions. The risk management control system uses analytical
techniques including market value, sensitivity analysis and value at risk
estimations.
 
    VALUE AT RISK
 
    The value at risk estimations are intended to measure the maximum amount the
Corporation could lose from adverse market movements in interest rates and
foreign exchange rates, given a specified confidence level, over a given period
of time. Loss is defined in the value at risk estimation as fair-market
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
value loss. As a result, foreign exchange gains or losses that are charged
directly to translation adjustments in common stockholders' equity are included
in this estimate. The value at risk estimation utilizes historical interest
rates and foreign exchange rates from the past year to estimate the volatility
and correlation of these rates in the future. The model uses the
variance-covariance statistical modeling technique and includes all
interest-rate sensitive debt and swaps, foreign exchange hedges and their
corresponding underlying exposures. The estimated value at risk amounts shown
below represent the potential loss the Corporation could incur from adverse
changes in either interest rates or foreign exchange rates for a one-day period.
The average value at risk represents the simple average of the quarterly amounts
for the past year. These amounts are not significant compared with the equity,
historical earnings trend or daily change in market capitalization of the
Corporation.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               TIME     CONFIDENCE
VALUE AT RISK AMOUNTS                    AMOUNTS   AVERAGE   INTERVAL     LEVEL
- ---------------------------------------  -------   -------   --------   ----------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
Interest rates.........................   $ 4.8     $ 4.6     1 day         95%
Foreign exchange.......................    13.6      13.0     1 day         95
</TABLE>
 
    SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
 
    For commodity derivative instruments held, the Corporation utilizes a
sensitivity analysis technique to evaluate the effect that changes in the market
value of commodities will have on the Corporation's commodity derivative
instruments. This analysis includes the commodity derivative instruments and,
thereby, does not consider the underlying exposure. At year-end, the potential
change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments, assuming a 10% change
in the underlying commodity price, was $2.9 million. This amount is not
significant compared with the earnings and equity of the Corporation.
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
    The consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes to Financial
Statements of Sara Lee identified in the Index to Financial Statements appearing
under Item 14, Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K,
are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
  Financial Disclosure.
 
    Not Applicable.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                                    PART III
 
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Sara Lee.
 
    The following is a list of all current executive officers of Sara Lee
Corporation.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           AGE AT                                                  FIRST
                         OCTOBER 29,                                             ELECTED AN
         NAME               1998              OFFICES AND POSITIONS HELD          OFFICER
- -----------------------  -----------   ----------------------------------------  ----------
<S>                      <C>           <C>                                       <C>
John H. Bryan..........      62        Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive      3/28/74
                                       Officer and Director
C. Steven McMillan.....      52        President, Chief Operating Officer and      3/31/83
                                       Director
Frank L. Meysman.......      46        Executive Vice President and Director       3/31/94
James R. Carlson.......      56        Senior Vice President                        7/1/93
Gary C. Grom...........      51        Senior Vice President -- Human Resources   10/25/90
Janet Langford Kelly...      40        Senior Vice President, Secretary and        1/26/95
                                       General Counsel
Mark J. McCarville.....      52        Senior Vice President -- Corporate          6/24/82
                                       Development
Judith A. Sprieser.....      45        Senior Vice President and Chief             11/1/94
                                       Financial Officer
Gerald W. Evans........      39        Vice President                              3/26/98
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
    There are no family relationships between any of the above-named executive
officers.
 
    Each of the executive officers listed above has served Sara Lee or its
subsidiaries in various executive capacities for the past five years except
Janet Langford Kelly. Before joining Sara Lee, Ms. Kelly was a partner in the
Chicago office of Sidley & Austin.
 
    For information with respect to the directors of Sara Lee, see "Election of
Directors" contained in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
    The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the caption "Section
16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
 
    The information set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions
"Director Compensation" and "Executive Compensation," is incorporated herein by
reference; provided, however, that the Report of the Compensation and Employee
Benefits Committee on Executive Compensation and the Performance Graph contained
in the Proxy Statement are not incorporated by reference. The information set
forth in the second paragraph under Item 13 below is also incorporated herein by
reference.
 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
 
    (a)  No person or "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) is known by Sara Lee to beneficially own more
than 5% of any class of Sara Lee's voting securities. As of September 1, 1998,
State Street Bank & Trust Company of Boston, as trustee ("Trustee") of the Sara
Lee Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), held in trust 4,126,299
shares (100% of the outstanding shares) of Sara Lee's Employee Stock Ownership
Plan Convertible Preferred Stock ("ESOP Stock"), of which 1,714,146 shares (42%)
were allocated to participant accounts and 2,412,153 shares (58%) were
unallocated shares. Each ESOP participant is entitled to direct the Trustee how
to vote the
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
shares allocated to such participant's account, as well as a proportionate share
of unallocated or unvoted shares. The ESOP Stock votes as a class with the
common stock and each share of ESOP Stock is entitled to 5.132 votes. Each share
of ESOP Stock is convertible into four shares of Sara Lee common stock.
 
    (b) Security ownership by management as contained in the Proxy Statement
under the caption "Sara Lee Common Stock and ESOP Stock Ownership by Directors
and Executive Officers" is incorporated herein by reference.
 
    (c) There are no arrangements known to Sara Lee the operation of which may
at a subsequent date result in a change in control of Sara Lee.
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
 
    During fiscal 1998, Sara Lee paid fees for legal services performed by the
law firm of Sidley & Austin, to which Newton N. Minow is of counsel, and the law
firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., of which Vernon E. Jordan,
Jr. is a senior partner. Messrs. Minow and Jordan served as directors of Sara
Lee during the 1998 fiscal year.
 
    During fiscal 1998, various Sara Lee subsidiaries spent approximately $3.5
million to purchase truck trailers, parts and related services from Great Dane
Limited Partnership, a partnership in which James S. Crown and members of his
immediate family have an interest. Mr. Crown served as a director of Sara Lee
for a portion of the 1998 fiscal year.
 
                                    PART IV
 
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
(a) 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       Report of Independent Public Accountants...........................   F-1
 
       Consolidated Statements of Income -- Years ended June 29, 1996,
       June 28, 1997 and June 27, 1998....................................   F-4
 
       Consolidated Balance Sheets -- June 29, 1996, June 28, 1997 and
       June 27, 1998......................................................   F-5
 
       Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity -- Balances
       at June 29, 1996, June 28, 1997 and June 27, 1998..................   F-7
 
       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years ended June 29, 1996,
       June 28, 1997 and June 27, 1998....................................   F-8
 
       Notes to Financial Statements......................................   F-9
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
    2.  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
       Report of Independent Public Accountants...........................  F-29
       Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts...................  F-30
</TABLE>
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    3.  EXHIBITS                                   INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
                                                   ------------------------------
<S>                <C>                             <C>
 
    (3a)           Charter                         Exhibit 4.1 to Registration
                                                   Statement No. 33-35760 on Form
                                                   S-8 dated July 6, 1990,
                                                   Exhibit 4.2 to Registration
                                                   Statement No. 33-37575 on Form
                                                   S-8 dated November 1, 1990 and
                                                   Exhibit 3(a) to Report on Form
                                                   10-K for Fiscal Year ended
                                                   July 2, 1994.
 
    (3b)           Bylaws                          Exhibit 3(b) to Report on Form
                                                   10-K for Fiscal Year ended
                                                   June 29, 1996
 
    (4)  Sara Lee, by signing this Report, agrees to furnish the Securities and
       Exchange Commission, upon its request, a copy of any instrument which
       defines the rights of holders of long-term debt of Sara Lee and all of its
       subsidiaries for which consolidated or unconsolidated financial statements
       are required to be filed, and which authorizes a total amount of
       securities not in excess of 10% of the total assets of Sara Lee and its
       subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
 
    (10)            1. 1979 Stock Option Plan, as  Exhibit 10(1) to Report on
                      amended                      Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended July 1, 1995
 
                    2. 1981 Stock Option Plan, as  Exhibit 10(11) to Report on
                      amended                      Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended July 1, 1989
 
                    3. 1988 Non-Qualified Stock    Exhibit 10(3) to Report on
                      Option Plan, as amended      Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended July 1, 1995
 
                    4. 1989 Incentive Stock Plan,  Exhibit 10(4) to Report on
                      as amended                   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 28, 1997
 
                    5. Supplemental Benefit Plan,  Exhibit 10(5) to Report on
                      as amended                   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 28, 1997
 
                    6. Performance-Based Annual    Appendix A to Proxy Statement
                      Incentive Plan               dated September 20, 1995
 
                    7. 1995 Long-Term Incentive    Exhibit 10(16) to Report on
                      Stock Plan, as amended       Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 28, 1997
                    8. 1995 Non-Employee Director
                      Stock Plan, as amended
 
                    9. 1998 Long-Term Incentive    Appendix A to Proxy Statement
                      Stock Plan                   dated September 21, 1998
 
                   10. Accelerated Growth          Exhibit 10(12) to Report on
                      Incentive Plan Fiscal Years  Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      1990-1994                    ended June 30, 1990
 
                   11. 1991 Non-Qualified          Exhibit 10(15) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Base Salary)                ended June 29, 1991
 
                   12. 1992 Non-Qualified          Exhibit 10(15) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Base Salary)                ended June 27, 1992
 
                   13. FY '93 Non-Qualified        Exhibit 10(16) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Annual Bonus)               ended June 27, 1992
 
                   14. 1993 Non-Qualified          Exhibit 10(19) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Base Salary)                ended July 3, 1993
</TABLE>
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBITS                                       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
                                                   ------------------------------
<S>                <C>                             <C>
                   15. FY '94 Non-Qualified        Exhibit 10(20) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Annual Bonus)               ended July 3, 1993
 
                   16. 1994 Non-Qualified          Exhibit 10(14) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Base Salary)                ended July 2, 1994
 
                   17. FY '95 Non-Qualified        Exhibit 10(15) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Annual Bonus)               ended July 2, 1994
 
                   18. Non-Qualified Deferred
                      Compensation Plan (Annual
                      Bonus), as amended
 
                   19. Non-Qualified Deferred
                      Compensation Plan for
                      Outside Directors, as
                      amended
 
                   20. FY 1996-98 Long Term        Exhibit 10(20) to Report on
                      Performance Incentive Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 29, 1996
 
                   21. FY 1997-99 Long Term        Exhibit 10(21) to Report on
                      Performance Incentive Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 29, 1996
 
                   22. FY 1998-00 Long Term
                      Performance Incentive Plan
 
                   23. Non-Qualified Estate        Exhibit 10(17) to Report on
                      Builder Deferred             Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      Compensation Plan            ended June 29, 1985
 
                   24. Severance Policy for        Exhibit 10(23) to Report on
                      Corporate Officers, as       Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      amended                      ended June 28, 1997
 
                   25. Employment Agreement,       Exhibit 10(24) to Report on
                      dated January 1, 1996,       Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      between Sara Lee             ended June 28, 1997
                      Corporation and Frank L.
                      Meysman
 
                   26. Employment Agreement,       Exhibit 10(25) to Report on
                      dated January 1, 1996,       Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      between Sara Lee/ DE N.V.    ended June 28, 1997
                      and Frank L. Meysman and
                      attachments (translated
                      from Dutch)
 
                   27. Restricted Share Unit
                      Agreement dated April 29,
                      1998 between Sara Lee
                      Corporation and Frank L.
                      Meysman
 
                   28. Stockholder Rights          Exhibit 4.1 to Report on Form
                      Agreement, dated as of       8-K dated May 15, 1998
                      March 26, 1998 between Sara
                      Lee Corporation and First
                      Chicago Trust Company of
                      New York, as rights agent
 
    (12)            1. Computation of Ratio of
                      Earnings to Fixed Charges
</TABLE>
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBITS                                       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
                                                   ------------------------------
<S>                <C>                             <C>
                    2. Computation of Ratio of
                      Earnings to Fixed Charges
                      and Preferred Stock
                      Dividend Requirements
 
    (21)              List of Subsidiaries
 
    (23)              Consent of Arthur Andersen
                      LLP
 
    (24)              Powers of Attorney
 
    (27)              Financial Data Schedules
</TABLE>
 
(b)    REPORTS ON FORM 8-K        A report on Form 8-K dated May 15, 1998 was
                                  filed during the last quarter of the period
                                  covered by this report. The report on Form 8-K
                                  related to the renewal of the Corporation's
                                  Stockholder Rights Plan.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, Sara Lee Corporation has duly caused this Report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
September 23, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
                                SARA LEE CORPORATION
 
                                By:           /s/ JANET LANGFORD KELLY
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                Janet Langford Kelly
                                               SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
                                           SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL
</TABLE>
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Sara Lee
Corporation and in the capacities indicated on September 23, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          SIGNATURE                      CAPACITY
- ------------------------------  --------------------------
 
<C>                             <S>
      /s/ JOHN H. BRYAN         Chairman of the Board,
- ------------------------------    Chief Executive Officer
        John H. Bryan             and Director
 
    /s/ C. STEVEN MCMILLAN
- ------------------------------  President, Chief Operating
      C. Steven McMillan          Officer and Director
 
     /s/ FRANK L. MEYSMAN
- ------------------------------  Executive Vice President
       Frank L. Meysman           and Director
 
    /s/ JUDITH A. SPRIESER
- ------------------------------  Senior Vice President and
      Judith A. Sprieser          Chief Financial Officer
 
    /s/ WAYNE R. SZYPULSKI
- ------------------------------  Vice President and
      Wayne R. Szypulski          Controller
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
       Paul A. Allaire
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
   Frans H.J.J. Andriessen
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
       Duane L. Burnham
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
       Charles W. Coker
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
        James S. Crown
</TABLE>
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          SIGNATURE                      CAPACITY
- ------------------------------  --------------------------
 
<C>                             <S>
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
       Willie D. Davis
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
      Allen F. Jacobson
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
    Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
      James L. Ketelsen
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
      Hans B. van Liemt
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
        Joan D. Manley
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
       Newton N. Minow
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
    Sir Arvi H. Parbo A.C.
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
      Rozanne L. Ridgway
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
      Richard L. Thomas
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Director
        John D. Zeglis
</TABLE>
 
    *By Janet Langford Kelly as Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to Powers of Attorney
executed by the directors listed above, which Powers of Attorney have been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
                                By:           /s/ JANET LANGFORD KELLY
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                Janet Langford Kelly
                                                AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders,
  SARA LEE CORPORATION:
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SARA LEE
CORPORATION (a Maryland corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of June 27, 1998, June
28, 1997, and June 29, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income,
common stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended June 27, 1998. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sara Lee
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997, and June 29,
1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended June 27, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/  Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
July 27, 1998
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                               FINANCIAL SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                COMPOUND               YEARS ENDED
                                                                              GROWTH RATE         ----------------------
                                                                        ------------------------   JUNE 27,    JUNE 28,
                                                                          5 YEARS     10 YEARS     1998(1)       1997
                                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                                   (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS
                                                                                                  EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales.............................................................         6.5%         6.7%  $   20,011  $   19,734
Operating (loss) income...............................................      NM           NM              (97)      1,905
(Loss) income before income taxes.....................................      NM           NM             (443)      1,484
Net (loss) income.....................................................      NM           NM             (523)      1,009
Effective tax rate....................................................          --           --         18.0%       32.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets..........................................................         0.2%         8.2%  $   10,989  $   12,953
Total debt............................................................         4.8         11.8        3,077       2,664
Operating cash flow to average total debt (6).........................          --           --         56.8%       49.3%
Return on invested capital (7)........................................          --           --         17.5%       16.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER COMMON SHARE (8)..................................................
Net (loss) income -- basic............................................      NM           NM       $    (1.14) $     2.05
    Average shares outstanding (in millions)..........................        (0.5)%        0.6%         469         480
Net (loss) income -- diluted..........................................      NM           NM            (1.14)       1.97
    Average shares outstanding (in millions)..........................        (1.5)         0.5          469         502
Dividends (9).........................................................        10.0         12.0          .90         .82
Book value at year-end................................................       (11.6)         1.0         3.94        8.91
Market value at year-end..............................................        18.5         19.9        56.63       42.06
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION
Net cash from operating activities....................................        17.9%        10.2%  $    1,935  $    1,552
Depreciation..........................................................         2.2          8.0          427         483
Amortization of intangibles...........................................         6.4         13.6          191         197
Capital expenditures..................................................        (8.2)         0.6          474         547
Media advertising expense.............................................         0.4          4.7          401         414
Total advertising and promotion expense...............................         6.3          9.4        1,972       1,937
Common stockholders of record.........................................          --           --       85,100      88,800
Number of employees...................................................          --           --      139,100     141,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) In 1998, a restructuring provision reduced operating income and income
    before income taxes by $2,040 and net income by $1,625.
 
(2) In 1994, a restructuring provision reduced operating income and income
    before income taxes by $732 and net income by $495. In addition, in 1994,
    the cumulative effect of adopting a mandated change in the method of
    accounting for income taxes reduced net income by $35.
 
(3) 53-week year.
 
(4) Fiscal 1992 income before income taxes includes a $412 gain on sale of
    business offset by a $190 restructuring provision. These transactions
    increased net income by $140.
 
(5) Fiscal 1989 income before income taxes includes an $87 gain on sales of
    businesses offset by a $55 restructuring provision. These transactions
    increased net income by $11.
 
(6) Average total debt includes total balance sheet debt, imputed lease
    liabilities and auction preferred stock.
 
(7) Excludes unusual items.
 
(8) Restated for the 2-for-1 stock splits in fiscal 1993 and 1990.
 
(9) Fiscal 1992 includes a $.12 special dividend.
 
NM = not meaningful
 
    THE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
                               FINANCIAL SUMMARY.
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                               FINANCIAL SUMMARY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                YEARS ENDED
                                           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           JUNE 29,    JULY 1,    JULY 2,    JULY 3,   JUNE 27,   JUNE 29,   JUNE 30,    JULY 1,
                                             1996       1995      1994(2)    1993(3)    1992(4)     1991       1990      1989(5)
                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales................................  $  18,624  $  17,719  $  15,536  $  14,580  $  13,243  $  12,381  $  11,606  $  11,718
Operating (loss) income..................      1,793      1,596        632      1,307      1,207      1,085        938        847
(Loss) income before income taxes........      1,378      1,219        389      1,082      1,174        830        713        639
Net (loss) income........................        916        804        199        704        761        535        470        410
Effective tax rate.......................       33.5%      34.1%      39.9%      34.9%      35.2%      35.5%      34.1%      35.8%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets.............................  $  12,602  $  12,431  $  11,665  $  10,862  $   9,989  $   8,122  $   7,636  $   6,523
Total debt...............................      2,296      2,597      2,859      2,433      1,780      1,772      1,866      1,799
Operating cash flow to average total debt
  (6)....................................       41.4%      40.6%      25.8%      31.7%      42.1%      37.3%      25.6%      27.9%
Return on invested capital (7)...........       15.0%      14.6%      12.6%      12.7%      13.3%      13.8%      14.3%      15.3%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER COMMON SHARE (8)
Net (loss) income -- basic...............  $    1.85  $    1.63  $     .37  $    1.41  $    1.55  $    1.08  $     .96  $     .89
    Average shares outstanding (in
      millions)..........................        482        478        477        481        471        461        457        448
Net (loss) income -- diluted.............       1.78       1.57        .36       1.36       1.50       1.05        .94        .88
    Average shares outstanding (in
      millions)..........................        503        498        498        506        496        486        480        454
Dividends (9)............................        .74        .67        .63        .56        .61        .46        .41        .35
Book value at year-end...................       8.91       8.20       6.92       7.31       7.05       5.48       4.97       4.21
Market value at year-end.................      32.50      28.50      20.63      24.25      24.81      20.19      14.56      13.47
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION
Net cash from operating activities.......  $   1,304  $   1,373  $     839  $     850  $     976  $     875  $     582  $     493
Depreciation.............................        454        436        414        383        354        302        268        215
Amortization of intangibles..............        180        170        154        139        118         92         83         65
Capital expenditures.....................        542        480        628        728        509        522        595        541
Media advertising expense................        444        422        371        392        325        288        313        303
Total advertising and promotion
  expense................................      1,838      1,675      1,498      1,455      1,294      1,067      1,013        925
Common stockholders of record............     91,300     93,400     95,600     88,100     75,400     69,400     64,800     56,500
Number of employees......................    135,300    149,100    145,900    138,000    128,000    113,400    107,800    101,800
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                            JULY 2,
                                            1988(3)
                                           ---------
<S>                                        <C>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales................................  $  10,424
Operating (loss) income..................        753
(Loss) income before income taxes........        513
Net (loss) income........................        325
Effective tax rate.......................       36.7%
- -----------------------------------------
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total assets.............................  $   5,012
Total debt...............................      1,013
Operating cash flow to average total debt
  (6)....................................       60.6%
Return on invested capital (7)...........       15.1%
- -----------------------------------------
PER COMMON SHARE (8)
Net (loss) income -- basic...............  $     .72
    Average shares outstanding (in
      millions)..........................        442
Net (loss) income -- diluted.............        .71
    Average shares outstanding (in
      millions)..........................        447
Dividends (9)............................        .29
Book value at year-end...................       3.56
Market value at year-end.................       9.22
- -----------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION
Net cash from operating activities.......  $     732
Depreciation.............................        198
Amortization of intangibles..............         53
Capital expenditures.....................        449
Media advertising expense................        253
Total advertising and promotion
  expense................................        801
Common stockholders of record............     52,400
Number of employees......................     85,700
- -----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) In 1998, a restructuring provision reduced operating income and income
    before income taxes by $2,040 and net income by $1,625.
 
