DESOTO INC
DEFM14A, 1996-08-27
SOAP, DETERGENTS, CLEANG PREPARATIONS, PERFUMES, COSMETICS
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<PAGE>   1
 
                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
 
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                       <C>
    Filed by the registrant /X/               / / Confidential, for Use of the
    Filed by a party other than the               Commission Only 
    registrant  / /                               (as permitted by Rule 
                                                  14a-6(e)(2))
    Check the appropriate box:
    / / Preliminary Proxy Statement
    /X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
    / / Definitive Additional Materials
    / / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
 
                                  DeSoto, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                   (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
     / / $125 per Exchange Act Rule 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(j)(2)
         or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
     / / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
         14a-6(i)(3).
     /X/ Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
         0-11.
 
     (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
         pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
         filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 FILED BY KEYSTONE
CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. PURSUANT TO WHICH A REGISTRATION FEE OF $9,661.04
WAS CALCULATED.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (5) Total fee paid:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     / / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
     /X/ Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
     (1) Amount Previously Paid:
 
                                    $9,661.04
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
                                                            Form S-4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (3) Filing Party:
 
                      Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (4) Date Filed:
 
                      July 30, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
                           900 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
                             JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60433
 
                                AUGUST 23, 1996
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
     A special meeting of stockholders (the "DeSoto Meeting") of DeSoto, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("DeSoto"), will be held on Friday, September 27, 1996, at
10:00 a.m., local time, at the Bank of Montreal, 430 Park Avenue, 16th Floor,
New York, New York.
 
     At the DeSoto Meeting you will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as
of June 26, 1996 (the "Reorganization Agreement"), between Keystone Consolidated
Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Keystone"), and DeSoto, which
provides for the merger of DeSoto with a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary
of Keystone ("Sub"), with DeSoto surviving the merger as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Keystone (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding
share of DeSoto common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("DeSoto Common Stock"),
and the associated rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement between DeSoto
and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (other than shares owned by DeSoto or its
subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive .7465 of a share (the
"Exchange Ratio") of Keystone common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("Keystone
Common Stock"); each outstanding share of DeSoto Series B Senior Preferred
Stock, $1.00 par value per share, will be converted into the right to receive
the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Series A Senior Preferred Stock, no
par value per share; and each outstanding option to purchase DeSoto Common Stock
will be assumed by Keystone, and at the effective time of the Merger each such
option will constitute an option to acquire for the same aggregate exercise
price such number of shares of Keystone Common Stock as the holder would have
been entitled to receive had such holder exercised such option in full
immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger. Pursuant to a warrant
conversion agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, one-half of the warrants
to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock ("DeSoto
Warrants") will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of the DeSoto Warrants
will be converted into warrants to purchase 447,900 shares of Keystone Common
Stock (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to the remaining
DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an exercise price of
approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price of a DeSoto
Warrant divided by the Exchange Ratio). The Merger is structured to qualify as a
tax free reorganization pursuant to Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, the Keystone Board of Directors will be
expanded to include William Spier, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of DeSoto, and William P. Lyons, another current director of DeSoto, in
addition to all of the current members of the Board of Directors of Keystone.
 
     Your Board of Directors has carefully considered the terms and conditions
of the proposed Merger and has determined that the Merger is fair to, and in the
best interests of, DeSoto and its stockholders. In addition, the Board of
Directors has received a written opinion from its financial advisor, Salomon
Brothers Inc, that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio in the Merger is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
DESOTO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
     In the material accompanying this letter, you will find a Notice of Special
Meeting of Stockholders, a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the
actions to be taken by DeSoto stockholders at the DeSoto Meeting (as well as the
actions to be taken by the Keystone stockholders at their special meeting) and a
proxy. The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus more fully describes the proposed
Merger and includes information about Keystone and DeSoto.
 
     All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the DeSoto Meeting in
person. However, whether or not you plan to attend the DeSoto Meeting, please
complete, sign, date and return your proxy in the enclosed envelope. If you
attend the DeSoto Meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, even though you
have previously returned your proxy. It is important that your shares be
represented and voted at the DeSoto Meeting.
 
                                           Sincerely,
 
                                           William Spier
                                           Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                           Executive Officer
<PAGE>   3
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
                           900 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
                             JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60433
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                    TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1996
 
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF DESOTO, INC.:
 
     A special meeting of stockholders (the "DeSoto Meeting") of DeSoto, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("DeSoto"), will be held on Friday, September 27, 1996, at
10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of DeSoto at the Bank of Montreal, 430
Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York, for the following purposes:
 
          1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the
     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of June 26, 1996 (the
     "Reorganization Agreement"), between Keystone Consolidated Industries,
     Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Keystone"), and DeSoto, which provides for
     the merger of DeSoto with a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of
     Keystone ("Sub"), with DeSoto surviving the merger as a wholly owned
     subsidiary of Keystone (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each
     outstanding share of DeSoto common stock, $1.00 par value per share
     ("DeSoto Common Stock"), and the associated rights issued pursuant to the
     Rights Agreement between DeSoto and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (other
     than shares owned by DeSoto or its subsidiaries) will be converted into the
     right to receive .7465 of a share (the "Exchange Ratio") of Keystone common
     stock, $1.00 par value per share ("Keystone Common Stock"); each
     outstanding share of DeSoto Senior Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per
     share ("DeSoto Preferred Stock"), will be converted into the right to
     receive the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Series A Senior Preferred
     Stock, no par value per share; and each outstanding option to purchase
     DeSoto Common Stock will be assumed by Keystone, and at the effective time
     of the Merger each such option will constitute an option to acquire for the
     same aggregate exercise price such number of shares of Keystone Common
     Stock as the holder would have been entitled to receive had such holder
     exercised such option in full immediately prior to the effective time of
     the Merger. Pursuant to a warrant conversion agreement, upon consummation
     of the Merger, one-half of the warrants to purchase an aggregate of
     1,200,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock ("DeSoto Warrants") will be
     cancelled and the remaining one-half of the DeSoto Warrants will be
     converted into warrants to purchase 447,900 shares of Keystone Common Stock
     (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to the remaining
     DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an exercise price of
     approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price of a DeSoto
     Warrant divided by the Exchange Ratio). The Merger is structured to qualify
     as a tax free reorganization pursuant to Section 368 of the Internal
     Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
          2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
     DeSoto Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
     The foregoing items of business are fully described in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus accompanying this Notice.
 
     Only stockholders of record of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred
Stock at the close of business on August 23, 1996 are entitled to notice of, and
will be entitled to vote at, the DeSoto Meeting. Approval of the Reorganization
Agreement will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock entitled to
vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
 
                                       BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
                                       William Spier
                                       Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
                                       Officer
 
Joliet, Illinois
August 23, 1996
 
TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE DESOTO MEETING, YOU ARE URGED
TO COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE
POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE DESOTO
MEETING IN PERSON. YOUR PROXY CAN BE WITHDRAWN BY YOU AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS
VOTED.
 
                        THE PROXY SOLICITOR FOR DESOTO:
 
                            GEORGESON & COMPANY INC.
 
                         CALL TOLL-FREE (800) 223-2064
<PAGE>   4
                                              FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(3) 
                                              REGISTRATION NO. 333-09117
 

                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                             JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
 
                             ---------------------
 
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Keystone"), and DeSoto, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("DeSoto"), and this Prospectus of Keystone (the "Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus") is being furnished to the stockholders of Keystone, in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Keystone Board of Directors
for use at the special meeting of Keystone stockholders (the "Keystone Meeting")
to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Friday, September 27, 1996, at Three
Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697, and at
any adjournments or postponements of the Keystone Meeting.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to the
stockholders of DeSoto, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
DeSoto Board of Directors for use at the special meeting of DeSoto stockholders
(the "DeSoto Meeting") to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Friday,
September 27, 1996, at the Bank of Montreal, 430 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New
York, New York, and at any adjournments or postponements of the DeSoto Meeting.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes the Prospectus of
Keystone for use in connection with the offer and issuance of shares of Keystone
common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("Keystone Common Stock"), pursuant to
the merger (the "Merger") of a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of Keystone
("Sub") with and into DeSoto. As a result of the Merger, DeSoto will become a
wholly owned subsidiary of Keystone. Upon the effectiveness of the Merger (the
"Effective Time"), each outstanding share of DeSoto common stock, $1.00 par
value per share ("DeSoto Common Stock") (other than shares owned by DeSoto or
its subsidiaries), and the associated rights issued pursuant to the Rights
Agreement between DeSoto and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, will be converted
into the right to receive .7465 of a share of Keystone Common Stock (the
"Exchange Ratio"); each outstanding share of DeSoto Series B Senior Preferred
Stock, $1.00 par value per share ("DeSoto Preferred Stock"), will be converted
into the right to receive .7465 of a share of Keystone Series A Senior Preferred
Stock, no par value per share ("Keystone Preferred Stock"); and each outstanding
option to purchase DeSoto Common Stock will be assumed by Keystone and converted
into an option to acquire for the same aggregate exercise price such number of
shares of Keystone Common Stock as the holder would have been entitled to
receive had such holder exercised such option in full immediately prior to the
Effective Time. Pursuant to a warrant conversion agreement, upon consummation of
the Merger, one-half of the warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000
shares of DeSoto Common Stock ("DeSoto Warrants") will be cancelled and the
remaining one-half of the DeSoto Warrants will be converted into warrants to
purchase 447,900 shares of Keystone Common Stock ("Keystone Warrants")
(representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to the remaining DeSoto
Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an exercise price of approximately
$9.38 per share (representing the exercise price of a DeSoto Warrant divided by
the Exchange Ratio). Based upon the number of shares of the DeSoto Common Stock,
DeSoto
Preferred Stock and Keystone Common Stock outstanding as of July 22, 1996, there
will be an aggregate of approximately 3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock
issued in connection with the Merger, representing approximately thirty eight
percent (38%) of the total number of shares of Keystone Common Stock to be
outstanding immediately after consummation of the Merger, and 435,456 shares of
Keystone Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Merger, representing one
hundred percent (100%) of the total number of shares of Keystone Preferred Stock
to be outstanding immediately after consummation of the Merger. Furthermore, as
a result of the Merger, and as soon as practicable thereafter, Keystone will
merge its defined benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit
pension plan. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Actions Subsequent to
the Merger -- Merger of Pension Plans." The Merger is structured to qualify as a
tax free reorganization pursuant to Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.
 
     On August 21, 1996, the closing sales prices on the New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common Stock were $9.75 and $5.75,
respectively. The DeSoto Preferred Stock has not been, and the Keystone
Preferred Stock is not expected to be, listed for trading on any stock exchange
or quotation system.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying forms of proxy
are first being mailed to stockholders of Keystone and DeSoto on or about August
26, 1996.
 
     THE ABOVE MATTERS ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. THE PROPOSED MERGER IS A COMPLEX TRANSACTION, AND
STOCKHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO READ AND CONSIDER CAREFULLY THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN ITS ENTIRETY, PARTICULARLY THE MATTERS REFERRED TO ON
PAGE 21 UNDER "RISK FACTORS."
 
     THE SHARES OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
     THE DATE OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS AUGUST 23, 1996.
<PAGE>   5
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PAGE
                                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                                   <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION...............................................................     2
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.....................................     3
SUMMARY.............................................................................     5
RISK FACTORS........................................................................    21
THE KEYSTONE MEETING................................................................    25
THE DESOTO MEETING..................................................................    27
THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.................................................    28
THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT........................................................    42
DESCRIPTION OF KEYSTONE CAPITAL STOCK...............................................    50
INFORMATION ABOUT DESOTO............................................................    51
CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT KEYSTONE..................................................    64
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF KEYSTONE AND DESOTO.........................    72
EXPERTS.............................................................................    77
LEGAL MATTERS.......................................................................    77
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS...............................................................    77
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION..............................   P-1
DESOTO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................   F-1
APPENDICES
     A  AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION........................................  A-CP
     B  OPINION OF PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED.........................................   B-1
     C  OPINION OF SALOMON BROTHERS INC.............................................   C-1
     D  KEYSTONE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
        1995........................................................................   D-1
     E  KEYSTONE QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30,
        1996........................................................................   E-1
</TABLE>
 
     NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY KEYSTONE OR DESOTO TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION
OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES OR THE
OFFERING OF SECURITIES MADE HEREBY AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY KEYSTONE OR
DESOTO. THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS JOINT
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR A SOLICITATION OF A PROXY IN ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION.
 
     NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
DISTRIBUTION OF THE SECURITIES TO WHICH THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
RELATES SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     Keystone and DeSoto are each subject to the informational requirements of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). These materials can
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at
the Commission's regional offices at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
York 10048. Copies of these materials can also be obtained from the Commission
at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the
Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition,
registration statements and certain other documents filed with the Commission
through its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval ("EDGAR") system
are publicly available through the Commission's site on the Internet's World
Wide Web located at http://www.sec.gov. The Registration Statement, of which
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is part, and all exhibits thereto and
amendments thereof, have been filed with the Commission through EDGAR.
 
     Under the rules and regulations of the Commission, the solicitation of
proxies from stockholders of DeSoto to approve and adopt the Reorganization
Agreement (as defined below) constitutes an offering of the Keystone Common
Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger. Accordingly, Keystone has
filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-4 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to such
offering (the "Registration Statement"). This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
constitutes the prospectus of Keystone that is filed as part of the Registration
Statement. Other parts of the Registration Statement are omitted from this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission. Copies of the Registration Statement, including the exhibits to the
Registration Statement and other material that is not included herein, may be
inspected, without charge, at the offices of the Commission referred to above,
or obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at the address set forth above. The Registration Statement and other
information with respect to Keystone and DeSoto are available for inspection at
the library of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
     Statements made in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus concerning the
contents of any contract or other documents are not necessarily complete. With
respect to each contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, reference is hereby made to that exhibit for a more
complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement is hereby
qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
     All information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating
to Keystone has been supplied by Keystone, and all information relating to
DeSoto has been supplied by DeSoto.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS MAY INCORPORATE DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THERE WILL BE
PROVIDED WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON, INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, TO WHOM
A JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, UPON ORAL OR WRITTEN REQUEST OF
ANY SUCH PERSON, A COPY OF ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN
(EXCLUDING EXHIBITS UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN). SUCH REQUESTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED
INDUSTRIES, INC., THREE LINCOLN CENTRE, 5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1740, DALLAS,
TEXAS 75240-2697, ATTENTION: RALPH P. END, VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
(TELEPHONE (214) 458-0028). IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS
IN ADVANCE OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS TO WHICH THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS RELATES, ANY SUCH REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE BY SEPTEMBER 17,
1996.
 
     KEYSTONE INCORPORATES HEREIN BY REFERENCE KEYSTONE'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM
10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 ("1995 10-K") AND KEYSTONE'S
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND JUNE 30,
1996. COPIES OF THE 1995 10-K AND KEYSTONE'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
JUNE 30, 1996 ARE INCLUDED AS APPENDICES TO THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
 
     All reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed by
Keystone pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), or 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
subsequent to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and prior to the
date of the Keystone Meeting shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus from the date of filing of such documents. Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in
any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
     The statements in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to matters
that are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements found
in the "Summary," "Risk Factors," "The Merger and Related Transactions," "The
Reorganization Agreement," "Information About DeSoto," "Certain Information
About Keystone" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information"
sections are forward looking statements that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual future results to differ
materially from those expressed in such forward looking statements include, but
are not limited to, cost of raw materials, future supply and demand for Keystone
and DeSoto products (including the seasonality thereof), general economic
conditions, competitive products and substitute products, customer and
competitor strategies, the impact of pricing and production decisions,
environmental matters, government regulations and possible changes therein, and
the ultimate resolution of pending litigation and possible future litigation as
discussed in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, including, without
limitation, the sections referenced above.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
attached Appendices. The summary does not contain a complete description of the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of June 26, 1996, by and between
Keystone and DeSoto, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A (the
"Reorganization Agreement") and which is incorporated herein by reference. The
Keystone stockholders and DeSoto stockholders are urged to read carefully this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the attached Appendices in their entirety.
See "Risk Factors."
 
THE COMPANIES
 
  Keystone
 
     Keystone is a diversified mini-mill manufacturer of carbon steel rod, wire
and a wide range of wire products for a variety of end uses. Keystone owns and
operates five (5) plants located in Illinois, Texas, Arkansas and Wisconsin.
Keystone was incorporated in Delaware in 1955 and is the successor to Keystone
Steel & Wire Company which was founded in 1889. Unless otherwise indicated,
"Keystone" refers to Keystone and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Keystone's
principal executive offices are located at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ
Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697. Its telephone number is (214)
458-0028.
 
  DeSoto
 
     DeSoto manufactures household cleaning products including powdered and
liquid laundry detergents. DeSoto also performs contract manufacturing and
packaging of household cleaning products. DeSoto was incorporated in Delaware in
1927. Unless otherwise indicated, "DeSoto" refers to DeSoto and its wholly owned
subsidiaries. DeSoto's principal executive offices and its operating facility
are located at 900 East Washington Street, Joliet, Illinois 60433. Its telephone
number is (815) 727-4931.
 
  Sub
 
     Sub, a Delaware corporation, will be a newly formed, wholly owned
subsidiary of Keystone to be formed for the purposes of merging with and into
DeSoto (the "Merger"). Prior to the Merger, Keystone will contribute the assets
and liabilities of its Sherman Wire division to Sub. Sub's principal executive
offices are located at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740,
Dallas, Texas 75240-2697. Its telephone number is (214) 458-0028.
 
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
  Date; Time and Place
 
     Keystone. The Keystone Meeting will be held on Friday, September 27, 1996,
at 10:00 a.m., local time, at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite
1740, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697.
 
     DeSoto. The DeSoto Meeting will be held on Friday, September 27, 1996, at
10:00 a.m., local time, at the Bank of Montreal, 430 Park Avenue, 16th Floor,
New York, New York.
 
  Purposes of the Special Meetings
 
     Keystone Meeting. At the Keystone Meeting, stockholders of Keystone as of
the close of business on the Keystone Record Date (as defined below) will be
asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of Keystone
Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement.
 
     DeSoto Meeting. At the DeSoto Meeting, stockholders of DeSoto as of the
close of business on the DeSoto Record Date (as defined below) will be asked to
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Reorganization
Agreement.
 
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  Record Dates; Shares Outstanding and Entitled to Vote
 
     Keystone. Holders of record of Keystone Common Stock at the close of
business on August 23, 1996 (the "Keystone Record Date"), will be entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Keystone Meeting. At the close of business on
August 21, 1996, there were 5,686,424 shares of Keystone Common Stock
outstanding, each of which will be entitled to one vote on each matter to be
acted upon.
 
     DeSoto. Holders of record of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock
at the close of business on August 23, 1996 (the "DeSoto Record Date"), will be
entitled to notice of and to vote at the DeSoto Meeting. At the close of
business on August 21, 1996, there were 4,688,523 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
and 583,333 shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock outstanding, each of which will be
entitled to one vote on each matter to be acted upon. Shares of DeSoto Common
Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock vote together as one class on all matters
submitted to stockholders.
 
  Quorum
 
     The required quorum for the transaction of business at both the Keystone
Meeting and the DeSoto Meeting is a majority of the shares of Keystone Common
Stock or the DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock taken together, as
the case may be, issued and outstanding on the applicable record date.
Abstentions and broker non-votes represented at the applicable meetings will be
included in determining the number of shares present for purposes of determining
the presence of a quorum.
 
  Votes Required
 
     Keystone. The approval of the issuance of the shares of Keystone Common
Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement requires the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the
Keystone Meeting and voting, provided the total vote cast represents a majority
of the shares entitled to vote thereon. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be
included in determining the number of shares present for purposes of determining
the presence of a quorum but not be counted as a vote for or against approval of
the issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement.
The approval by Keystone's stockholders of the issuance of shares of Keystone
Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement is required by the rules
of the NYSE governing corporations with securities listed on the NYSE. As of
August 21, 1996, the directors and executive officers of Keystone and their
affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate of 4,168,881 shares of Keystone
Common Stock, representing approximately seventy-three percent (73%) of Keystone
Common Stock outstanding. Contran Corporation ("Contran") holds directly
approximately fifty six percent (56%) of the Keystone Common Stock outstanding
as of August 21, 1996, and is a party to an agreement with DeSoto pursuant to
which Contran has agreed to vote its shares of Keystone Common Stock in favor of
the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, thus
approval of the issuance of shares of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the
Reorganization Agreement is assured.
 