(2) In 1994, a restructuring provision reduced operating income and income
    before income taxes by $732 and net income by $495. In addition, in 1994,
    the cumulative effect of adopting a mandated change in the method of
    accounting for income taxes reduced net income by $35.
 
(3) 53-week year.
 
(4) Fiscal 1992 income before income taxes includes a $412 gain on sale of
    business offset by a $190 restructuring provision. These transactions
    increased net income by $140.
 
(5) Fiscal 1989 income before income taxes includes an $87 gain on sales of
    businesses offset by a $55 restructuring provision. These transactions
    increased net income by $11.
 
(6) Average total debt includes total balance sheet debt, imputed lease
    liabilities and auction preferred stock.
 
(7) Excludes unusual items.
 
(8) Restated for the 2-for-1 stock splits in fiscal 1993 and 1990.
 
(9) Fiscal 1992 includes a $.12 special dividend.
 
NM = not meaningful
 
    THE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
                                 FINANCIAL SUMMARY.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                      (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          YEARS ENDED
                                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                                JUNE 27,   JUNE 28,   JUNE 29,
                                                                                  1998       1997       1996
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
NET SALES.....................................................................  $  20,011  $  19,734  $  18,624
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Cost of sales.................................................................     12,331     12,267     11,470
Selling, general and administrative expenses..................................      5,907      5,824      5,603
Interest expense..............................................................        224        202        228
Interest income...............................................................        (48)       (43)       (55)
Restructuring charge..........................................................      2,040         --         --
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   20,454     18,250     17,246
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
(Loss) income before income taxes.............................................       (443)     1,484      1,378
Income taxes..................................................................         80        475        462
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
NET (LOSS) INCOME.............................................................       (523)     1,009        916
Preferred dividends, net of tax...............................................        (14)       (26)       (27)
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Net (loss) income available for common stockholders...........................  $    (537) $     983  $     889
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE -- BASIC...................................  $   (1.14) $    2.05  $    1.85
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
  Average shares outstanding..................................................        469        480        482
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE -- DILUTED.................................  $   (1.14) $    1.97  $    1.78
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
  Average shares outstanding..................................................        469        502        503
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
  THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                                  STATEMENTS.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               JUNE 27,   JUNE 28,   JUNE 29,
                                                                                 1998       1997       1996
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
ASSETS
Cash and equivalents.........................................................  $     273  $     272  $     243
Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $205 in 1998 and 1997 and $197
  in 1996....................................................................      1,800      1,841      1,728
Inventories
  Finished goods.............................................................      1,809      1,803      1,802
  Work in process............................................................        443        497        381
  Materials and supplies.....................................................        630        673        624
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   2,882      2,973      2,807
Other current assets.........................................................        265        305        303
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
Total current assets.........................................................      5,220      5,391      5,081
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
Trademarks and other assets..................................................        501        536        636
Property
  Land.......................................................................        126        126        132
  Buildings and improvements.................................................      1,895      2,008      1,924
  Machinery and equipment....................................................      2,742      3,777      3,657
  Construction in progress...................................................        184        293        263
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   4,947      6,204      5,976
  Accumulated depreciation...................................................      2,857      3,125      2,969
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
Property, net................................................................      2,090      3,079      3,007
Intangible assets, net.......................................................      3,178      3,947      3,878
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                               $  10,989  $  12,953  $  12,602
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
  THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                                BALANCE SHEETS.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 JUNE 27,   JUNE 28,   JUNE 29,
                                                                                   1998       1997       1996
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Notes payable..................................................................  $     586  $     476  $     319
Accounts payable...............................................................      2,003      1,703      1,592
Accrued liabilities
  Payroll and employee benefits................................................        684        701        702
  Advertising and promotion....................................................        338        337        290
  Taxes other than payroll and income..........................................        223        189        207
  Income taxes.................................................................        159        119        101
  Other........................................................................      1,519      1,236      1,296
Current maturities of long-term debt...........................................        221        255        135
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Total current liabilities......................................................      5,733      5,016      4,642
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Long-term debt.................................................................      2,270      1,933      1,842
Deferred income taxes..........................................................         22        416        333
Other liabilities..............................................................        538        543        604
Minority interest in subsidiaries..............................................        560        523        523
Preferred stock (authorized 13,500,000 shares; no par value)
  Auction: Issued and outstanding -- 2,000 shares in 1997 and 3,000 shares in
    1996; redeemable at $100,000 per share.....................................         --        200        300
  ESOP convertible: Issued and outstanding -- 4,208,297 shares in 1998,
    4,328,597 shares in 1997 and 4,468,303 shares in 1996......................        305        314        324
  Unearned deferred compensation...............................................       (255)      (272)      (286)
Common stockholders' equity
  Common stock: (authorized 600,000,000 shares; $1.33 1/3 par value) Issued and
    outstanding -- 460,664,857 shares in 1998, 480,277,317 shares in 1997 and
    485,054,554 shares in 1996.................................................        614        640        646
  Capital surplus..............................................................         --         --        141
  Retained earnings............................................................      2,036      4,274      3,783
  Translation adjustments......................................................       (784)      (618)      (227)
  Unearned restricted stock issued for future services.........................        (50)       (16)       (23)
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Total common stockholders' equity..............................................      1,816      4,280      4,320
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                 $  10,989  $  12,953  $  12,602
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
  THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                                  STATEMENTS.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     UNEARNED
                                                               COMMON       CAPITAL     RETAINED     TRANSLATION    RESTRICTED
                                                    TOTAL       STOCK       SURPLUS     EARNINGS     ADJUSTMENTS       STOCK
                                                  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
BALANCES AT JULY 1, 1995........................  $   3,939   $     640    $      67    $   3,252     $       3      $     (23)
Net income......................................        916          --           --          916            --             --
Cash dividends
  Common ($.74 per share).......................       (358)         --           --         (358)           --             --
  Auction preferred ($4,219.00 per share).......        (13)         --           --          (13)           --             --
  ESOP convertible preferred ($5.4375 per
    share)......................................        (24)         --           --          (24)           --             --
Stock issuances
  Business acquisitions.........................         55           3           52           --            --             --
  Stock option and benefit plans................         93           6           87           --            --             --
  Restricted stock, less amortization of $13....         13           1           17           --            --             (5)
Reacquired shares...............................       (103)         (4)         (99)          --            --             --
Translation adjustments.........................       (230)         --           --           --          (230)            --
ESOP tax benefit................................         10          --           --           10            --             --
ESOP share redemption...........................          7          --            7           --            --             --
Other...........................................         15          --           10           --            --              5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES AT JUNE 29, 1996.......................      4,320         646          141        3,783          (227)           (23)
Net income......................................      1,009          --           --        1,009            --             --
Cash dividends
  Common ($.82 per share).......................       (394)         --           --         (394)           --             --
  Auction preferred ($4,000.93 per share).......        (12)         --           --          (12)           --             --
  ESOP convertible preferred ($5.4375 per
    share)......................................        (24)         --           --          (24)           --             --
Stock issuances
  Business acquisitions.........................         18           1           17           --            --             --
  Stock option and benefit plans................         93           6           87           --            --             --
  Restricted stock, less amortization of $19....         19          --           13           --            --              6
Reacquired shares...............................       (393)        (14)        (281)         (98)           --             --
Translation adjustments.........................       (391)         --           --           --          (391)            --
ESOP tax benefit................................         10          --           --           10            --             --
ESOP share redemption...........................         10           1            9           --            --             --
Other...........................................         15          --           14           --            --              1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES AT JUNE 28, 1997.......................      4,280         640           --        4,274          (618)           (16)
Net loss........................................       (523)         --           --         (523)           --             --
Cash dividends
  Common ($.90 per share).......................       (423)         --           --         (423)           --             --
  Auction preferred ($458.00 per share).........         (1)         --           --           (1)           --             --
  ESOP convertible preferred ($5.4375 per
    share)......................................        (23)         --           --          (23)           --             --
Stock issuances
  Business acquisitions.........................         10          --           10           --            --             --
  Stock option and benefit plans................         86           8           78           --            --             --
  Restricted stock, less amortization of $42....         34           1           67           --            --            (34)
Reacquired shares...............................     (1,500)        (36)        (186)      (1,278)           --             --
Translation adjustments.........................       (166)         --           --           --          (166)            --
ESOP tax benefit................................         10          --           --           10            --             --
ESOP share redemption...........................          9           1            8           --            --             --
Other...........................................         23          --           23           --            --             --
                                                  ---------       -----        -----   -----------        -----            ---
BALANCES AT JUNE 27, 1998.......................  $   1,816   $     614    $      --    $   2,036     $    (784)     $     (50)
                                                  ---------       -----        -----   -----------        -----            ---
                                                  ---------       -----        -----   -----------        -----            ---
</TABLE>
 
  THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                                  STATEMENTS.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        YEARS ENDED
                                                                            -----------------------------------
                                                                            JUNE 27,    JUNE 28,     JUNE 29,
                                                                              1998        1997         1996
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income.........................................................  $    (523)  $   1,009    $     916
Adjustments for noncash charges included in net (loss) income
  Depreciation............................................................        427         483          454
  Amortization of intangibles.............................................        191         197          180
  Restructuring charge....................................................      2,040          --           --
  (Decrease) increase in deferred taxes...................................       (405)         40           31
  Other noncash credits, net..............................................         (5)        (56)         (77)
  Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired
    and sold
    Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable......................          6         (66)        (138)
    (Increase) in inventories.............................................        (27)       (129)         (83)
    Decrease (increase) in other current assets...........................         34          17          (63)
    Increase in accounts payable..........................................         20          59           95
    Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities............................        177          (2)         (11)
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
  Net cash from operating activities......................................      1,935       1,552        1,304
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment.......................................       (474)       (547)        (542)
Acquisitions of businesses................................................       (393)       (674)        (216)
Dispositions of investments and businesses................................        451         114           12
Sales of property.........................................................        140          59           49
Other.....................................................................          1           6            4
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
  Net cash used in investment activities..................................       (275)     (1,042)        (693)
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuances of common stock.................................................         86          93           93
Purchases of common stock.................................................     (1,500)       (393)        (103)
Redemption of preferred stock.............................................       (200)       (100)          --
Borrowings of long-term debt..............................................        594         495          354
Repayments of long-term debt..............................................       (296)       (252)        (369)
Short-term borrowings (repayments), net...................................        113         119         (135)
Payments of dividends.....................................................       (447)       (430)        (395)
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
  Net cash used in financing activities...................................     (1,650)       (468)        (555)
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash.......................         (9)        (13)         (15)
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
Increase in cash and equivalents..........................................          1          29           41
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year.................................        272         243          202
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
Cash and equivalents at end of year.......................................  $     273   $     272    $     243
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                            ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
  THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                                  STATEMENTS.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
CONSOLIDATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include all majority-owned
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions of consolidated
subsidiaries are eliminated. Acquisitions recorded as purchases are included in
the income statement from the date of acquisition.
 
FISCAL YEAR
 
    The Corporation's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to June 30.
Unless otherwise stated, references to years relate to 52-week fiscal years.
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    The excess of cost over the fair market value of tangible net assets and
trademarks of acquired businesses is amortized on a straight-line basis over the
periods of expected benefit, which range from 10 years to 40 years. Accumulated
amortization of intangible assets amounted to $861 at June 27, 1998, $896 at
June 28, 1997 and $811 at June 29, 1996.
 
    Subsequent to its acquisition, the Corporation continually evaluates whether
later events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining
estimated useful life of an intangible asset may warrant revision or that the
remaining balance of an intangible asset may not be recoverable. When factors
indicate that an intangible asset should be evaluated for possible impairment,
the Corporation uses an estimate of the related business' undiscounted future
cash flows over the remaining life of the asset in measuring whether the
intangible asset is recoverable.
 
INVENTORY VALUATION
 
    Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (in 1998, approximately 19% at
last-in, first-out [LIFO] and the remainder at first-in, first-out [FIFO]) or
market. Inventories recorded at LIFO were approximately $8 at June 27, 1998, $32
at June 28, 1997 and $36 at June 29, 1996, lower than if they had been valued at
FIFO. Inventory cost includes material and conversion costs.
 
PROPERTY
 
    Property is stated at cost, and depreciation is computed using principally
the straight-line method at annual rates of 2% to 20% for buildings and
improvements, and 4% to 33% for machinery and equipment. Additions and
improvements that substantially extend the useful life of a particular asset and
interest costs incurred during the construction period of major properties are
capitalized. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense. Upon sale, the
cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (Continued)
 
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
 
    Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S.
dollars at the exchange rates existing at the balance sheet date. Translation
adjustments resulting from fluctuations in the exchange rates are recorded as a
separate component of common stockholders' equity. Income and expense items are
translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods.
 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The Corporation uses financial instruments to manage its exposure to
movements in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. The
use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the
intent to reduce the risk to the Corporation. The Corporation does not use
financial instruments for trading purposes, nor is it a party to leveraged
derivatives.
 
FINANCING TRANSACTIONS
 
    Non-U.S. dollar financing transactions are generally effective as hedges of
long-term investments in the corresponding currency. Foreign currency gains or
losses on the hedges of long-term investments are recorded in the translation
adjustments component of common stockholders' equity with the offset recorded as
an adjustment to the non-U.S. dollar financing liability.
 
INTEREST RATE AGREEMENTS
 
    Interest rate exchange agreements, defined as swaps, and caps and floors,
are effective at creating synthetic instruments and thereby modifying the
corporation's interest rate exposures. The Corporation enters into interest rate
exchange agreements to create synthetic instruments. Net interest is accrued as
either interest receivable or payable with the offset recorded in interest
expense. Any premium paid is amortized over the life of the agreement.
 
FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
    The Corporation uses primarily short-term forward exchange contracts for
hedging purposes to reduce the effects of adverse foreign exchange rate
movements. The contracts that effectively meet the risk reduction and
correlation criteria, as measured on a currency-by-currency basis, are accounted
for using hedge accounting. Under this method, the change in fair value of
forward contracts that hedge firm commitments is deferred and recognized as part
of the related foreign currency transactions as they occur. Firm commitments
include the purchases of inventory, capitalized assets or expenses of the
Corporation. The change in fair value of any forward contract that is not
effective as a hedge of the firm commitment is included in selling, general and
administrative expenses and other accrued liabilities.
 
    Forward contracts that hedge the currency exposure on nonpermanent
intercompany loans are also accounted for using hedge accounting if the contract
meets the risk reduction and correlation criteria, as measured on a
currency-by-currency basis. Under hedge accounting, these contracts are valued
at current spot rates on a monthly basis, and the change in value is recognized
currently and included, along with any amortization of forward points over the
life of the contract, in selling, general and administrative expenses. Any
foreign exchange gain or loss on the underlying intercompany loan is also
included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Changes in the value
of forward contracts related to anticipated purchases and sales are marked to
market through selling, general and administrative expenses on a monthly basis.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
    If, subsequent to entering into a hedge transaction with forward contracts,
the underlying transaction is no longer likely to occur, the hedge position is
removed and any gain or loss is included in selling, general and administrative
expenses.
 
COMMODITIES
 
    The Corporation uses commodity futures and purchased options for hedging
purposes to reduce the effect of changing commodity prices. The contracts that
effectively meet the risk reduction and correlation criteria, as measured on a
commodity-by-commodity basis, are recorded using hedge accounting. Effectiveness
is measured based upon high correlation between commodity gains and losses on
the futures contract and those on the firm commitment. Under hedge accounting,
the gain or loss on the hedge is deferred and recorded as a component of the
underlying inventory purchase. Gains and losses on hedges that are terminated
prior to the execution of the inventory purchase are recorded in inventory until
the inventory is sold.
 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    The Corporation accounts for stock options using Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25 (APB 25).
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    Income taxes are provided on the income reported in the financial
statements, regardless of when such taxes are payable. U.S. income taxes are
provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are intended to
be remitted to the Corporation. If the permanently reinvested earnings of
foreign subsidiaries were remitted, the U.S. income taxes due under current tax
law would not be material.
 
ADVERTISING
 
    The costs of advertising are generally expensed in the year in which the
advertising first takes place.
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
    Changes in outstanding common shares for the past three years were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1998     1997     1996
                                                       -------  -------  -------
                                                         (SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>      <C>      <C>
Beginning balances...................................  480,277  485,055  480,656
Stock issuances:
  Stock option and benefit plans.....................    6,008    4,566    4,438
  Restricted stock plans.............................      833       88      394
  Business acquisitions..............................      176      549    2,567
Stock purchased/retired..............................  (27,174) (10,609)  (3,375)
ESOP share redemption................................      462      560      457
Other................................................       83       68      (82)
                                                       -------  -------  -------
Ending balances......................................  460,665  480,277  485,055
                                                       -------  -------  -------
                                                       -------  -------  -------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                                PREFERRED STOCK
 
    During 1998, the Corporation redeemed the remaining non-voting auction
preferred stock. The shares were redeemed at face value, and no gain or loss was
recognized.
 
    The dividend rate for each of the series of auction preferred stock was
established through a Dutch auction conducted by an agent of the Corporation.
Auctions were held six out of every seven weeks with the dividend rate for one
of the series set at each auction.
 
    The convertible preferred stock sold to the Corporation's Employee Stock
Ownership Plan (ESOP) is redeemable at the option of the Corporation at any time
after December 15, 2001. Each share is currently convertible into four shares of
the Corporation's common stock and is entitled to 5.132 votes. This stock has a
7.5% annual dividend rate, payable semiannually, and has a liquidation value of
$72.50 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. The purchase of the preferred stock by
the ESOP was funded with notes guaranteed by the Corporation. The loan is
included in long-term debt and is offset in the Corporation's Consolidated
Balance Sheets under the caption Unearned Deferred Compensation. Each year, the
Corporation makes contributions that, with the dividends on the preferred stock
held by the ESOP, will be used to pay loan interest and principal. Shares are
allocated to participants based upon the ratio of the current year's debt
service to the sum of the total principal and interest payments over the life of
the loan. Plan expense is recognized in accordance with methods prescribed by
the FASB.
 
    ESOP-related expenses amounted to $16 in 1998 and $13 in 1997 and 1996.
Payments to the ESOP were $45 in 1998, $43 in 1997 and $41 in 1996. Principal
and interest payments by the ESOP amounted to $23 and $22 in 1998, $19 and $24
in 1997 and $16 and $25 in 1996, respectively.
 
    The Corporation has a Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Plan. The Rights are
exercisable 10 days after certain events involving the acquisition of 15% or
more of the Corporation's outstanding common stock or the commencement of a
tender or exchange offer for at least 15% of the common stock. Upon the
occurrence of such an event, each Right, unless redeemed by the Board of
Directors, entitles the holder to receive, upon exercise and payment of the
exercise price, common stock equal to twice the exercise price of the Right. The
initial exercise price of a Right is $215, subject to adjustment. There are
6,000,000 shares of preferred stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of the
Rights.
 
                       MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES
 
    Minority interest in subsidiaries consists primarily of preferred equity
securities issued by subsidiaries of the Corporation. No gain or loss was
recognized as a result of the issuance of these securities, and the Corporation
owned substantially all of the voting equity of the subsidiaries both before and
after the transactions.
 
    Minority interest in subsidiaries includes $295 of preferred equity
securities issued by a wholly owned foreign subsidiary of the Corporation. The
securities provide a rate of return based upon specified inter-bank borrowing
rates. The securities are redeemable in 2004 in exchange for common shares of
the issuer, which may then be put to the Corporation for preferred stock. The
subsidiary may call the securities at any time.
 
    $200 of the minority interest in subsidiaries consists of preferred equity
securities issued by a domestic subsidiary of the Corporation. The securities
provide the holder a rate of return based upon a specified inter-bank borrowing
rate, are redeemable in 2005 and may be called at any time by the subsidiary.
The subsidiary has the option of redeeming the securities with either cash, debt
or equity of the Corporation.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                            STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    The Corporation has various stock award and stock option plans, and an
employee stock purchase plan. Under the stock award and stock option plans, the
Corporation is authorized to grant up to 25 million shares of common stock.
Under the employee stock purchase plan, the Corporation is authorized to sell
and issue up to 60 million shares of common stock to its full-time employees.
 
    The Corporation applies APB 25 and related interpretations in accounting for
its stock-based compensation plans. During 1997, the Corporation adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation," which requires pro forma disclosures regarding the
Corporation's plans.
 
STOCK AWARDS
 
    Stock awards are restricted as to disposition and subject to forfeiture
until the Corporation achieves certain financial goals. Performance goals
typically extend over three years. All restricted stock awards entitle the
participant to full voting rights and dividends that are escrowed until the
participant receives the shares. Upon the issuance of restricted shares,
unearned compensation is recognized and is amortized over the performance
period.
 
STOCK OPTIONS
 
    The exercise price of each stock option equals 100% of the market price of
the Corporation's stock on the date of grant and generally has a maximum term of
10 years. Options generally vest ratably over three years. During 1998, the
Corporation instituted a broad-based stock option incentive program that granted
approximately 5 million options to essentially all full-time employees.
 
    Under certain stock option plans, an active employee may receive a
replacement stock option equal to the number of shares surrendered upon a
stock-for-stock exercise. The exercise price of the replacement option is 100%
of the market value at the date of exercise of the original option and will
remain exercisable for the remaining term of the original option. Replacement
stock options generally vest six months from the grant date.
 