     DeSoto. Approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock entitled to vote, voting together
as one class. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as
votes against the Reorganization Agreement. As of August 21, 1996, the directors
and officers of DeSoto and their affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate
of 636,087 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and an aggregate of 583,333 shares of
DeSoto Preferred Stock, representing approximately twenty-three percent (23%) of
DeSoto voting stock outstanding as of such date. Certain entities affiliated
with directors of DeSoto and a director of DeSoto collectively having the right
to vote 596,989 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and 583,333 Shares of DeSoto
Preferred Stock, representing approximately twenty-two percent (22%) of the
combined shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock outstanding as
of the DeSoto Record Date, are parties to an agreement with Keystone pursuant to
which they have agreed to vote their shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto
Preferred Stock in favor of approval and adoption of the Reorganization
Agreement. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Voting Agreements." Any
abstentions from voting thereon may be deemed a "ratification" of the Merger
under Delaware law which may provide either Keystone or DeSoto a
 
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complete or partial defense to any subsequent stockholder challenges to the
Merger. Neither Keystone nor DeSoto intends to waive any rights under Delaware
law relating thereto.
 
  Effective Time of the Merger
 
     The Merger will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Merger
(the "Certificate of Merger") with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, or such later time as may be specified therein. The Certificate of
Merger is expected to be filed as soon as practicable after the satisfaction or
waiver of each of the conditions to consummation of the Merger, which is
expected to occur as soon as practicable following receipt of stockholder
approval at the Keystone and DeSoto Meetings.
 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
 
     Keystone Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Keystone has
unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger and believes
the Merger is fair to, and in the best interests of, Keystone and its
stockholders, and unanimously recommends that Keystone stockholders vote for the
approval of the issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement. The recommendation of the Board of Directors of Keystone is based on
a number of factors described in "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Reasons
for the Merger."
 
     DeSoto Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of DeSoto has unanimously
approved the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger and believes the Merger is
fair to, and in the best interests of, DeSoto and its stockholders, and
unanimously recommends that DeSoto stockholders vote for the approval and
adoption of the Reorganization Agreement. The recommendation of the Board of
Directors of DeSoto is based on a number of factors described in "The Merger and
Related Transactions -- Reasons for the Merger."
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
     Keystone. In reaching its determination that the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, Keystone and
its stockholders, the Board of Directors of Keystone considered a number of
factors. Among those factors were the anticipated favorable effect of the Merger
on Keystone's balance sheet, the anticipated favorable effects on Keystone's
cash flows and pension expense following the merger of the Keystone defined
benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan, the
opinion of its financial advisor, the anticipated improved liquidity of the
Keystone Common Stock after the issuance of the approximately 3,500,000 shares
pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, and the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement. The reasons for the Board of Directors of Keystone approving the
Reorganization Agreement are described in "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Reasons for the Merger"; and the opinion of the financial
advisor to the Board of Directors is described in "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Opinion of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of PaineWebber
Incorporated, Financial Advisor to Keystone."
 
     DeSoto. In reaching its determination that the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, DeSoto and its
stockholders, the Board of Directors of DeSoto considered a number of factors.
Among those factors were a review of the strategic alternatives available to
DeSoto, a comparison of the likely values to be realized pursuant to these
alternatives, the opinion of its financial advisor and the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement. The reasons for the Board of Directors of DeSoto
approving the Reorganization Agreement are described in "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Reasons for the Merger"; and the opinion of the financial
advisor to the Board of Directors is described in "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Opinion of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers,
Financial Advisor to DeSoto."
 
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
 
     Keystone. At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Keystone held on June
13, 1996, PaineWebber Incorporated ("PaineWebber") delivered an oral opinion to
the Board of Directors of Keystone, which was subsequently confirmed in a
written opinion dated June 26, 1996, stating the consideration to be paid by
 
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Keystone in the Merger is fair to Keystone stockholders (except for Contran and
its affiliates as to whom PaineWebber has expressed no opinion) from a financial
point of view. PaineWebber has confirmed its opinion that as of the date of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the consideration to be paid by Keystone in
the Merger is fair to Keystone stockholders (except for Contran and its
affiliates) from a financial point of view. The full text of the opinion of
PaineWebber which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken is attached as Appendix B to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Keystone stockholders are urged to read the opinion
in its entirety. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Opinions of
Financial Advisors -- Opinion of PaineWebber, Financial Advisor to Keystone."
 
     DeSoto. At a meeting of the Board of Directors of DeSoto held on June 13,
1996, Salomon Brothers Inc ("Salomon Brothers") delivered an oral opinion that,
as of that date, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement was fair to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock from a financial point
of view. Salomon Brothers has confirmed its oral opinion by delivering a written
opinion dated the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus that, as of such
date, the Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock from a
financial point of view. The full text of the written opinion of Salomon
Brothers, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken by Salomon Brothers, is attached as
Appendix C to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. DeSoto stockholders are
urged to read the opinion in its entirety. See "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Opinion of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers,
Financial Advisor to DeSoto."
 
THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  Effects of the Merger
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, DeSoto will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Keystone; Keystone's Board of Directors will be increased from
seven to nine members and Keystone's Board of Directors will elect William
Spier, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto, and William
P. Lyons, another current member of the DeSoto Board of Directors, to fill the
vacancies thereby created; and as soon thereafter as practicable, Keystone's
defined benefit pension plans will be merged with and into the DeSoto defined
benefit pension plan. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Reasons for
the Merger."
 
  Conversion of Shares
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding share of DeSoto
Common Stock and the associated rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement
between DeSoto and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (other than shares owned by
DeSoto or its subsidiaries) will automatically be converted into the right to
receive the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Common Stock for each
outstanding share of DeSoto Common Stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of issuance
of fractional shares of Keystone Common Stock. Each then outstanding share of
DeSoto Preferred Stock will automatically be converted into the right to receive
the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Preferred Stock. Cash will be paid in
lieu of issuance of fractional shares of Keystone Preferred Stock. Because the
Exchange Ratio is fixed, the number of shares to be received by stockholders of
DeSoto upon consummation of the Merger will remain the same, regardless of
whether the market price of the Common Stock of Keystone or DeSoto increases or
decreases at any time, including after the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and after the dates of the Keystone and DeSoto Meetings.
See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Opinions of Financial Advisors" and
"Risk Factors -- Fixed Exchange Ratio."
 
  Assumption of DeSoto Options
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding option to purchase
DeSoto Common Stock (the "DeSoto Options") will be assumed by Keystone and
converted into an option to acquire that number of shares of Keystone Common
Stock equal to the number of shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to such
DeSoto Option multiplied by the Exchange Ratio. The exercise price of such
DeSoto Options shall be adjusted by dividing such exercise price by the Exchange
Ratio. To avoid fractional shares, the number of
 
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shares of Keystone Common Stock subject to an assumed DeSoto Option will be
rounded up to the nearest whole share. The other terms of DeSoto Options,
including vesting schedules, will remain unchanged. Keystone will file a
Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Commission with respect to the
issuance of Keystone Common Stock upon exercise of the assumed DeSoto Options.
Keystone will apply to have the shares of Keystone Common Stock reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of DeSoto Options listed on the NYSE, subject to
notice of issuance. As of August 21, 1996, DeSoto Options to acquire an
aggregate of approximately 184,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock (approximately
137,000 equivalent shares of Keystone Common Stock) were issued and outstanding.
 
  Merger of Pension Plans
 
     The Reorganization Agreement provides that upon consummation of the Merger,
there will be no impediments to the merger of the Keystone defined benefit
pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan. It is
expected such merger will take place as soon as practicable after consummation
of the Merger. See "The Merger Agreement and Related Transactions -- Actions
Subsequent to the Merger -- Merger of Pension Plans."
 
  Voting Agreements
 
     Asgard, Ltd. (an affiliate of Anders U. Schroeder, Vice Chairman of
DeSoto), Anders U. Schroeder, Parkway M&A Capital Corporation and M&A Investment
Pte Ltd (entities having a business relationship with David M. Tobey, a director
of DeSoto) and Coatings Group, Inc (an affiliate of William Spier, Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto), collectively the owners of
596,989 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and all of the shares of DeSoto Preferred
Stock outstanding, representing approximately twenty-two percent (22%) of
DeSoto's outstanding voting stock, have entered into an agreement with Keystone;
and Contran, the direct owner of 3,161,733 shares of Keystone Common Stock,
representing approximately fifty-six percent (56%) of Keystone's outstanding
voting stock, has entered into an agreement with DeSoto, pursuant to which
agreements (the "Voting Agreements") such stockholders agreed they will (i) vote
their shares in favor of approval of the issuance of Keystone Common Stock
pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement in the case of Contran or approval and
adoption of the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger in the case of the
holders of stock of DeSoto; and (ii) not transfer any of their shares of
Keystone Common Stock or DeSoto Common Stock, as the case may be, subject to
certain exceptions. As a result of the voting agreement to which Contran is a
party, the requisite Keystone stockholder approval for the issuance of shares of
Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement is assured.
 
  Related Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
 
     At the time the Reorganization Agreement was entered into, Asgard Ltd.,
Parkway M&A Capital Corporation and Coatings Group, Inc. (the holders of all
outstanding shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock and DeSoto Warrants, collectively
the "Warrant and Preferred Stockholders"), Keystone, DeSoto and Contran, entered
into a stockholders agreement pursuant to which (i) Keystone agreed to assume
from DeSoto certain registration rights currently held by the Warrant and
Preferred Stockholders, and (ii) Keystone granted to Contran and its affiliates
the same rights with respect to registration of the Keystone Common Stock held
by Contran and its affiliates as Keystone had agreed to assume with respect to
the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders. At the same time, the Warrant and
Preferred Stockholders also entered into separate agreements with Keystone
regarding the DeSoto Warrants (the "Warrant Conversion Agreement") and the
DeSoto Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent
Agreement") pursuant to which they agreed that (i) one-half of the currently
outstanding DeSoto Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of
DeSoto Common Stock held by the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders will be
cancelled upon consummation of the Merger, (ii) the remaining DeSoto Warrants
will be converted into Keystone Warrants to purchase that number of shares of
Keystone Common Stock obtained by multiplying the number of shares of DeSoto
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the remaining DeSoto Warrants by the
Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price equal to the exercise price prior to the
Effective Time divided by the Exchange Ratio, (iii) the right of such persons to
require redemption of their DeSoto Preferred Stock
 
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pursuant to the existing terms of such stock by reason of the consummation of
the Merger will be waived, (iv) the DeSoto Preferred Stock will be converted
into Keystone Preferred Stock based on the Exchange Ratio and an amount of cash
equal to accrued but unpaid dividends on the DeSoto Preferred Stock (which, as
of the Effective Time, will aggregate approximately $1,700,000), and (v) any
appraisal rights they may have as a result of their ownership of the DeSoto
Preferred Stock are waived.
 
     DeSoto has severance arrangements and policies with certain of its officers
and employees, pursuant to which DeSoto will be obligated to pay to such
officers and employees an aggregate of $110,000 upon consummation of the Merger
and up to an additional approximately $480,000 if their employment is thereafter
terminated under certain circumstances. See "The Reorganization
Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
 
     Upon the effective date of the Merger, William Spier, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto, and William P. Lyons, another current
member of the Board of Directors of DeSoto, will be appointed to the Board of
Directors of Keystone, joining the current seven members of the Keystone Board
of Directors.
 
  Representations and Covenants
 
     Under the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone and DeSoto made a number of
representations regarding their respective capital structures, operations,
financial conditions and other matters. Each party agreed as to itself and its
subsidiaries that until consummation of the Merger or the earlier termination of
the Reorganization Agreement, it will, among other things, conduct its business
and maintain its business relationships in the ordinary and usual course, and
use its best efforts to consummate the Merger. DeSoto has agreed not to solicit,
engage in discussions, negotiate with any person or facilitate the efforts of
any person other than Keystone relating to the possible acquisition of DeSoto or
any of its subsidiaries or any material portion of its or their stock or assets
(any such efforts are referred to as an "Alternative Acquisition"), except that
DeSoto's Board of Directors may provide information to and engage in
negotiations with a third party regarding an Alternative Acquisition if (i) the
Board of Directors of DeSoto receives a written proposal for an Alternative
Acquisition which proposal identifies a price or range of values to be paid for
the outstanding securities or substantially all of the assets of DeSoto, and, if
consummated, based on the advice of DeSoto's investment bankers, the Board of
Directors of DeSoto determines is financially more favorable to the stockholders
of DeSoto than the terms of the Merger (a "Superior Proposal"); (ii) the Board
of Directors of DeSoto determines, based on the advice of its investment
bankers, that such third party is financially capable of consummating such
Superior Proposal; (iii) the Board of Directors of DeSoto shall have determined,
after consultation with outside legal counsel, that the fiduciary duties of the
Board require DeSoto to furnish information to and negotiate with such third
party; and (iv) at least two (2) business days prior thereto, Keystone shall
have been notified in writing of such Superior Proposal, including all of its
terms and conditions and the foregoing determination by the Board of Directors
of DeSoto, and shall have been given copies of such proposal. DeSoto shall not
be entitled to enter into an agreement concerning an Alternative Acquisition for
a period of not less than forty-eight hours after Keystone's receipt of a copy
of such proposal and certain other information.
 
     Keystone has agreed, if the Merger is consummated, to indemnify the current
officers and directors of DeSoto with respect to any claim or liability arising
out of or pertaining to any act or omission occurring prior to the Effective
Time to the fullest extent that DeSoto could have done so on June 26, 1996.
Keystone has further agreed, for a period of six (6) years following the
Effective Time, to cause DeSoto to maintain indemnification and limitation of
liability provisions. Keystone has also agreed to (i) provide director and
officer insurance coverage, at a cost not to exceed $150,000, for the current
directors and officers of DeSoto for one year after the Effective Time for
claims made against such directors and officers relating to matters occurring
prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) provide, after the Effective Time,
director and officer insurance coverage to Keystone directors comparable to the
coverage maintained by DeSoto at the Effective Time, to the extent such coverage
may be obtainable at a comparable cost. See "The Reorganization Agreement --
Representations and Covenants."
 
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  Conditions to the Merger
 
     In addition to the requirement that Keystone stockholders approve the
issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement and
DeSoto stockholders approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement, the
consummation of the Merger is subject to a number of other conditions which, if
not satisfied or waived, would cause the Merger not to be consummated and the
Reorganization Agreement to be terminated. Each party's obligation to consummate
the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things, (i) the accuracy of the
other party's representations, (ii) each party's performance of its obligations
under the Reorganization Agreement, (iii) the absence of a material adverse
change in the condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets,
liabilities, businesses, or results of operations of the other party and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iv) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
(the "PBGC") raising Keystone's borrowing restrictions to an amount reasonably
expected to enable Keystone to perform its obligations under the Reorganization
Agreement, (v) availability to Keystone of sufficient financing in order to
effect the Merger and to satisfy its obligations and those of the surviving
corporation in the Merger, (vi) receipt of opinions of counsel in respect of
certain federal income tax consequences of the Merger, (vii) receipt of opinions
dated one business day before the closing of the Merger from the financial
advisors to each of Keystone and DeSoto as to the fairness from a financial
point of view of the consideration to be paid by Keystone and received by DeSoto
stockholders, (viii) the absence of legal action preventing consummation of the
Merger, and (ix) the receipt of other documents, including necessary consents of
third parties (including governmental agencies). Keystone's obligation to
consummate the Merger is further conditioned upon, among other things, (i) the
consent by DeSoto's trade creditors to the terms of payment contemplated by the
Reorganization Agreement and (ii) the resolution on terms satisfactory to
Keystone of certain claims arising from DeSoto's acquisition of J.L. Prescott
Company. DeSoto's obligation to consummate the Merger is further conditioned
upon, among other things, (i) approval for listing on the NYSE, subject to
official notice of issuance of the shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued
pursuant to the Merger and (ii) the Board of Directors of Keystone taking
appropriate action to increase the number of directors comprising Keystone's
full Board of Directors from seven to nine, and to cause William Spier and
William P. Lyons to be directors of Keystone upon the effectiveness of the
Merger. See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Conditions to the Merger."
 
  Keystone Financing Arrangements
 
     Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone is obligated to cause
DeSoto to pay approximately $6.5 million to certain of its trade creditors who
are parties to a trade composition agreement with DeSoto, as soon as practicable
after the Effective Time, and an additional approximately $1.5 million to such
trade creditors within one year of the Effective Time. Additionally, pursuant to
the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement, Keystone is obligated,
at the Effective Time, to pay to the holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock all
their unpaid dividend arrearage, which will then amount to approximately $1.7
million.
 
     As a result of these and other transactions related to the Merger, Keystone
will require additional funding from its primary lender. In order to obtain such
additional funds, Keystone has received the PBGC's consent and Keystone's
primary lender's commitment to increase Keystone's allowable borrowings by $20
million upon consummation of the Merger and the merger of the Keystone defined
benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan. The
PBGC's consent was necessary due to Keystone's prior agreements with the PBGC
whereby the PBGC and Keystone agreed to certain borrowing restrictions.
 
  Regulatory Matters
 
     Consummation of the Merger is subject to the expiration or termination of
the applicable waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"). Notification reports were filed by Keystone and DeSoto with the
Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission under the HSR Act on July
22, 1996, and termination of the specified waiting period requirements of the
HSR Act was granted on August 2, 1996.
 
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  Amendment of the Reorganization Agreement
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be amended by Keystone or DeSoto at any
time before or after approval of the issuance of shares in connection with the
Merger or the Reorganization Agreement, as the case may be, by the stockholders
of Keystone and DeSoto, except that, after such stockholder approval, no
amendment may be made which by law requires the further approval of such
stockholders without obtaining such approval. In the event the parties desire to
enter into an amendment to the Reorganization Agreement that materially alters
the terms of the Merger, the parties will circulate an amended Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to solicit stockholder approval.
 
  Termination of the Reorganization Agreement
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of both
parties or by either party (i) as a result of a breach by the other party of a
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Reorganization
Agreement, or if any representation of the other party becomes untrue, in either
case which has or can reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
(as defined in the Reorganization Agreement) and which the other party fails to
cure prior to the closing of the Merger (except that no cure period is provided
for a breach which by its nature cannot be cured); (ii) if the required
approvals of the stockholders of Keystone or DeSoto are not obtained by reason
of the failure to obtain the required vote; (iii) if all the conditions for
closing the Merger are not satisfied or waived on or before December 31, 1996,
other than as a result of a breach of the Reorganization Agreement by the
terminating party or a breach by any of the principal stockholders or affiliates
of the terminating party; or (iv) if a permanent injunction or other order by a
federal or state court which would make illegal or otherwise restrain or
prohibit the consummation of the Merger is issued and has become final and
nonappealable.
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by Keystone if prior to
consummation of the Merger, DeSoto enters into an agreement with respect to an
Alternative Acquisition. The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by
DeSoto if, prior to the consummation of the Merger, DeSoto receives a Superior
Proposal and the DeSoto Board of Directors believes, after consultation with
legal counsel, that its fiduciary duties require termination of the
Reorganization Agreement (a "Superior Proposal Termination").
 
  Breakup Fees
 
     The Reorganization Agreement provides for the payment of a breakup fee of
$1 million (the "Breakup Fee") by DeSoto to Keystone if (i) the Reorganization
Agreement is terminated by Keystone where DeSoto has entered into an agreement
with respect to an Alternative Acquisition; (ii) the stockholders of DeSoto fail
to approve the Merger at a time when there is pending a proposal with respect to
an Alternative Acquisition; (iii) without the occurrence of a Keystone material
adverse change, the Board of Directors of DeSoto shall have failed to submit the
Merger to its stockholders for approval as required by, and in accordance with,
the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, or (iv) there occurs a Superior
Proposal Termination by DeSoto. The Breakup Fee is payable by Keystone to DeSoto
if, without a DeSoto material adverse change, the Board of Directors of Keystone
fails to hold a stockholders' meeting to vote on approval of the issuance of
Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement as required by,
and in accordance with the terms of, the Reorganization Agreement. Payment of
the Breakup Fee shall not be in lieu of damages incurred in the event of breach
of the Reorganization Agreement, and neither party shall be entitled to receive
the Breakup Fee if it shall have committed a material breach of the
Reorganization Agreement.
 
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
 
     The Merger is intended to qualify, and in the opinion of counsel to
Keystone and DeSoto it will qualify, as a tax-free reorganization for federal
income tax purposes, so that no gain or loss would generally be recognized by
the stockholders of DeSoto on the exchange of their DeSoto Common Stock for
Keystone Common Stock, except to the extent DeSoto stockholders receive cash in
the exchange (i.e., cash in lieu of fractional shares) and no income, gain or
loss will be recognized by Keystone or DeSoto. Consummation of the Merger is
conditioned upon delivery of opinions of counsel to this effect, dated as of the
closing date of the Merger.
 
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DeSoto stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the tax
consequences of the Merger. See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Certain Federal
Income Tax Matters."
 
  Accounting Treatment
 
     For financial reporting purposes, Keystone will account for the Merger by
the purchase method.
 
  Appraisal Rights
 
     Both Keystone and DeSoto are incorporated in the State of Delaware, and,
accordingly, are governed by the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation
Law (the "DGCL"). Pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, the holders of DeSoto
Common Stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger
because DeSoto Common Stock is quoted on the NYSE and such stockholders will
receive as consideration in the Merger only shares of Keystone Common Stock,
which shares will be listed on the NYSE upon the Effective Time, and cash in
lieu of fractional shares. In addition, the Keystone stockholders are not
entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL because Keystone
Common Stock is listed on the NYSE and, even though approval of such
stockholders is required for the issuance of Keystone Common Stock in the
Merger, the approval of the stockholders of Keystone is not required for the
Merger itself.
 
     Pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, the holders of the DeSoto Preferred
Stock would be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger.
However, the holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock have agreed to vote in favor
of approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement and to waive their
appraisal rights pursuant to the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent
Agreement. The Reorganization Agreement provides that, as a condition to
consummating the Merger, all terms and conditions of the Preferred Stockholder
Waiver and Consent Agreement, including such waivers, must be in full force and
effect. See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Appraisal Rights."
 
  Comparison of Rights of Stockholders
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, holders of DeSoto Common Stock will become
holders of Keystone Common Stock. As a result, their rights as stockholders,
which are now governed by the DGCL and DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws, will be governed by the DGCL and Keystone's Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws. Because of certain differences between (i) the provisions of
DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and those of Keystone, and (ii)
other rights including the anti-takeover protection afforded holders of DeSoto
Common Stock by the associated preferred share purchase rights (the "Purchase
Rights"), the rights of DeSoto stockholders after the Merger will be different
than the rights of DeSoto stockholders before the Merger. For a discussion of
various differences between the rights of stockholders of DeSoto and the rights
of stockholders of Keystone, see "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders of
Keystone and DeSoto."
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
MARKET PRICE DATA
 
     Keystone. Keystone Common Stock has been traded on the NYSE under the
symbol "KES" since the common stock of Keystone and its predecessor began
publicly trading in 1936. The following table sets forth the range of high and
low closing sale prices reported on the NYSE for Keystone Common Stock for the
periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          HIGH       LOW
                                                                         ------     ------
    <S>                                                                  <C>        <C>
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1994
      First Quarter....................................................  $12.00     $10.00
      Second Quarter...................................................   15.88      11.50
      Third Quarter....................................................   17.38      14.38
      Fourth Quarter...................................................   18.00      13.63
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995
      First Quarter....................................................  $13.88     $13.38
      Second Quarter...................................................   13.75      13.38
      Third Quarter....................................................   15.13      13.50
      Fourth Quarter...................................................   15.00      11.13
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
      First Quarter....................................................  $12.00     $10.00
      Second Quarter...................................................   10.38       9.50
      Third Quarter (through August 21, 1996)..........................   10.00       9.75
</TABLE>
 
     DeSoto. DeSoto Common Stock and the associated Purchase Rights are traded
on the NYSE under the symbol "DSO." (The Purchase Rights do not trade separately
from DeSoto Common Stock and are represented by certificates for the DeSoto
Common Stock). The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing
sale prices reported on the NYSE for DeSoto Common Stock for the periods
indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          HIGH       LOW
                                                                         ------     ------
    <S>                                                                  <C>        <C>
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1994
      First Quarter....................................................  $ 8.63     $ 6.75
      Second Quarter...................................................    7.38       5.50
      Third Quarter....................................................    6.88       4.00
      Fourth Quarter...................................................    5.38       3.00
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995
      First Quarter....................................................  $ 5.38     $ 3.00
      Second Quarter...................................................    6.25       4.75
      Third Quarter....................................................    5.38       4.25
      Fourth Quarter...................................................    5.38       2.75
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
      First Quarter....................................................  $ 5.88     $ 3.13
      Second Quarter...................................................    6.38       5.00
      Third Quarter (through August 21, 1996)..........................    6.63       5.38
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
     The following table sets forth the closing sales prices per share of
Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common Stock on the NYSE on March 12, 1996, the
last trading day before the announcement of merger discussions between Keystone
and DeSoto; on June 26, 1996, the last trading day before the announcement of
the signing of this Reorganization Agreement; and on August 21, 1996, the latest
practicable trading day before the printing of the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus; and the equivalent per share prices for DeSoto Common
Stock based on the Keystone Common Stock Prices:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DESOTO
                                                           KEYSTONE         DESOTO       EQUIVALENT
                                                         COMMON STOCK    COMMON STOCK     PRICE(1)
                                                         ------------    ------------    ----------
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>             <C>
March 12, 1996.........................................     $13.38          $ 4.63         $ 9.99
June 26, 1996..........................................      10.00            6.13           7.47
August 21, 1996........................................       9.75            5.75           7.28
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Represents the equivalent of one share of Keystone Common Stock calculated
    by multiplying the closing sales price per share of Keystone Common Stock by
    the Exchange Ratio.
 
     Stockholders are urged to obtain current quotations for the market prices
of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common Stock. No assurance can be given as
to the market price of Keystone Common Stock or DeSoto Common Stock at the
Effective Time. Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed in the Reorganization
Agreement and neither Keystone nor DeSoto has the right to terminate the
Reorganization Agreement based on changes in the market price of either party's
stock, the market value of the shares of Keystone Common Stock that holders of
DeSoto Common Stock receive in the Merger may vary significantly from the prices
shown above.
 
     Neither Keystone nor DeSoto has paid a dividend on outstanding shares of
Keystone Common Stock or DeSoto Common Stock, as the case may be, since at least
the beginning of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and neither Keystone
nor DeSoto expects to pay a dividend on outstanding shares of Keystone Common
Stock or DeSoto Common Stock, as the case may be, in the foreseeable future.
However, the accrued dividend arrearage on the DeSoto Preferred Stock of
approximately $1,700,000 will be paid as of the Effective Time. Keystone
anticipates that it will pay timely dividends on the Keystone Preferred Stock.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
                        SELECTED KEYSTONE FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial information
of Keystone. This data has been derived in part from, and should be read in
conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements of Keystone and the
related notes thereto incorporated by reference in, and included as appendices
to, this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Results of interim periods, which
include all adjustments management considers necessary for a fair presentation
thereof, are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.
 
     The pro forma income statement data illustrates the effect of certain
adjustments to Keystone's historical consolidated financial statements that
would result from the Merger and the immediate, subsequent merger of the defined
benefit pension plans of Keystone and DeSoto as though such transactions had
occurred on December 31, 1994. In addition, the pro forma income statement data
also illustrates the effect of certain adjustments to DeSoto's historical
consolidated financial statements that would result from reflecting the April
1996 sale of DeSoto's Union City, California business and the 1995 sales of
DeSoto's Thornton and South Holland, Illinois businesses as though such
transactions had occurred on December 31, 1994. The pro forma balance sheet data
illustrates the effect of certain adjustments to Keystone's historical
consolidated financial statements that would result from the Merger and the
immediate, subsequent merger of the defined benefit pension plans of Keystone
with and into DeSoto's defined benefit pension plan as though such transactions
had occurred on June 30, 1996. The pro forma information is not necessarily
indicative of future operations or actual results had such transactions occurred
on December 31, 1994 or June 30, 1996. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Information."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                          JUNE 30,
                                            --------------------------------------------------------    --------------------
                                              1991        1992        1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                            --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Income statement data:
  Net sales...............................  $302,132    $316,251    $345,186    $364,435    $345,657    $186,250    $170,118
  Gross profit............................    37,454      37,443      32,521      36,982      32,748      18,746      12,443
  Income (loss) before income taxes.......    14,820       8,340       1,130      12,389       8,078       5,176        (542)
  Income (loss) from continuing
    operations............................  $  9,769    $  5,146    $    749    $  7,561    $  4,887    $  3,131    $   (327)
  Extraordinary items(c)..................     3,502          --          --          --          --          --          --
  Cumulative effect of changes in
    accounting principles(a)..............        --     (69,949)         --          --          --          --          --
                                            --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
        Net income (loss).................  $ 13,271    $(64,803)   $    749    $  7,561    $  4,887    $  3,131    $   (327)
                                            ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Per share data:
  Earnings (loss) per common and common
    equivalent share(b):
    Continuing operations.................  $   1.75    $    .92    $    .14    $   1.35    $    .86    $    .55    $   (.06)
    Extraordinary items(c)................       .62          --          --          --          --          --          --
    Cumulative effect of changes in
      accounting principles(a)............        --      (12.53)         --          --          --          --          --
                                            --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
        Net income (loss).................  $   2.37    $ (11.61)   $    .14    $   1.35    $    .86    $    .55    $   (.06)
                                            ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
  Weighted average common and common
    equivalent shares outstanding.........     5,591       5,572       5,495       5,601       5,654       5,650       5,678
                                            ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
  Cash dividends declared.................  $     --    $     --    $     --    $     --    $     --    $     --    $     --
                                            ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Balance sheet data (at period end):
  Total assets............................  $182,077    $202,109    $206,654    $205,601    $198,822    $206,630    $194,997
  Notes payable and long-term debt........    37,290      34,485      27,190      26,054      29,945      34,037      36,294
  Noncurrent accrued pension cost.........    55,462      51,638      60,102      40,470      39,222      25,600      26,650
  Noncurrent accrued OPEB cost............     3,109      93,727      96,336      98,310      97,868      97,499      97,746
  Stockholders' equity (deficit)..........    27,149     (39,036)    (50,908)    (40,579)    (37,493)    (29,154)    (32,229)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Relates to adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
    No. 106 -- "Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" ("OPEB") and SFAS
    No. 109 -- "Employers' Accounting for Income Taxes".
 
(b) Primary and fully diluted net income (loss) per share were the same for all
    periods presented.
 
(c) Extraordinary items in 1991 relate to income tax benefits resulting from
    utilization of loss carryforwards. Subsequent to adoption of SFAS No. 109 in
    1992 such items are not classified as extraordinary items.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20
 
                         Pro Forma Keystone Information
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          SIX
                                                                                         MONTHS
                                                                    YEAR ENDED           ENDED
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,         JUNE 30,
                                                                       1995               1996
                                                                   ------------         --------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                <C>                  <C>
Income statement data:
  Net sales......................................................    $364,022           $117,738
  Gross profit...................................................      38,025             14,443
  Income (loss) before income taxes(c)...........................      12,913               (233)
  Net income (loss) available for common shares..................       7,375               (402)
  Net income (loss) per Keystone common and common equivalent
     share.......................................................    $    .79           $   (.04)
  Net income (loss) per equivalent present DeSoto common and
     common equivalent share(b)..................................         .59               (.03)
  Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
     outstanding.................................................       9,348              9,244
Balance sheet data (at period end):
  Noncurrent prepaid pension cost................................          (a)          $102,294
  Total assets...................................................          (a)           279,472
  Notes payable and long-term debt...............................          (a)            46,499
  Noncurrent accrued OPEB cost...................................          (a)           100,544
  Redeemable preferred stock.....................................          (a)             3,500
  Common stockholders' equity....................................          (a)            33,522
  Book value per Keystone common share...........................          (a)          $   3.65
  Book value per equivalent present DeSoto common share(b).......          (a)              2.72
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Not required pursuant to regulations of the Commission.
 
(b) Determined by multiplying the corresponding pro forma amounts by the
    Exchange Ratio.
 
(c) Includes certain nonrecurring income of DeSoto of approximately $6.4 million
    in 1995 and $.7 million in the 1996 period.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
                         SELECTED DESOTO FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial information
of DeSoto. This summary has been derived in part from, and should be read in
conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements of DeSoto and the
related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. Results of interim periods, which include all adjustments
management considers necessary for a fair presentation thereof, are not
necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.
 
     The pro forma income statement data illustrates the effect of certain
adjustments to DeSoto's historical consolidated financial statements that would
result from reflecting the April 1996 sale of DeSoto's Union City, California
business and the 1995 sales of DeSoto's Thornton and South Holland, Illinois
businesses as though such transactions had occurred December 31, 1994. The pro
forma information is not necessarily indicative of future operations or actual
results had such transactions occurred at December 31, 1994. See "Unaudited Pro
Forma Consolidated Financial Information."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                          JUNE 30,
                                            --------------------------------------------------------     -------------------
                                             1991        1992         1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                            -------     -------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Income statement data:
  Net sales(a)............................  $58,872     $59,799     $101,175     $87,182     $52,339     $35,241     $ 9,481
  Gross profit (loss).....................    7,704       4,306        4,866       2,382      (1,730)       (574)      1,098
  Income (loss) before income taxes.......     (202)     (3,542)     (13,322)     (2,284)     (5,393)      2,980        (930)
  Income (loss) from continuing
    operations(b).........................  $  (402)    $(2,156)    $ (8,090)    $(1,635)    $(4,635)    $ 1,875     $  (579)
  Cumulative effect of changes in
    accounting principles(c)..............       --        (162)          --          --          --          --          --
                                            -------     -------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
        Net income (loss).................  $  (402)    $(2,318)    $ (8,090)    $(1,635)    $(4,635)    $ 1,875     $  (579)
                                            =======     =======     ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
Per share data:
  Earnings (loss) per common and common
    equivalent share(d):
    Continuing operations.................  $  (.10)    $  (.54)    $  (1.83)    $  (.42)    $ (1.10)    $   .37     $  (.18)
    Cumulative effect of changes in
      accounting principles(c)............       --        (.04)          --          --          --          --          --
                                            -------     -------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
        Net income (loss).................  $  (.10)    $  (.58)    $  (1.83)    $  (.42)    $ (1.10)    $   .37     $  (.18)
                                            =======     =======     ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
  Weighted average common and common
    equivalent shares outstanding.........    4,071       4,142        4,598       4,657       4,677       4,674       4,684
                                            =======     =======     ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
  Cash dividends declared on common
    stock.................................  $   .04     $    --     $     --     $    --     $    --     $    --     $    --
                                            =======     =======     ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
Balance sheet data (at period end):
  Noncurrent prepaid pension cost.........  $21,185     $27,124     $ 32,218     $39,319     $46,913     $43,065     $50,710
  Total assets(a).........................   64,559      95,634       91,957      83,112      64,968      84,448      63,643
  Notes payable and long-term debt........   10,000       8,322        7,700       8,381          --       7,012          --
  Noncurrent accrued OPEB cost............       --       1,283        1,323       1,510       1,223       1,357       1,431
  Redeemable preferred stock..............       --       2,566        3,052       3,569       4,288       3,842       4,684
  Common stockholders' equity.............   26,993      31,473       23,141      21,249      15,934      22,889      15,004
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Operating results subsequent to November 1992 include revenues and results
    from operations of J.L. Prescott Company which was acquired on that date. In
    July 1995, DeSoto sold the Thornton and South Holland, Illinois businesses
    it had acquired from J.L. Prescott Company.
 
(b) The loss from continuing operations included net non-operating income of
    $2,420,000, $1,303,000 and $6,360,000 in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively;
    provision for restructuring of operations of $1,229,000, $2,900,000 and
    $3,100,000 in 1992, 1993 and 1995, respectively; and $3,025,000 and
    $3,059,000 of other nonrecurring charges in 1993 and 1995, respectively.
 
(c) Relates to adoption of SFAS No. 106 (OPEB) and SFAS No. 109 (income taxes).
 
(d) Primary and fully diluted net income were the same for all periods
    presented.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
                          Pro Forma DeSoto Information
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          SIX
                                                                  YEAR ENDED          MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,           JUNE 30,
                                                                     1995                 1996
                                                                 ------------         ------------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                 DATA)
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                              <C>                  <C>
Income statement data:
  Net sales..................................................      $ 18,098             $  7,434
  Gross profit...............................................         1,889                  571
  Income before income taxes(a)..............................         8,521                2,121
  Net income available for common shares.....................         4,699                1,012
  Net income per common and common equivalent share..........      $   1.00             $    .22
  Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
     outstanding.............................................         4,677                4,684
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Includes nonrecurring income of approximately $6.4 million in 1995 and $.7
    million in the 1996 period.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   23
 
                           COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         EQUIVALENT
                                                                            KEYSTONE       DESOTO
                                                                            PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
              BOOK VALUE PER SHARE(A)                 KEYSTONE    DESOTO    COMBINED     COMBINED(B)
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------    ------    ---------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>
June 30, 1996.......................................   $(5.67)    $ 3.20      $3.65         $2.72
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         EQUIVALENT
               NET INCOME (LOSS) PER                                        KEYSTONE       DESOTO
                 COMMON AND COMMON                                          PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
                  EQUIVALENT SHARE                    KEYSTONE    DESOTO    COMBINED      COMBINED
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------    ------    ---------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>
Six months ended June 30:
1996................................................   $ (.06)    $ (.18)     $(.04)        $(.03)
1995................................................      .55        .37        (c)           (c)
Years Ended December 31:
1995................................................   $  .86     $(1.10)     $ .79         $ .59
1994................................................     1.35       (.42)       (c)           (c)
1993................................................      .14      (1.83)       (c)           (c)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         EQUIVALENT
                                                                            KEYSTONE       DESOTO
                                                                            PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
         CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE            KEYSTONE    DESOTO    COMBINED      COMBINED
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------    ------    ---------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>
Six months ended June 30, 1996......................   $   --     $   --      $  --         $  --
Years Ended December 31:
1995................................................   $   --     $   --      $  --         $  --
1994................................................       --         --         --            --
1993................................................       --         --         --            --
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Historical book value per share is computed by dividing common stockholders'
    equity by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of the
    period. Pro forma book value per share is computed by dividing pro forma
    common stockholders' equity by the pro forma number of shares of common
    stock outstanding at the end of the period.
 
(b) The unaudited equivalent DeSoto pro forma per share amounts are calculated
    by multiplying the Keystone combined pro forma per share amounts for each
    period by the Exchange Ratio.
 
(c) Not required pursuant to regulations of the Commission.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   24
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Each Keystone stockholder and DeSoto stockholder should carefully consider
and evaluate the following factors, among others, before voting on the matters
described herein.
 
CONTROL PERSON AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
 
     After consummation of the Merger, Contran will beneficially own, directly
and indirectly, approximately thirty-nine percent (39%) of the outstanding
Keystone Common Stock and may continue to be deemed to control Keystone. As a
result, the election of directors and taking of other corporate actions,
including mergers, requiring the approval of Keystone stockholders after the
Merger may be difficult if opposed by Contran. In addition, third parties may be
discouraged from seeking to acquire Keystone without the prior agreement of
Contran. Each of Contran and Keystone may be deemed to be controlled by Harold
C. Simmons. Certain of the officers and directors of Keystone are also officers
and directors of Contran or of entities that may be deemed to be controlled by
or affiliated with Contran and/or Harold C. Simmons. In addition, from time to
time, corporations that may be deemed to be controlled by or affiliated with
Harold C. Simmons, including Keystone, engage in (i) intercorporate transactions
with related companies, including guarantees, management and expense sharing
arrangements, shared fee arrangements, joint ventures, partnerships, loans,
options, advances of funds on open account, sales, leases and exchanges of
assets, including securities issued by both related and unrelated parties, and
(ii) common acquisition strategies, business combinations, reorganizations,
recapitalizations, securities repurchases, purchases and sales (and other
acquisitions and dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business
units, which transactions may involve both related and unrelated parties and may
include transactions which result in the acquisition by one related party of a
publicly-held minority equity interest in another related party. Depending upon
the business, tax and other objectives then relevant, it is possible that
Keystone might be a party to one or more such transactions in the future. The
foregoing relationships, transactions and agreements may create potential
conflicts of interest.
 