    The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted average
assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1998       1997       1996
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Expected lives.................................  3.6 years  2.9 years  2.8 years
Risk-free interest rate........................    6.0%       6.1%       5.9%
Expected volatility............................    22.4%      22.9%      24.3%
Dividend yield.................................    2.0%       2.2%       2.4%
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
    A summary of the changes in the Corporation's option plans during the years
ended June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996 is presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        WEIGHTED
                                                                        AVERAGE
                                                                        EXERCISE
                                                                SHARES   PRICE
                                                                ------  --------
                                                                   (SHARES IN
                                                                   THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Outstanding at July 1, 1995...................................  15,947   $24.26
  Granted.....................................................   7,658    29.07
  Exercised...................................................  (5,733)   25.63
  Canceled/Expired............................................    (446)   26.57
                                                                ------  --------
Outstanding at June 29, 1996..................................  17,426    25.86
  Granted.....................................................   8,328    34.31
  Exercised...................................................  (5,943)   26.87
  Canceled/Expired............................................    (560)   27.81
                                                                ------  --------
Outstanding at June 28, 1997..................................  19,251    29.14
  Granted.....................................................  21,141    44.60
  Exercised...................................................  (9,088)   30.35
  Canceled/Expired............................................    (755)   37.37
                                                                ------  --------
Outstanding at June 27, 1998..................................  30,549   $39.28
                                                                ------  --------
                                                                ------  --------
</TABLE>
 
    The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at June 27, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
                                                      -----------------------------------------    OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                                                                      WEIGHTED                   ------------------------
                                                        NUMBER         AVERAGE       WEIGHTED      NUMBER      WEIGHTED
                                                      OUTSTANDING     REMAINING       AVERAGE    EXERCISABLE    AVERAGE
                                                      AT JUNE 27,    CONTRACTUAL     EXERCISE    AT JUNE 27,   EXERCISE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES                                 1998        LIFE (YRS.)       PRICE        1998         PRICE
- ----------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             (SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>
$11.27-$32.06.......................................       9,361            6.2      $   28.34        5,462    $   26.65
 32.07- 41.06.......................................      16,067            8.6          40.77        2,125        39.25
 41.07- 63.19.......................................       5,121            4.9          54.59        3,406        52.30
                                                                             --
                                                      -----------                   -----------  -----------  -----------
$11.27-$63.19.......................................      30,549            7.2      $   39.28       10,993    $   37.03
                                                                             --
                                                                             --
                                                      -----------                   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                      -----------                   -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    At June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996 the number of options exercisable were
9,614 and 8,961, respectively, with weighted average exercise prices of $27.37
and $24.90, respectively. Options available for future grant at the end of 1998,
1997 and 1996 were 14,848, 18,853 and 24,388, respectively. The weighted average
fair value of individual options granted during 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $8.55,
$5.75 and $4.87, respectively.
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (ESPP)
 
    The ESPP permits full-time employees to purchase a limited number of shares
of the Corporation's common stock at 85% of market value. Under the plan, the
Corporation sold 1,151,556, 1,541,592 and 1,794,552 shares to employees in 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively. Pro forma compensation expense is calculated for
the fair value of the employee's purchase rights using the Black-Scholes model.
Assumptions include an expected life of 1/4 of a year, weighted average
risk-free interest rates of 5.2%, 5.1% and 5.0%
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and other assumptions that are consistent
with those used for the Corporation's stock option plans described above.
 
    Under APB 25, no compensation cost is recognized for stock options and
replacement stock options under the various stock-based compensation plans and
shares purchased under the ESPP. Had compensation cost for the Corporation's
grants for stock-based compensation been determined consistent with SFAS 123,
the pro forma net (loss) income and per share net (loss) income for 1998, 1997
and 1996 would have been as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1998   1997   1996
                                                            ------  -----  -----
<S>                                                         <C>     <C>    <C>
Net (loss) income.........................................  $ (599) $ 981  $ 897
Net (loss) income per share -- basic......................   (1.31)  1.99   1.81
Net (loss) income per share -- diluted....................   (1.31)  1.92   1.74
</TABLE>
 
    The effects of applying SFAS 123 in this pro forma disclosure are not
indicative of future amounts. SFAS 123 does not apply to awards prior to 1996,
and additional awards in future years are anticipated.
 
                               EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
    At the end of the second quarter of 1998, the Corporation adopted SFAS No.
128, "Earnings Per Share," which requires the reporting of both basic and
diluted earnings per share. Net income per share -- basic is computed by
dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding for the period. Net income per share -- diluted
reflects the potential dilution that could occur if options or other contracts
to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Prior
periods have been restated to reflect the new standard.
 
    The following is a reconciliation of net income to net income per share --
basic and diluted for the years ended June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997 and June 29,
1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1998    1997   1996
                                                           ------  ------  -----
                                                           (SHARES IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                        <C>     <C>     <C>
Net (loss) income........................................  $ (523) $1,009  $ 916
Less dividends on preferred stocks, net of tax
  benefits...............................................     (14)    (26)   (27)
                                                           ------  ------  -----
(Loss) income applicable to common shareholders --
  basic..................................................    (537)    983    889
Adjustment for assumed conversion of ESOP shares.........      --       8      8
                                                           ------  ------  -----
(Loss) income applicable to common shareholders --
  diluted................................................  $ (537) $  991  $ 897
                                                           ------  ------  -----
                                                           ------  ------  -----
Average shares outstanding -- basic......................     469     480    482
Dilutive effect of stock option and stock award plans....      --       5      3
Dilutive effect of ESOP plan.............................      --      17     18
                                                           ------  ------  -----
Diluted shares outstanding...............................     469     502    503
                                                           ------  ------  -----
                                                           ------  ------  -----
Net (loss) income per share -- basic.....................  $(1.14) $ 2.05  $1.85
                                                           ------  ------  -----
                                                           ------  ------  -----
Net (loss) income per share -- diluted...................  $(1.14) $ 1.97  $1.78
                                                           ------  ------  -----
                                                           ------  ------  -----
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
 
INTEREST RATE AND CURRENCY SWAPS
 
    To manage interest rate and foreign exchange risk and to lower its cost of
borrowing, the Corporation has entered into interest rate and currency swaps.
The currency swaps effectively hedge long-term Dutch guilder-, French franc- and
Swiss franc-denominated investments and French franc-denominated intercompany
loans. The weighted average maturities of interest rate and currency swaps as of
June 27, 1998 were 0.9 years and 1.0 years, respectively.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       WEIGHTED
                                                                        AVERAGE
                                                                       INTEREST
                                                                       RATES(2)
                                                        NOTIONAL     -------------
                                                      PRINCIPAL(1)   RECEIVE   PAY
                                                      ------------   -------   ---
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>       <C>
INTEREST RATE SWAPS
1998  Receive variable -- pay fixed.................      $199         4.4%    4.7%
1997  Receive variable -- pay fixed.................        98         4.1     4.4
      Receive fixed -- pay variable.................        25         7.1     5.4
1996  Receive fixed -- pay variable.................        25         7.1     5.3
 
CURRENCY SWAPS
1998  Receive fixed -- pay fixed....................      $259         6.4%    3.9%
1997  Receive fixed -- pay fixed....................       259         6.4     4.1
1996  Receive fixed -- pay fixed....................        85         8.0     5.8
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) The notional principal is the amount used for the calculation of interest
    payments that are exchanged over the life of the swap transaction and is
    equal to the amount of foreign currency or dollar principal exchanged at
    maturity.
 
(2) The weighted average interest rates are as of the respective balance sheet
    dates.
 
- ------------
 
    The Corporation has entered into an interest rate collar to hedge
fluctuations in Dutch interest rates. The Dutch guilder-denominated collar has a
notional principal of $99, a cap of 7.0% and a floor of 3.5%.
 
FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
    The Corporation uses forward exchange contracts to reduce the effect of
fluctuating foreign currencies on short-term foreign currency-denominated
intercompany transactions, firm third-party product sourcing commitments and
other known foreign currency exposures.
 
    The table below summarizes by major currency the contractual amounts of the
Corporation's forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars. The bought amounts
represent the net U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign
currencies, and the sold amounts represent the net U.S. dollar equivalent of
commitments to sell foreign currencies. The foreign currency amounts have been
translated into a
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
U.S. dollar equivalent value using the exchange rate at the reporting date.
Forward exchange contracts mature at the anticipated cash requirement date of
the hedged transaction, generally within one year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 BOUGHT (SOLD)
                                                              -------------------
FOREIGN CURRENCY                                              1998   1997   1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------  -----  -----  -----
<S>                                                           <C>    <C>    <C>
French franc................................................  $ 121  $ (44) $ 125
Italian lira................................................   (424)  (402)  (287)
Spanish peseta..............................................    (57)   (69)   (40)
Dutch guilder...............................................   (659)  (191)  (194)
German mark.................................................    (56)   (65)    50
Other.......................................................   (208)  (183)  (263)
</TABLE>
 
    At June 27, 1998, the deferred unrealized gains and losses on forward
exchange contracts were not material to the financial position of the
corporation.
 
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
 
    A large number of major international financial institutions are
counterparties to the Corporation's financial instruments. The Corporation
enters into financial instrument agreements only with those counterparties
meeting very stringent credit standards, limiting the amount of agreements or
contracts it enters into with any one party and, where legally available,
executing master netting agreements. These positions are continuously monitored.
While the Corporation may be exposed to credit losses in the event of
nonperformance by these counterparties, it does not anticipate material losses,
because of these control procedures.
 
    Trade accounts receivable due from highly leveraged customers were $72 at
June 27, 1998, $64 at June 28, 1997 and $53 at June 29, 1996. The financial
position of these businesses has been considered in determining allowances for
doubtful accounts.
 
GUARANTEES
 
    The Corporation had third-party guarantees outstanding, aggregating
approximately $30 at June 27, 1998, $24 at June 28, 1997 and $29 at June 29,
1996. These guarantees relate primarily to financial arrangements to support
various suppliers of the corporation and are secured by the inventory and fixed
assets of suppliers.
 
FAIR VALUES
 
    The carrying amounts of cash and equivalents, trade receivables, notes
payable, accounts payable and auction preferred stock approximated fair value as
of June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996. The fair values of the
remaining financial instruments recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of
the corporation at the respective year-end were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998    1997    1996
                                                          ------  ------  ------
<S>                                                       <C>     <C>     <C>
Long-term debt, including current portion...............  $2,593  $2,258  $1,993
ESOP convertible preferred stock........................     972     751     615
</TABLE>
 
    The fair value of the Corporation's long-term debt, including the current
portion, is estimated using discounted cash flows based on the Corporation's
current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
borrowing arrangements. The fair value of the ESOP preferred stock is based upon
the contracted conversion into the Corporation's common stock.
 
    The fair value of the Corporation's interest rate swaps, currency swaps,
forward exchange contracts and interest rate collar approximate their carrying
value in the financial statements as of June 27, 1998, June 28, 1997 and June
29, 1996. The fair value of these instruments was not material to the financial
position of the Corporation.
 
                                 LONG-TERM DEBT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             INTEREST RATE
                                                                 RANGE          MATURITY      1998       1997       1996
                                                           ------------------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                  <C>                                   <C>                 <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. dollar
  obligations:       ESOP debt...........................         5.73-8.18%          2004  $     253  $     276  $     295
                     Notes and debentures................         4.75-8.37      1999-2008      1,271      1,038      1,330
                     Revenue bonds.......................         3.55-5.70      2002-2024         60         55         46
                     Zero coupon notes...................       10.00-14.25      2014-2015         19         17         15
                     Various other obligations...........                                           4          4          4
                                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                1,607      1,390      1,690
                                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
Foreign currency
  obligations:       Swiss franc.........................         4.01-4.02           2000         83         71         --
                     Dutch guilder.......................         4.17-4.75      2000-2002        148        355        235
                     French franc........................         3.46-5.00      1999-2004        562        305         --
                     Various other obligations...........                                          91         67         52
                                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                                  884        798        287
                                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
Total long-term
  debt.............                                                                             2,491      2,188      1,977
Less current
  maturities.......                                                                               221        255        135
                                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                            $   2,270  $   1,933  $   1,842
                                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The ESOP debt is guaranteed by the Corporation.
 
    The zero coupon notes are net of unamortized discounts of $105 in 1998, $107
in 1997 and $109 in 1996. Principal payments of $19 and $105 are due in 2014 and
2015, respectively.
 
    Payments required on long-term debt during the years ending in 1999 through
2003 are $221, $338, $212, $472 and $210, respectively.
 
    The Corporation made cash interest payments of $219, $202 and $236 in 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
    Rental expense under operating leases amounted to approximately $204 in
1998, $214 in 1997 and $222 in 1996. Future minimum annual fixed rentals
required during the years ending in 1999 through 2003 under noncancelable
operating leases having an original term of more than one year are $130, $107,
$92, $81 and $72, respectively. The aggregate obligation subsequent to 2003 is
$119.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
    The Corporation is contingently liable for long-term leases on properties
operated by others. The minimum annual rentals under these leases average
approximately $4 for the years ending in 1999-2003 and $1 in 2004-2008. Amounts
thereafter are not material.
 
                               CREDIT FACILITIES
 
    The Corporation has numerous credit facilities available, including
revolving credit agreements totaling $1,620 that had an annual fee of 0.05% as
of June 27, 1998. These agreements support commercial paper borrowings. Selected
data on the Corporation's short-term obligations follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998    1997    1996
                                                          ------  ------  ------
<S>                                                       <C>     <C>     <C>
Maximum period-end borrowings...........................  $1,895  $1,735  $1,709
Average borrowings during the year......................   1,482   1,502   1,532
Weighted average interest rate during the year..........     4.7%    4.8%    6.1%
Weighted average interest rate at year-end..............     5.5     5.7     6.6
</TABLE>
 
                                 CONTINGENCIES
 
    The Corporation is a party to several pending legal proceedings and claims,
and environmental actions by governmental agencies. Although the outcome of such
items cannot be determined with certainty, the Corporation's general counsel and
management are of the opinion that the final outcome should not have a material
effect on the Corporation's results of operations or financial position.
 
                            RESTRUCTURING PROVISION
 
    The composition of the Corporation's restructuring reserves is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                WRITEDOWN OF  RECOGNITION OF
                                                 LONG-LIVED     CURTAILMENT
                                                 ASSETS TO       LOSS AND
                                   ORIGINAL         NET           SPECIAL                      FOREIGN      RESTRUCTURING
                                 RESTRUCTURING   REALIZABLE     TERMINATION       CASH        EXCHANGE     RESERVES AS OF
                                   RESERVES        VALUE         BENEFITS       PAYMENTS       IMPACTS      JUNE 27, 1998
                                 -------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------  -------------  ---------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>            <C>
Anticipated losses associated
  with disposal of long-lived
  assets.......................    $   1,729     $   (1,729)     $      --      $      --     $      --       $      --
Pension and social costs.......          219             --            (39)           (20)           --             160
Anticipated expenditures to
  close and dispose of idled
  facilities -- includes
  noncancelable lease
  obligations..................           47             --             --             (8)           --              39
Anticipated loss associated
  with the disposal of equity
  and cost method
  investments..................           45            (45)            --             --            --              --
                                      ------    ------------           ---            ---           ---           -----
                                       2,040         (1,774)           (39)           (28)           --             199
Foreign exchange impacts.......           --             --             --             --            (5)             (5)
                                      ------    ------------           ---            ---           ---           -----
Total restructuring reserves...    $   2,040     $   (1,774)     $     (39)     $     (28)    $      (5)      $     194
                                      ------    ------------           ---            ---           ---           -----
                                      ------    ------------           ---            ---           ---           -----
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
    In the second quarter of 1998, the Corporation provided for the cost of
restructuring its worldwide operations. The planned restructuring activities
include the disposition of 116 manufacturing and distribution facilities -- 86
facilities are owned and 30 are leased. This restructuring provision reduced
income before income taxes, net income and net income per common share -- basic
in 1998 by $2,040, $1,625 and $3.46 per share, respectively. The 1998 pretax
income includes charges for restructuring as follows: Branded Apparel -- $1,574;
Sara Lee Foods -- $208; Household and Body Care -- $185; Coffee and Tea -- $71;
and Foodservice -- $2.
 
    Through June 27, 1998, 14 manufacturing and distribution facilities have
been sold and 26 additional facilities have been closed. These facilities
comprise 49% of the anticipated loss included in the restructuring charge.
 
    Operating costs were lowered in 1998 by $61, primarily as a result of lower
plant overhead and amortization expense. Restructuring actions are expected to
be completed by 2000, and the corporation expects to fund the costs of the plan
from internal sources and available borrowing capacity.
 
                          ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTMENTS
 
    During 1998, the Corporation acquired several companies for an aggregate
purchase price of $393 in cash and $10 of common stock. The principal
acquisitions were Nutri-Metics International Holding Pty. Ltd., an Australian
manufacturer and direct marketer of skin care products and toiletries; Cafe do
Ponto, S.A., a Brazilian manufacturer and retailer of roasted and ground coffee;
and Hornimans, a tea and sweetener distributor in Spain. The Corporation also
divested the production facilities and related working capital of its yarn and
textile manufacturing business. A loss was recognized on the disposition of the
manufacturing facilities in connection with the 1998 restructuring, and the
related working capital was sold for its net book value.
 
    In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Corporation announced plans to
sell its international cut tobacco business, Douwe Egberts Van Nelle Tobacco, to
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, a major tobacco company based in the United Kingdom.
Cash proceeds of $391 were received in July 1998. Additional cash payments may
be received beginning in 2004; however, these payments are dependent upon
significant contingencies related to the ongoing operation of the sold business.
Receipt of these contingent payments is not assured.
 
    During 1997, the Corporation acquired several companies for an aggregate
purchase price of $674 in cash and $18 of common stock. The principal
acquisitions were Aoste, a European manufacturer of processed meat products;
Lovable Italiana S.p.A., an Italian intimate apparel company; and Brossard
France S.A., a French manufacturer and marketer of bakery products. The
Corporation also divested a minority ownership position in JP Foodservice, a
domestic distributor of food products, and a controlling interest in Aris
Isotoner, a manufacturer of gloves and accessories. No material gain or loss was
recognized on these divestments.
 
    During 1996, the Corporation acquired several companies for an aggregate
purchase price of $216 in cash. The principal acquisition was the European skin
care and sweetener businesses of Bayer AG. In addition, common stock having a
value of $55 was issued as consideration for the Consolidated Foodservice
Companies acquisition.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                                RETIREMENT PLANS
 
    The Corporation has noncontributory defined benefit plans covering certain
of its domestic employees. The benefits under these plans are based primarily on
years of service and compensation levels. The plans are funded in conformity
with the requirements of applicable government regulations. The plans' assets
consist principally of marketable equity securities, and corporate and
government debt securities.
 
    The components of the defined benefit plan expenses were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1998   1997   1996
                                                              -----  -----  -----
<S>                                                           <C>    <C>    <C>
Benefits earned by employees................................  $  63  $  64  $  58
Interest on projected benefit obligations...................    124    120    120
Actual investment return on plan assets.....................   (444)  (214)  (312)
Net amortization and deferral...............................    292     67    182
                                                              -----  -----  -----
Net pension expense.........................................  $  35  $  37  $  48
                                                              -----  -----  -----
                                                              -----  -----  -----
</TABLE>
 
    The reduction in the 1997 defined benefit plan expense is attributable
primarily to higher asset returns and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar
relative to foreign currencies.
 