     It is the policy of Keystone to engage in transactions with related parties
on terms, in the opinion of Keystone, no less favorable to Keystone than could
be obtained from unrelated parties.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
     In considering the recommendations of the Boards of Directors of Keystone
and DeSoto with respect to the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger,
stockholders of Keystone and DeSoto should be aware that certain affiliates and
members of management of Keystone and DeSoto have interests in the Merger in
addition to the interests of holders of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common
Stock generally. Specifically, (i) pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement,
William Spier, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto,
and William P. Lyons, a member of the DeSoto Board of Directors, will be elected
to serve as directors of Keystone upon consummation of the Merger; (ii) pursuant
to the Reorganization Agreement, DeSoto Options will be assumed by Keystone and
converted into options to acquire shares of Keystone Common Stock and, prior to
the Merger, the terms of the DeSoto Options will be amended to extend the period
for exercise of the DeSoto Options until the second anniversary of the Effective
Time; (iii) DeSoto has severance agreements which obligate DeSoto to pay certain
employees and officers of DeSoto in the event of a change in control of DeSoto
and upon the subsequent termination of their employment under certain
circumstances; (iv) DeSoto Preferred Stock, which is held by affiliates of
DeSoto, will be converted into Keystone Preferred Stock and cash in an amount
equal to the accrued and unpaid dividends on the DeSoto Preferred Stock
(approximately $1.7 million as of the Effective Time) will be paid to the
holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock upon consummation of the Merger; (v)
pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement entered into in connection with the
Reorganization Agreement, Keystone has assumed certain registration rights
previously granted by DeSoto to the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders and has
granted similar registration rights to Contran and its affiliates; (vi) pursuant
to the Reorganization Agreement, if the Merger is consummated, Keystone has
agreed to indemnify the current officers and directors of DeSoto for any act or
omission occurring prior to the Merger and has also agreed to provide director
and officer insurance coverage to current officers and directors of DeSoto for
one year after the Effective Time; and (vii) Harold C. Simmons, who may be
deemed to control Keystone, is the sole member
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   25
 
of the Corporate Committee appointed by Keystone to direct the investments of
the Keystone Master Pension Trust and is the sole trustee of, and the sole
member of the trust investment committee for, The Combined Master Retirement
Trust formed by Valhi, Inc. ("Valhi"), an affiliate of Keystone, to permit the
collective investment by trusts that maintain the assets of certain employee
defined benefit pension plans adopted by Valhi and related companies, including
Keystone. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- General", "The
Reorganization Agreement -- Representations and Covenants; -- Related
Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in Matters Acted Upon" and "Information
About DeSoto -- Stock Ownership of Management and Others."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES
 
     Keystone and DeSoto are subject to federal and state "Superfund" and other
legislation that impose cleanup and remediation responsibility upon present and
former owners and operators of, and persons that generated hazardous waste
deposited upon, sites determined by state or federal regulators to contain
hazardous waste. Keystone and DeSoto have been notified by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") that each is a potentially responsible
party under the federal "Superfund" statute for the alleged release or threat of
release of hazardous waste into the environment in several instances. Most of
these situations involve cleanup of landfills and disposal facilities which
allegedly received hazardous waste generated by either Keystone or DeSoto. A
determination that Keystone or DeSoto is wholly or partially responsible for the
cleanup of hazardous waste at one or more sites under applicable laws or
regulations could require large and unanticipated expenses and possible capital
expenditures, which could have a material adverse effect on the respective
financial conditions of Keystone and DeSoto. See Note 13 to the Keystone
Consolidated Financial Statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in Appendix D, Note I
to the DeSoto Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31,
1995, and "Information About DeSoto -- Legal Proceedings; -- Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
FACTORS RELATING TO KEYSTONE
 
     Competition and Other Market Factors. The carbon steel rod, wire and wire
products markets served by Keystone are seasonal and highly competitive and
include both domestic and foreign competitors. This degree of competition is not
expected to decline in the foreseeable future as worldwide over-capacity in the
steel industry continues to exist. As a result, any significant economic
downturn in the domestic or worldwide economy could have a material adverse
effect on Keystone's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
Certain of Keystone's competitors have significantly greater financial and other
resources than Keystone, and may have lower labor costs and/or more efficient
technology, which could affect Keystone's ability to compete effectively.
 
     Scrap Steel and Other Material Costs. The principal raw material used by
Keystone in steel rod production is scrap steel. The purchase of scrap steel is
highly competitive and its price volatility is influenced by periodic shortages,
freight costs, weather and other conditions beyond the control of Keystone. The
cost of scrap steel has fluctuated significantly in the past, and may fluctuate
significantly in the future, and Keystone is not always able to pass on higher
scrap costs by increasing its selling prices. In addition to scrap steel,
Keystone's production is dependent upon the availability of certain other
materials and adequate energy supplies. Keystone's manufacturing processes
consume large amounts of energy in the form of electricity and natural gas.
Keystone purchases its electrical energy for its largest facility, located in
Peoria, Illinois, from a regulated utility under an interruptible service
contract which provides for more economical electricity rates. A significant
increase in the cost, or interruption in the supply, of such materials or energy
supplies could adversely affect Keystone's liquidity, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
     Permits. Keystone's operations are affected by a variety of environmental
laws and regulations. Many of these laws and regulations require permits to
operate the facilities to which they pertain. Denial, revocation, suspension or
expiration of such permits could impact the ability of the affected facility to
continue operations. In addition, Keystone may be subject to increasingly
stringent environmental standards in the future.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   26
 
     Plant Utilization and Capacity. The estimated annual capacity of Keystone's
rod mill currently exceeds its estimated annual billet producing capacity by
approximately 95,000 tons. As a result, Keystone has been purchasing additional
billets from other suppliers to improve utilization of its rod mill. There is no
assurance Keystone will continue to purchase billets or expand its billet
producing capacity and thus maintain higher utilization of its rod mill.
Furthermore, an economic downturn, Keystone's failure to compete effectively in
its major markets, a failure of plant or equipment requiring significant capital
expenditures or time to repair, or the other factors mentioned herein could
result in operating the rod mill and its other facilities at lower capacity
levels.
 
     Operating Results and Liquidity. Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement,
Keystone must increase its indebtedness in order to fund its obligations after
the Merger, including payment of DeSoto's trade creditors. Keystone incurs
significant ongoing costs for health and welfare benefits for current and
retired employees and for plant and equipment and may incur relatively
significant capital expenditures to upgrade its equipment over the next few
years in order to avoid possible competitive disadvantages. In addition,
potential liabilities under environmental laws and regulations with respect to
the disposal and cleanup of wastes beyond amounts already accrued could have a
material adverse effect on Keystone's liquidity, financial condition and results
of operations.
 
     Provided that Keystone is able to increase its credit availability as
contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone believes its operations
and credit facilities will generate sufficient cash flows to meet its
anticipated operating, debt service and capital needs for the foreseeable
future. This belief is based upon management's assessment of various financial
and operational factors including, but not limited to, assumptions relating to
product shipments, product mix and selling prices; production schedules;
productivity rates; raw material, electricity, labor, employee benefits, and
other fixed and variable costs; working capital changes; interest rates;
repayments of long-term debt; capital expenditures; and available borrowings
under Keystone's credit facilities. If one or more of these assessments proves
incorrect, then such events may have a material adverse effect on Keystone's
liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. See "The
Reorganization Agreement -- Keystone Financing Arrangements."
 
FIXED EXCHANGE RATIO
 
     The Exchange Ratio negotiated by Keystone and DeSoto is fixed and there
exists no condition for termination of the Merger if the stock prices of either
Keystone or DeSoto rise above or fall below a specified dollar amount. If such
fluctuations do occur, there will be no adjustment to protect either company's
stockholders who might be adversely affected by such fluctuations.
 
DESOTO FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
     DeSoto has experienced liquidity and cash flow difficulties for a number of
years and, absent consummation of the Merger, believes it will be compelled to
terminate its defined benefit pension plan in order to acquire funds to pay its
trade creditors and otherwise meet its obligations. Although consummation of the
Merger should cause DeSoto's financial condition to improve as a result of the
payment to its trade creditors and payment of its preferred dividend arrearage
as contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement, there can be no assurance that
DeSoto will not experience future losses from its operations and contingent
liabilities, including potential liabilities under environmental laws. Any such
losses would be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Keystone
for periods ending after consummation of the Merger and could reduce the
financial benefits expected to be realized by Keystone and DeSoto as a result of
the Merger.
 
     Sears, Roebuck and Co. ("Sears"), DeSoto's largest customer, currently
accounts for over 75% of DeSoto's total sales. Sales to Sears are on open
account and may be terminated at any time. The loss of Sears as a customer would
have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's current business.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   27
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Keystone has not paid cash dividends on Keystone Common Stock since 1977.
Further, Keystone is prohibited from paying dividends without its primary
lender's consent. Except for dividends with respect to the Keystone Preferred
Stock, Keystone does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable
future.
 
LACK OF LIQUIDITY OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK; PURCHASES BY SIMMONS' RELATED
PARTIES
 
     The liquidity of Keystone Common Stock may be negatively affected by the
relatively low number of shares held by nonaffiliates of Keystone and relatively
low historical trading volumes. The "public float" of Keystone Common Stock
(i.e., shares owned by nonaffiliates of Keystone) is relatively small.
Approximately 69% of the outstanding Keystone Common Stock is beneficially owned
by related parties of Harold C. Simmons (including Contran). See "Certain
Information About Keystone -- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners."
For 1996 (through August 21, 1996), the average daily trading volume of Keystone
Common Stock on days that shares traded was approximately 2,300 shares or
approximately 0.04% of the outstanding Keystone Common Stock. The market price
of Keystone Common Stock, accordingly, may not be indicative of the market price
of Keystone Common Stock in a more liquid market nor of Keystone's financial
performance or business prospects.
 
     Related parties of Mr. H. Simmons (including Contran) from time to time
have purchased shares of Keystone Common Stock. Since Keystone's rights offering
completed in July 1988, such parties have increased their aggregate beneficial
ownership from approximately 57% to 69% of the outstanding Keystone Common
Stock. Such acquisitions include aggregate open-market purchases in 1995 of
87,150 shares (1.5% of the outstanding Keystone Common Stock) at an average
price of approximately $13.60 per share and aggregate open-market purchases in
1996 through August 21, 1996 of 39,700 shares (0.7% of the outstanding Keystone
Common Stock) at an average price of approximately $9.92 per share. Given the
relatively small public float and relatively low daily trading volume of
Keystone Common Stock, purchases by related parties of Mr. H. Simmons (including
Contran) may have had some effect on the market price of Keystone Common Stock.
 
     Due to the factors mentioned above, the quoted market price of Keystone
Common Stock should only be one factor in analyzing the value of Keystone.
 
VOLATILITY OF MARKET PRICE OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK AFTER THE MERGER
 
     Even though after the Merger the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock
held by nonaffiliates of Keystone will increase, the market price of Keystone
Common Stock could be subject to significant price fluctuations in response to a
number of factors, including those mentioned under "-- Lack of Liquidity of
Keystone Common Stock; Purchases by Simmons' Related Parties," efforts, if any,
to purchase or sell relatively large blocks of Keystone Common Stock, investor
perceptions and general economic and other conditions. These factors may or may
not relate to Keystone's financial performance or business prospects.
 
MARKET PRICE FOR DESOTO COMMON STOCK
 
     The liquidity of DeSoto Common Stock may be negatively affected by the
relatively large number of shares held by directors, officers and related
entities as well as by certain persons unrelated to DeSoto and the resulting
negative impact on the number of shares which are actively traded. See
"Information About DeSoto -- Stock Ownership of Management and Others." As a
result, trading in shares of DeSoto Common Stock may be characterized by price
volatility, particularly, if efforts are made to buy or sell large amounts of
such shares. In addition, current trading volumes and prices of DeSoto's Common
Stock may reflect investor perceptions of the Merger. Therefore, the market
price of DeSoto Common Stock may not necessarily be indicative of the market
price of DeSoto Common Stock in a more liquid market or of DeSoto's financial
performance or business prospects. As a result, the quoted market price of
DeSoto Common Stock should only be one factor in analyzing the value of DeSoto.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   28
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     As a result of the Merger, it is anticipated that Keystone will issue
approximately 3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock, approximately 137,000
shares of Keystone Common Stock will be issuable upon the exercise of assumed
DeSoto Options, and 447,900 shares of Keystone Common Stock will be issuable
upon the exercise of warrants to purchase Keystone Common Stock. In general,
except for shares issuable upon the exercise of such warrants whose
transferability will be restricted by Rule 144 under the Securities Act, these
shares will be freely tradable following the Merger, subject to certain resale
restrictions for affiliates of DeSoto pursuant to Rules 144 and/or 145 under the
Securities Act. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Affiliates'
Restrictions on Sale of Keystone Common Stock." An aggregate of approximately
474,839 of the shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued in the Merger will
be beneficially owned by affiliates of DeSoto and, therefore, subject to resale
restrictions. The sale of any of the foregoing shares may cause substantial
fluctuations in the price of Keystone Common Stock over short time periods.
 
ISSUANCE OF KEYSTONE PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, 435,456 shares of
Keystone Preferred Stock will be issued in the Merger. In the event of a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Keystone, no distribution will be made
to holders of Keystone Common Stock until, among other things, holders of
Keystone Preferred Stock have received $8.0375 per share of Keystone Preferred
Stock plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not earned or
declared (the "Liquidation Preference"), to the date fixed for liquidation,
dissolution or winding up. After payment of any unpaid accumulated dividends,
the aggregate Liquidation Preference will be $3.5 million. There can be no
assurance that in the event of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
Keystone, the holders of Keystone Common Stock will receive any assets after
payment of the Liquidation Preference.
 
CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS
 
     Shares of preferred stock may be issued in the future by Keystone without
further stockholder approval and upon such terms and conditions, and having such
rights, privileges and preferences, as the Board of Directors of Keystone may
determine. The rights of the holders of Keystone Common Stock will be subject
to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred
stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could
have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of
discouraging a third party from acquiring, a majority of the outstanding voting
stock of Keystone. Keystone does not have any present plans to issue any shares
of preferred stock other than the Keystone Preferred Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger.
 
                              THE KEYSTONE MEETING
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
 
     The Keystone Meeting will be held on Friday, September 27, 1996 at 10:00
a.m., local time, at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas,
Texas 75240-2697.
 
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
 
     Only holders of record of Keystone Common Stock at the close of business on
the Keystone Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Keystone
Meeting. As of the close of business on August 21, 1996, there were 5,686,424
shares of Keystone Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote, held of record
by 1,049 stockholders. A majority, or 2,843,213 of these shares, present in
person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Each Keystone stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of
Keystone Common Stock held as of the Keystone Record Date.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   29
 
VOTING OF PROXIES
 
     The Keystone proxy accompanying this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Keystone for use at the
Keystone Meeting. Stockholders are requested to complete, sign and date the
accompanying proxy and promptly return it in the accompanying envelope or
otherwise mail it to Keystone. All proxies that are promptly executed and
returned, and that are not revoked, will be voted at the Keystone Meeting in
accordance with the instructions indicated on the proxies or, if no direction is
indicated, to approve the issuance of shares of Keystone Common Stock pursuant
to the Reorganization Agreement. Keystone's Board of Directors does not
presently intend to bring any business before the Keystone Meeting other than
the specific proposals referred to in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
specified in the notice of the Keystone Meeting. So far as is known to
Keystone's Board of Directors, no other matters are to be brought before the
Keystone Meeting. As to any business that may properly come before the Keystone
Meeting, however, it is intended that proxies, in the form enclosed, will be
voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting
such proxies. A Keystone stockholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any
time before it is exercised at the Keystone Meeting by (i) delivering to the
Secretary of Keystone (by any means, including facsimile) a written notice,
bearing a date later than the proxy, stating the proxy is revoked; (ii) signing
and so delivering a proxy relating to the same shares and bearing a later date
prior to the vote at the Keystone Meeting; or (iii) attending the Keystone
Meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the Keystone Meeting will
not, by itself, revoke a proxy).
 
VOTE REQUIRED
 
     Because the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued or
reserved for issuance in connection with the Merger will exceed twenty percent
(20%) of the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock outstanding prior to the
Merger, approval by holders of Keystone Common Stock of the proposal to issue
Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement is required under
the rules of the NYSE. Under the NYSE rules, the proposal to issue Keystone
Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement must be approved by a
majority of the votes cast at the Keystone Meeting, provided the total vote cast
represents a majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon. If the holders of
Keystone Common Stock do not vote to approve such issuance, the Merger will not
be consummated. As of August 21, 1996, the directors and executive officers of
Keystone and their affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate of 4,168,881
shares of Keystone Common Stock, representing approximately seventy-three
percent (73%) of Keystone Common Stock outstanding. Contran, holding directly
approximately fifty six percent (56%) of the Keystone Common Stock outstanding
as of August 21, 1996, is a party to an agreement with DeSoto pursuant to which
Contran has agreed to vote its shares of Keystone Common Stock in favor of the
Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, thus
insuring Keystone stockholder approval. See "The Reorganization
Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in Matters Acted
Upon -- Stockholders Agreement."
 
QUORUM; BROKER NON-VOTES
 
     The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Keystone Meeting
is a majority of the shares of Keystone Common Stock issued and outstanding on
the Keystone Record Date. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in
determining the number of shares present for purposes of determining the
presence of a quorum but will not be counted as a vote for or against approval
of the issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement. Approval of the Merger or the Reorganization Agreement is not
required under the DGCL or Keystone's Certificate of Incorporation or its
Bylaws.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND EXPENSES
 
     Keystone will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies in the enclosed
form from its stockholders. In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors,
officers and employees of Keystone may solicit proxies from stockholders by
telephone, telegram, letter, facsimile or in person. Following the initial
mailing of the proxies and other soliciting materials, Keystone will request
brokers, custodians, nominees and other record holders to forward copies of the
proxy and other soliciting materials to persons for whom they hold shares of
Keystone
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   30
 
Common Stock and to request authority for the exercise of proxies. In such
cases, Keystone, upon the request of the record holders, will reimburse such
holders for their reasonable expenses.
 
                               THE DESOTO MEETING
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
 
     The DeSoto Meeting will be held on Friday, September 27, 1996 at 10:00
a.m., local time, at the Bank of Montreal, 430 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New
York, New York.
 
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
 
     Only holders of record of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock at
the close of business on the DeSoto Record Date are entitled to notice of and to
vote at the DeSoto Meeting. As of the close of business on August 21, 1996,
there were 4,688,523 shares of DeSoto Common Stock outstanding and entitled to
vote, held of record by 1,691 stockholders and 583,333 shares of DeSoto
Preferred Stock outstanding and entitled to vote, held of record by three
stockholders. Each DeSoto stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of
DeSoto Common Stock and each share of DeSoto Preferred Stock held as of the
DeSoto Record Date.
 
VOTING OF PROXIES
 
     The DeSoto proxy accompanying this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of DeSoto for use at the DeSoto
Meeting. Stockholders are requested to complete, sign and date the accompanying
proxy and promptly return it in the accompanying envelope or otherwise mail it
to DeSoto. All proxies that are promptly executed and returned, and that are not
revoked, will be voted at the DeSoto Meeting in accordance with the instructions
indicated on the proxies or, if no direction is indicated, to approve and adopt
the Reorganization Agreement. DeSoto's Board of Directors does not presently
intend to bring any business before the DeSoto Meeting other than the specific
proposals referred to in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and specified in
the notice of the DeSoto Meeting. So far as is known to DeSoto's Board of
Directors, no other matters are to be brought before the DeSoto Meeting. As to
any business that may properly come before the DeSoto Meeting, however, it is
intended that proxies, in the form enclosed, will be voted in respect thereof in
accordance with the judgment of the persons voting such proxies. A DeSoto
stockholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is
exercised at the DeSoto Meeting by (i) delivering to the Secretary of DeSoto (by
any means, including facsimile) a written notice, bearing a date later than the
proxy, stating that the proxy is revoked; (ii) signing and so delivering a proxy
relating to the same shares and bearing a later date prior to the vote at the
DeSoto Meeting; or (iii) attending the DeSoto Meeting and voting in person
(although attendance at the DeSoto Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy).
 
VOTE REQUIRED
 
     Pursuant to DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL, the
Reorganization Agreement must be approved by a majority of the outstanding
shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock voting together as one
class. If the holders of DeSoto do not vote to approve such transaction, the
Merger will not be consummated. As of August 21, 1996, the directors and
officers of DeSoto and their affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate of
636,087 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and all the outstanding DeSoto Preferred
Stock, representing approximately twenty-three percent (23%) of all DeSoto
voting stock outstanding as of such date. Certain entities affiliated with
directors of DeSoto and a director of DeSoto collectively having the right to
vote 596,989 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and all of the outstanding shares of
DeSoto Preferred Stock, representing approximately 22% of the combined shares of
DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock outstanding as of the DeSoto
Record Date are parties to an agreement with Keystone pursuant to which they
have agreed to vote their shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred
Stock in favor of the approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   31
 
QUORUM; BROKER NON-VOTES
 
     The required quorum for the transaction of business at the DeSoto Meeting
is a majority of the shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock,
taken together, issued and outstanding on the DeSoto Record Date. Abstentions
and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes against the
Reorganization Agreement.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND EXPENSES
 
     DeSoto will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies in the enclosed
form from its stockholders. In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors,
officers and employees of DeSoto may solicit proxies from stockholders by
telephone, telegram, letter, facsimile or in person. Following the initial
mailing of the proxies and other soliciting materials, DeSoto will request
brokers, custodians, nominees and other record holders to forward copies of the
proxy and other soliciting materials to persons for whom they hold shares of
DeSoto Common Stock and to request authority for the exercise of proxies. In
such cases, DeSoto, upon the request of the record holders, will reimburse such
holders for their reasonable expenses. In addition, DeSoto has retained
Georgeson & Co., Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of
approximately $10,000, plus expenses.
 
                      THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
GENERAL
 
     The Reorganization Agreement provides for the merger of Sub with and into
DeSoto, with DeSoto to be the surviving corporation of the Merger. As a
consequence of the Merger, DeSoto will become a wholly owned subsidiary of
Keystone. If the requisite approvals of the stockholders of DeSoto and Keystone
are received, the Merger is expected to be consummated as soon as practicable
after the satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions to consummation of
the Merger, which is expected to occur as soon as practicable following receipt
of stockholder approval at the Keystone and DeSoto Meetings. The discussion in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of the Merger and the description of the
principal terms of the Reorganization Agreement are subject to and qualified in
their entirety by reference to the Reorganization Agreement, a copy of which is
attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix A, and
incorporated herein by reference.
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, Keystone's Board of Directors will be
increased from seven to nine members, and the Keystone Board of Directors will
elect William Spier, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
DeSoto, and William P. Lyons, another current member of the Board of Directors
of DeSoto, to fill the vacancies thereby created. The executive officers of
Keystone will remain unchanged as a result of the Merger. The stockholders of
DeSoto will become stockholders of Keystone (as described below), and their
rights will be governed by Keystone's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
As soon as practicable after the Merger, the Keystone defined benefit pension
plans will be merged with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan.
 
  Conversion of Shares
 
     Upon the consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding share of DeSoto
Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock, will automatically be converted into
 .7465 of a share of Keystone Common Stock and Keystone Preferred Stock,
respectively. No fractional shares of Keystone Common Stock or will be issued in
the Merger. Instead, each DeSoto stockholder who would otherwise be entitled to
receive a fractional share of Keystone Common Stock will receive an amount of
cash equal to the per share market value of Keystone Common Stock (based on the
average of the closing sales prices of Keystone Common Stock as quoted on the
NYSE during the ten trading day period ending on the closing date of the Merger)
multiplied by the fraction of a share of Keystone Common Stock to which the
stockholder would otherwise be entitled. Based upon the capitalization of DeSoto
and Keystone as of August 21, 1996, the stockholders of DeSoto will own Keystone
Common Stock representing approximately thirty-eight percent (38%) of the
Keystone Common Stock outstanding immediately after consummation of the Merger
and one hundred percent (100%) of the Keystone Preferred Stock outstanding
immediately after consummation of the Merger. Because the Exchange Ratio is
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   32
 
fixed, the number of shares to be received by stockholders of DeSoto upon
consummation of the Merger will remain the same, regardless of whether the
market price of the Common Stock of Keystone or DeSoto increases or decreases at
any time, including after the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
after the dates of the Keystone and DeSoto Meetings. See "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Opinions of Financial Advisors" and "Risk Factors -- Fixed
Exchange Ratio."
 
  Assumption of Options and Conversion of Warrants
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding DeSoto Option will
be assumed by Keystone and will automatically be converted into an option to
purchase the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock determined by multiplying
the number of shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to the DeSoto Option by the
Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price equal to the exercise price of such DeSoto
Option at the time of the Merger divided by the Exchange Ratio. To avoid
fractional shares, the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock subject to an
assumed DeSoto Option will be rounded up to the nearest whole share. The other
terms of DeSoto Options, including vesting schedules, will remain unchanged.
Keystone will file a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Commission with
respect to the issuance of shares of Keystone Common Stock upon exercise of the
assumed DeSoto Options and cause such shares, upon issuance, to be listed with
the NYSE.
 
     Pursuant to the Warrant Conversion Agreement, at the Effective Time,
one-half of the DeSoto Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of
DeSoto Common Stock will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of the DeSoto
Warrants will be converted into Keystone Warrants to purchase 447,900 shares of
Keystone Common Stock (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to
the remaining DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an exercise
price equal to approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price of
the DeSoto Warrants divided by the Exchange Ratio).
 
     As of August 21, 1996, DeSoto Options to acquire approximately 184,000
shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Warrants to acquire 1,200,000 shares of
DeSoto Common Stock were outstanding.
 
ACTIONS SUBSEQUENT TO THE MERGER
 
  Operation of DeSoto
 
     After consummation of the Merger, Keystone intends to continue to maintain
DeSoto as a separate subsidiary and to operate DeSoto's Joliet manufacturing
facility. Prior to the Merger, Keystone will contribute the net assets of its
Sherman Wire division to Sub. Accordingly, following the Merger, DeSoto's
operations will be comprised of DeSoto's Joliet operations and Keystone's
Sherman Wire operations.
 
  Merger of Pension Plans
 
     Keystone intends, as soon as practicable after consummation of the Merger,
to merge the Keystone defined benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto
defined benefit pension plan. Keystone believes that after such merger, it will
no longer have an underfunded pension obligation. See "Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Information."
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
     On January 6, 1995, William Spier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
DeSoto, sent a letter to Mr. H. Simmons, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Contran, to determine if there was any interest on the part of Keystone in a
potential transaction with DeSoto. Soon thereafter, Glenn R. Simmons, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone and Vice Chairman of Contran, contacted
Mr. Spier concerning a potential transaction.
 
     On January 11, 1995, Keystone and DeSoto executed a letter agreement,
pursuant to which the parties agreed to keep confidential any information
exchanged by the parties in connection with a possible transaction between
Keystone and DeSoto. The parties also agreed not to propose to the other's
security holders an
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   33
 
extraordinary transaction involving the two parties without the consent of the
other company's Board of Directors.
 
     On January 17, 1995, Harold Curdy, Vice President -- Finance of Keystone,
and Messrs. G. Simmons and Spier met and had preliminary discussions concerning
a potential transaction.
 
     From January 18, 1995 through June 1995, the parties performed due
diligence proceedings through meetings and phone conferences between the parties
and their respective legal and financial advisors.
 
     On June 9, 1995, Messrs. Curdy, Robert Singer, President of Keystone, and
Joseph Compofelice, an executive officer of certain companies related to
Contran, met with Mr. Spier and representatives of Salomon Brothers, DeSoto's
financial advisor, to discuss, among other things, terms of a potential
transaction. At that meeting, as a result of Keystone's due diligence to such
date, Keystone offered the following alternatives: (i) Keystone would issue
3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock for DeSoto, subject to further due
diligence by Keystone or (ii) Contran would sell its interest in Keystone to Mr.
Spier and his affiliates at a price to be determined.
 
     On July 27, 1995, Mr. Spier, in a letter to Mr. G. Simmons, indicated the
transaction to purchase Contran's interest in Keystone would not be feasible but
DeSoto would be willing to accept 4,250,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock.
 
     By letter dated August 9, 1995, Keystone notified DeSoto that Keystone was
no longer interested in pursuing discussions in respect of a possible merger of
the two companies.
 
     There were no further formal discussions between the parties until January
18, 1996, when Messrs. G. Simmons, Singer, Spier, and Curdy met to discuss the
terms of a possible merger, including the issuance of approximately 3,500,000
shares of Keystone Common Stock (the "Proposed Exchange Ratio") subject to
further due diligence, receipt of fairness opinions, and approvals by the
parties' respective Boards of Directors and stockholders and Keystone's primary
lender. Thereafter, the parties renewed due diligence proceedings.
 
     On January 23, 1996, Messrs. G. Simmons, Curdy and Spier met to discuss
terms and financial constraints on Keystone's ability to consummate the proposed
merger.
 
     On February 5, 1996, Mr. Curdy and Ms. Anne Eisele, President of DeSoto,
met to coordinate the due diligence process.
 
     On February 13, 1996, Messrs. Curdy, Spier and Ms. Eisele met with
representatives of Keystone's primary lender to discuss possible funding for
DeSoto.
 
     On March 5, 1996, Mr. Curdy met with representatives of the PBGC to discuss
the proposed merger and the subsequent merger of the Keystone and DeSoto defined
benefit pension plans.
 
     On March 13, 1996, Keystone and DeSoto issued press releases indicating
that the parties were involved in discussions about a proposed merger at the
Proposed Exchange Ratio. Thereafter, the parties continued due diligence
proceedings and began negotiating the terms of the Reorganization Agreement and
the related agreements.
 
     On June 13, 1996, the Board of Directors of Keystone met to consider the
proposed Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. At
such meeting, members of Keystone's senior management, together with Keystone's
legal and financial advisors, reviewed with the Keystone Board of Directors,
among other things, the background of the proposed transaction, the potential
benefits and risks of the transaction, including the strategic and financial
rationale, analysis of the transaction and the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement. PaineWebber delivered its oral opinion (confirmed in writing as of
the date of the Reorganization Agreement) that the consideration to be paid by
Keystone is fair, from a financial point of view, to the stockholders of
Keystone (except that as to Contran and its affiliates PaineWebber did not
express an opinion). See "-- Opinions of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of
PaineWebber, Financial Advisor to Keystone" for a discussion of the factors
considered and the analytical methods employed by PaineWebber in reaching such
conclusion. The Keystone Board of Directors unanimously approved the principal
terms of the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
The Keystone Board of Directors also
 
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<PAGE>   34
 
unanimously approved the principal terms of the Voting Agreements (including the
possible acquisition of beneficial ownership of Keystone Common Stock pursuant
thereto by DeSoto for purposes of Section 203 of the DGCL), the Warrant
Conversion Agreement, the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement,
and the Stockholders' Agreement. See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Related
Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in Matters Acted Upon."
 
     On June 13, 1996, the Board of Directors of DeSoto met to consider the
proposed Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. At
such meeting, members of DeSoto's senior management, together with DeSoto's
legal and financial advisors, reviewed with the Board, among other things, the
background of the proposed transaction, the potential benefits and risks of the
transaction, including the strategic and financial rationale, analysis of the
transaction and the terms of the Reorganization Agreement. Salomon Brothers
delivered its oral opinion (confirmed in writing as of the date of the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus) that as of that date, the Exchange Ratio was fair,
from a financial point of view, to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock. See
"-- Opinions of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers, Financial
Advisor to DeSoto" for a discussion of the facts considered and the analytical
methods employed by Salomon Brothers in reaching such conclusion. The DeSoto
Board of Directors unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby. The DeSoto Board of Directors also
unanimously approved the principal terms of the Voting Agreements and the
Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement (including the possible
acquisition by Keystone of beneficial ownership of DeSoto Common Stock and
DeSoto Preferred Stock pursuant thereto for purposes of Section 203 of the
DGCL). See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of
Certain Persons in Matters Acted Upon."
 
     Following the Keystone and DeSoto Board meetings and through June 26, 1996,
the Reorganization Agreement and the related agreements were finalized. Keystone
and DeSoto each executed the Reorganization Agreement and related agreements on
June 26, 1996, and the Reorganization Agreement was announced immediately
thereafter by the issuance of press releases.
 
     The Exchange Ratio and other terms of the Merger were determined in
arms-length negotiations between the management teams and the Boards of
Directors of the two companies. The Exchange Ratio was determined after
consideration of, among other things, the shares, options and warrants
outstanding of each company, the relative trading prices of the two companies'
stock over various periods of time, the companies' respective capital structures
and pension funding status, historical and prospective revenues and operating
profits, the respective growth rates of the two companies, the business
prospects of the combined company, the relative contributions of the two
companies to the business, liquidity and financial condition of the combined
company and consultation with the financial advisors of the companies (who
participated in discussions regarding the Exchange Ratio but did not determine
or recommend the Exchange Ratio).
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
  Keystone's Reasons for the Merger
 
     The Board of Directors has determined the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, which were established
through arms-length negotiations with DeSoto, are fair to, and in the best
interests of, Keystone and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Board of Directors
of Keystone has unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and
unanimously recommends the stockholders of Keystone vote FOR approval of the
issuance of shares pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement. In reaching its
determination, the Board of Directors consulted with Keystone's management, as
well as its legal counsel and financial advisor, and considered a number of
reasons and factors, including the following:
 
          (i) At June 30, 1996, Keystone's defined benefit pension plans were
     underfunded by approximately $33 million and the net pension liabilities
     adjustment in common stockholders' equity amounted to approximately $31
     million. Based on Keystone's and DeSoto's balance sheets at June 30, 1996,
     the Merger and subsequent merger of the Keystone and DeSoto defined benefit
     pension plans would result in an increase of approximately $66 million in
     Keystone's common stockholders' equity due to the issuance of approximately
     3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock and the elimination of the net
     pension
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   35
 
     liabilities adjustment. Additionally, the proposed merger of the pension
     plans would also result in the elimination of the $33 million accrued
     pension liability and recording of an approximate $102 million pension
     asset. See Note 2 to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
     Information.
 
          (ii) The merger of the Keystone defined benefit pension plans with and
     into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan should also result in lower
     pension contributions and pension expense than Keystone has historically
     experienced. The anticipated increase in cash flows due to lower pension
     contributions should eventually more than offset the cash payments required
     to be made as a result of the Merger. Likewise, it is expected the decrease
     in pension expense will also more than offset the increase in interest
     expense from the higher borrowings required to fund payments required by
     the Merger, thus resulting in increased earnings. See Note 2 to the
     Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.
 
          (iii) In addition to an improved balance sheet and the anticipated
     favorable impact on cash flows and reduction in pension expense, Keystone's
     Board of Directors also believes the increased public holdings of
     Keystone's Common Stock, as a result of the issuance of approximately
     3,500,000 shares to the DeSoto stockholders, will make Keystone Common
     Stock more attractive to potential investors and increase the liquidity of
     Keystone Common Stock.
 
     In the course of its deliberations, the Board of Directors of Keystone
reviewed and considered a number of other factors relevant to the Merger with
Keystone's management. In particular, the Keystone Board considered, among other
things:
 
          (i) information concerning Keystone's and DeSoto's respective
     businesses, prospects, financial performances, liquidity, financial
     condition and operations;
 
          (ii) the comparative stock prices of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto
     Common Stock;
 
          (iii) an analysis of the respective contributions to revenues,
     operating profits, net profits and cash flows of the combined companies;
     and
 
          (iv) a presentation by PaineWebber, including the opinion of
     PaineWebber that the consideration to be paid by Keystone pursuant to the
     Merger was fair from a financial point of view to Keystone stockholders
     (other than Contran and its affiliates) as well as the underlying financial
     analysis of PaineWebber presented in connection therewith.
 
     Following its deliberations concerning such factors and its review of the
presentation and financial opinion of PaineWebber, the Board of Directors of
Keystone concluded the Merger may improve the long-term prospects of the
combined company for earnings growth, may increase stockholder value and was in
the best interest of Keystone and its stockholders from both a financial and
strategic perspective.
 
     In connection with its deliberations, the Keystone Board of Directors was
aware of the potential benefits to be received in the Merger by Contran and its
affiliates, as described in "Risk Factors -- Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger" and "The Reorganization Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of
Certain Persons in Matters Acted Upon."
 
     The Board of Directors of Keystone also considered a variety of potentially
negative factors in its deliberations concerning the Merger, including: (i) the
possible dilutive effect of the issuance of Keystone stock in the Merger; (ii)
the risk that the public market price of Keystone's stock might be adversely
affected by announcement of the Merger; (iii) the costs expected to be incurred
in connection with the Merger, including the transaction costs and payments
required by the Merger; (iv) the risk that other benefits sought to be obtained
by the Merger will not be obtained; and (v) other risks described above under
"Risk Factors."
 
     In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the proposed Merger, the Board of Directors did not find it
practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative
weights to the specific factors considered in reaching its determination, each
of which was viewed as supportive of its conclusion that the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement are fair to, and in the best interest of, Keystone and
all of its stockholders.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   36
 
     THE KEYSTONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT KEYSTONE
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO
THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
  DeSoto's Reasons for the Merger
 
     The DeSoto Board of Directors has determined the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, which were
established through arms-length negotiation with Keystone, are fair to, and in
the best interests of, DeSoto and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors of DeSoto has unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and
unanimously recommends the stockholders of DeSoto vote FOR approval and adoption
of the Reorganization Agreement. In reaching its determination, the Board of
Directors consulted with DeSoto's management, as well as its legal counsel and
financial advisor, and considered a number of reasons and factors, including the
following:
 
          (i) The conclusion that the only strategic alternatives available to
     DeSoto were either termination of DeSoto's overfunded pension plan or a
     sale of DeSoto or another extraordinary corporate transaction providing
     value to stockholders and resolving DeSoto's liquidity problems. This
     conclusion resulted from the Board's ongoing review of DeSoto's past
     performance and future prospects. DeSoto has suffered negative cash flow
     from operations (excluding one time items, such as insurance settlements)
     for a number of years and has attempted to address the resultant cash flow
     and business consequences in a number of ways. In March 1992, the DeSoto
     Board adopted a resolution eliminating the regular quarterly dividend on
     DeSoto Common Stock. In the second half of 1992, DeSoto raised $3.5 million
     through the sale of warrants and DeSoto Preferred Stock and acquired J. L.
     Prescott Company, in an effort to improve its competitive position in the
     industry and diversify its business. The results of this acquisition were
     disappointing and DeSoto attempted to explore strategic alliances with
     other companies in its industry beginning in late 1994. These efforts
     focused on promoting and leveraging DeSoto's position in the industry as
     well as on opportunities to enable it to preserve and maximize stockholder
     value. No significant transactions resulted from these efforts and, in
     order to raise cash, DeSoto, among other things, began to dispose of
     certain assets in 1995 and 1996. (These dispositions are described in the
     business description of DeSoto under "Information About DeSoto"). At the
     same time, throughout 1995 and 1996, DeSoto continued to seek out
     opportunities to maximize stockholder value, which objectives were publicly
     announced in DeSoto's periodic filings with the Commission. In light of
     DeSoto's continuing liquidity difficulties, remaining a public company
     without termination of the pension plan was not viewed as a viable
     alternative. In that regard, DeSoto's current agreement with its trade
     creditors requires either consummation of the Merger or termination of the
     pension plan. See "Information About DeSoto -- Management's Discussion and
     Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
     Capital Resources."
 
          (ii) The conclusion that the only strategic alternative identified by
     DeSoto management to termination of the pension plan is the Merger. This
     conclusion is based on the failure of discussions with a number of third
     parties in 1995 and 1996 to result in any viable proposal to acquire DeSoto
     or otherwise engage in a transaction resolving DeSoto's liquidity problems.
     The DeSoto Board of Directors took into account the amount of time that had
     transpired between the public announcement on March 13, 1996, of the terms
     of a possible transaction with Keystone and its June 13 meeting without any
     serious expression of interest from a third party regarding an alternative
     transaction.
 
          (iii) A comparison of the relative values likely to be realized by
     DeSoto stockholders pursuant to the Merger and a termination of the pension
     plan which resulted in the view that the Merger was likely to provide
     significantly greater value per share of DeSoto Common Stock in the
     foreseeable future. Although there is no assurance as to actual values of
     the consideration to be received by DeSoto stockholders pursuant to the
     Merger or of DeSoto Common Stock following a termination of the pension
     plan, a number of factors were reviewed. These included the recent trading
     ranges of Keystone Common Stock, the expected financial benefits of the
     Merger to Keystone, the high rates of taxes applicable to the surplus
     pension assets reverting to DeSoto upon a termination of the pension plan
     (which since 1990, include, in addition to federal and state income taxes,
     a federal excise tax of either 20% or 50% depending
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   37
 
     upon whether, among other things, a "qualified replacement plan" receiving
     25% of surplus plan assets is established), and the uncertainty relating to
     the business diversification opportunities for the use of excess cash
     generated by the pension plan termination (distribution to stockholders was
     not considered feasible in light of potential taxes payable by stockholders
     and the need to maintain reserves for contingencies). In the course of its
     review during 1995 and 1996 of the possibility of terminating the pension
     plan, the DeSoto Board of Directors determined that a reasonable rough
     estimate of possible ranges of values realizable through this alternative
     might be between $3 and $6 per share of DeSoto Common Stock depending upon
     values attributed to a qualified replacement plan, assumptions made
     regarding the satisfaction of contingent and other liabilities, and an
     expectation that operating losses from DeSoto's operating business would be
     eliminated, possibly through the termination of this business. This
     determination was not made with a view toward public disclosure and was
     viewed as inherently uncertain and subject to significant variation from
     actual values achievable, which may be materially higher or lower than this
     rough estimate. This broad range of values was compared with the value to
     be received pursuant to the Merger, which based on the market price of
     Keystone Common Stock as of June 12, 1996 of $10 per share, would be
     approximately $7.47 per share of DeSoto Common Stock (although the actual
     market value of the Keystone Common Stock to be received in the Merger will
     be dependent upon market conditions at the Effective Time, which may be
     materially different from the market price as of June 12, 1996). See "Risk
     Factors -- Lack of Liquidity of Keystone Common Stock; Purchase by Simmons'
     Related Parties."
 
          (iv) The terms of the Reorganization Agreement, including
 
             (a) provisions requiring confirmation of the opinion of Salomon
        Brothers as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the
        Exchange Ratio to holders of DeSoto Common Stock as of one day before
        the Effective Time; and
 
             (b) the right of DeSoto to terminate the Reorganization Agreement
        if it enters into an agreement relating to a superior proposal and to
        provide information to, and negotiate with, third parties under certain
        circumstances (the DeSoto Board did not view its obligation to pay the
        $1 million Break-up Fee to Keystone and the restrictions on its ability
        to discuss alternative transactions with third parties as unreasonably
        precluding any third party from proposing an alternative transaction).
 
          (v) The presentation of DeSoto's financial advisor, Salomon Brothers,
     and its oral opinion to the effect that, as of June 13, 1996, and based
     upon the assumptions made, matters considered and limits of review, the
     Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock from a
     financial point of view. For a summary of Salomon Brothers written opinion
     as of the date hereof and its presentation, see "-- Opinions of Financial
     Advisors -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers -- Financial Advisor to DeSoto".
 