    The funded status of defined benefit plans at the respective year-end was:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998    1997    1996
                                                          ------  ------  ------
<S>                                                       <C>     <C>     <C>
Fair market value of plan assets........................  $2,306  $1,956  $1,854
                                                          ------  ------  ------
Actuarial present value of benefits for services
  rendered:
  Accumulated benefits based on salaries to date:
    Vested..............................................   2,051   1,558   1,505
    Nonvested...........................................      68      64      55
  Additional benefits based on estimated future salary
    levels..............................................     178     164     154
                                                          ------  ------  ------
  Projected benefit obligations.........................   2,297   1,786   1,714
                                                          ------  ------  ------
Excess of plan assets over projected benefit
  obligations...........................................       9     170     140
Unamortized net transitional asset......................      (4)    (10)    (12)
Unrecognized net loss (gain)............................      85     (21)    (24)
Unrecognized prior service cost.........................      99      52      66
                                                          ------  ------  ------
Prepaid pension asset recognized on the Consolidated
  Balance Sheets........................................  $  189  $  191  $  170
                                                          ------  ------  ------
                                                          ------  ------  ------
</TABLE>
 
    Net pension expense is determined using assumptions as of the beginning of
each year. Funded status is determined using assumptions as of the end of each
year. The weighted average assumptions at the respective year-end were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1998    1997    1996
                                                            ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                         <C>     <C>     <C>
Discount rate...........................................    6.0%    7.2%    7.3%
Rate of compensation increase...........................     4.7     4.7     4.7
Long-term rate of return on plan assets.................     8.1     8.3     8.3
</TABLE>
 
    The Corporation provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain
retired employees, their covered dependents and beneficiaries. Generally,
employees who have attained age 55 and who have
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
rendered 10 years of service are eligible for these postretirement benefits.
Certain retirees are required to contribute to plans in order to maintain
coverage. The components of the expense for these plans were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1998   1997   1996
                                                               ----   ----   ----
<S>                                                            <C>    <C>    <C>
Benefits earned by employees.................................  $ 5    $ 5    $ 5
Interest on projected benefit obligations....................   12     12     13
Net amortization and deferral................................   --      1      1
                                                               ----   ----   ----
Net postretirement benefit expense...........................  $17    $18    $19
                                                               ----   ----   ----
                                                               ----   ----   ----
</TABLE>
 
    The status of postretirement benefit plans at the respective year-end was:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1998  1997  1996
                                                               ----  ----  ----
<S>                                                            <C>   <C>   <C>
Actuarial present value of benefits for services rendered:
  Retirees...................................................  $112  $102  $101
  Fully eligible active participants.........................    31    16    16
  Other active participants..................................    61    60    56
                                                               ----  ----  ----
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations...............   204   178   173
Fair market value of plan assets.............................     2     2     2
                                                               ----  ----  ----
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations in excess of
  plan assets................................................   202   176   171
Unrecognized net transitional asset..........................     3     3    --
Unrecognized net (loss) gain.................................    (9)   19    17
Unrecognized prior service cost..............................     2     2    --
                                                               ----  ----  ----
Postretirement benefit obligations recognized on the
  Consolidated Balance Sheets................................  $198  $200  $188
                                                               ----  ----  ----
                                                               ----  ----  ----
Discount rate................................................   6.3%  7.2%  7.2%
                                                               ----  ----  ----
                                                               ----  ----  ----
</TABLE>
 
    The assumed health care cost trend rate was 12% for 1998, decreasing to 8%
by the year 2002 and remaining at that level thereafter. These trend rates
reflect the Corporation's prior experience and management's expectation that
future rates will decline. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates
by 1 percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation as of June 27, 1998 by 13% and the postretirement benefit
expense for 1998 by 16%.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                                  INCOME TAXES
 
    The provisions for income taxes computed by applying the U.S. statutory rate
to income before taxes as reconciled to the actual provisions were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1998              1997              1996
                                                                               ----------------   ---------------   ---------------
                                                                               AMOUNT   PERCENT   AMOUNT  PERCENT   AMOUNT  PERCENT
                                                                               -------  -------   ------  -------   ------  -------
<S>                                                                            <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes:
  United States..............................................................  $(1,091)  (246.4)% $  742    50.0%   $  638    46.3%
  Foreign....................................................................      648    146.4      742    50.0       740    53.7
                                                                               -------  -------   ------  -------   ------  -------
                                                                               $  (443)  (100.0)% $1,484   100.0%   $1,378   100.0%
                                                                               -------  -------   ------  -------   ------  -------
                                                                               -------  -------   ------  -------   ------  -------
Tax (benefit) expense at U.S. statutory rate.................................  $  (155)   (35.0)% $  519    35.0%   $  482    35.0%
State taxes, net of federal benefit..........................................        9      2.0       13      .9        15     1.1
Difference between U.S. and foreign rates....................................      (76)   (17.1)     (85)   (5.7)      (68)   (5.0)
Nondeductible amortization...................................................      351     79.3       62     4.2        54     3.9
Other, net...................................................................      (49)   (11.2)     (34)   (2.4)      (21)   (1.5)
                                                                               -------  -------   ------  -------   ------  -------
Taxes at effective worldwide tax rates.......................................  $    80     18.0%  $  475    32.0%   $  462    33.5%
                                                                               -------  -------   ------  -------   ------  -------
                                                                               -------  -------   ------  -------   ------  -------
</TABLE>
 
    Current and deferred tax provisions (benefits) were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1998                      1997                      1996
                                                       ------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------
                                                         CURRENT     DEFERRED      CURRENT     DEFERRED      CURRENT     DEFERRED
                                                       -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
United States........................................   $     142    $    (286)   $     169    $      12    $     166    $      25
Foreign..............................................         329         (118)         245           28          237           10
State................................................          14           (1)          21           --           28           (4)
                                                            -----        -----        -----          ---        -----          ---
                                                        $     485    $    (405)   $     435    $      40    $     431    $      31
                                                            -----        -----        -----          ---        -----          ---
                                                            -----        -----        -----          ---        -----          ---
</TABLE>
 
    Following are the components of the deferred tax (benefits) provisions
occurring as a result of transactions being reported in different years for
financial and tax reporting:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1998     1997    1996
                                                                 -----    ----    ----
<S>                                                              <C>      <C>     <C>
Depreciation.................................................    $  (3)   $ (2)   $ 22
Inventory valuation methods..................................        6      37     (35)
Nondeductible reserves.......................................     (405)     53      77
Other, net...................................................       (3)    (48)    (33)
                                                                 -----    ----    ----
                                                                 $(405)   $ 40    $ 31
                                                                 -----    ----    ----
                                                                 -----    ----    ----
Cash payments for income taxes...............................    $ 288    $340    $224
                                                                 -----    ----    ----
                                                                 -----    ----    ----
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
    The deferred tax (assets) liabilities at the respective year-end were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1998     1997     1996
                                                               -----    -----    -----
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
Deferred tax (assets) liabilities:
  Restructuring reserves...................................    $ (68)   $  --    $ (89)
  Reserves not deductible until paid.......................     (287)    (295)    (253)
  Pension, postretirement and other employee benefits......      (12)     (42)     (35)
  Net operating loss and other tax carryforwards...........      (15)      (1)      (2)
  Property, plant and equipment............................       (4)     309      298
  Other....................................................      (60)     (12)      --
                                                               -----    -----    -----
Net deferred tax (assets)..................................    $(446)   $ (41)   $ (81)
                                                               -----    -----    -----
                                                               -----    -----    -----
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                          INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
    The Corporation's business segments are described in the Narrative
Description of Business on pages 5 through 9. During the fourth quarter of 1998,
the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS
131). The adoption of SFAS 131 requires the presentation of descriptive
information about reportable segments which is consistent with that made
available to the management of the Corporation to assess performance. As a
result of this change, the Corporation now reports segment performance on an
after-tax basis and separately reports information on its Foodservice
operations. In determining the net income of each segment of the Corporation,
interest expense is allocated based upon the average invested capital in each
business, and effective tax rates are determined for each business segment. The
Foodservice business was previously included in a reportable segment which
included the Corporation's packaged meats and bakery businesses. The packaged
meats and bakery businesses are now presented in the Sara Lee Foods segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                HOUSEHOLD
                                      SARA LEE    COFFEE AND    AND BODY                   BRANDED                   INTER-
                                        FOODS         TEA         CARE      FOODSERVICE    APPAREL     CORPORATE     SEGMENT
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
1998
Sales(1)...........................   $   5,441    $   2,806    $   2,003    $   2,585    $   7,317    $      --    $    (141)
Operating income (loss)(2).........         230          358           67           88         (840)        (170)          --
Net interest.......................         (30)         (16)         (31)          (7)         (92)          --           --
Pretax income (loss)...............         200          342           36           81         (932)        (170)          --
Net income (loss)(3)...............         119          239          (22)          51         (797)        (113)          --
Assets.............................       2,157        1,434        2,053          519        4,627          199(4)         --
Depreciation and
 amortization......................         146           87           88           23          251           23           --
Additions to long-lived assets.....         257          187          328           52          169            3           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
Sales(1)...........................   $   5,357    $   2,813    $   1,843    $   2,372    $   7,482    $      --    $    (133)
Operating income...................         394          440          228           82          761         (262)          --
Net interest.......................         (24)         (12)         (24)          (5)         (94)          --           --
Pretax income......................         370          428          204           77          667         (262)          --
Net income.........................         232          290          130           48          483         (174)          --
Assets.............................       2,295        1,921        1,530          454        6,471          282(4)         --
Depreciation and
 amortization......................         150           90           78           17          326           19           --
Additions to long-lived assets.....         674          107           85           45          401            4           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996
Sales(1)...........................   $   4,422    $   2,896    $   1,837    $   2,201    $   7,370    $      --    $    (102)
Operating income...................         349          428          214           73          729         (242)          --
Net interest.......................         (21)         (13)         (24)          (6)        (109)          --           --
Pretax income......................         328          415          190           67          620         (242)          --
Net income.........................         207          273          118           41          436         (159)          --
Assets.............................       1,629        2,033        1,571          416        6,635          318(4)         --
Depreciation and
 amortization......................         118           86           78           17          312           23           --
Additions to long-lived assets.....         157          188          141           25          279           13           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                       TOTAL
                                     ---------
<S>                                  <C>
1998
Sales(1)...........................  $  20,011
Operating income (loss)(2).........       (267)
Net interest.......................       (176)
Pretax income (loss)...............       (443)
Net income (loss)(3)...............       (523)
Assets.............................     10,989
Depreciation and
 amortization......................        618
Additions to long-lived assets.....        996
- -----------------------------------
1997
Sales(1)...........................  $  19,734
Operating income...................      1,643
Net interest.......................       (159)
Pretax income......................      1,484
Net income.........................      1,009
Assets.............................     12,953
Depreciation and
 amortization......................        680
Additions to long-lived assets.....      1,316
- -----------------------------------
1996
Sales(1)...........................  $  18,624
Operating income...................      1,551
Net interest.......................       (173)
Pretax income......................      1,378
Net income.........................        916
Assets.............................     12,602
Depreciation and
 amortization......................        634
Additions to long-lived assets.....        803
- -----------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Includes sales between segments. Such sales are at transfer prices that are
    equivalent to market value.
 
(2) Includes provisions for restructuring reported in the 1998 Consolidated
    Statement of Income as follows: Sara Lee Foods $208; Coffee and Tea $71;
    Household and Body Care $185; Foodservice $2; and Branded Apparel $1,574.
 
(3) Includes provisions for restructuring, net of tax, reported in the 1998
    Consolidated Statement of Income as follows: Sara Lee Foods $133; Coffee and
    Tea $46; Household and Body Care $164; Foodservice $1; and Branded Apparel
    $1,281.
 
(4) Principally cash and equivalents, certain fixed assets and certain other
    noncurrent assets.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                          GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              UNITED
                                                              STATES     FRANCE    NETHERLANDS    OTHER      TOTAL
                                                             ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
1998
Sales......................................................  $  11,849  $   1,724   $   1,311   $   5,127  $  20,011
Long-lived assets..........................................      2,452        500       1,246       1,349      5,547
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
1997
Sales......................................................  $  11,497  $   1,764   $   1,340   $   5,133  $  19,734
Long-lived assets..........................................      4,158        526       1,240       1,439      7,363
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
1996
Sales......................................................  $  11,244  $   1,008   $   1,400   $   4,972  $  18,624
Long-lived assets..........................................      4,191        137       1,370       1,517      7,215
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                         NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(AICPA) issued Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." This statement will be
effective for the Corporation in 1999 and will establish accounting standards
for costs incurred in the development or implementation of computer software.
These new standards will require the capitalization of certain software
implementation costs relating to software developed and implemented for the
Corporation's use. These costs are currently not capitalized by the Corporation.
The effect of this change is not expected to have a significant effect on the
Corporation's financial position or results of operations.
 
    In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," which establishes new accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments. This statement will become
effective for the Corporation in 2000. Currently, the Corporation is assessing
the effect this statement will have on the consolidated financial position and
results of operations.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
                            QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              QUARTER
                                                                             ------------------------------------------
                                                                               FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH
                                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
1998
Net sales..................................................................  $   4,893  $   5,279  $   4,736  $   5,103
Gross profit...............................................................      1,819      2,020      1,832      2,009
Net income (loss)..........................................................        225     (1,278)       227        303
Per common share:
  Net income (loss) -- basic...............................................        .46      (2.71)       .48        .65
  Net income (loss) -- diluted.............................................        .44      (2.71)       .46        .62
  Cash dividends declared..................................................        .21        .23        .23        .23
  Market price -- high.....................................................      52.25      57.00      62.31      63.63
             -- low........................................................      39.00      47.50      53.19      56.44
             -- close......................................................      51.31      56.56      61.88      56.63
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
Net sales..................................................................  $   4,886  $   5,269  $   4,649  $   4,930
Gross profit...............................................................      1,809      2,020      1,757      1,881
Net income.................................................................        206        317        206        280
Per common share:
  Net income -- basic......................................................        .41        .65        .42        .57
  Net income -- diluted....................................................        .40        .62        .40        .55
  Cash dividends declared..................................................        .19        .21        .21        .21
  Market price -- high.....................................................      35.88      40.50      43.38      43.38
             -- low........................................................      30.00      35.13      36.50      39.13
             -- close......................................................      35.75      38.38      42.25      42.06
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996
Net sales..................................................................  $   4,656  $   4,898  $   4,443  $   4,627
Gross profit...............................................................      1,725      1,878      1,719      1,832
Net income.................................................................        186        283        188        259
Per common share:
  Net income -- basic......................................................        .37        .58        .37        .53
  Net income -- diluted....................................................        .36        .55        .36        .51
  Cash dividends declared..................................................        .17        .19        .19        .19
  Market price -- high.....................................................      30.38      33.75      35.50      33.88
             -- low........................................................      26.88      28.88      29.88      30.25
             -- close......................................................      29.75      32.00      32.88      32.50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Management
    of SARA LEE CORPORATION:
 
    We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
the consolidated financial statements of Sara Lee Corporation included in this
Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated July 27, 1998. Our audit was
made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole. The supplemental schedule II is the responsibility
of the Corporation's management and is presented for purposes of complying with
the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic
consolidated financial statements. This supplemental schedule has been subjected
to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic consolidated
financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects
the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
 
                                          /s/  Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois,
July 27, 1998.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                                  SCHEDULE II
                     SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
       FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 1996, JUNE 28, 1997 AND JUNE 27, 1998
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PROVISION
                                                                         CHARGED    WRITE-OFFS
                                                         BALANCE AT     TO COSTS       (1)/           OTHER         BALANCE
                                                          BEGINNING        AND      ALLOWANCES      ADDITIONS       AT END
                                                           OF YEAR      EXPENSES       TAKEN      (DEDUCTIONS)      OF YEAR
                                                        -------------  -----------  -----------  ---------------  -----------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 29, 1996:
  Allowances for bad debts............................    $     127     $      34    $     (35)     $      (5)     $     121
  Other receivable allowances.........................           65           113         (105)             3             76
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
    Total.............................................    $     192     $     147    $    (140)     $      (2)     $     197
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 28, 1997:
  Allowances for bad debts............................    $     121     $      29    $     (28)     $      10      $     132
  Other receivable allowances.........................           76           108         (111)        --                 73
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
    Total.............................................    $     197     $     137    $    (139)     $      10      $     205
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 27, 1998:
  Allowances for bad debts............................    $     132     $      33    $     (28)     $      (1)     $     136
  Other receivable allowances.........................           73            86          (83)            (7)            69
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
    Total.............................................    $     205     $     119    $    (111)     $      (8)     $     205
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
                                                              -----         -----        -----            ---          -----
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) Net of collections on accounts previously written off.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    3.  EXHIBITS                                   INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
                                                   ------------------------------
<S>                <C>                             <C>
    (3a)           Charter                         Exhibit 4.1 to Registration
                                                   Statement No. 33-35760 on Form
                                                   S-8 dated July 6, 1990,
                                                   Exhibit 4.2 to Registration
                                                   Statement No. 33-37575 on Form
                                                   S-8 dated November 1, 1990 and
                                                   Exhibit 3(a) to Report on Form
                                                   10-K for Fiscal Year ended
                                                   July 2, 1994.
 
    (3b)           Bylaws                          Exhibit 3(b) to Report on Form
                                                   10-K for Fiscal Year ended
                                                   June 29, 1996
 
    (4)  Sara Lee, by signing this Report, agrees to furnish the Securities and
       Exchange Commission, upon its request, a copy of any instrument which
       defines the rights of holders of long-term debt of Sara Lee and all of its
       subsidiaries for which consolidated or unconsolidated financial statements
       are required to be filed, and which authorizes a total amount of
       securities not in excess of 10% of the total assets of Sara Lee and its
       subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
 
    (10)            1. 1979 Stock Option Plan, as  Exhibit 10(1) to Report on
                      amended                      Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended July 1, 1995
 
                    2. 1981 Stock Option Plan, as  Exhibit 10(11) to Report on
                      amended                      Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended July 1, 1989
 
                    3. 1988 Non-Qualified Stock    Exhibit 10(3) to Report on
                      Option Plan, as amended      Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended July 1, 1995
 
                    4. 1989 Incentive Stock Plan,  Exhibit 10(4) to Report on
                      as amended                   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 28, 1997
 
                    5. Supplemental Benefit Plan,  Exhibit 10(5) to Report on
                      as amended                   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 28, 1997
 
                    6. Performance-Based Annual    Appendix A to Proxy Statement
                      Incentive Plan               dated September 20, 1995
 
                    7. 1995 Long-Term Incentive    Exhibit 10(16) to Report on
                      Stock Plan, as amended       Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 28, 1997
 
                    8. 1995 Non-Employee Director
                      Stock Plan, as amended
 
                    9. 1998 Long-Term Incentive    Appendix A to Proxy Statement
                      Stock Plan                   dated September 21, 1998
 
                   10. Accelerated Growth          Exhibit 10(12) to Report on
                      Incentive Plan Fiscal Years  Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      1990-1994                    ended June 30, 1990
 
                   11. 1991 Non-Qualified          Exhibit 10(15) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Base Salary)                ended June 29, 1991
 
                   12. 1992 Non-Qualified          Exhibit 10(15) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Base Salary)                ended June 27, 1992
 
                   13. FY '93 Non-Qualified        Exhibit 10(16) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Annual Bonus)               ended June 27, 1992
 
                   14. 1993 Non-Qualified          Exhibit 10(19) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Base Salary)                ended July 3, 1993
 
                   15. FY '94 Non-Qualified        Exhibit 10(20) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Annual Bonus)               ended July 3, 1993
 
                   16. 1994 Non-Qualified          Exhibit 10(14) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Base Salary)                ended July 2, 1994
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBITS                                       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
                                                   ------------------------------
<S>                <C>                             <C>
                   17. FY '95 Non-Qualified        Exhibit 10(15) to Report on
                      Deferred Compensation Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      (Annual Bonus)               ended July 2, 1994
 
                   18. Non-Qualified Deferred
                      Compensation Plan (Annual
                      Bonus)
 
                   19. Non-Qualified Deferred
                      Compensation Plan for
                      Outside Directors, as
                      amended
 
                   20. FY 1996-98 Long Term        Exhibit 10(20) to Report on
                      Performance Incentive Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 29, 1996
 
                   21. FY 1997-99 Long Term        Exhibit 10(21) to Report on
                      Performance Incentive Plan   Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                                                   ended June 29, 1996
 
                   22. FY 1998-00 Long Term
                      Performance Incentive Plan
 
                   23. Non-Qualified Estate        Exhibit 10(17) to Report on
                      Builder Deferred             Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      Compensation Plan            ended June 29, 1985
 
                   24. Severance Policy for        Exhibit 10(23) to Report on
                      Corporate Officers, as       Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      amended                      ended June 28, 1997
 
                   25. Employment Agreement,       Exhibit 10(24) to Report on
                      dated January 1, 1996,       Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      between Sara Lee             ended June 28, 1997
                      Corporation and Frank L.
                      Meysman
 
                   26. Employment Agreement,       Exhibit 10(25) to Report on
                      dated January 1, 1996,       Form 10-K for Fiscal Year
                      between Sara Lee/ DE N.V.    ended June 28, 1997
                      and Frank L. Meysman and
                      attachments (translated
                      from Dutch)
 
                   27. Restricted Share Unit
                      Agreement dated April 29,
                      1998 between Sara Lee
                      Corporation and Frank L.
                      Meysman
 
                   28. Stockholder Rights          Exhibit 4.1 to Report on Form
                      Agreement, dated as of       8-K for dated May 15, 1998
                      March 26, 1998 between Sara
                      Lee Corporation and First
                      Chicago Trust Company of
                      New York, as rights agent
 
    (12)            1. Computation of Ratio of
                      Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
                    2. Computation of Ratio of
                      Earnings to Fixed Charges
                      and Preferred Stock
                      Dividend Requirements
 
    (21)              List of Subsidiaries
 
    (23)              Consent of Arthur Andersen
                      LLP
 
    (24)              Powers of Attorney
 
    (27)              Financial Data Schedules
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


                             SARA LEE CORPORATION
                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                     1995 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK PLAN
                                       
                       ARTICLE I --- PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

     The purpose of the Sara Lee Corporation 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock 
Plan is to promote the long-term growth of Sara Lee Corporation by increasing 
the proprietary interest of Non-Employee Directors in Sara Lee Corporation 
and to attract and retain highly qualified and capable Non-Employee Directors.

                           ARTICLE II -- DEFINITIONS

     Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms 
shall have the following meanings:

     2.1 "ANNUAL RETAINER" means the annual cash retainer fee payable by the 
Corporation to a Non-Employee Director for services as a director of the 
Corporation, as such amount may be changed from time to time.

     2.2 "AWARD" means an award granted to a Non-Employee Director under the 
Plan in the form of Options or Shares, or any combination thereof.

     2.3 "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of Sara Lee Corporation.

     2.4 "CORPORATION" means Sara Lee Corporation.

     2.5 "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, with respect to any date, the average 
between the highest and lowest sale prices per Share on the New York Stock 
Exchange Composite Transactions Tape on such date, provided that if there 
shall be no sale of Shares reported on such date, the Fair Market Value of a 
Share on such date shall be deemed to be equal to the average between the 
highest and lowest sale prices per Share on such Composite Tape for the last 
preceding date on which sales of Shares were reported.

     2.6 "OPTION" means an option to purchase Shares awarded under Article 
VIII or IX which does not meet the requirements of Section 422 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor law.

     2.7 "OPTION GRANT DATE" means the date upon which an Option granted to a 
Non-Employee Director.

     2.8 "OPTIONEE" means a Non-Employee Director of the Corporation to whom 
an Option has been granted or, in the event of such Non-Employee Director's 
death prior to the expiration of an Option, such Non-Employee Director's 
executor, administrator,

<PAGE>


beneficiary or similar person, or, in the event of a transfer permitted by 
Article VII hereof, such permitted transferee.

     2.9 "NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR" means a director of the Corporation who is 
not an employee of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation.

     2.10 "PLAN" means the Sara Lee Corporation 1995 Non-Employee Director 
Stock Plan, as amended and restated from time to time.

     2.11 "STOCK AWARD DATE" means the date on which Shares are awarded to a 
Non-Employee Director.

     2.12 "SHARES" means Shares of the Common Stock, par value $1.33 1/3 per 
Share, of the Corporation.

     2.13 "STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT" means a written agreement between a 
Non-Employee Director and the Corporation evidencing an Option.

                  ARTICLE III --- ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

     3.1 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE PLAN.  The plan shall be administered by the 
Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee of the Board ("Committee").

     3.2 AUTHORITY OF COMMITTEE.  The Committee shall have full power and 
authority to:  (i) interpret and construe the Plan and adopt such rules and 
regulations as it shall deem necessary and advisable to implement and 
administer the Plan and (ii) designate persons other than members of the 
Committee to carry out its responsibilities, subject to such limitations, 
restrictions and conditions as it may prescribe, such determinations to be 
made in accordance with the Committee's best business judgment as to the best 
interests of the Corporation and its stockholders and in accordance with the 
purposes of the Plan.  The Committee may delegate administrative duties under 
the Plan to one or more agents as it shall deem necessary or advisable.

     3.3 DETERMINATIONS OF COMMITTEE.  A majority of the Committee shall 
constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Committee, and all determinations 
of the Committee shall be made by a majority of its members.  Any 
determination of the Committee under the Plan may be made without notice or a 
meeting of the Committee by a written consent signed by all members of the 
Committee.

     3.4 EFFECT OF COMMITTEE DETERMINATIONS.  No member of the Committee or 
the Board shall be personally liable for any action or determination made in 
good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award or to any settlement of any 
dispute between a Non-Employee Director and the Corporation.  Any decision or 
action taken by the Committee or the Board with respect to an Award or the 
administration or interpretation of the Plan shall be conclusive and binding 
upon all persons.

<PAGE>

                     ARTICLE IV --- AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN

     Awards in the form of Options shall be granted to Non-Employee Directors 
in accordance with Article VIII.  Awards in the form of Options or Shares, or 
a combination thereof, may be granted to Non-Employee Directors in accordance 
with Article IX.  Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a 
Stock Option Agreement.  Each Option granted under the Plan shall provide for 
the grant of a replacement Option if (1) the purchase price of the Shares 
subject to the original Option is satisfied by surrendering (or attesting to 
the ownership of) Shares in accordance with Section 8.3 and (2) the Fair 
Market Value per Share on the date of exercise is not less than 125% of the 
purchase price per Share of the original Option.  Each replacement Option 
shall (i) be an Option to purchase the number of Shares surrendered (either 
actually or by attestation), plus the number of Shares that the Optionee 
would have surrendered to pay withholding taxes, calculated as if such 
Optionee had been obligated to pay such taxes and had surrendered Shares to 
satisfy such obligation, (ii) be fully exercisable on and after that date 
which is six months after the Option Grant Date of the replacement Option, 
(iii) have a purchase price per Share equal to 100% of the Fair Market Value 
per Share on the Option Grant Date of the replacement Option and (iv) have a 
term equal to the remaining term of the original Option.  Notwithstanding the 
foregoing, replacement Options may be granted to a Non-Employee Director 
under this Article IV not more than twice in any calendar year.

                           ARTICLE V --- ELIGIBILITY

     Non-Employee Directors of the Corporation shall be eligible to 
participate in the Plan in accordance with Article VIII and IX.

                   ARTICLE VI --- SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

     Subject to adjustment as provided in Article XII, the aggregate number 
of Shares which may be issued upon the award of Shares and the exercise of 
Options shall not exceed 500,000 Shares.  To the extent that Shares subject 
to an outstanding Option are not issued or delivered by reason of the 
expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such Option or by 
reason of the delivery of Shares (either actually or by attestation) to pay 
all or a portion of the exercise price of such Option, then such Shares shall 
again be available under the Plan.

                  ARTICLE VII --- TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS

     Options granted under the Plan shall not be transferable or assignable 
other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except that the 
Committee may provide for the transferability of any particular Option in the 
manner set forth in the related Stock Option Agreement.

<PAGE>


                     ARTICLE VIII --- NON-ELECTIVE OPTIONS

     Each Non-Employee Director shall be granted Options, subject to the 
following terms and conditions:

     8.1 TIME OF GRANT.  On the first business day of November of each year 
(or, if later, on the date on which a person is first elected or begins to 
serve as a Non-Employee Director), each person who is a Non-Employee Director 
and who is not the chair of a standing committee of the Board shall be 
granted an Option to purchase 5,000 Shares (which number shall be pro-rated 
if such Non-Employee Director is first elected or begins to serve as a 
Non-Employee Director on a date other than the date of an annual meeting of 
stockholders) and each Non-Employee Director who is the chair of a standing 
committee of the Board shall be granted an Option to purchase 5,500 Shares 
(of which the number 5,000 shall be pro-rated if such Non-Employee Director 
is first elected or begins to serve as a Non-Employee Director on a date 
other than the date of an annual meeting of stockholders, and the number 500 
shall be pro-rated if such Non-Employee Director first begins to serve as a 
chairperson on a date other than the annual meeting of stockholders.

     8.2 PURCHASE PRICE.  The purchase price per Share under each Option 
granted pursuant to this Article shall be 100% of the Fair Market Value per 
Share on the Option Grant Date.

     8.3 EXERCISE OF OPTIONS.  Each Option shall be fully exercisable on and 
after that date which is six months after the Option Grant Date and, subject 
to Article X, shall not be exercisable prior to such date, provided, however, 
that an Option granted to an Optionee who is a resident of the Netherlands 
and subject to the personal income tax laws of the Netherlands may be 
exercisable immediately after the Option Grant Date.  In no event shall the 
period of time over which the Option may be exercised exceed ten years from 
the Option Grant Date.  An Option, or portion thereof, may be exercised in 
whole or in part only with respect to whole Shares.

     Shares shall be issued to the Optionee pursuant to the exercise of an 
Option only upon receipt by the Corporation from the Optionee of payment in 
full either in cash or by surrendering (or attesting to the ownership of) 
Shares together with proof acceptable to the Committee that such Shares have 
been owned by the Optionee for at least six months prior to the date of 
exercise of the Option, or a combination of cash and Shares, in an amount or 
having a combined value equal to the aggregate purchase price for the Shares 
subject to the Option or portion thereof being exercised.  The Shares issued 
to an Optionee for the portion of any Option exercised by attesting to the 
ownership of Shares shall not exceed the number of Shares issuable as a 
result of such exercise (determined as though payment in full therefor were 
being made in cash) less the number of Shares for which attestation of 
ownership is submitted.  The value of owned Shares submitted (directly or by 
attestation) in full or partial payment for the Shares purchased upon 


<PAGE>

exercise of an Option shall be equal to the aggregate Fair Market Value of 
such owned Shares on the date of the exercise of such Option.


                  ARTICLE IX --- ELECTIVE OPTIONS AND SHARES

     Each Non-Employee Director shall be granted Options or Shares, or a 
combination thereof, subject to the following terms and conditions:

     9.1 GRANT OF OPTIONS OR SHARES.  On the first day of November of each 
year, Options or Shares, or a combination thereof, shall be granted to each 
Non-Employee Director who, at least ten business days prior thereto, files 
with the Committee or its designee a written election to receive Options or 
Shares, or a combination thereof, in lieu of all or a portion of such 
Non-Employee Director's Annual Retainer.  In the event a non-Employee 
Director does not file a written election in accordance with the preceding 
sentence, Options or Shares, or a combination thereof, shall be granted to 
such Non-Employee Director on the tenth business day (the "Effective Date") 
after the date such Non-Employee Director files with the Committee or its 
designee a written election to receive Options or Shares, or a combination 
thereof, in lieu of all or a portion of such Non-Employee Director's Annual 
Retainer; provided, however, that such election may apply only to the portion 
of such Non-Employee Director's Annual Retainer determined by multiplying 
such Non-Employee Director's Annual Retainer by a fraction, the numerator of 
which is the number of days from and including the Effective Date to and 
including the last day of the period for which such Annual Retainer would 
otherwise be payable, and the denominator of which is 365 or 366, as the case 
may be.  An election pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 9.1 shall 
be irrevocable on and after the tenth business day prior to the date of grant 
of the Options or Shares, as the case may be.  An election pursuant to the 
second sentence of this Section 9.1 shall be irrevocable.

     9.2 NUMBER AND TERMS OF OPTIONS.  The number of Shares subject to an 
Option granted pursuant to this Article shall be the number of whole Shares 
equal to (i) the product of four (4) times the portion of the Annual Retainer 
which the Non-Employee Director has elected pursuant to Section 9.1 shall be 
payable in Options, divided by (ii) the Fair Market Value per Share on the 
Option Grant Date.  Any fraction of a Share shall be disregarded and the 
remaining amount of such Annual Retainer shall be paid in cash.  The purchase 
price per Share under each Option granted pursuant to this Article shall be 
100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Option Grant Date.  Each 
Option granted pursuant to this Article shall be exercisable in accordance 
with Section 8.3.

     9.3 NUMBER OF SHARES.  The Number of Shares granted pursuant to this 
Article shall be the number of whole Shares equal to (i) the portion of the 
Annual Retainer which the Non-Employee Director has elected pursuant to 
Section 9.1 shall be payable in Shares, divided by (ii) the Fair Market Value 
per Share on the Stock Award Date.  Any fraction of a Share shall be 
disregarded and the remaining amount of such Annual Retainer shall be paid in 
cash.  Upon an Award of Shares to a Non-Employee Director, the stock 
certificate representing such Shares shall be issued and transferred to the 
Non-

<PAGE>


Employee Director, whereupon the Non-Employee Director shall become a 
stockholder of the Corporation with respect to such Shares and shall be 
entitled to vote the Shares.

                        ARTICLE X --- CHANGE OF CONTROL

     10.1 EFFECT OF CHANGE OF CONTROL.  Upon the occurrence of an event of 
"Change of Control", as defined below, any and all outstanding Options shall 
become immediately exercisable.

     10.2 DEFINITION OF CHANGE OF CONTROL.  A "Change of Control" shall occur 
when:

     (a) a "Person" (which term, when used in this Section 10.2, shall have 
the meaning it has when it is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), but shall not include 
the Corporation, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an 
employee benefit plan of the Corporation, or any corporation owned, directly 
or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Corporation in substantially the 
same proportions as their ownership of Voting Stock (as defined below) of the 
Corporation) is or becomes, without the prior consent of a majority of the 
Continuing Directors of the Corporation (as defined below), the Beneficial 
Owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly 
or indirectly, of Voting Stock (as defined below) representing twenty percent 
or more of the combined voting power of the Corporation's then outstanding 
securities; or

     (b) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a definitive agreement 
or plan to merge or consolidate the Corporation with or into another 
corporation (other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the 
Voting Stock (as defined below) of the Corporation outstanding immediately 
prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by 
being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 
fifty percent of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the 
Corporation or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such 
merger or consolidation), or to sell, or otherwise dispose of, all or 
substantially all of the Corporation's property and assets, or to liquidate 
the Corporation; or

     (c) the individuals who are Continuing Directors of the Corporation (as 
defined below) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the 
Board of the Corporation.

     The term "Continuing Director" means (i) any member of the Board who is 
a member of the Board on March 30, 1995 or (ii) any person who subsequently 
becomes a member of the Board whose nomination for election or election to 
the Board is recommended or approved by a majority of the Continuing 
Directors. The term "Voting Stock" means all capital stock of the Corporation 
which by its terms may be voted on all matters submitted to stockholders of 
the Corporation generally.


<PAGE>

                   ARTICLE XI --- AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

     The Board may amend the Plan from time to time or terminate the Plan at 
any time; provided, however, that no action authorized by this Article shall 
adversely change the terms and conditions of an outstanding Option without 
the Optionee's consent.

                     ARTICLE XII --- ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS

     12.1 If the Corporation shall at any time change the number of issued 
Shares without new consideration to the Corporation (such as by stock 
dividend, stock split, recapitalization, reorganization, exchange of shares, 
liquidation, combination or other change in corporate structure affecting the 
Shares) or make a distribution of cash or property which has a substantial 
impact on the value of issued Shares, the total number of Shares reserved for 
issuance under the Plan shall be appropriately adjusted and the number of 
Shares covered by each outstanding Option and the purchase price per Share 
under each outstanding Option and the number of Shares underlying Options to 
be issued annually pursuant to Section 8.1 shall be adjusted so that the 
aggregate consideration payable to the Corporation and the value of each such 
Option shall not be changed.

     12.2 Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, and without 
affecting the number of Shares reserved or available hereunder, the Committee 
shall authorize the issuance, continuation or assumption of outstanding 
Options or provide for other equitable adjustments after changes in the 
Shares resulting from any merger, consolidation, sale of assets, acquisition 
of property or stock, recapitalization, reorganization or similar occurrence 
in which the Corporation is the continuing or surviving corporation, upon 
such terms and conditions as it may deem necessary to preserve Optionees' 
rights under the Plan.

     12.3 In the case of any sale of assets, merger, consolidation or 
combination of the Corporation with or into another corporation other than a 
transaction in which the Corporation is the continuing or surviving 
corporation and which does not result in the  outstanding Shares being 
converted into or exchanged for different securities, cash or other property, 
or any combination thereof (an "Acquisition"), any Optionee who holds an 
outstanding Option shall have the right (subject to the provisions of the 
Plan and any limitation applicable to the Option ) thereafter and during the 
term of the Option, to receive upon exercise thereof the Acquisition 
Consideration (as defined below) receivable upon the Acquisition by a holder 
of the number of Shares which would have been obtained upon exercise of the 
Option or portion thereof, as the case may be, immediately prior to the 
Acquisition.  The term "Acquisition Consideration" shall mean the kind and 
amount of Shares of the surviving or new corporation, cash, securities, 
evident of indebtedness, other property or any combination thereof receivable 
in respect of one Share of the Corporation upon consummation of an 
Acquisition.

<PAGE>

                        ARTICLE XIII --- EFFECTIVE DATE

     The Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for 
approval and, if approved by a majority of all the votes cash at the 1995 
annual meeting of stockholders, shall become effective as of the date of 
approval by the Board.  If stockholder approval is not obtained at the 1995 
annual meeting of stockholders, the Plan shall be nullified.

     As adopted on March 30, 1995 and approved by the stockholders on October 
26, 1995 and amended on January 30, 1997 and amended on June 26, 1997 and 
amended on April 30, 1998.


<PAGE>


                             SARA LEE CORPORATION
                              FY99 NON-QUALIFIED
                          DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
                                (ANNUAL BONUS)
                                       

1.   PURPOSE:  The purpose of the Sara Lee Corporation FY99 Non-Qualified
     Deferred Compensation Plan (Annual Bonus) (the "Plan") is to permit a
     Participant, as defined below, to defer the payment of 25% or more of
     his/her FY99 annual bonus award earned under the provisions of an annual
     (short-term) bonus plan of Sara Lee Corporation or any of its subsidiaries
     incorporated under the laws of any state in the United States (the
     "Company"). Such deferral shall be effected by executing a Deferred
     Compensation Agreement ("Agreement"), in the form set forth in Exhibit A
     of the Plan, and executing and delivering the Agreement ON OR BEFORE JUNE
     27, 1998.

2.   PARTICIPANTS:  A Participant shall mean an employee of the Company who is
     a participant in a short-term (annual) performance incentive plan for
     fiscal year 1999 ("Participant").

3.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN:  The Plan shall be administered by the
     Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors of
     Sara Lee Corporation (the "Committee").  The Committee may delegate
     certain administrative authority to employee(s) of the Company, but shall
     retain the responsibility for interpretation and modification of the Plan.

4.   DEFERRED COMPENSATION:  "Deferred Compensation" shall mean the amount of
     the FY99 annual bonus awarded but deferred in accordance with the terms of
     Paragraph 1 of the Plan or re-deferred in accordance with the terms of
     Paragraph 5 of the Plan.

5.   ELECTION TO RE-DEFER COMPENSATION:  A Participant may elect to re-defer
     balances of existing deferred compensation plans.  A re-deferral shall be
     effected by executing and delivering an election form, in the form set
     forth in Exhibit B of the Plan, no later than six months prior to the
     original payment date.  The election to re-defer may not occur within the
     same calendar year as the original payment date.

6.    PAYMENT OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION:  A Participant may elect in the
     Agreement to receive the payment(s) of Deferred Compensation in annual
     installments commencing in the year specified therein, or in a lump sum in
     the year specified therein, provided that the payments do not commence or,
     in the case of a lump sum, are not made during the tax year in which it is
     earned.

7.   IRREVOCABILITY:  Subject to a Participant's right to re-defer balances in
     accordance with Paragraph 5, an election to defer, delivered in accordance
     with paragraph 1 above, is binding and irrevocable and Paragraph 3 of the
     Agreement may not be modified or amended except as specified in Paragraphs
     10, 12 and 13 below.

<PAGE>

8.   MAINTENANCE OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCOUNTS:
         
    (a) The Company will maintain a separate Deferred Compensation Account
        ("Account") for each Participant.
    (b) The Participant shall elect from the following Account investment
        alternatives:

        (i)    STOCK EQUIVALENT ACCOUNT.  Under this alternative, the
               value of the Stock Equivalent Account shall be determined as if
               the Deferred Compensation is invested in Sara Lee common stock
               equivalents on the credit date.  The credit date will be
               September 1, 1998 ("Credit Date").  If on the Credit Date no
               shares of Sara Lee common stock are reported on the New York
               Stock Exchange Composite Transactions Tape, then the next
               succeeding date on which there is a sale will become the Credit
               Date.  The number of Sara Lee common stock equivalents shall be
               determined by dividing the portion of the Deferred Compensation
               to be credited to the Stock Equivalent Account by the average
               of the high and low quotes on the Credit Date as reported on
               the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions Tape
               ("Market Value").  Fractional common stock equivalents will be
               computed to two decimal places.  An amount equal to the
               dividends paid on shares of Sara Lee common stock during the
               deferral period will be converted into whole or fractional
               shares of common stock equivalents at the Market Value as of
               the dividend payment dates and credited to the Stock Equivalent
               Account. Deferred Compensation to be paid to a Participant from
               the Stock Equivalent Account on the payment date(s) specified
               in the Agreement shall be paid only in whole shares of Sara Lee
               common stock.  The number of shares of Sara Lee common stock to
               be paid on a payment date shall be equal to (a) the number of
               common stock equivalents accumulated in the Stock Equivalent
               Account immediately prior to the payment date (b) divided by
               the total number of remaining payments (including the payment
               on such payment date), as specified in the Agreement.  Any
               fractional shares remaining in the account at the time the last
               payment is to be made will be credited to federal taxes paid.
               Payments will be made only in the form of shares of Sara Lee
               common stock.
              
               DEFERRED COMPENSATION CREDITED TO OR TRANSFERRED TO THE STOCK
               EQUIVALENT ACCOUNT CANNOT BE SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSFERRED TO THE
               INTEREST ACCOUNT.
               
        (ii)   INTEREST ACCOUNT - Under this alternative, the rate of
               interest payable on the balance of the Interest Account for
               each fiscal year will be set at the beginning of each fiscal
               year based on the current cost to Sara Lee Corporation of
               issuing five year maturity debt.  Interest will be credited to
               the Interest Account on June 30 and December 31 of each year
               and on the date of the final payment, on the outstanding
               balance of the Interest Account (which would include all
               principal and interest accrued to that date), as specified in
               the Agreement.  If installment payments are specified in the
               Agreement, the amount of Deferred Compensation to be paid to a
               Participant from the Interest Account shall be equal to the
               Interest Account


                                       2

<PAGE>

               balance immediately prior to a payment date divided by the 
               number of remaining payments (including the payment on such 
               payment date).
          
    (c) Pursuant to the Agreement, a Participant may elect to apportion
        Deferred Compensation between the Stock Equivalent Account and the
        Interest Account.  In addition, a Participant may elect to transfer
        deferred compensation balances from the Interest Account to the Stock
        Equivalent Account (BUT BALANCES CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE STOCK
        EQUIVALENT ACCOUNT TO THE INTEREST ACCOUNT) by executing and
        delivering an election in the form of Exhibit C of the Plan.

9.   RETIREMENT:  In the event that a Participant retires before all the
     Deferred Compensation is paid from his/her Account, the Plan shall remain
     in effect and his/her Account shall continue to be maintained by the
     Company for the benefit of the Participant and paid in accordance with the
     Agreement.

10.  DEATH OR TOTAL DISABILITY OF PARTICIPANT:  Upon the death or total
     disability of a Participant (total disability as defined in the Sara Lee
     Corporation Key Executive Disability Income Plan), the payment of the
     Account balance shall be made as requested by the totally disabled
     Participant, the beneficiary (or beneficiaries) designated in the
     Agreement or the Executor/Executrix of the Participant's estate.  This
     request must be made in writing to the Corporate Compensation Department
     within 180 days following the death or total disability of a Participant.
     If this request is not made within 180 days following the death or total
     disability of a Participant, the Deferred Compensation will be paid in
     accordance with the Agreement.

11.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT:  The Plan shall remain in effect and the
     Account shall continue to be maintained by the Company for the benefit of
     a Participant and paid in accordance with the Agreement in the event that
     the Participant terminates employment with the Company for any reason
     before all the Deferred Compensation is paid from his/her Account.