          (vi) Information relating to the financial performance, prospects and
     business operations of each of DeSoto and Keystone.
 
          (vii) The willingness of the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders to
     accept cancellation of one-half of their warrants to purchase DeSoto Common
     Stock in order to generate additional value for other holders of DeSoto
     Common Stock and facilitate the Merger.
 
          (viii) The ability of holders of DeSoto Common Stock to continue to
     own equity in a combined Keystone/DeSoto entity which is expected to
     realize substantial financial benefits as a result of the Merger in a
     transaction which should be non-taxable to holders of DeSoto Common Stock
     for federal income tax purposes.
 
     In considering the fairness of the terms of the Reorganization Agreement to
the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors of DeSoto also
considered the following additional factors:
 
          (i) The agreement by all of the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock to
     vote in favor of the Reorganization Agreement; and
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   38
 
          (ii) Keystone's agreement to pay an amount of cash to such holders in
     an amount equal to accrued but unpaid dividends on the DeSoto Preferred
     Stock.
 
     In connection with its deliberations at its June 13, 1996 meeting, the
DeSoto Board of Directors was aware of the potential benefits to be received in
the Merger by DeSoto's officers and directors, as described under "The
Reorganization Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in
Matters Acted Upon."
 
     In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the proposed Merger, the Board of Directors did not find it
practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative
weights to the specific factors considered in reaching its determination, each
of which was viewed as supportive of its conclusion that the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement are fair to, and in the best interest of, DeSoto and
its stockholders.
 
     THE DESOTO BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT DESOTO
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KEYSTONE BELIEVES THE MERGER IS FAIR TO, AND IN
THE BEST INTEREST OF KEYSTONE AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND, THEREFORE, UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF KEYSTONE COMMON
STOCK PURSUANT TO THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DESOTO BELIEVES THE MERGER IS FAIR TO, AND IN THE
BEST INTERESTS OF, DESOTO AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND, THEREFORE, UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
 
  Opinion of PaineWebber, Financial Advisor to Keystone
 
     Keystone retained PaineWebber on May 16, 1996, to provide certain
investment banking advice and services in connection with the Merger, including
rendering its opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view to
Keystone stockholders (other than Contran and its affiliates), of the
consideration to be paid by Keystone in the Merger. At the June 13, 1996 meeting
of the Keystone Board of Directors, representatives of PaineWebber made a
presentation with respect to the Merger and rendered an oral opinion to the
Keystone Board, subsequently confirmed in writing as of the date of the
Reorganization Agreement, that, based upon the facts and circumstances as they
existed at the time, and subject to certain assumptions, factors and limitations
set forth in such opinion, the consideration to be paid by Keystone in the
Merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Keystone stockholders (other
than Contran and its affiliates). No limitations were imposed by the Board upon
PaineWebber with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed by it
in rendering its opinion.
 
     The full text of PaineWebber's written opinion, dated June 26, 1996, which
sets forth, among other things, assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Appendix B to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Keystone stockholders are urged to read this opinion
in its entirety. PaineWebber did not recommend to Keystone that any specific
exchange ratios constituted the appropriate exchange ratio for the Merger.
PaineWebber's opinion is directed to the Keystone Board, addresses only the
fairness of the consideration to be paid by Keystone in the Merger to Keystone
stockholders (other than Contran and its affiliates) from a financial point of
view and does not constitute a recommendation to any Keystone stockholder as to
how such stockholder should vote at the Keystone Meeting. The opinion was
rendered to the Keystone Board for its consideration in determining whether to
approve the Reorganization Agreement. The discussion of the opinion in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the full text of the opinion.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   39
 
     In arriving at its opinion, PaineWebber, among other things: (i) reviewed,
among other public information, Keystone's Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and
related financial information for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1995
and Keystone's Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 1996; (ii)
reviewed Keystone's projections prepared by Keystone's management; (iii)
reviewed certain financial information relating to Keystone, including,
earnings, cash flow, assets and liabilities statements, furnished to PaineWebber
by Keystone; (iv) conducted discussions with senior management of Keystone
regarding (a) the Company's operations and business prospects, (b) DeSoto's
operations and business prospects and (c) certain studies prepared by Keystone
and its legal and accounting advisors relating to potential off-balance sheet
items; (v) considered the pro forma effect of the Merger on Keystone's cash flow
and earnings per share; (vi) considered the pro form balance sheet effects of
the Merger on Keystone; (vii) reviewed, among other public information, DeSoto's
Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and related financial information for the five fiscal
years ended December 31, 1995 and DeSoto's Form 10-Q for the three months ended
March 31, 1996; (viii) conducted interviews with senior management of DeSoto,
regarding DeSoto's operations, financial condition and business prospects; (ix)
reviewed the Reorganization Agreement dated June 26, 1996; and (x) reviewed such
other financial studies and analyses and performed such other investigations and
took into account such other matters as PaineWebber deemed necessary including
an assessment of regulatory, general economic, market and monetary conditions.
 
     In preparing its opinion, PaineWebber relied on the accuracy and
completeness of all information that was publicly available or supplied or
otherwise communicated to PaineWebber by or on behalf of Keystone and DeSoto,
and PaineWebber has not assumed any responsibility to independently verify such
information. PaineWebber has assumed that the projections were reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and good
faith judgments of the management of Keystone as to the future performance of
Keystone. In arriving at its opinion, PaineWebber assumed that, as a result of
the Merger and the follow on merger of the pension plans, Keystone's liabilities
calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles with
respect to its pension plan will be eliminated and that certain projected
obligations of Keystone to fund such liabilities will be reduced. PaineWebber
has not undertaken, or caused to be taken, an independent evaluation or
appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise, known or
unknown) of Keystone and DeSoto and has assumed that all material liabilities
(contingent or otherwise) are as set forth in Keystone's and DeSoto's respective
consolidated financial statements and other provided information. PaineWebber's
opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of Keystone and does not
constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Keystone as to how such
shareholder should vote with respect to the issuance of Keystone Common Stock
pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement. PaineWebber's opinion does not address
the relative merits of the Merger and any other potential transactions or
business strategies discussed by the Board of Directors of Keystone as
alternatives to the Merger or the decision of the Board of Directors of Keystone
to proceed with consummation of the Merger.
 
     PaineWebber assumed that there has been no material change in Keystone or
DeSoto's assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or
prospects since the date of the last financial statements made available to
PaineWebber. PaineWebber assumed no responsibility to revise or update its
opinion if there is a change in the financial condition or prospects of Keystone
and DeSoto from that disclosed or projected in the information PaineWebber
reviewed as set forth above or in the general, economic or market conditions.
 
     The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to
the most appropriate and relevant quantitative methods of financial analyses and
the application of these methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore,
such an opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. Furthermore, in arriving at its fairness opinion, PaineWebber did
not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor considered by it.
Accordingly, PaineWebber believes that its analysis must be considered as a
whole and that considering any portion of such analysis and of the factors
considered, without considering all analyses and factors, could create a
misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying its opinion. In its
analyses, PaineWebber made numerous assumptions with respect to industry
performance, general business and economic conditions and other matters, many of
which are beyond the control of Keystone and DeSoto. Any estimates contained in
these analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of
future results or values, which may be, significantly more or less favorable
than as set forth
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   40
 
therein, and neither Keystone, DeSoto, nor PaineWebber assumes any
responsibility for their accuracy. In addition, analyses relating to the value
of the business do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at
which businesses may actually be sold.
 
     The following is a summary of the analyses prepared by PaineWebber in
connection with rendering its oral opinion to the Board of Directors of Keystone
on June 13, 1996.
 
     Approach to Merger Analysis. Because Keystone expressed the view that it
was undertaking the Merger primarily to eliminate the underfunding of its
defined benefit pension plans, traditional forms of valuation analysis, such as
comparable company analysis and comparable transaction analysis, were not
considered meaningful indicators of value. Therefore, PaineWebber reviewed the
fairness of the Merger through the methodologies summarized below. The financial
projections of Keystone and DeSoto that were provided to PaineWebber were
utilized and relied upon by PaineWebber in its analyses summarized below.
 
     Net Present Value (NPV). PaineWebber performed a 10-year net present value
(NPV) analysis to determine the difference between (x) the present value of the
pro forma cash flows contributed by DeSoto to Keystone, and (y) the
consideration paid by Keystone in the Merger and the liabilities assumed by the
surviving corporation to the Merger. For purposes of PaineWebber's analysis, and
based on discussions with Keystone and DeSoto management, it was assumed that
the DeSoto operating assets operate on a cash flow breakeven basis and thus have
no cash flow impact. It was also assumed that the combined pro forma pension
plan will terminate in year 10 following the Merger, and that after the Merger,
Keystone would not be subject to any cash payments for environmental liabilities
above insured and escrowed amounts. PaineWebber discounted the combined pro
forma cash flows using discount rates ranging from 7% to 8%.
 
     Based on the above analysis, PaineWebber determined that the (x) present
value of the pro forma cash flows contributed by DeSoto to Keystone pursuant to
the Merger exceeded (y) the consideration paid by Keystone in the Merger and the
liabilities assumed by the surviving corporation to the Merger by a range of
between $4.8 million and $8.4 million.
 
     Pro Forma Earnings Analysis. PaineWebber performed a five-year analysis of
the potential pro forma effect of the Merger on Keystone's earnings per share,
assuming the Merger had been completed in 1991 and that certain actuarial
assumptions for Keystone's defined benefit pension plans remained unchanged
during such five-year period. Under this analysis, Keystone would have shown
earnings per share accretion in each year ranging from a low of 5% in 1991 to a
high of 69% in 1993. As an alternative to the Merger (but using the foregoing
actuarial assumptions regarding the defined benefit pension plans), PaineWebber
assumed that Keystone sold $50 million of common equity in 1991 at prices
ranging from $9.25 to $11.25 per share for the purpose of reducing the
underfunding in its pension account. (Keystone's stock price at January 1, 1991
was $10.25.) In all instances, the Merger, if completed in 1991, would have been
more accretive on an earnings per share basis than Keystone's reported actual
earnings or the presumed sale of equity.
 
     PaineWebber also performed a three-year analysis of the potential pro forma
effect of the Merger on Keystone's earnings per share assuming the Merger is
completed in 1996 and that certain actuarial assumptions for Keystone's defined
benefit pension plans remained unchanged during such three-year period. Under
this analysis, Keystone would have shown earnings per share accretion of 317%,
59% and 7% for the years ending December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
As an alternative to the Merger (but using the foregoing actuarial assumptions
regarding the Keystone defined benefit pension plans), PaineWebber assumed that
Keystone sold $40 million of common equity in 1996 at prices ranging from $8.00
to $10.00 per share for the purpose of reducing the underfunding in its pension
account. In all instances, the Merger, if completed in 1996, was more accretive
on an earnings per share basis than Keystone's projected earnings or the
presumed sale of equity.
 
     Balance Sheet Analysis. PaineWebber reviewed the pro forma balance sheet
effects of the Merger incorporating Keystone's balance sheet as of March 31,
1996 and DeSoto's projected balance sheet as of December 31, 1996. This analysis
showed that Keystone's liabilities increased from $235 million to $277 million
while common stockholders' equity increased from a negative $31 million to a
positive $40 million.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   41
 
     Pursuant to a letter agreement dated May 16, 1996, between Keystone and
PaineWebber, Keystone has agreed to pay PaineWebber a fee of $225,000 for
rendering its opinion.
 
     In addition, Keystone has agreed to reimburse PaineWebber for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with rendering
financial advisory services, including fees and disbursements of its legal
counsel. This fee is payable regardless of the outcome of PaineWebber's opinions
and whether or not the Merger is consummated. Keystone has agreed to indemnify
PaineWebber and its directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling
persons, for certain costs, expenses, losses, claims, damages and liabilities
related to or arising out of its rendering of services under its engagement as
financial advisor.
 
     The Board of Directors of Keystone retained PaineWebber to act as its
advisor based upon PaineWebber's qualifications, experience and expertise.
PaineWebber is an internationally recognized investment banking firm and, as a
customary part of its investment banking business, is engaged in the valuation
of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
negotiated underwritings, private placements and valuations for corporate and
other purposes. PaineWebber may actively trade the equity securities of Keystone
and DeSoto for its own account and for the account of its customers and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.
 
  Opinion of Salomon Brothers, Financial Advisor to DeSoto
 
     DeSoto has retained Salomon Brothers to act as its financial advisor in
connection with the Merger. At the June 13, 1996 meeting of DeSoto's Board of
Directors, Salomon Brothers delivered its oral opinion to the Board of Directors
of DeSoto that, as of that date, the Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of
DeSoto Common Stock from a financial point of view. On the date of this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Salomon Brothers has delivered its written opinion
to the Board of Directors of DeSoto that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange
Ratio was fair to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock from a financial point of
view. No limitations were imposed by the Board of Directors of DeSoto upon
Salomon Brothers with respect to the investigations made or the procedures
followed by Salomon Brothers in rendering its opinions.
 
     The full text of the written opinion of Salomon Brothers dated as of the
date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which sets forth the assumptions
made, matters considered, and limits on the review undertaken by Salomon
Brothers in rendering its opinion, is attached as Appendix C to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. DeSoto stockholders are urged to read the opinion
carefully and in its entirety. Salomon Brothers' opinion addresses only the
fairness of the Exchange Ratio from a financial point of view to the holders of
DeSoto Common Stock as of the date of the opinion, and does not constitute a
recommendation to any stockholder of DeSoto as to how such stockholder should
vote at the DeSoto Meeting. The summary of the opinion of Salomon Brothers set
forth in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of such opinion.
 
     In arriving at its opinions, Salomon Brothers (i) reviewed the
Reorganization Agreement and its related schedules, (ii) reviewed certain
publicly available business and financial information relating to Keystone and
DeSoto, (iii) reviewed certain other information, including financial
projections, provided to Salomon Brothers by Keystone and DeSoto, (iv) reviewed
certain information relating to the defined benefit pension plans of Keystone
and DeSoto, and (v) conducted due diligence discussions with members of senior
management of both Keystone and DeSoto to discuss the past and current
operations and financial condition and prospects of Keystone and DeSoto. Salomon
Brothers also considered such other information, financial studies, analyses,
investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as it deemed
relevant.
 
     In connection with its review, Salomon Brothers did not assume any
responsibility for independently verifying any of the foregoing information and
relied on such information being complete and accurate in all material respects.
With respect to the financial projections, Salomon Brothers assumed that they
had been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the management of Keystone and DeSoto, as the case
may be, as to the future financial performance of Keystone and DeSoto, as the
case may be. Salomon Brothers did not express any opinion with respect to such
projections or the assumptions on which they are based, including assumptions
regarding the effects of any outstanding or potential litigation,
investigations, inquiries or other actions. In connection with its review of the
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   42
 
defined benefit pension plan of DeSoto, Salomon Brothers relied without
independent verification on information provided by actuaries and pension plan
consultants who have been providing services to DeSoto on an ongoing basis. In
addition, Salomon Brothers did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal
of any of the assets of Keystone or of DeSoto, nor was it furnished with any
such appraisals. Each of Salomon Brothers' opinions was necessarily based upon
business, market, economic and other conditions as they existed on, and could be
evaluated as of, the respective dates of such opinions, and did not address
DeSoto's underlying business decision to effect the Merger. Salomon Brothers'
opinions do not imply any conclusion as to the likely trading range for the
Keystone Common Stock following the consummation of the Merger, which may vary
depending on, among other factors, changes in interest rates, dividend rates,
market conditions, general economic conditions and other factors that generally
influence the price of securities.
 
     In connection with its opinions, Salomon Brothers performed certain
financial analyses, which were reviewed with the Board of Directors of DeSoto at
its June 13, 1996 meeting. The following is a summary of these analyses.
 
     Overview of Keystone. Salomon Brothers reviewed the business of Keystone
and its historical financial performance for the years 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994,
and 1995 and its latest twelve months ("LTM") as of March 31, 1996, including
for such periods net sales, percentage growth in net sales, cost of goods sold
("COGS"), COGS as a percentage of revenues, gross profit and gross profit
margins, selling, general and administrative expenses ("SGA") and SGA as a
percentage of revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization ("EBITDA"), EBITDA margins, earnings before interest and taxes
("EBIT"), EBIT margins, net income, capital expenditures, capital expenditures
as a percentage of revenues and of depreciation, free cash flow (net income plus
depreciation less capital expenditures), free cash flow as a percentage of
revenues, total assets, and total net capitalization (stockholders' equity plus
net debt).
 
     Comparison of Keystone to Selected Comparable Companies. Salomon Brothers
compared Keystone to a number of wire rod producers in the United States,
including GS Tech/Georgetown, North Star Steel, Raritan River Steel, American
Steel & Wire (a subsidiary of Birmingham Steel), CF&I, Northwestern Steel &
Wire, Cascade, Atlantic Steel, Connecticut Steel, Charter Steel, Laclede Steel
and Florida Steel. Of these companies, Keystone ranked fourth in terms of wire
rod capacity (after taking into account planned capacity for the other
companies). Salomon Brothers also compared certain financial and stock market
information relating to Keystone and five publicly traded mini-mill and rod and
wire companies (the "Comparable Group"), Birmingham Steel, Insteel Industries,
Laclede Steel, Northwestern Steel & Wire and Oregon Steel. This analysis
indicated that, based on weekly stock price data from June 10, 1994 through June
7, 1996, Keystone Common Stock has slightly outperformed the index of the stocks
of the Comparable Group over the last two years but has underperformed both the
index of the Comparable Group and the Standard & Poors Industrial Average for
the period from January 2, 1995 through June 10, 1996. Salomon Brothers also
compared certain stock market trading statistics for Keystone and the Comparable
Group), the ratio of market price to LTM earnings per share (which was 16.4x in
the case of Keystone and a median of 17.8x for the Comparable Group), the ratio
of market price to earnings per share for 1996 (which was 24.4x in the case of
Keystone and a median of 20.4x for the Comparable Group), the ratio of market
price to estimated 1997 earnings per share (which was 8.0x in the case of
Keystone and a median of 8.1x for the Comparable Group), and estimated five year
growth rates (which was not applicable for Keystone and a median of 11% for the
Comparable Group). Salomon Brothers also reviewed certain company valuation
statistics, including the ratio of "firm value" (the market value of equity plus
book value of debt and minority interests plus liquidation value of preferred
stock less excess cash) to LTM sales (which was 1.3x in the case of Keystone and
a median of .5x for the Comparable Group), the ratio of firm value to LTM EBITDA
as adjusted to reflect non-cash charges for pension and similar liabilities
(which was 9.6x in the case of Keystone and a median of 10.1x for the Comparable
Group), the ratio of firm value to LTM EBIT (which was 10.9x in the case of
Keystone and a median of 18.1x for the Comparable Group), and the ratio of firm
value as adjusted to include employee-related liabilities to LTM EBITDA after
adjusting for non-cash pension and similar liabilities (which was 6.0x in the
case of Keystone and a median of 7.8x for the Comparable Group). Salomon
Brothers compared certain operating performance statistics, including LTM EBITDA
margin (which was 6.5% for Keystone and a median of 7.5% for the Comparable
Group), LTM EBIT margin (which was 2.8% for Keystone and a median
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   43
 
of 3.6% for the Comparable Group), three-year historical sales growth (which was
0.0% for Keystone and a median of 2.7% for the Comparable Group), and three-year
historical EBITDA growth (which was 11.6% for Keystone and a median of 10.5% for
the Comparable Group). Sources of earnings per share estimates were
Institutional Brokers Estimate System and First Call, which are data services
that monitor and publish compilations of earnings estimates produced by selected
research analysts regarding companies of interest to institutional investors.
 
     Comparative Valuation Analysis. Salomon Brothers reviewed aggregate equity
values which could be realized by holders of DeSoto Common Stock pursuant to the
two strategic alternatives available to the Company, the Merger and termination
of DeSoto's pension plan. Salomon Brothers noted that based on the market price
of a share of DeSoto Common Stock on June 10, 1996 of $6.125, the market
capitalization of all DeSoto Common Stock was approximately $28.7 million. As
more fully described below, termination of the pension plan was estimated to
produce an aggregate value of approximately $5.3 million and the Merger would,
under various analyses, result in estimated aggregate values for DeSoto Common
Stock of between $27 million and $35 million, based on certain assumptions.
 