12.  FINANCIAL HARDSHIP:  Notwithstanding the time and frequency of the date of
     payment of Deferred Compensation designated in the Agreement or in
     paragraphs 9, 10 and 11 hereof, the Senior Vice President-Human Resources
     of Sara Lee Corporation, as the representative for the Committee, may
     authorize, upon written application to the Corporate Compensation
     Department by a Participant, his/her designated beneficiary or the
     Executor/Executrix of the Participant's estate, the acceleration of
     Deferred Payments (including a lump sum payment) provided that the
     requesting party can substantiate to the reasonable satisfaction of the
     Senior Vice President - Human Resources of Sara Lee Corporation that
     adherence to the designated payment form and/or schedule set forth in the
     Agreement would result in severe financial hardship to the Participant,
     his/her designated beneficiary or to his/her estate.  A bonafide financial
     hardship must be the result of an unanticipated event.  Such accelerated
     or lump sum payment shall not exceed the amount required to meet the
     financial need of the Participant, his/her designated beneficiary or
     his/her estate.


                                       3

<PAGE>

13.  EARLY WITHDRAWAL WITH PENALTY:  Notwithstanding paragraph 12, in the event
     that a Participant is unable to establish a bonafide financial hardship
     and wishes to withdraw an amount from his or her Account without
     attempting to establish a bonafide financial hardship, the Participant
     must advise the Senior Vice President - Human Resources in writing.  This
     payment will be paid to the Participant within thirty days of the approval
     of said notification.  A 10% early withdrawal penalty will be withheld
     from the payment as well as the applicable tax withholding.

14.  NO RIGHTS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Participation in the Plan in no way constitutes
     a contract or agreement to continued employment of a Participant by the
     Company for any fixed period of time.

15.  STATUS OF OBLIGATION:  The balances accumulated in the Accounts under the
     terms of the Plan shall constitute general contractual obligations of the
     Company.  The Company shall not segregate assets, create any security
     interest, or encumber its assets in order to provide for the payment(s) of
     the balance(s) which shall accumulate in the Accounts.  Notwithstanding
     the preceding sentence, the Company may, in its sole discretion, establish
     an irrevocable grantor trust, the assets of which shall be subject to the
     claims of the Company's creditors in the event of the Company's bankruptcy
     or insolvency, and if so established, benefits payable under the Plan
     shall be paid from such trust to the extent not otherwise paid from the
     Company's general assets.

16.  NON-ASSIGNABILITY:  The rights and benefits of a Participant under the
     Plan are personal and cannot be pledged, transferred or assigned except
     upon a Participant's death, to a beneficiary (or beneficiaries) designated
     in the Agreement, or if no beneficiaries are so designated, to the
     Participant's estate and thereafter as determined by will or the laws of
     descent and distribution.  A Participant may, subsequent to the execution
     of the Agreement, modify the beneficiary or beneficiaries currently
     designated.

17.  AMENDMENT(S):  Any substantive amendment(s) to the Plan shall be approved
     by the Committee.  No amendment(s) shall be made which would adversely
     affect the tax status of the Deferred Compensation accumulated in the
     Accounts.

18.  EFFECTIVE DATE; TERMINATION:  The Plan shall become effective June 28,
     1998.  The Committee may terminate the Plan at any time; however, such
     termination shall not affect the rights of Participants which were accrued
     prior to such termination.  In the event of a termination, the Committee
     will comply with a Participant's election regarding the distribution of
     the Deferred Compensation.

19.  PREDECESSOR PLANS:  The rights and provisions as described in this
     document are applicable to this Plan only and shall not apply to any other
     deferred compensation plan of the Company in which a Participant is a
     participant.



                                       4


<PAGE>


                   NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
                FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS OF SARA LEE CORPORATION,
                                  AS AMENDED

     SECTION 1.     PARTICIPATION.

     (a)  A director of Sara Lee Corporation ("Sara Lee') who is not an 
          employee of Sara Lee may elect to defer compensation earned for 
          services as a director that such director has not elected to 
          receive in a form other than cash ("Annual Cash Retainer") of not 
          less than 25% of the quarterly fees which would otherwise be 
          payable at the end of each three month period ending on September 
          30, December 31, March 31 and June 30 ("Retainer Payment Quarter") 
          but for this election to participate in this Plan, in accordance 
          with the terms and conditions of this Non-Qualified Deferred 
          Compensation Plan for Outside Directors of Sara Lee Corporation, as 
          amended ("Plan").

     (b)  The deferred Annual Cash Retainer fees ("Deferred Compensation") 
          shall be paid on such future date or dates and in such manner as a 
          director who shall elect to participate in this Plan 
          ("Participating Director") shall elect in the Deferred Compensation 
          Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A ("Agreement"); PROVIDED, 
          HOWEVER, that no Deferred Compensation shall be paid in the same 
          calendar year in which any portion of the Annual Cash Retainer 
          representing the Deferred Compensation is earned.  Any election to 
          defer all or any portion of the Annual Cash Retainer shall be 
          applicable to all future Annual Cash Retainer fees earned until the 
          election is revoked by the Participating Director pursuant to 
          Section 4 hereof.

     SECTION 2.     ADMINISTRATION.  This Plan, which was approved by the Board
of Directors of Sara Lee on August 27, 1992, and subsequently amended, shall
be administered by a committee comprised of the Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, of Sara Lee ("Committee").  The
Committee may delegate certain administrative authority to other employees of
Sara Lee, but shall retain the ultimate responsibility for the interpretation
of, and amendments to, the Plan.  The members of the Committee shall not be
liable for any of their actions or determinations made in good faith with
respect to the administration of this Plan.
     
     SECTION 3.     ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION
ACCOUNTS.

     (a)  The Corporation shall establish and maintain a separate Deferred 
          Compensation account ("Account") for each Participating Director.  
          The Deferred Compensation shall be credited to the Account as of 
          the following dates: September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30 
          ("Credit Dates").

<PAGE>


     (b)  The Participating Director shall elect one of the following Account
          appreciation alternatives:

          (i)  STOCK EQUIVALENT ACCOUNT.  Under this alternative, the value 
               of the stock Equivalent Account shall be determined as if the 
               Deferred Compensation is invested in Sara Lee common stock 
               equivalents on the Credit Dates.  The number of Sara Lee 
               common stock equivalents shall be determined by dividing the 
               Deferred Compensation credited to the Account on the Credit 
               Dates by the average of the high and low quotes on the 
               applicable day on the New York Stock Exchange Composite 
               Transactions Tape ("Market Value").  Fractional stock 
               equivalents will be computed to four decimal places.  An 
               amount equal to all dividends paid on the shares of Sara Lee 
               common stock will be converted into whole or fractional shares 
               of common stock equivalents at the Market Value as of the 
               dividend payment dates and credited to the Account.  The 
               amount of Deferred Compensation to be paid to a Participating 
               Director from the Stock Equivalent Account on the payment 
               date(s) specified in the Agreement shall be equal to (a) the 
               number of share equivalents accumulated in the Account (b) 
               multiplied by the Market Value on the date upon which the 
               Deferred Compensation is scheduled to be paid and then (c) 
               divided by the total number of payments to be made (or 
               remaining to be paid), as specified in the Agreement.

          (ii) INTEREST ACCOUNT.  Under this alternative, the ratio of 
               interest payable on the balance of the Interest Account for 
               each fiscal year will be set at the beginning of each fiscal 
               year based on the current cost to Sara Lee of issuing 5-year 
               maturity debt.  Interest will be credited to the Account on 
               June 30 and December 31 of each year and on the date of the 
               final payment on the outstanding balance of the Account (which 
               would include all principal and interest accrued to that 
               date), as specified in the Agreement.  If installment payments 
               are specified in the Agreement, the amount of Deferred 
               Compensation to be paid to a Participating Director from the 
               Interest Account shall be paid as follows:  (i) the amount of 
               the principal payment of each installment shall be determined 
               by dividing the current principal balance by the number of 
               remaining installment payments and (ii) the amount of the 
               interest payment shall be determined by dividing the current 
               interest balance by the number of remaining installment 
               payments.

     (c)  The Participating Director may elect to apportion Deferred 
          Compensation between a Stock Equivalent Account and an Interest 
          Account, but the balances cannot be transferred between accounts 
          after the apportionment has been made.

<PAGE>

     (d)  A Participating Director may elect to re-defer balances of existing 
          Deferred Compensation accounts.  A re-deferral shall be effected by 
          executing and delivering an election form at least six months prior 
          to the original payment date and provided further that such 
          re-deferral is not within the same tax year as the original 
          deferral payment date.

          
     SECTION 4.     REVOCATION OF ELECTION.  A Participating Director may 
elect to revoke the election to defer his or her Annual Cash Retainer by 
written notice delivered to the Secretary of Sara Lee at least seven (7) 
business days prior to the beginning of the next immediate Retainer Payment 
Quarter which begin on each of October 1, January 1, April 1 and July 1 
("Revocation Notice").  The revocation shall become effective at the 
beginning of the next immediate Retainer Payment Quarter and shall be 
applicable only to Annual Cash Retainer fees earned after the effective date 
of the Revocation Notice, and, thereafter, the Participating Director shall 
not be entitled to defer any future Annual Cash Retainer fees for the 
remaining portion of the current Plan Year in which the Revocation Notice is 
delivered.  "Plan Year" is defined as a twelve-month period beginning on 
November 1 and ending on October 31.
     
     SECTION 5.     PAYMENTS OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION.
     
     (a)  A Participating Director may elect to receive payments of Deferred 
          Compensation either in a lump sum payment or in annual installments 
          as specified in the Agreement.

     (b)  the Account shall continue to be maintained for the benefit of the 
          participating Director and paid in accordance with the Agreement in 
          the event that the Participating Director's service as a director 
          shall terminate prior to all of the outstanding balance in the 
          Account being paid out.

     (c)  If a Participating Director shall die while an active director of 
          Sara Lee prior to all the payments being made from the Account, the 
          unpaid balance of the Account shall be paid on the 30th day after 
          the Secretary of Sara Lee has been duly notified of his or her 
          death to either of the Participating Director's estate or to his or 
          her designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, as designated in the 
          Agreement, or in the absence of such designation, to his or her 
          personal representative.  Such death payment shall be made in a 
          single lump sum, irrespective of the time and manner of payment 
          specified in the Agreement.

     SECTION 6.     FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.  Notwithstanding the date(s) of 
payment of Deferred Compensation specified in the Agreement, upon written 
application to the Committee by a Participating Director WHO ELECTED THE 
INTEREST ACCOUNT ALTERNATIVE (as described in Section 3(b)(ii) hereof), the 
Committee may authorize the acceleration of payments of Deferred Compensation 
(including a lump sum payment) from the Interest Account ("Hardship 
Payments"), if the Participating Director substantiates to the


<PAGE>

reasonable satisfaction of the Committee that adherence to the payment 
schedule specified in the Agreement will result in severe bona fide financial 
hardship to the Participating Director.  A bona fide financial hardship must 
be the result of an unanticipated event.  The Hardship Payments shall not 
exceed the amount required to meet the financial need of the Participating 
Director.
     
     SECTION 7.     UNFUNDED OBLIGATION OF SARA LEE.  The balances 
accumulated in the Accounts shall constitute general contractual obligations 
of Sara Lee to the Participating Directors.  Sara Lee shall not segregate 
assets, create any security interest or encumber its assets in order to 
provide for or fund the payment(s) of the balance(s) accumulated in the 
Accounts.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sara Lee may, in its sole 
discretion, establish an irrevocable grantor trust, the assets of which shall 
not be subject to the claims of Sara Lee's creditors, to fund its obligations 
of all or designated Participating Directors under this Plan.  If such a 
trust is established, benefits payable under the Plan shall be paid from the 
assets of the trust to the extent not otherwise paid from Sara Lee's general 
assets.
     
     SECTION 8.     NON-ASSIGNABILITY.  The rights and benefits of a 
Participating Director under the Plan are personal and cannot be pledged, 
transferred or assigned except by designation of a beneficiary (or 
beneficiaries), will or the laws of descent and distribution.
     
     SECTION 9.     AMENDMENTS.  Any substantive amendment to the Plan shall 
be approved by the Committee.  No amendment shall be made which would 
adversely affect the tax status of the Deferred Compensation accumulated in 
the Accounts.
     
     SECTION 10.    EFFECTIVE DATE; TERMINATION.  This Plan was approved by 
the Board of Directors on August 27, 1992, became effective on October 1, 
1992, was amended on April 10, 1995 and was amended on April 30, 1998.  The 
Board of Directors of Sara Lee may terminate this Plan at any time; PROVIDED 
THAT, such termination shall not affect the rights of Participating Directors 
which have accrued under this Plan prior to such termination.  In the event 
of a termination, the payment schedule specified in the Agreement shall 
continue to be followed.



<PAGE>


                                SARA LEE CORPORATION





                        LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN
                              FISCAL YEARS 1998 - 2000
                                          
                                          
                                 PLAN DESCRIPTION 



                                      
<PAGE>

HIGHLIGHTS

This booklet explains the plan provisions of the Sara Lee Corporation Long-Term
Performance Incentive Plan covering fiscal years 1998 through 2000 ("Performance
Cycle").  The following pages provide detailed information relating to the grant
of restricted performance shares that you have received under the Plan.

The key features of this plan are summarized below.  In some countries other
than the United States, variations in plan design may occur in order to comply
with local tax provisions.


RESTRICTED PERFORMANCE SHARES

- -    Shares of Sara Lee stock are issued in your name, and held at Corporate
     Office.

- -    You have voting rights on all shares throughout the Performance Cycle.

- -    The number of shares that will be released to you will depend upon the
     attainment of pre-established performance goals during the Performance
     Cycle.

- -    An opportunity to earn additional shares is possible if performance results
     exceed the Superior performance level.

- -    Net after-tax shares which are earned at the end of the Performance Cycle
     may not be sold by the Participant until the end of FY01.


DIVIDENDS

- -    Dividends are accrued on your behalf through the Performance Cycle.

- -    Interest on accrued dividends is credited at the same rate as provided for
     under the SLC non-qualified deferred compensation plans.

- -    Dividends and interest on shares originally granted are distributed to you
     to the extent shares are earned at the end of the Performance Cycle.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

- -    The following corporate performance measures apply to this performance
     cycle:
     
     -    SLC Cumulative Basic Earnings Per Share
     -    SLC 3-Year Average Return on Capital


                                      1
<PAGE>


PURPOSE

Sara Lee Corporation ("SLC") has adopted the Long-Term Performance Incentive 
Plan (the "LTPIP") for Fiscal Years 1998 - 2000 for eligible A-level 
executives. The LTPIP exists in order to:

- -    Focus corporate and operating management's attention on the long-term
     performance results of Sara Lee Corporation and in particular, the
     achievement of the company's Project 2000 initiatives;

- -    Provide incentive compensation opportunities commensurate with the
     achievement of earnings per share and return on capital targets; and

- -    Promote cooperation and teamwork among the operating companies and
     divisions of Sara Lee Corporation; and 

- -    Enhance the competitiveness of the corporation's long-term compensation
     program to aid in attracting and retaining highly qualified executives.

RESTRICTED PERFORMANCE SHARES

Under the LTPIP, the awards are authorized by the Sara Lee Corporation 1995
Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan (the "Stock Plan") and will be issued as
restricted performance shares of common stock ("shares").  In the case of any
discrepancy between the LTPIP and the Stock Plan, the latter plan governs. 
Dividends which are payable on shares that are granted will be escrowed on
behalf of the Participant and credited with interest at the same interest rate
paid on balances under SLC's non-qualified deferred compensation plans, subject
to the conditions described in the Dividends section which follows.

These Shares have special restrictions that are based on both continued 
service and performance against financial targets that have been established. 
These restrictions prohibit the transfer of these shares during the 
Performance Cycle. The financial performance measures and their respective 
weightings are contained in Appendix I.  Any shares not earned by a 
Participant at the end of the Performance Cycle will be forfeited. 

A special provision of the grant made on August 28, 1997 ("award date") requires
that any shares distributed (net of shares withheld for tax purposes) at the end
of Performance Cycle should not be sold by a Participant until the end of FY01. 
This provision does not apply to any grants made after the award date.

SLC may substitute alternative incentives, such as restricted cash units or
stock options with special provisions, in the event it determines that tax or
legal regulations in some countries outside the United States provide more
favorable treatment for these alternatives.

                                      2
<PAGE>

DIVIDENDS

During the Performance Cycle, dividends payable on shares granted will be
escrowed on behalf of each Participant.  Interest on the escrowed amounts will
be credited at the same time and in the same manner as under SLC's non-qualified
deferred compensation plans.

Amounts credited to the escrowed dividend account at the end of the Performance
Cycle will be distributed in the same proportion as the restrictions on the
shares lapse.  For example, if 75% of the shares are earned, then 75% of the
balance in the escrowed dividend account will be paid as soon as possible after
the end of FY00.  Any remaining balance in the dividend account will be
forfeited.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Performance under the LTPIP will be measured using the corporate financial
measures described below.  Both of these financial measures are independent of
each other for purposes of measuring results and determining how many, if any,
of the shares are earned.

- -    Cumulative SLC Basic Earnings Per Share

- -    Three-year average SLC Return on Capital

Definitions of these measures are included in Appendix II.

Performance levels for SLC Basic EPS and ROC targets have been established and
are shown in Appendix I.


The performance levels and the percentage of shares that will be distributed are
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                ---------------------------------------
                 PERFORMANCE LEVEL        % OF SHARES
                                          DISTRIBUTED
                ---------------------------------------
                <S>                      <C>
                     THRESHOLD                 0%
                     VERY GOOD                50%
                      SUPERIOR                100%
                    OUTSTANDING               125%
                ---------------------------------------
</TABLE>


Interpolations will be used for results that fall between performance levels. 
For performance above Superior, additional shares will be issued after the 
end of the Performance Cycle.  No dividends will be paid retroactively on any 
additional shares issued for performance above Superior.  No shares will be 
earned for performance at or below Threshold.


                                      3
<PAGE>


AWARD AGREEMENT

Each Participant will receive a Restricted Performance Share Award Agreement 
(Award Agreement) specifying the number of shares which have been granted, 
and the specific terms and conditions applicable to this grant.  This Award 
Agreement should be retained by the Participant along with his or her other 
important legal documents.  A second copy of the Award Agreement will be kept 
on file in SLC's Corporate Compensation Department.  Additionally, this Award 
Agreement serves as power of attorney for the Corporation both to facilitate 
the re-issuance of the shares at the end of the Performance Cycle and in the 
event that the terms and conditions of the grant are not fulfilled.

TAX CONSEQUENCES

UNITED STATES

Under current United States tax legislation, a Participant receives no 
taxable income from shares awarded, dividends escrowed or interest credited 
until the restrictions on the shares lapse (vesting).  The date upon which 
the Committee reviews the performance results for the Performance Cycle and 
also approves any shares to be distributed to Participants, will serve as the 
date upon which the taxable event occurs and the market value of the shares 
are set.  When the shares are earned, both the market value of the shares on 
the date of vesting as well as the dividends and interest distributed are 
credited as income and subject to applicable federal, state and local 
withholding.  Amounts necessary to settle this tax withholding obligation may 
be withheld from the cash or shares earned by the Participant at the end of 
the Performance Cycle.

Within thirty days of the award date, as specified in the Agreement, the
Participant may elect immediate taxation under Section 83(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code for the value of the shares awarded.  This election is effected by
filing an election form with the Internal Revenue Service within the applicable
time frame.  A copy of this election must be sent to the SLC Controller, and the
applicable withholding taxes on the value of the award must be paid to the
appropriate payroll department.  If this election is made, the Participant is
responsible for all taxes at the time of grant, which will not be refunded if
some or all shares are not eventually distributed.  Dividends will continue to
be escrowed, and will result in no income until distributed.

If a Section 83(b) election is made, the basis of the shares for determination
of capital gains under current tax law is the Fair Market Value, as defined in
the Stock Plan, on the award date.  If this election is not made, the basis of
the shares will be Fair Market Value on the date the restrictions lapse.

COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES

Tax laws vary significantly from country to country, so advice should be
obtained from appropriate counsel concerning the effect of this grant in each
country.  In most cases, a Participant receives no taxable income from shares
awarded, dividends escrowed or interest credited until the restrictions on the
shares lapse (vesting).  When the shares are earned, both the market value of
the shares on the date of vesting as well as the dividends and interest
distributed are credited as income.  For individuals residing outside the U.S.
and not subject to U.S. tax laws, no amounts will be withheld at SLC related to
any required tax withholding obligation.  These taxes should be withheld at the
local entity.

                                      4
<PAGE>

The Participant is responsible for compliance with the relevant legal and tax 
regulations in the appropriate jurisdiction.

IMPACT ON OTHER BENEFITS

Shares, dividends or interest earned under the LTPIP are not considered 
compensation for purposes of any retirement plan, severance arrangement or 
other benefit plans for which the Participant is or may become eligible.

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES

The following will serve as guidelines for administering the LTPIP:

- -    The Committee has final approval of the LTPIP and functions as the Plan
     Administrator.

- -    The Committee reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to REDUCE the
     POSITIVE effect of any of the Exclusions described in Appendix II on
     performance (for purposes of measuring results vs. the goals) or on awards
     earned by reference to that performance by ANY Participant.

- -    The Committee reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to make
     further adjustments in reported performance (for purposes of measuring
     results vs. the goals) or in awards earned by reference to that performance
     with respect to any Participant who is not an SLC Executive Officer during
     FY00.
     

- -    The Committee reserves the right to change any of the terms and 
     conditions of the FY98-00 LTPIP award to Executive Officers, including 
     the definitions of Basic EPS and ROC, if deemed necessary on advice of 
     counsel to meet the requirements for a "performance-based exemption" 
     under the final regulations or rulings of IRC Section 162(m).

- -    The SLC Controller's Department will be responsible for providing financial
     results under the LTPIP.  The awards for all Corporate Officers and certain
     other key executives will be approved by the Committee.  The portion of the
     shares earned along with the related balance of the escrowed dividend
     account will be distributed as soon as practicable after the completion of
     the final accounting for the FY98-00 Performance Cycle and after approval
     of the recommended share distributions by the Committee.

- -    Awards may be made to new Participants during the first year of the
     Performance Cycle.  The number of shares awarded may be adjusted to reflect
     that the executive is not a Participant for the entire Performance Cycle.

- -    Adjustment awards may be made to Participants who change positions during
     the first year of the Performance Cycle, if such a change would have
     resulted in qualifying for an increased level of award.

- -    The impact of acquisitions and divestitures made during the performance
     cycle will be included in the performance results.

                                      5
<PAGE>

- -    In the event of death, total disability or retirement under a retirement
     plan of SLC prior to the last day of fiscal year 2000, the restrictions may
     lapse on a pro-rata number of the shares which are EARNED under the
     provisions described earlier in this plan subject to approval of the
     Committee.  If applicable, the shares and related dividends and interest
     will be distributed at the normal payout time.

- -    A Participant who resigns or is terminated during the Performance Cycle
     generally forfeits the rights to all shares and any dividends or interest
     which have been accrued.  Participants may be eligible for a prorated
     distribution, subject to Committee approval.  Eligibility for a prorated
     distribution and the number of shares that may be recommended for
     distribution would be dependent upon the circumstances resulting in the
     individual's termination; the number of shares distributed to a participant
     under these circumstances would never exceed the amount distributed in the
     event of his retirement, death or total disability.  Participants must be
     employed at least one-half, i.e. for 18 months, of any three-year
     performance cycle.  If employment ceases prior to the end of that time, all
     shares granted under that performance cycle will be forfeited.  Following
     the same procedures applicable to retirement, death or total disability,
     only periods of active service will be recognized for purposes of computing
     any distribution.  This means that any period of time during which services
     may be provided to the company but the individual is not then a regular,
     full-time employee of the company, will be disregarded for purposes of
     calculating any prorated distribution.

- -    Should a change in control occur (as defined by the Committee), the
     Committee will decide what effect, if any, this should have on the awards
     which are outstanding under this plan.

- -    Nothing in the LTPIP shall confer on a Participant any right to continue in
     the employ of SLC or in any way affect SLC's right to terminate the
     Participant's employment in accordance with applicable laws.

- -    The Committee may make additional changes which it deems appropriate to 
     the effective administration of the LTPIP, including the establishment 
     of appropriate performance measure weights for newly created executive 
     levels. However, other than as described above, these changes may not 
     reduce the benefits to which Participants are entitled under the LTPIP, 
     nor change the pre-established performance measures and goals which have 
     been approved.



                                     APPENDIX I
                                          
                              [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]


                                         6 
<PAGE>

                                                                 APPENDIX II

DEFINITIONS

a)   PERFORMANCE CYCLE is the three year period consisting of SLC's fiscal years
     1998 through and including 2000. 

b)   THE COMMITTEE means the Compensation and Employee Benefits Committee of the
     Board of Directors of SLC.

c)   AWARD AGREEMENT means the document provided to the Participant specifying
     the number of shares granted and the terms and conditions under which this
     grant is being made.

d)   PARTICIPANT means an executive of the SLC who has been determined to be an
     eligible Participant and who has received an Award Agreement specifying the
     terms of participation in this Plan.

e)   EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") means reported basic earnings per share for the
     fiscal years in the Performance Cycle subject to applicable Adjustments and
     Exclusions as defined below.

f)   ADJUSTMENTS means changes to the goal to appropriately reflect the effect
     of stock splits or combinations, stock dividends and spin-offs or special
     distributions to stockholders other than normal cash dividends

g)   EXCLUSIONS means the automatic exclusion of the following from relevant
     financial data for purposes of measuring performance against the goal:
     
     --   extraordinary or unusual charges (accounting definition)
     --   revisions to the U.S Internal Revenue Code
     --   changes in generally accepted accounting principles
     --   gains or losses from discontinued operations (accounting definition)
     --   changes in definition of basic EPS 
     --   restructuring charges
     --   any other extraordinary or unusual charges that are quantified and
          identified separately in the Management Discussion and Analysis 
          section of the Annual Report or in footnotes to the audited financial
          statements

h)   EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST AND AMORTIZATION ("EBIA") means SLC pre-tax income
     adjusted to add back the following: after-tax interest expense, non-cash
     amortization including that on goodwill and trademarks, and the change in
     deferred taxes from the consolidated statement of cash flow; this value is
     then reduced by the tax provision on the consolidated income statement.

i)   RETURN ON CAPITAL ("ROC") means the ratio of SLC EBIA to SLC average total
     capital (on a two point basis) as defined by First Boston; AVERAGE ROC is
     calculated as the simple average of ROC for each of the three fiscal years
     in the Performance Cycle, subject to the applicable Adjustments and
     Exclusions defined above.

j)   TOTAL DISABILITY is defined in the Key Executive Long-Term Disability Plan
     of SLC.

                                         7 



<PAGE>

                             SARA LEE CORPORATION
                          RESTRICTED SHARE AGREEMENT

1.   THIS AGREEMENT made this 29th day of April, 1998 (the "Award Date"), by 
     and between Sara Lee Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the 
     "Corporation") and Frank Meysman (the "Participant") is evidence of an 
     award made under the 1995 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan (the "Stock 
     Plan") which is incorporated into this Agreement by reference.  A copy 
     of the plan has been provided to the Participant.  This agreement will 
     form an integral part of the employment-agreement of Frank Meysman with 
     the Corporation, entered into as of January 1, 1996.

2.   RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT AWARD.  Subject to the continued employment of the 
     Participant with the Corporation until April 29, 2003, the Corporation 
     hereby awards to the Participant as of the Award Date 50,000 restricted 
     share units (the "Share Units").  These Share Units will remain 
     restricted until April 29, 2003.  While the restrictions are in effect, 
     the Share Units are not transferable by the Participant by means of 
     sale, assignment, exchange, pledge, or otherwise.

3.   SHARE UNITS. This award will be registered in the name of the 
     Participant on the Corporation's books as of the Award Date until the 
     Share Units are vested (i.e., the restrictions lapse).  As such time as 
     the Share Units vest, if ever, the Share Units will be converted into 
     shares of common stock of the Corporation (the "Shares") on a 
     one-for-one basis.  Until the Share Units vest, the Participant will not 
     be entitled to any rights of a shareholder.

4.   DIVIDEND UNITS.  Beginning on the Award Date, Dividend Units (in an 
     amount equal to dividends paid on Shares) will be accrued on the books 
     of the

                                      
<PAGE>

     Corporation at the same time that actual dividends are paid to owners of 
     Shares.  Interest will accrue in arrears and will be credited on the 
     books of the Corporation at the same rate used under the Corporation's 
     deferred compensation plans.  Dividend Units and the interest thereon 
     will be paid in cash when the Share Units vest, unless otherwise 
     deferred pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement.

5.   COSTS AND EXPENSES.  Any costs and/or expenses for the account of the 
     Participant before April 29, 2003 will be born by the Corporation and 
     will be repaid by the Participant to the Corporation if and when the 
     vesting of the Share Units occurs.  If and to the extent the Participant 
     has to pay taxes before vesting of the Share Units, the Corporation will 
     grant an interest free loan to the Participant to be repaid by the 
     Participant to the Corporation if and when the vesting of the Share 
     Units occurs or which loan will be cancelled or waived in case no such 
     vesting will occur.

6.   DISTRIBUTION OF THE AWARD.  Upon vesting, all Share Units will be 
     converted into Shares with Dividend Units, and interest accrued thereon 
     paid to the Participant in cash as soon as practicable, unless otherwise 
     deferred pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement.

7.   TAXES.  Tax withholding is required when the Share Units vest and 
     applies to the Share Units, Dividend Units and accrued interest.  The 
     tax liability at the time of vesting will be settled by withholding a 
     number of Shares with a market value not less than the amount of such 
     taxes.  A certificate for the net number of Shares will be delivered to 
     the Participant as soon as practicable after vesting occurs.

                                      
<PAGE>

8.   ELECTION TO DEFER DISTRIBUTION.  The Participant may elect to defer the 
     distribution of some or all of the Share Units, Dividend Units and 
     interest. Such election must be received in writing by the Corporation's 
     Senior Vice President of Human Resources no later than April 29, 2003.  
     The deferral, if elected, will result in the transfer of the Share Units 
     and corresponding Dividend Units and interest into the Corporation's 
     deferred compensation plan in effect at the time the restrictions lapse 
     on this award.  The deferred compensation plan rules will govern the 
     administration of this award beginning on the date the Share Units vest.

9.   DEATH OR TOTAL DISABILITY.  The restrictions will lapse on a pro-rata 
     number of the Share Units in the event of the Participant's death or 
     total disability before the restrictions on the Share Units have lapsed. 
     If applicable, the Share Units and related Dividend Units and interest 
     will then be released as soon as practicable, subject to Section 7 of 
     this Agreement.

10.  OTHER END OF EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS.  In the event the Participant 
     resigns or is terminated for cause before the restrictions on the Share 
     Units have lapsed, the Share Units, Dividend Units and interest accrued 
     thereon will be forfeited.  In the case of ordinary termination by the 
     Corporation, including termination by the Corporation or resignation by 
     the Participant for reason of Change or Control the Share Units, 
     Dividend Units and interest accrued thereon will be awarded on a pro 
     rata basis.

11.  CHANGE OF CONTROL.  Either in contemplation of or in the event that the 
     Corporation undergoes a Change of Control (as defined in the SLC 1995 
     Long-

                                      
<PAGE>

     Term Incentive Stock Plan) or is not the surviving corporation in a 
     merger or consolidation with another corporation, the Compensation and 
     Employee Benefits Committee of the Corporation (the "Committee") may 
     provide for appropriate adjustments taking into account Participant's 
     best interests.

12.  INTERPRETATIONS.  Any dispute, disagreement or question which arises 
     under, or as a result of, or in any way relates to the interpretation, 
     construction or application of the Stock Plan will be determined and 
     resolved by the Committee.  In case of ultimate disagreement, despite 
     best efforts of both parties, arbitration may be initiated by either 
     party. Nothing in the Stock Plan or this Agreement will confer on the 
     Participant any right to continue in the employ of the Corporation or in 
     any way affect the Corporation's right to terminate the Participant's 
     employment without prior notice at any time for any reason.


<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 12.1


                       SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                           (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT RATIOS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      Year Ended
                                            --------------------------------
                                              June 27,           June 28,
                                              1998(1)              1997
                                            -------------      -------------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>
Fixed charges:

   Interest expense                          $        224       $        202

   Interest portion of rental expense                  64                 66
                                            -------------      -------------
   Total fixed charges before
     capitalized interest                             288                268

   Capitalized interest                                10                 12
                                            -------------      -------------
     Total fixed charges                    $         298       $        280
                                            =============      =============

Earnings available for fixed charges:

   (Loss) income before income taxes         $       (443)      $      1,484

   Less undistributed income in
     minority owned companies                          (6)                (7)

   Add minority interest in majority-
     owned subsidiaries                                25                 30

   Add amortization of capitalized interest            25                 23

   Add fixed charges before capitalized
     interest                                         288                268
                                            -------------      -------------
     Total (losses) earnings available for
       fixed charges                        $        (111)     $       1,798
                                            =============      =============

Ratio of (losses) earnings to fixed charges          (0.4)               6.4
                                            =============      =============
</TABLE>

- -------------------------
(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, the Corporation recorded a 
    pretax charge of $2,040 million in connection with various restructuring 
    actions.



<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 12.2


                       SARA LEE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                    AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
                           (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT RATIOS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Year Ended
                                            --------------------------------
                                              June 27,           June 28,
                                              1998(1)              1997
                                            -------------      -------------
<S>                                         <C>               <C>
Fixed charges and preferred stock
   dividend requirements:

   Interest expense                          $        224       $        202

   Interest portion of rental expense                  64                66
                                            -------------      -------------
   Total fixed charges before
     capitalized interest and preferred
     stock dividend requirements                      288                268

   Capitalized interest                                10                 12

   Preferred stock dividend requirements (2)           24                 41
                                            -------------      -------------
     Total fixed charges and preferred
        stock dividend requirements         $         322      $         321
                                            =============      =============

(Losses) Earnings available for fixed charges
      and preferred stock dividend
      requirements:

   (Loss) income before income taxes        $        (443)      $      1,484

   Less undistributed income in
     minority owned companies                          (6)                (7)

   Add minority interest in majority-
     owned subsidiaries                                25                 30

   Add amortization of capitalized interest            25                 23

   Add fixed charges before capitalized
     interest and preferred stock
     dividend requirements                            288                268
                                            -------------      -------------
     Total (losses) earnings available for
       fixed charges and preferred stock
       dividend requirements                $        (111)      $      1,798
                                            =============      =============

Ratio of (losses) earnings to fixed charges and 
  preferred stock dividend requirements              (0.3)               5.6
                                            =============      =============
</TABLE>

   (1) During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, the Corporation recorded a 
       pretax charge of $2,040 million in connection with various 
       restructuring actions.

   (2) Preferred stock dividends in the computation have been increased to an
       amount representing the pretax earnings that would have been required 
       to cover such dividends.


<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT (21)
                                     
                               SUBSIDIARIES
                                    OF
                           SARA LEE CORPORATION


The following is a list of active subsidiary corporations of the Registrant. 
Subsidiaries which are inactive or exist solely to protect the business 
names, but conduct no business, have been omitted; such omitted subsidiaries 
considered in the aggregate do not constitute a significant subsidiary.

                           DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Place of
Name                                                                 Incorporation
- ----                                                                 -------------
<S>                                                                  <C>
APD Chemicals Corporation                                            Delaware

Aris (Philippines), Inc.                                             Delaware

Arp Corp.                                                            Delaware

Bali Foundations, Inc.                                               Delaware

Bessin Corporation                                                   Illinois

BG Marketing Corp.                                                   Delaware

Bil Mar Farms, Inc.                                                  Delaware

Bil Mar Foods, Inc.                                                  Delaware

BNH, Inc.                                                            Delaware

Bryan Foods, Inc.                                                    Delaware

Caribetex, Inc.                                                      Delaware

Cartex Del, Inc.                                                     Delaware

Ceibena Del, Inc.                                                    Delaware

Champion Products Inc.                                               New York

Coach Leatherware International, Inc.                                Delaware

Coach Stores, Inc.                                                   Delaware

Cordova Holdings, L.L.C.                                             Delaware

Cortez Del, Inc.                                                     Delaware

DEA Leasing, L.L.C.                                                  Delaware

Gordon County Farm Company                                           Delaware

Hanes Menswear, Inc.                                                 Delaware

<PAGE>

Hanes Puerto Rico, Inc.                                              Delaware

Haw River Realty, Inc.                                               Delaware

Hygrade Food Products Corporation                                    Delaware

InPro, L.L.C.                                                        Delaware

International Affiliates & Investment Inc.                           Delaware

International Baking Co., Inc.                                       Delaware

Interstar, Inc.                                                      Florida

Jogbra Inc.                                                          Delaware

Kesterson Companies, Inc.                                            Tennessee

Kesterson Food Company, Inc.                                         Tennessee

Kiwi (Europe) Corporation                                            Delaware

Kolker Brothers, Inc.                                                District of
                                                                     Columbia

L'eggs Brands, Inc.                                                  Delaware

MAP, L.L.C.                                                          Delaware

Mid-America Purchasing, L.L.C.                                       Delaware

Milky Way Products Company                                           Delaware

Nihon Sara Lee KK Corporation                                        Delaware

Ozark Salad Company, Inc.                                            Delaware

Playtex Apparel, Inc.                                                Delaware

Playtex Dorado Corporation                                           Delaware

Playtex Industries, Inc.                                             Delaware

PYA, Inc.                                                            Delaware

PYA/Monarch, Inc.                                                    Maryland

Rice Hosiery Corporation                                             North   
                                                                     Carolina

Sara Lee Champion Europe Inc.                                        Delaware

Sara Lee Corporation Asia, Inc.                                      Delaware

Sara Lee Foodservice Holding, L.L.C.                                 Delaware


                                       2
<PAGE>

Sara Lee French Funding Company L.L.C.                               Delaware

Sara Lee French Investment Company, Inc.                             Delaware

Sara Lee Global Finance, Inc.                                        Delaware

Sara Lee International Corporation                                   Delaware

Sara Lee International Finance Corporation                           Delaware

Sara Lee International Funding Companny L.L.C.                       Delaware

Sara Lee Investments, Inc.                                           Delaware

Sara Lee - Kiwi Holdings, Inc.                                       Delaware

Sara Lee U.K. Depositor L.L.C.                                       Delaware

Sara Lee U.K. Holdings, Inc.                                         Delaware

Sara Lee U.K. Leasing L.L.C.                                         Delaware

Sara Lee/DE Asia, Inc.                                               Delaware

Saramar L.L.C.                                                       Delaware

SCH Enterprises, L.L.C.                                              Delaware

Scotch Maid, Inc.                                                    Delaware

Seitz Foods, Inc.                                                    Delaware

SLC Leasing (Nevada)-II, Inc.                                        Nevada

SLC Leasing (Wyoming), Inc.                                          Wyoming   

SLE, Inc.                                                            Delaware

SLI Administrative Services Company, Inc.                            Delaware

SLKP Administrative Services Company, Inc.                           Delaware

SLKP Sales, Inc.                                                     Delaware  

Smoky Hollow Foods, Inc.                                             Delaware

Southern Belle, Inc.                                                 Delaware

Southern Family Foods, L.L.C.                                        Delaware

Southern Meat Distribution Company                                   Delaware

Specialty Intimates Inc.                                             Delaware

State Fair Foods, Inc.                                               Texas


                                       3
<PAGE>

Sweet Sue Kitchens, Inc.                                             Alabama

The Harwood Companies, Inc.                                          Delaware

UPCR, Inc.                                                           Delaware

UPEL, Inc.                                                           Delaware

Wolferman's, Inc.                                                    Delaware

</TABLE>


                                       4
<PAGE>

                               FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
AB Fenom                                                             Sweden

ABC Industrie S.A.                                                   France

Agepal SarL                                                          Luxemburg

Al Ponte Prosciutti S.r.l.                                           Italy

Allende Internacional, S.A. de C.V.                                  Mexico

Antinea Lingerie S.A.                                                France

Aoste Argentina                                                      Argentina

Aoste Belgique                                                       Belgium

Aoste Espana                                                         Spain

Aoste Export SNC                                                     France

Aoste Holding SNC                                                    France

Aoste Management S.A.                                                France

Aoste Schinken GmbH                                                  Germany

Aoste SNC                                                            France

APD Chemicals Limited                                                England

Arosa, S.A. de C.V.                                                 Mexico

Ashe Limited                                                         England

Ashe Pension Trustees Limited                                        England

A.P. Developments Limited                                            Zambia

A/S Blumoller                                                        Denmark

Bal-Mex S. de R.L. de C.V.                                           Mexico

Balirny Douwe Egberts AS                                             Czech 
                                                                     Republic

Ballograf Bic Austria Vertriebs Ges. mbh                             Austria

Belgian Nurdie Textile Company                                       Belgium

Boers Groothandel B.V.                                               Netherlands


                                       5
<PAGE>


Boers Meat Products B.V.                                             Netherlands

Bravo S.A.                                                           Greece

Brossard France S.A.                                                 France

Caitlin Financial Corporation N.V.                                   Netherlands 
                                                                     Antilles

Calixte Cochonou Export SNC                                          France

Calixte Producteur SNC                                               France

Canadelle Holding Corporation Limited                                Canada
     
Canadelle Limited Partnership                                        Canada

Cartex Manufacturera, S.A.                                           Costa Rica

Casual Wear de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.                                  Mexico

Caytex, Inc.                                                         Cayman Islands

Caywear, Inc.                                                        Cayman Islands

CBI S.A.                                                             France

CH Laboratories (Sales) Ltd.                                         Ireland

CH Property Holdings (NZ) Ltd.                                       New Zealand

Champion France S.A.                                                 France

Champion Products, S.A. de C.V.                                      Mexico

Champion UK Limited                                                  England

Charcuteries des Hautes Terres S.A.                                  France

Coach Europe Services S.r.l.                                         Italy

Coach Firenze S.r.l.                                                 Italy

Coach (U.K) Limited                                                  England

Cochonou SNC                                                         France

Codef Financial Services CV                                          Netherlands

Coffee Times B.V.                                                    Netherlands

Coffenco International GmbH                                          Germany

Cofico N.V.                                                          Netherlands
                                                                     Antilles


                                       6
<PAGE>

Confecciones de El Pedregal, S.A. de C.V.                            El Salvador

Confecciones de Monclova, S.A. de C.V.                               Mexico

Confecciones de Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.                              Mexico

Confecciones de Nueva Rosita, S.A. de C.V.                           Mexico

Confix S.r.l.                                                        Italy

Congelacion y Conservacion de Alimentos, S. de R.L. de C.V.          Mexico

Conoplex Insurance Company                                           Bermuda

Contex, S.A. de C.V.                                                 El Salvador

Control International Investments (ConSecFin) BV                     Netherlands

Corporacion Champion de El Salvador, S.A. de C.V.                    El Salvador

Corporacion H.M., S.A. de C.V.                                       Mexico

Cosmetic Manufacturers Ltd.                                          New Zealand

Cosmetic Manufacturers Pty. Ltd.                                     Australia

Cosmetic Manufacturers (Ireland) Ltd.                                Ireland

Covesa N.V.                                                          Belgium

Cruz Verde Portugal - Productos de Consumo Lda.                      Portugal

De Friesche Erven B.V.                                               Netherlands

DEA (Bermuda) Ltd.                                                   Bermuda

Decaf B.V.                                                           Netherlands

Decem B.V.                                                           Netherlands

Decotrade A.G.                                                       Switzerland

DECS Global Network Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.                           Mexico