     Valuation of Pension Plan Termination. Salomon Brothers calculated a net
value of between approximately $5 million and $5.5 million for DeSoto Common
Stock in the aggregate as a result of a termination of DeSoto's defined benefit
pension plan. This calculation was based upon a number of assumptions and
estimates, including the establishment of a "qualified replacement plan" to
which 25% of the surplus plan assets would be transferred and to which no value
was assigned in this valuation. Based upon approximately $159 million in plan
assets as of March 31, 1996 and an estimated cost of $81 million purchasing
annuities to satisfy plan obligations and the transfer of $19.5 million to a
qualified replacement plan, approximately $58.5 million of surplus assets would
revert to DeSoto on a pre-tax basis. After use of available net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $20 million and the payment of federal income
taxes at an assumed rate of 35%, federal excise taxes at a rate of 20%, and
state income taxes at a rate of 4%, approximately $31.8 million of the surplus
reversion would remain. After application of these reversionary assets to
satisfy DeSoto's creditors and to redeem the DeSoto Preferred Stock in July
1997, approximately $14.5 million would remain. Salomon Brothers then calculated
a present discounted value of estimated payments DeSoto would be required to
make in respect of continued negative cash flow from DeSoto's operating business
and third party claims and contingent liabilities, including environmental
liabilities, employing weighted average costs of capital of between 14% and 18%
ranging between $9.4 million and $9.0 million. A range of aggregate equity
values between $5.0 and $5.5 million resulted (or between $1.07 and $1.18 per
share of DeSoto Common Stock). The assumptions employed in this analysis are not
necessarily indicative of actual costs and liabilities which would result from
termination of the DeSoto pension plan and, therefore, are not necessarily
indicative of actual values which would be realized by the holders of DeSoto
Common Stock in this situation.
 
     Merger Valuation. Salomon Brothers reviewed the values of the consideration
to be paid to all holders of DeSoto Common Stock in the Merger based upon
"exchange ratio," "public market," and "discounted cash flow" analyses.
 
     Exchange Ratio Analysis. Based upon a market price per share for Keystone
Common Stock on June 10, 1996 of $10, the issuance of an aggregate of 3,500,000
shares of Keystone Common Stock to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock, Salomon
Brothers calculated an aggregate value of $35 million for the Merger. This
represented a 22% premium to the $6.125 per share market price of DeSoto Common
Stock and a 560% premium to the value calculated for the pension plan
termination described above ("Plan Termination Value").
 
     Public Market Analysis. Salomon Brothers analyzed possible trading market
values for shares of Keystone Common Stock following the Merger, after taking
into account the merger of the pension plans of the two companies and assumed
cost savings of $1 million per year. The analysis indicated that as a result of
the Merger earnings per share for Keystone Common Stock would be $.87 for LTM
and 1996, based upon projections of Keystone management as adjusted downward by
Salomon Brothers. (This analysis indicated that the Merger would result in 41.8%
earnings per share accretion for Keystone Common Stock for the LTM.) Based on a
market price per share of Keystone Common Stock of $10 on June 10, 1996, the
price to
 
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<PAGE>   44
 
earnings multiple for Keystone Common Stock was approximately 16.3x for LTM
earnings per share. Based on price to earnings multiples ranging from 10x to
12.5x calculated 1996 earnings per share; Salomon Brothers calculated an
aggregate common equity value for Keystone following the Merger of between $80.4
million and $100.5 million (or an implied per share price for Keystone Common
Stock ranging from $8.75 to $10.93). The share of this equity value allocated to
holders of DeSoto Common Stock in the Merger would be between $30.6 million and
$38.3 million. This would result in a premium to DeSoto's current market
capitalization ranging from 27.5% to 59.4%, and to Plan Termination Value
ranging from 477.7% to 622.1%. In arriving at these estimates of possible
trading values for Keystone Common Stock, Salomon Brothers advised the DeSoto
Board that these estimated ranges of possible trading values were relevant only
to the trading of the stock on a fully distributed basis and after adequate
dissemination of financial and operating information relating to Keystone.
Salomon Brothers advised that trading in Keystone Common Stock for a period
following the Merger could be characterized by a redistribution of such
securities among the stockholders of DeSoto immediately preceding the Merger and
other investors and, accordingly, such securities may be subject to downward
price pressures during this period resulting in trading prices below the
estimated ranges. In addition, in connection with this presentation, Salomon
Brothers advised the DeSoto Board that any estimate of trading ranges is
speculative, and subject to uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are
difficult to predict and beyond the control of Salomon Brothers. Therefore, the
actual trading prices of the Keystone Common Stock may be outside the estimated
range and will depend upon, and fluctuate with, changes in interest rates,
market conditions, the condition and prospects, financial and otherwise, of
Keystone and other factors which generally influence the prices of securities.
 
     Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Salomon Brothers calculated ranges of equity
value for Keystone following the Merger based upon the value, discounted to the
present, of its fiscal year end five-year stream of projected cash flow and
projected fiscal year 2000 terminal values based upon a range of multiples of
projected fiscal year 2000 earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation.
Salomon Brothers applied discount rates ranging from 12% to 14% and multiples
for terminal values ranging from 6x to 8x EBITDA. Based on this analysis,
Salomon Brothers calculated a discounted cash flow value of all Keystone Common
Stock ranging from $70.6 million to $119.8 million. The present value of the
Keystone Common Stock to be received by holders of DeSoto Common Stock in the
Merger would range from $26.8 million to $45.5 million based upon this analysis
(or a range of $7.67 to $13.01 per share of DeSoto Common Stock). This analysis
indicated that the premium of the discounted cash flow value to DeSoto's current
market capitalization ranged from 8% to 43% and the premium to the Plan
Termination Value ranged from 485% to 674%.
 
     In connection with its opinion dated as of the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, Salomon Brothers reviewed the analyses used to render its
June 13, 1996 oral opinion to the DeSoto Board of Directors in order to confirm
that no changes had occurred which would materially impact the opinion.
 
     The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting
portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering
the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes
underlying the opinions of Salomon Brothers. In arriving at its fairness
determination, Salomon Brothers considered the results of all such analyses and
did not assign relative weights to any of the analyses.
 
     The analyses were prepared solely for the purpose of Salomon Brothers
providing its opinions to the DeSoto Board of Directors as to the fairness from
a financial point of view of the Exchange Ratio to holders of DeSoto Common
Stock and do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at
which businesses or securities actually may be sold, which are inherently
subject to uncertainty. Any estimates incorporated in the analyses performed by
Salomon Brothers are not necessarily indicative of actual past or future values
or results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than any such
estimates. No public company utilized as a comparison is identical to Keystone
or the business segment for which a comparison is being made. Accordingly, an
analysis of publicly traded comparable companies is not mathematical; rather it
involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the comparable companies and other
factors that could affect the public trading value of the comparable companies
to which they are being compared. In connection with the analyses, Salomon
Brothers made, and were provided estimates and forecasts by DeSoto and Keystone
management based upon,
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   45
 
numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business and
economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of
Keystone and DeSoto. Similarly, analyses based upon forecasts of future results
are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. Because
such analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous
factors or events beyond the control of DeSoto and Keystone or their respective
advisors, none of Keystone, DeSoto, Salomon Brothers or any other person assumes
responsibility if future results or actual values are materially different from
these forecasts or assumptions. The opinions of Salomon Brothers necessarily
were based on the economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the
information made available to them as of, the dates of their opinions. The
foregoing summary is qualified by reference to the written opinion of Salomon
Brothers set forth in Appendix C to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
     As described above, the opinions and presentation of Salomon Brothers to
the DeSoto Board of Directors were only one of a number of factors taken into
consideration by the DeSoto Board of Directors in making its determination to
approve the Reorganization Agreement. In addition, the terms of the Merger were
determined through negotiations between Keystone and DeSoto and were approved by
the DeSoto Board of Directors. The decision to enter into the Reorganization
Agreement and to accept the Exchange Ratio was solely that of the DeSoto Board
of Directors.
 
     The Board of Directors of DeSoto selected Salomon Brothers to act as its
financial advisor and render a fairness opinion because Salomon Brothers is an
internationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial expertise in
transactions similar to the Merger. As part of its investment banking business,
Salomon Brothers regularly engages in the valuation of business and other
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and for other purposes.
 
     With respect to Salomon Brothers' services as a financial advisor to DeSoto
in connection with the Merger, DeSoto has agreed to pay Salomon Brothers a fee
of $250,000, payable upon the earlier to occur of the consummation of the Merger
or termination of DeSoto's pension plan. This fee is payable regardless of the
outcome of Salomon Brothers' opinions and whether or not the Merger is
consummated. DeSoto also has agreed to reimburse Salomon Brothers for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of its
legal counsel) and to indemnify Salomon Brothers and certain related persons
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities
laws, arising out of its engagement.
 
     In the ordinary course of its business, Salomon Brothers may actively trade
in the securities of Keystone and DeSoto for its own account and for the
accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short
position in such securities.
 
                          THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS
 
     Under the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone and DeSoto made a number of
representations regarding their respective capital structures, operations,
financial conditions and other matters. Each party agreed as to itself and its
subsidiaries that until consummation of the Merger or the earlier termination of
the Reorganization Agreement, it will, among other things, conduct its business
and maintain its business relationships in the ordinary and usual course, and
use its best efforts to consummate the Merger. DeSoto has agreed not to solicit,
engage in discussions, negotiate with any person or facilitate the efforts of
any person other than Keystone relating to an Alternative Acquisition, except
that DeSoto's Board of Directors may provide information to and engage in
negotiations with a third party regarding an Alternative Acquisition if (i) the
Board of Directors of DeSoto receives a Superior Proposal; (ii) the Board of
Directors of DeSoto determines, based on the advice of its investment bankers,
that such third party is financially capable of consummating such Superior
Proposal; (iii) the Board of Directors of DeSoto shall have determined, after
consultation with outside legal counsel, that the fiduciary duties of the Board
require DeSoto to furnish information to and negotiate with such third party;
and (iv) at least two (2) business days prior thereto, Keystone shall have been
notified in writing of such Superior Proposal, including all of its terms and
conditions
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   46
 
and the foregoing determination by the Board of Directors of DeSoto, and shall
have been given copies of such proposal. DeSoto shall not be entitled to enter
into an agreement concerning an Alternative Acquisition for a period of not less
than forty-eight hours after Keystone's receipt of a copy of such proposal and
certain other information.
 
     Keystone has agreed, if the Merger is consummated, to indemnify the current
officers and directors of DeSoto with respect to any claim or liability arising
out of or pertaining to any act or omission occurring prior to the Effective
Time to the fullest extent that DeSoto could have done so on June 26, 1996.
Keystone has further agreed, for a period of six (6) years following the
Effective Time, to cause DeSoto to maintain indemnification and limitation of
liability provisions. Keystone has also agreed to (i) provide director and
officer insurance coverage, at a cost not to exceed $150,000, for the current
directors and officers of DeSoto for one year after the Effective Time for
claims made against such directors and officers relating to matters occurring
prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) provide, after the Effective Time,
director and officer insurance coverage to Keystone directors comparable to the
coverage maintained by DeSoto at the Effective Time, to the extent such coverage
may be obtainable at a comparable cost.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
     In addition to the requirement that Keystone stockholders approve the
issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement and
DeSoto stockholders approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement, the
consummation of the Merger is subject to a number of other conditions which, if
not satisfied or waived, would cause the Merger not to be consummated and the
Reorganization Agreement to be terminated. Each party's obligation to consummate
the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things, (i) the accuracy of the
other party's representations, (ii) each party's performance of its obligations
under the Reorganization Agreement, (iii) the absence of a material adverse
change in the condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets,
liabilities, businesses, or results of operations of the other party and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iv) the PBGC raising Keystone's borrowing
restrictions to an amount reasonably expected to enable Keystone to perform its
obligations under the Reorganization Agreement, (v) availability to Keystone of
sufficient financing in order to effect the Merger and to satisfy its
obligations and those of the surviving corporation in the Merger, (vi) receipt
of opinions of counsel in respect of certain federal income tax consequences of
the Merger, (vii) receipt of opinions dated one business day before the closing
of the Merger from the financial advisors to each of Keystone and DeSoto as to
the fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration to be paid by
Keystone and received by DeSoto stockholders, (viii) the absence of legal action
preventing consummation of the Merger, and (ix) the receipt of other documents,
including necessary consents of third parties (including governmental agencies).
 
     Keystone's obligation to consummate the Merger is further conditioned upon,
among other things, (i) the consent by DeSoto's trade creditors to the term of
repayment contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement and (ii) the resolution
on terms satisfactory to Keystone of certain claims arising from DeSoto's
acquisition of J.L. Prescott Company.
 
     DeSoto's obligation to consummate the Merger is further conditioned upon,
among other things (i) approval for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
notice of issuance, of the shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger, and (ii) the Board of Directors of Keystone taking appropriate
action to increase the number of directors comprising Keystone's full Board of
Directors from seven to nine, and to cause William Spier and William P. Lyons to
be directors of Keystone upon the effectiveness of the Merger. At any time on or
prior to the Merger, to the extent legally allowed, Keystone or DeSoto, without
approval of the stockholders of such respective companies, may waive compliance
with any of the agreements or satisfaction of any of the conditions contained in
the Reorganization Agreement for the benefit of that company.
 
HSR ACT
 
     Transactions such as the Merger are reviewed by the Department of Justice
and the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") to determine whether they comply
with applicable antitrust laws. Under the
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   47
 
provisions of the HSR Act, the Merger may not be consummated until such time as
certain information has been furnished to the Department of Justice and the FTC
and the specified waiting period requirements of the HSR Act have been
satisfied. Notification reports were filed by Keystone and DeSoto with the
Department of Justice and the FTC under the HSR Act on July 22, 1996, and
termination of the specified waiting period requirements of the HSR Act was
granted on August 2, 1996.
 
     At any time before or after the Effective Time of the Merger, the
Department of Justice, the FTC, state attorneys general or a private person or
entity could challenge the Merger under the antitrust laws and seek, among other
things, to enjoin the Merger or to cause Keystone to divest itself, in whole or
in part, of DeSoto. Based on information available to them, Keystone and DeSoto
believe that the Merger will not violate federal or state antitrust laws.
However, there can be no assurance that a challenge to the Merger on antitrust
grounds will not be made or that, if such a challenge is made, Keystone and
DeSoto would prevail or would not be required to accept certain conditions,
possibly including certain divestitures or hold-separate agreements in order to
consummate the Merger.
 
     Keystone and DeSoto are aware of no other governmental or regulatory
approvals required for consummation of the Merger, other than compliance with
applicable securities and "blue sky" laws of the various states.
 
RELATED AGREEMENTS; INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS ACTED UPON
 
     In considering the recommendations of the Boards of Directors of Keystone
and DeSoto with respect to the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger,
stockholders of Keystone and DeSoto should be aware that certain affiliates and
members of management of Keystone and DeSoto have interests in the Merger in
addition to the interests of holders of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common
Stock generally. See "Risk Factors -- Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger."
 
  Warrant Conversion Agreement
 
     Pursuant to the Warrant Conversion Agreement, upon consummation of the
Merger, one-half of the DeSoto Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000
shares of DeSoto Common Stock will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of
the DeSoto Warrants will be converted into warrants to purchase 447,900 shares
of Keystone Common Stock (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject
to the remaining DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an
exercise price of approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price
of a DeSoto Warrant divided by the Exchange Ratio).
 
  Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement
 
     The Warrant and Preferred Stockholders have entered into a Preferred
Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement with Keystone, pursuant to which they
agreed their DeSoto Preferred Stock will be converted in the Merger into
Keystone Preferred Stock (at the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Preferred
Stock for each share of DeSoto Preferred Stock) and cash in an amount equal to
accrued and unpaid dividends on the DeSoto Preferred Stock (which, as of the
Effective Time, will aggregate approximately $1.7 million), and that they will
waive their right to require redemption of the DeSoto Preferred Stock as a
result of the consummation of the Merger. The Warrant and Preferred Stockholders
have agreed to (i) waive any appraisal rights such owner may have under the DGCL
as a result of the Merger, and (ii) vote their shares of DeSoto Common Stock and
DeSoto Preferred Stock in favor of approval and adoption of the Reorganization
Agreement.
 
  Stockholders Agreement
 
     At the time the Reorganization Agreement was entered into, Keystone, the
Warrant and Preferred Stockholders, DeSoto and Contran entered into a
Stockholders Agreement pursuant to which (i) Keystone agreed to assume from
DeSoto certain registration rights currently held by the Warrant and Preferred
Stockholders as they relate to Keystone Common Stock to be acquired by such
persons in the Merger, and (ii) Keystone granted to Contran and its affiliates
the same rights as Keystone had assumed with respect to
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   48
 
the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders. These rights provide that the Warrant
and Preferred Stockholders and Contran and certain of its affiliates,
respectively, each will have the right to (i) require two registrations of
Keystone Common Stock held by such party on an appropriate registration
statement, with the expenses for the first such registration by the respective
parties being paid by Keystone, and (ii) include for resale shares of Keystone
Common Stock held by such party in a registration statement prepared by
Keystone, to the extent such included shares would not adversely affect any
securities offering by Keystone. Keystone also agreed not to grant any party
rights superior to those being granted to the parties to the Stockholders
Agreement.
 
  Severance Arrangements
 
     DeSoto has agreements with four employees relating to a change in control
of DeSoto, including the Merger, and severance. Pursuant to one of these
agreements, Anne Eisele, President and Chief Financial Officer of DeSoto, will
receive her salary, currently $160,000 annually, and continued medical, dental
and insurance benefits for a period of two (2) years if, after a change of
control, her employment is terminated under certain circumstances, and any such
payments to Ms. Eisele would be in lieu of other severance payments. Under
another of these contracts, Fred Flaxmayer, Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer of DeSoto, is entitled to receive a $50,000 bonus within thirty (30)
days of a change of control of DeSoto and, if his employment is terminated under
certain circumstances, within one (1) year of a change of control, Mr. Flaxmayer
will receive severance payments equal to nine (9) months of his annual salary of
$90,000 and payments under DeSoto's normal severance policy. Two other employees
of DeSoto have agreements providing for the payment of bonuses aggregating
$60,000 within thirty days of a change of control of DeSoto and, if their
employment is terminated under certain circumstances within one year of a change
in control, severance payments aggregating approximately $70,000. Accordingly,
the maximum amount payable pursuant to these four agreements is approximately
$590,000.
 
  Voting Agreements
 
     The Warrant and Preferred Stockholders and Anders U. Schroeder,
collectively the owners of 596,989 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and 583,333
shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock, representing approximately twenty two percent
(22%) of DeSoto's outstanding voting stock, have entered into an agreement with
Keystone; and Contran, the direct owner of 3,161,733 shares of Keystone Common
Stock, representing approximately fifty six percent (56%) of Keystone's
outstanding voting stock, has entered into an agreement with DeSoto, pursuant to
which such stockholders have agreed they will (i) vote their shares in favor of
approval of the issuance of shares pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, in
the case of Contran, or in favor of approval and adoption of the Reorganization
Agreement, in the case of the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders and Mr.
Schroeder, and (ii) not transfer any of their shares of Keystone Common Stock or
DeSoto Common Stock or DeSoto Preferred Stock, as the case may be, subject to
certain exceptions.
 
  Options
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, DeSoto Options will be assumed by Keystone
and converted into options to acquire shares of Keystone Common Stock, See "The
Merger and Related Transactions -- General -- Assumption of Options and
Conversion of Warrants." Prior to the Merger, the terms of the DeSoto Options
will be amended to permit the exercise of the DeSoto Options until the second
anniversary of the Effective Time. Currently, the DeSoto Options generally
expire 90 days after termination of employment with DeSoto. Pursuant to the
Reorganization Agreement, the converted DeSoto Options will be registered under
the Securities Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-8. As of August 21,
1996, directors and officers held DeSoto Options to purchase an aggregate of
125,800 shares of DeSoto Common Stock.
 
AMENDMENT OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be amended by Keystone or DeSoto at any
time before or after approval of the issuance of shares in connection with the
Merger or the Reorganization Agreement, as the case may be, by the stockholders
of Keystone and DeSoto, except that, after such stockholder approval, no
amendment may be made which by law requires the further approval of such
stockholders without obtaining
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   49
 
such approval. In the event the parties desire to enter into an amendment to the
Reorganization Agreement that materially alters the terms of the Merger, the
parties will circulate an Amended Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to solicit
stockholder approval.
 
TERMINATION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of both
parties or by either party (i) as a result of a breach by the other party of a
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Reorganization
Agreement, or if any representation of the other party becomes untrue, in either
case which has or can reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
(as defined in the Reorganization Agreement) and which the other party fails to
cure prior to the closing of the Merger (except that no cure period is provided
for a breach which by its nature cannot be cured); (ii) if the required
approvals of the stockholders of Keystone or DeSoto are not obtained by reason
of the failure to obtain the required vote; (iii) if all the conditions for
closing the Merger are not satisfied or waived on or before December 31, 1996,
other than as a result of a breach of the Reorganization Agreement by the
terminating party or a breach by any of the principal stockholders or affiliates
of the terminating party; or (iv) if a permanent injunction or other order by a
federal or state court which would make illegal or otherwise restrain or
prohibit the consummation of the Merger is issued and has become final and
nonappealable.
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by Keystone if prior to
consummation of the Merger, DeSoto enters into an agreement with respect to an
Alternative Acquisition. The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by
DeSoto if, prior to the consummation of the Merger, DeSoto receives a Superior
Proposal and there occurs a Superior Proposal Termination.
 