DECS International Mexico, S.A. de C.V.                              Mexico

DEF Finance S.A.                                                     France

Defico N.V.                                                          Netherlands
                                                                     Antilles

Del Castillo Transportes Ltda.                                       Uruguay

Designer Workwear Pty. Ltd.                                          Australia


                                       7
<PAGE>

Detrex B.V.                                                          Netherlands

Difan S.A.M.                                                         Monaco

Dim-Rosy AB                                                          Sweden

Dim-Rosy AG                                                          Switzerland

Dim-Rosy A/S                                                         Denmark

Dim-Rosy Benelux N.V.                                                Belgium

Dim-Rosy Portugal Lda.                                               Portugal

Dim-Rosy S.p.A.                                                      Italy

Dim Finance S.A.S.                                                   France

Dim Rosy Textiles, Incorporated                                      Canada

Dim S.A.                                                             France

Dimtex S.A.                                                          France

Disa SNC                                                             France

Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems France S. A.                            France

Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems International B.V.                      Netherlands

Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems Ltd.                                    Canada

Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems Limited                                 England

Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems Nederland B.V.                          Netherlands

Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems Operating B. V.                         Netherlands

Douwe Egberts Coffee & Tea International B.V.                        Netherlands

Douwe Egberts Espana S.A.                                            Spain

Douwe Egberts France S.A.                                            France

Douwe Egberts GmbH                                                   Germany

Douwe Egberts Kaffee Systeme GmbH                                    Germany

Douwe Egberts Kaffee Systeme GmbH & Co., K.G.                        Germany

Douwe Egberts Limited                                                Canada

Douwe Egberts Nederland B.V.                                         Netherlands

Douwe Egberts N.V.                                                   Belgium


                                       8
<PAGE>

Douwe Egberts UK Limited                                             England

Douwe Egberts Van Nelle Diensten B.V.                                Netherlands

Duyvis B.V.                                                          Netherlands

Elbeo Meias e Confeccoes Lda.                                        Portugal

Elbeo & Comandita                                                    Portugal

Eri Deutschland GmbH                                                 Germany

Esa Eppinger GmbH                                                    Germany

ET.G.Y. S.A.                                                         France

Euragral B.V.                                                        Netherlands

Fihomij B.V.                                                         Netherlands

Filodoro Calze S.p.A.                                                Italy

Finnegan's Famous Cakes Limited                                      England

Fontane del Ducca S.r.l.                                             Italy

Fujian Sara Lee Consumer Products Company Ltd.                       China     
     
Gromtex S.A.                                                         Tunisia

Hanes Brasil Industria E Comercio Ltda.                              Brazil

Hanes Caribe Inc.                                                    Cayman         
                                                                     Islands

Hanes Choloma Ltd.                                                   Cayman    
                                                                     Islands

Hanes de Centroamerica S.A.                                          Guatemala

Hanes de El Salvador, S.A. de C.V.                                   El Salvador

Hanes Dominican Inc.                                                 Cayman Islands

Hanes France S.A.                                                    France

Hanes Italia S.p.A.                                                  Italy

Hanes Panama, Inc.                                                   Panama

Hanes Tejidos Costa Rica S.A.                                        Costa Rica

Hanes Underwear Jamaica Limited                                      Jamaica


                                       9
<PAGE>

Hanes U.K. Limited                                                   England

Hanes (Deutschland) GmbH                                             Germany

Harris/DE Pty. Ltd.                                                  Australia

Hesperia de Alimentacion S.A.                                        Spain

Hilton Bonds N.Z. (1991) Limited                                     New Zealand

Home Safe Products Sdn Bhd                                           Malaysia

House of Fuller, S.A. de C.V.                                        Mexico

Imperial Holding N.V.                                                Belgium

Imperial Meat Products N.V.                                          Belgium

Inco Hellas A.E. Cosmetics and Household Consumer                    Greece
  Products Industry

Industrias Carnicas Navarras S.A.                                    Spain

Industrias de Carnes Nobre S.A.                                      Portugal

Industrias Internacionales de San Pedro, S.A. de C.V.                Mexico

Industrias Mallorca, S.A. de C.V.                                    Mexico

Inmobiliaria Meck-Mex, S.A. de C.V.                                  Mexico

Intec B.V.                                                           Netherlands

Inter Food Service Ltd.                                              England

Internacional Manufacturera, S.A.                                    Mexico

International Underwear Ltd.                                         Morocco

INTEX Dessous GmbH                                                   Germany

INTEX Textil-Vertriebsgesellschaft AG                                Switzerland

Intradal Produktie Belgium N.V.                                      Belgium

Iron Bark Industrial Clothing Pty. Ltd.                              Australia

Isabella (Private) Ltd.                                              Sri Lanka

I. Tas Ezn B.V.                                                      Netherlands

Jamlee Limited                                                       Jamaica

Jamwear Limited                                                      Jamaica

Jogbra Honduras S.A.                                                 Honduras


                                       10
<PAGE>

Justin Bridou SNC                                                    France

Kir Alimentos, S. de R.L. de C.V.                                    Mexico

Kitchens of Sara Lee (Australia) Pty. Ltd.                           Australia

Kitchens of Sara Lee (U.K.) Limited                                  England

Kiwi Brands Ltd.                                                     Kenya

Kiwi Brands Ltd.                                                     Malawi

Kiwi Brands Ltd.                                                     Zambia

Kiwi Brands Pty. Ltd.                                                Australia

Kiwi Brands (Hong Kong) Ltd.                                         Hong Kong

Kiwi Brands (N.Z.) Ltd.                                              New Zealand

Kiwi Brands (Private) Limited                                        Zimbabwe

Kiwi Brands (Tianjin) Co. Ltd.                                       China

Kiwi Caribbean Limited                                               England

Kiwi European Holdings B.V.                                          Netherlands

Kiwi France S.A.                                                     France

Kiwi Holdings Limited                                                England

Kiwi International Pte. Ltd.                                         Signapore

Kiwi Overseas Investments Limited                                    England

Kiwi TTK Limited                                                     India

Kiwi United Taiwan Company Ltd.                                      Taiwan

Kiwi (EA) Limited                                                    England

Kiwi (Manufacturing) Sdn Bhd                                         Malaysia

Kiwi (Thailand) Limited                                              Thailand

Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.                                       Netherlands

Kortman Intradal B.V.                                                Netherlands

Kortman Nederland B.V.                                               Netherlands

KRS S.A.                                                             Tunisia

La Confection Sarthoise S.A.                                         France


                                       11
<PAGE>

Lassie B.V.                                                          Netherlands

Les Fines Tranches SNC                                               France

Les Salaisons Reunies SNC                                            France

Lovable Benelux B.V.                                                 Netherlands

Lovable Design GmbH                                                  Germany

Lovable France S.a.r.L.                                              France

Lovable Italiana International Limited                               England

Lovable Italiana S.p.A.                                              Italy

Madero Internacional, S.A. de C.V.                                   Mexico

Maglificio Bellia S.p.A.                                             Italy

Manifattura di Sermide S.r.l.                                        Italy

Manifattura Filodoro S.r.l.                                          Italy

Manufacturera Cortez, S.A.                                           Honduras

Manufacturera de Cartago, S.A.                                       Costa Rica

Marander Assurantie Compagnie B.V.                                   Netherlands

Marcilla Coffee Systems S.A.                                         Spain

Marketing-en Verkoopmaatschappij Stegeman B.V.                       Netherlands

Merrild Coffee Systems AB                                            Sweden

Merrild Kaffe A/S                                                    Denmark

Monclova Internacional, S.A. de C.V.                                 Mexico

Natrena B.V.                                                         Netherlands

Navaradour S.A.                                                      France

Nihon Kiwi K.K.                                                      Japan

Nihon Sara Lee K.K.                                                  Japan

Notable, S.A. de C.V.                                                Mexico

nur die Textilvertrieb Ges.mbH                                       Austria

nur die Textilvertrieb Ges.mbH & Co. KG                              Austria

Nutri-Metics France S.A.                                             France


                                       12
<PAGE>

Nutri-Metics Holdings France S.A.                                    France

Nutri-Metics International (Australia) Pty. Ltd.                     Australia

Nutri-Metics International (Canada) Inc.                             Canada

Nutri-Metics International (France) S.A.                             France

Nutri-Metics International (Greece) A.E.                             Greece

Nutri-Metics International (Guangzhou) Ltd.                          China

Nutri-Metics International (Hong Kong) Ltd.                          Hong Kong

Nutri-Metics International (Ireland) Ltd.                            Ireland

Nutri-Metics International (Netherlands) Pty. Ltd.                   Australia

Nutri-Metics International (NZ) Ltd.                                 New Zealand

Nutri-Metics International (South Africa) Pty. Ltd.                  Australia

Nutri-Metics International (Thailand) Ltd.                           Thailand

Nutri-Metics International (UK) Ltd.                                 Australia

Nutri-Metics (B) Sdn Bhd International                               Brunei

Nutri-Metics Worldwide Malaysia Sdn Bhd                              Malaysia

N.V. Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems                                    Belgium

N.V. Kortman Intradal S.A.                                           Belgium

Oegstgeest Capital B.V.                                              Netherlands

Opus Chemical AB                                                     Sweden

Oxwall Tools B.V.                                                    Netherlands

Pamyc, S.A. de C.V.                                                  Mexico

Philippe Matignon France S.A.                                        France

Playtex Espana, S.A.                                                 Spain

Playtex France S.A.                                                  France

Playtex Investments Europe S.A.                                      France

Playtex Limited                                                      England

Plustex B.V.                                                         Netherlands

Plustex S.A.                                                         Belgium


                                       13
<PAGE>

Porta Blu S.r.l.                                                     Italy

Pretty Polly Pension Trustee Limited                                 England

Pretty Polly Supplementary Trustee Limited                           England

Pretty Polly (Killarney) Limited                                     Ireland

Probemex, S.A. de C.V.                                               Mexico

Product Suppliers A.G.                                               Switzerland

PTX Tunisie S.A.                                                     Tunisia

PTX (D.R.) Inc.                                                      Cayman Islands

P.T. Kiwi Distribution Company                                       Indonesia

P.T. Kiwi Indonesia                                                  Indonesia

P.T. Premier Ventures                                                Indonesia

P.T. Prodenta Indonesia                                              Indonesia

P.T. Suria Yozani                                                    Indonesia

Quesos la Caperucita, S.A. de C.V.                                   Mexico

Rinbros, S.A. de C.V.                                                Mexico

Roger de Lyon Charcutier S.A.                                        France

Roger de Lyon SNC                                                    France

Roux Soignat S.A.                                                    France

S3C S.A.                                                             France

Sagepar SaRL                                                         France

Sara Lee Austria Gesellschaft mbH                                    Germany

Sara Lee Bakery Sdn Bhd                                              Malaysia

Sara Lee Bakery (Australia) Pty. Ltd.                                Australia

Sara Lee Brasil Ltda.                                                Brazil

Sara Lee Canada Holdings Limited                                     Canada

Sara Lee Charcuterie, S.A.                                           France

Sara Lee Chile S.A.                                                  Chile

Sara Lee Clothing Company Pty. Ltd.                                  Australia


                                       14
<PAGE>

Sara Lee Comercial Limitada                                          Chile

Sara Lee Corporation Asia Limited                                    Hong Kong

Sara Lee de Costa Rica, S.A.                                         Costa Rica

Sara Lee Direct Marketing UK Limited                                 England

Sara Lee Europe Direct Marketing S.A.                                France

Sara Lee Finance U.K.                                                England

Sara Lee Food Holdings Pty. Ltd.                                     Australia

Sara Lee France Finance S.A.S.                                       France

Sara Lee France SNC                                                  France

Sara Lee Foreign Sales Corporation                                   Barbados

Sara Lee Germany GmbH                                                Germany

Sara Lee Holding Corporation Limited                                 Canada

Sara Lee Holdings (Australia) Pty. Ltd.                              Australia

Sara Lee Holdings (NZ) Ltd.                                          New Zealand

Sara Lee Hosiery Canada Ltd.                                         Canada

Sara Lee Household & Body Care UK Limited                            England

Sara Lee International B.V.                                          Netherlands

Sara Lee Intimates El Salvador, S.A. de C.V.                         El Salvador

Sara Lee Intimates Villanueva S.A. de C.V.                           Honduras

Sara Lee Knit Products Benelux N.V.                                  Belgium

Sara Lee Knit Products de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.                       Mexico

Sara Lee Knit Products Europe, N.V.                                  Belgium

Sara Lee Mauritius Holding Private Ltd.                              Singapore

Sara Lee Mexicana S.A. de C.V.                                       Mexico

Sara Lee Moda Femenina, S.A. de C.V.                                 Mexico

Sara Lee of Canada Holdings Limited                                  Canada

Sara Lee of Canada Holdings Limited Partnership                      Canada

Sara Lee of Canada Investments Company                               Canada


                                       15
<PAGE>

Sara Lee of Canada Limited                                           Canada

Sara Lee of Canada Limited Partnership                               Canada

Sara Lee Personal Products Hellas, S.A.                              Greece

Sara Lee Personal Products Sweden AB                                 Sweden

Sara Lee Personal Products S.A.                                      France

Sara Lee Personal Products S.p.A.                                    Italy

Sara Lee Personal Products (Australia) Pty. Ltd.                     Australia

Sara Lee Personal Products (Fiji) Ltd.                               Fiji

Sara Lee Phillippines Inc.                                           Philippines

Sara Lee Processed Meats (Europe) B.V.                               Netherlands

Sara Lee Sock Mexico, S.A. de C.V.                                   Mexico

Sara Lee Trading Limited                                             Thailand

Sara Lee UK Holdings Plc.                                            England

Sara Lee (Hong Kong) Limited Partnership                             Hong Kong

Sara Lee (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd.                                  South Africa

Sara Lee (UK Investments) Limited                                    England

Sara Lee/DE Antilles N.V.                                            Netherlands

Sara Lee/DE Espana S.A.                                              Spain     

Sara Lee/DE Finance B.V.                                             Netherlands

Sara Lee/DE France SNC                                               France

Sara Lee/DE Holdings GmbH                                            Germany

Sara Lee/DE Holdings (South Africa)
  (Pty) Limited                                                      South Africa

Sara Lee/DE Household & Body Care Research B.V.                      Netherlands

Sara Lee/DE Hungaria Kft.                                            Hungary

Sara Lee/DE Italy S.p.A                                              Italy

Sara Lee/DE N.V.                                                     Netherlands

Sara Lee/DE Osterreich GmbH                                          Austria


                                       16
<PAGE>

Sara Lee/DE Poland Sp z o o                                          Poland

Sara Lee/DE Rt.                                                      Hungary

Sara Lee/DE (Schweiz) AG                                             Switzerland

Saramar Europe B.V.                                                  Netherlands

SBB S.A.                                                             France

SDP Rungis S.A.                                                      France

Servicios Administrativos Sara Lee, S.A. de C.V.                     Mexico

Shanghai Vocal Enterprise Limited                                    China

Siamcona Ltd.                                                        Thailand

SLI Compania de Servicios Administrativos S.A.                       Costa Rica

SLKP Compania de Servicios Administrativos S.A.                      Costa Rica

SLPP (Coolaroo) Pty. Ltd.                                            Australia

Societe Bretonne d'Andouilles et
  d'Andouillettes S.A.                                               France

Societe d'Etude et de Realisation Agro-Alimentaire SarL              France

Societe des Salaisons de Balanod SNC                                 France

Spring City de Honduras, S.A.                                        Honduras

Stegeman B.V.                                                        Netherlands

Swissguard (Pty.) Limited                                            South Africa

S.N. Degoisey S.A.                                                   France

Taesa, S. de R.L. de C.V.                                            Mexico

Tana B.V.                                                            Netherlands

Tana Canada Incorporated                                             Canada

Tana Schuhpflege AG                                                  Switzerland

Tejidos Flex Corporation                                             Panama

Telec A.G.                                                           Switzerland

Temana International Limited                                         England

Textiles Tropicales, S.A.                                            Costa Rica

Tomten A/S                                                           Norway


                                       17
<PAGE>

Torcitura Filodoro S.r.l.                                            Italy

Tradi Charcuterie S.A.                                               France

Tradi France S.A.                                                    France

Tradition Lingerie S.A.S.                                            France

Tricotbest B.V.                                                      Netherlands

Tricotbest Ceska Republica spol. s r.o.                              Czech Republic

Tricotbest GmbH                                                      Germany

Tricotbest Hungaria Kft.                                             Hungary

Tricotbest Polska sp. z.o.o.                                         Poland

Tricotbest Slovensko spol. s.r.o.                                    Slovak Republic

Tricotbest Ukraine                                                   Ukraine

Tricotbest (Russia)                                                  Russia

Tuxan Schuhpflegemittel GmbH                                         Austria

Underwear Limited                                                    Malta

Uninex S.A.                                                          Uruguay

Valma B.V.                                                           Netherlands

Van Nelle Holding (Germany) GmbH                                     Germany

Van Nelle Produktie B.V.                                             Netherlands

Vatter GmbH Rheine                                                   Germany

Vatter Produktions GmbH                                              Germany

Vatter Slovensko spol. s.r.o.                                        Slovak Republic

Verpakkingsindustrie Boers B.V.                                      Netherlands

Vlimense Belegging-Maatschappij BV                                   Netherlands

Wijnhandel JanVan Goyen B.V.                                         Netherlands

Zwanenberg de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.                                   Mexico

2476230 Nova Scotia Ltd.                                             Canada

</TABLE>


                                       18


<PAGE>


                               ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of 
our reports dated July 27, 1998 included in this form 10-K, into the 
Company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 33-35760, 
33-57615, 33-60837, 33-60071, 33-64383, 33-63715, 33-63717, 33-59002, 33-49212, 
33-33245, 33-33244, 333-17987, 333-21101, 333-14167, 333-18385, and 333-41427.




Chicago, Illinois
September 24, 1998                            /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                             ---------------------------------
                                                  Arthur Andersen LLP

<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature 
appears below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry 
Kleeman, each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with 
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his 
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report 
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 
1998, and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all 
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and 
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing 
requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all 
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and 
confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may 
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue himself.

                                        /s/ Paul A. Allaire
                                        -------------------
                                        Paul A. Allaire


Dated:    9/16/98
       -------------



<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Frans H.J.J. Andriessen
                                        ---------------------------
                                        Frans H.J.J. Andriessen

Dated:    9/16/98
       -------------



<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Duane L. Burnham
                                        --------------------
                                        Duane L. Burnham

Dated: 9/16/98
      --------


<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Charles W. Coker
                                        --------------------
                                        Charles W. Coker

Dated:    9/15/98
          -------

<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ James S. Crown
                                        ------------------
                                        James S. Crown

Dated: 9/15/98
      --------


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Willie D. Davis
                                        -------------------
                                        Willie D. Davis

Dated: 9/16/98
      --------


<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Allen F. Jacobson
                                        ---------------------
                                        Allen F. Jacobson

Dated:    9/22/98
       -------------


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.
                                        -------------------------
                                        Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.

Dated:  9/15/98
      --------


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ James L. Ketelsen
                                        ---------------------
                                        James L. Ketelsen

Dated:    9/21/98
       -------------


<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.


                                        /s/ Hans B. van Liemt
                                        ---------------------
                                        Hans B. van Liemt

Dated:    9/22/98
       -------------



<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for her and in her name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue herself.



                                        /s/ Joan D. Manley
                                        ------------------
                                        Joan D. Manley

Dated:    9/22/98
       -------------



<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Newton N. Minow
                                        -------------------
                                        Newton N. Minow

Dated:    9/15/98
          -------


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Sir Arvi H. Parbo A. C.
                                        ---------------------------
                                        Sir Arvi H. Parbo A. C.

Dated:  9/21/98
        -------

<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature 
appears below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry 
Kleeman, each of them, her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with 
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to act for her and in her 
name, place and stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report 
on Form 10-K of Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 
1998, and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same with all 
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and 
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing 
requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all 
intents and purposes as she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and 
confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or her substitute, may 
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue herself.

                                        /s/ Rozanne L. Ridgway
                                        ----------------------
                                        Rozanne L. Ridgway

Dated:  9/16/98
      --------


<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ Richard L. Thomas
                                        ---------------------
                                        Richard L. Thomas

Dated:  9/18/98
        -------

<PAGE>

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                       
                                       
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Janet Langford Kelly and R. Henry Kleeman, each
of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, to act for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capabilities to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Sara Lee Corporation for the fiscal year ending June 27, 1998, and any and all
amendments thereto and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-
fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue himself.



                                        /s/ John D. Zeglis
                                        ------------------
                                        John D. Zeglis

Dated:  9/16/98
      --------



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-27-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-27-1998
<CASH>                                             247
<SECURITIES>                                        26
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,005
<ALLOWANCES>                                       205
<INVENTORY>                                      2,882
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 5,220
<PP&E>                                           4,947
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2,857
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  10,989
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            5,733
<BONDS>                                          2,270
                                0
                                         50
<COMMON>                                           614
<OTHER-SE>                                       1,202
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    10,989
<SALES>                                         20,011
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                20,011
<CGS>                                           12,331
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   12,331
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 2,040
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   119
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 176
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  (443)
<INCOME-TAX>                                        80
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              (523)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     (523)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.14)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.14)
        

</TABLE>


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