BREAKUP FEES
 
     The Reorganization Agreement provides for the payment of the Breakup Fee of
$1 million by DeSoto to Keystone if (i) the Reorganization Agreement is
terminated by Keystone where DeSoto has entered into an agreement with respect
to an Alternative Acquisition; (ii) the stockholders of DeSoto fail to approve
the Merger at a time when there is pending a proposal with respect to an
Alternative Acquisition; (iii) without the occurrence of a Keystone material
adverse change, the Board of Directors of DeSoto shall have failed to submit the
Merger to its stockholders for approval as required by, and in accordance with,
the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, or (iv) there occurs a Superior
Proposal Termination by DeSoto. The Breakup Fee is payable by Keystone to DeSoto
if, without a DeSoto material adverse change, the Board of Directors of Keystone
fails to hold a stockholders' meeting to vote on approval of the issuance of
Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement as required by,
and in accordance with the terms of, the Reorganization Agreement. Payment of
the Breakup Fee shall not be in lieu of damages incurred in the event of breach
of the Reorganization Agreement, and neither party shall be entitled to receive
the Breakup Fee if it shall have committed a material breach of the
Reorganization Agreement.
 
KEYSTONE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
 
     Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone is obligated to cause
DeSoto to pay approximately $6.5 million to certain of its trade creditors who
are parties to a trade composition agreement with DeSoto, as soon as practicable
after the Effective Time, and an additional approximately $1.5 million to such
trade creditors within one year of the Effective Time. Additionally, pursuant to
the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement, Keystone is obligated,
at the Effective Time, to pay to the holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock all
unpaid dividend arrearage, which will then amount to approximately $1.7 million.
 
     As a result of these and other transactions related to the Merger, Keystone
will require additional funding from its primary lender. In order to obtain such
additional funds, Keystone has received the PBGC's consent and Keystone's
primary lender's commitment to increase Keystone's allowable borrowings by $20
million upon consummation of the Merger and the merger of the Keystone defined
benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan. The
PBGC's consent was necessary due to Keystone's prior agreements with the PBGC
whereby the PBGC and Keystone agreed to certain borrowing restrictions.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   50
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
 
     The following discussion summarizes the material federal income tax
considerations relevant to the exchange of DeSoto Common Stock for Keystone
Common Stock pursuant to the Merger. This summary is based upon opinions of
counsel delivered by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson and Godwin &
Carlton, P.C. which are included as Exhibits to the Registration Statement of
which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part (the "Tax Opinions") that
the Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a "Reorganization").
 
     DeSoto stockholders should be aware this discussion does not deal with all
federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to particular
stockholders of DeSoto subject to special treatment under certain federal income
tax laws, such as stockholders who are banks, insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, dealers in securities, or non-United States persons, and persons
who do not hold their DeSoto Common Stock as capital assets, or who acquired
their shares in connection with stock options or stock purchase plans or in
other compensatory transactions. In addition, the following discussion does not
address the tax consequences of the Merger under foreign, state or local tax
laws. ACCORDINGLY, DESOTO STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE
APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE
MERGER IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE EFFECT OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE
IN THE TAX LAWS.
 
     Subject to the limitations and qualifications referred to herein,
qualification of the Merger as a Reorganization will result in the following
federal income tax consequences to the DeSoto Common Stockholders:
 
          (a) No gain or loss will be recognized by holders of DeSoto Common
     Stock upon the receipt of Keystone Common Stock in exchange for DeSoto
     Common Stock pursuant to the Merger (except to the extent of cash received
     in lieu of a fractional share of Keystone Common Stock);
 
          (b) The aggregate tax basis of the Keystone Common Stock received by
     DeSoto stockholders in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax
     basis of DeSoto Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor, less the tax
     basis, if any, allocated to fractional share interests;
 
          (c) The holding period of the Keystone Common Stock received by DeSoto
     stockholders pursuant to the Merger will include the period for which
     DeSoto Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor was held, provided the
     DeSoto Common Stock is held by the DeSoto stockholders as a capital asset
     at the Effective Time; and
 
          (d) A cash payment received by a holder of DeSoto Common Stock in lieu
     of a fractional share will be treated as if such fractional share had been
     issued to such holder in the Merger and then redeemed by Keystone for the
     cash received. A stockholder of DeSoto receiving such cash will generally
     recognize gain or loss upon such payment, equal to the difference (if any)
     between such stockholder's basis in the fractional share and the amount of
     cash received. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the DeSoto
     Common Stock was held as a capital asset at the Effective Time, and will be
     long-term capital gain or loss if the DeSoto Common Stock was held for more
     than one (1) year.
 
     In addition, the exchange of shares pursuant to the Merger will constitute
a change of ownership with respect to DeSoto, and thereafter, the future
utilization of the net operating losses of DeSoto existing at the Effective Time
may be limited by operation of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.
 
     Neither Keystone nor DeSoto will recognize income, gain or loss as a result
of the consummation of the Merger.
 
     No ruling has been or will be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS") in connection with the Merger. DeSoto stockholders should be aware
the Tax Opinions do not bind the IRS and the IRS is
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   51
 
therefore not precluded from successfully asserting a contrary opinion. The Tax
Opinions are also subject to certain assumptions, and are subject to the truth
and accuracy of certain representations made by Keystone, DeSoto and certain
stockholders of DeSoto regarding, among other things, the presence of a
continuing interest in DeSoto by DeSoto stockholders through their ownership of
Keystone Common Stock following the Merger. If the facts as represented are not
accurate, the Merger may fail to qualify as a Reorganization. In such case, a
DeSoto stockholder would recognize gain or loss equal to the fair market value
of the Keystone Common Stock received, less such stockholder's basis in the
DeSoto shares surrendered. The consummation of the Merger is conditioned on (i)
the receipt by Keystone of a supplementary opinion of Godwin & Carlton, P.C. as
of the Effective Time confirming that the Merger will qualify as a
Reorganization, and (ii) the receipt by DeSoto of a supplementary opinion of
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson as of the Effective Time confirming
that the Merger will qualify as a Reorganization.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     For financial reporting purposes, Keystone will account for the Merger by
the purchase method.
 
AFFILIATES' RESTRICTIONS ON SALE OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK
 
     The approximately 3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued in
the Merger will have been registered under the Securities Act by a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 and the Keystone Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the DeSoto Options assumed by Keystone pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement
is expected to be registered under the Securities Act by a Registration
Statement on Form S-8, thereby allowing those shares to be traded without
restriction by all former holders of DeSoto who (i) are not deemed to be
"affiliates" (as that term is defined in Rule 145 under the Securities Act) of
DeSoto at the time of DeSoto Meeting, and (ii) do not become affiliates of
Keystone after the Merger. The shares of Keystone Preferred Stock and the shares
of Keystone Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Keystone Warrants will
not be registered under the Securities Act and the transferability of such
shares will be restricted by Rule 144 under the Securities Act. DeSoto
stockholders who are identified by DeSoto as its affiliates will be so advised
prior to the Merger.
 
     Sales by affiliates of DeSoto prior to the Merger and affiliates of
Keystone (before and after the Merger) must be made in accordance with Rules 144
or 145, or as otherwise permitted under the Securities Act. The volume
limitations of Rules 144 and 145 should not impose any material limitation on
any DeSoto stockholder who owns less than one percent of Keystone's outstanding
Common Stock after the Merger unless, pursuant to Rule 144, such stockholder's
shares are required to be aggregated with those of other stockholders. Under the
Stockholders' Agreement certain affiliates of DeSoto and related entities have
rights to require Keystone to register shares of Keystone Common Stock they
acquire.
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
     Both Keystone and DeSoto are incorporated in the State of Delaware, and,
accordingly, are governed by the provisions of the DGCL. Pursuant to Section 262
of the DGCL, the holders of DeSoto Common Stock are not entitled to appraisal
rights in connection with the Merger because DeSoto Common Stock is quoted on
the NYSE and such stockholders will receive as consideration in the Merger only
shares of Keystone Common Stock, which shares will be listed on the NYSE upon
the closing of the Merger, and cash in lieu of fractional shares. In addition,
the Keystone stockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262
of the DGCL because Keystone Common Stock is listed on the NYSE and, even though
approval of such stockholders is required for the issuance of Keystone Common
Stock in the Merger, the approval of the stockholders of Keystone is not
required for the Merger itself.
 
     Pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, the holders of the DeSoto Preferred
Stock will be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger.
However, the holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock have agreed to waive their
appraisal rights pursuant to the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent
Agreement. The Reorganization Agreement provides that, as a condition to
consummating the Merger, all terms and
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   52
 
conditions of the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement, including
such waivers, must be in full force and effect.
 
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
 
     As soon as practicable after the Effective Time of the Merger, Keystone
will cause Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. (the "Exchange Agent")
to mail to each stockholder of record of DeSoto Common Stock a letter of
transmittal with instructions to be used by such stockholder in surrendering
certificates which, prior to the Merger, represented shares of DeSoto Common
Stock in exchange for certificates representing shares of Keystone Common Stock.
Letters of transmittal will also be available as soon as practicable after the
Effective Time of the Merger at the offices of the Exchange Agent. After the
Effective Time of the Merger, there will be no further registration of transfers
on the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation of shares of DeSoto
Common Stock or Preferred Stock which were outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time of the Merger. SHARE CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE SURRENDERED FOR
EXCHANGE PRIOR TO APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT AND THE
MERGER BY THE KEYSTONE AND DESOTO STOCKHOLDERS.
 
     Upon the surrender of a DeSoto Common Stock certificate to the Exchange
Agent or to such other agent as may be appointed by Keystone together with a
duly executed letter of transmittal, the holder of such certificate will be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor the number of shares of Keystone Common
Stock to which the holder of DeSoto Common Stock is entitled pursuant to the
provisions of the Reorganization Agreement. In the event of a transfer of
ownership of DeSoto Common Stock which is not registered in the transfer records
of DeSoto, a certificate representing the appropriate number of shares of
Keystone Common Stock may be issued to a transferee if the certificate
representing such DeSoto Common Stock is presented to the Exchange Agent,
accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and
to evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid, along with
a duly executed letter of transmittal.
 
     Until a certificate representing DeSoto Common Stock has been surrendered
to the Exchange Agent, each such certificate will be deemed at any time after
the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender
the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock to which the DeSoto stockholder is
entitled under the Reorganization Agreement. Upon consummation of the Merger,
every share of DeSoto Common Stock will cease to be traded on the NYSE, and
there will be no further market for DeSoto Common Stock.
 
     Pursuant to the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement, the
holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock have agreed to tender their certificates, duly
endorsed, to Keystone at the Effective Time. At such time, Keystone will deliver
to such holders the Keystone Preferred Stock with a legend restricting the
transferability of such stock and such holders will receive a cash payment for
their fractional interests.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   53
 
                     DESCRIPTION OF KEYSTONE CAPITAL STOCK
 
     Keystone is authorized by its Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Keystone Certificate") to issue 12,000,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock and
500,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value, issuable in series.
 
     Designation of Keystone Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement, 440,000 of the 500,000 shares of preferred stock of Keystone will be
designated as Series A Senior Preferred Stock. Keystone may redeem the Keystone
Preferred Stock, in whole or, from time to time in part, at a cash redemption
price equal to the Liquidation Preference (as defined below) (i) at any time
after July 21, 1997, or (ii) at any time if a majority of the Keystone Board of
Directors determines that redemption of the Keystone Preferred Stock is
necessary or appropriate to facilitate the Company's acceptance of a proposal to
acquire all of the Keystone Common Stock and at such time at least two-thirds of
the then outstanding shares of Keystone Preferred Stock are owned by the
original purchasers of such shares. Keystone must redeem the Keystone Preferred
Stock at a cash redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference, to the
maximum extent legally permissible (i) on July 1, 2000; (ii) 30 days after a
change of control of Keystone; or (iii) if, within ten days after the exercise
of any warrants to purchase Keystone Common Stock by any of the Warrant and
Preferred Stockholders, such exercising Warrant and Preferred Stockholders
holding at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares of Keystone
Preferred Stock request redemption at fair market value in writing, provided,
however that Keystone will be required to redeem Keystone Preferred Stock only
to the extent that redemption payments are equal to the aggregate cash proceeds
to Keystone upon the exercise of such warrants.
 
     Liquidation Rights. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of Keystone, no distribution will be made to holders of Keystone Common Stock
until holders of Keystone Preferred Stock have received $8.0375 per share plus
all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not earned or declared (the
"Liquidation Preference"), to the date fixed for liquidation dissolution or
winding up. After satisfaction of the Liquidation Preference, holders of
Keystone Common Stock will be entitled pro rata to all the remaining assets
available for distribution to stockholders and no additional distributions will
be made to the holders of Keystone Preferred Stock.
 
     Dividend Rights. Dividends are payable to holders of Keystone Preferred
Stock quarterly, at the rate of eight percent (8%) of the sum of the Liquidation
Preference of each share of Keystone Preferred Stock. If such dividends are in
arrears for four (4) quarterly periods at any time, dividends for any subsequent
quarterly periods are payable to holders of Keystone Preferred Stock at the rate
of ten percent (10%) of the sum of the Liquidation Preference of each share of
Keystone Preferred Stock, until the dividend arrearage exists for less than four
(4) quarterly periods. Holders of Keystone Common Stock are entitled to receive
dividends when, as and if declared by the Keystone Board of Directors out of
funds legally available therefor.
 
     Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by law or the Keystone
Certificate, holders of Keystone Common Stock and Keystone Preferred Stock are
entitled to one vote in respect of each share of such stock on all matters voted
upon by the stockholders and will vote together as one class. Holders of
Keystone Common Stock and Keystone Preferred Stock are not entitled to
cumulative voting in election of directors. Accordingly, the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of Keystone Common Stock and Keystone
Preferred Stock are entitled to elect all the directors.
 
     If any amount equal to the full accrued dividends for two or more quarterly
dividend periods shall not have been paid to holders of any shares of Keystone
Preferred Stock or any required redemption payments shall not have been paid,
holders of a majority of the Keystone Preferred Stock shall have, in addition to
any other voting rights, the exclusive right, voting separately as a single
class, to elect two additional directors of Keystone.
 
     Miscellaneous. Holders of Keystone Common Stock and Keystone Preferred
Stock are not entitled to preemptive rights. The outstanding shares of Keystone
Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Outstanding shares of Keystone
Common Stock are listed on the NYSE.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   54
 
                            INFORMATION ABOUT DESOTO
 
BUSINESS
 
     DeSoto was incorporated in 1927 under the laws of Delaware. DeSoto's
principal executive offices and its only remaining operating facility are
located at 900 East Washington Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60433.
 
     DeSoto currently operates in one industry segment, the manufacturing and
packaging of household products, primarily powdered and liquid laundry
detergents. Such operations include contract manufacturing and packaging of
household cleaning products. During 1996, DeSoto has operated facilities in
Joliet, Illinois and Union City, California. In April 1996, DeSoto announced the
sale of the domestic business and assets of its laundry detergent manufacturing
and distribution operations at its Union City facility to Star Pacific, Inc.
Star Pacific has subleased the Union City facility from DeSoto.
 
     In July 1995, DeSoto announced the transfer and assignment of various
operations and assets involved in its former Thornton and South Holland,
Illinois businesses to two separate buyers. DeSoto assigned to the buyers the
rights to certain customers with respect to these businesses. Both transactions
also provided for DeSoto to receive royalties and other earn-out opportunities
over a three-year period in one case and over a four-year period in the other
case. The initial proceeds from these transactions were utilized to reduce
DeSoto's debt to its primary secured lender. For additional information, see
Note O of the Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended December 31, 1995.
 
     Customers. DeSoto's sales include private label sales (including control
brands) and contract manufacturing. DeSoto manufactures its products on a make
and ship basis and carries a minimal buffer inventory for its private label
accounts; therefore, finished goods inventory levels are generally relatively
nominal. Generally, DeSoto extends standard industry terms to its customers. As
a result of the 1996 disposition of the Union City operations, DeSoto's current
sales are primarily to Sears. DeSoto expects that, in the foreseeable future,
sales to Sears will represent in excess of 75% of DeSoto's total sales. Although
DeSoto has been a supplier of Sears branded home laundry products for over 30
years, sales are currently conducted on open account and Sears could terminate
its relationship with DeSoto at any time. The loss of Sears as a customer would
have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's current business.
 
     During 1995, DeSoto had four customers that accounted for approximately 55%
of sales; Sears (20%), Kmart (10%), Procter & Gamble (13%) and Benckiser (12%).
As a result of the 1995 and 1996 sales of certain businesses referred to above,
Kmart, Procter & Gamble and Benckiser are no longer customers of DeSoto. In
1994, Sears (16%), Kmart (15%) and Procter & Gamble (10%) accounted for an
aggregate of 41% of DeSoto's sales. In 1993, Sears (14%), Lever Brothers Company
(11%) and Kmart (10%) accounted for an aggregate of 35% of DeSoto's sales.
 
     Distribution. DeSoto's private label and control label products are sold in
retail stores, including mass merchants and service centers. DeSoto primarily
uses its own sales force to sell its products. Products produced under contract
manufacturing agreements are generally distributed under arrangements made by
the purchaser.
 
     Raw Materials. The primary raw materials used in DeSoto's products include
soda ash, surfactants, brighteners and packaging materials. In general, raw
materials and energy supplies have been available to DeSoto in adequate
quantities to meet the needs of its business and DeSoto believes raw materials
and energy supplies will, in general, be available to meet its anticipated
requirements for the foreseeable future.
 
     As part of its quality control program, DeSoto subjects raw materials and
packaging components to quality tests upon purchase. DeSoto products are made to
predetermined specifications with quality tests conducted during production.
 
     Competition. DeSoto faces significant competition in the household
detergent market. DeSoto believes there are 15 major domestic producers of
household detergent, of which the top five are the major national brand
detergent manufacturers who account for approximately 73% of industry sales. The
private label market represents approximately 3% of the household detergent
market and there are also approximately ten major
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   55
 
second tier domestic producers, including DeSoto, that compete within this 3%
portion of the market. Several of these second tier producers also participate
in the contract packaging portion of the industry. DeSoto competes on the basis
of price, service and product quality and believes there is a heavy emphasis on
price in the marketplace. DeSoto believes it has expertise in a broad array of
detergent products and offers experience in contract packaging with major
companies.
 
     Research and Development. During 1996, DeSoto anticipates its expenditures
on Company-sponsored research relating to the development of new products or the
improvement of existing products will be less than the $218,000 expended during
1995.
 
     Patents, Licenses, Franchises and Concessions. In the opinion of DeSoto's
management, no material patents, licenses, franchises or concessions are held by
DeSoto. In addition, DeSoto has no licenses with foreign manufacturers.
 
     Environmental Compliance. DeSoto believes its current operating facilities
are in material compliance with all presently applicable federal, state and
local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Capital expenditures of
DeSoto attributable to compliance with such laws were not material in 1995 and
DeSoto anticipates such expenditures to be not material in 1996. For additional
information regarding accruals relating to environmental compliance with respect
to certain of DeSoto's former operations, see Note I of the Notes to DeSoto's
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
"-- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
     Seasonality. DeSoto does not believe its business is seasonal; however,
promotional activities of its customers can result in increased sales during
specific time frames.
 
     Employees. DeSoto had approximately 60 employees as of June 30, 1996, of
whom approximately 38 are represented by the United Paperworkers International
Union, AFL-CIO and its Local 903 (the "Paperworkers Union") and the District No.
55 of the International Association of Machinists, and Aerospace Workers,
AFL-CIO (the "Machinists Union"). The current collective bargaining agreements
with the Paperworkers Union and the Machinists Union expire in November 1996 and
August 1999, respectively. DeSoto believes its labor relations are satisfactory.
 
PROPERTIES
 
     DeSoto's current manufacturing and warehousing operations are located in a
160,000 square foot facility in Joliet, Illinois. At June 30, 1996,
approximately 61% of this facility was used for warehousing and administrative
purposes. The property is well maintained and in good operating condition. In
general, DeSoto believes the facility is adequate for current production as well
as for a material increase in production.
 
     In 1992, DeSoto sold three of its operating facilities (buildings and land)
to its defined benefit pension plan (the "DeSoto Pension Plan") and entered into
10-year leases by which DeSoto leased the facilities from the DeSoto Pension
Plan. This transaction included DeSoto's facilities in Joliet, Illinois,
Columbus, Georgia, and Union City, California. DeSoto ceased operations at the
Columbus, Georgia plant in March 1994 and the facility has been subleased to an
unrelated third party through September 30, 1997. Since April 1996, the Union
City facility has also been subleased to an unrelated third party. In December
1994, DeSoto sold its operating facility (building and land) in South Holland,
Illinois, to the DeSoto Pension Plan and leased it back. DeSoto ceased
operations at the South Holland, Illinois facility in October 1995. For further
information regarding these transactions, refer to "-- Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note C of the
Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December
31, 1995.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     DeSoto has been identified by governmental regulatory authorities as one of
the parties potentially responsible for the cleanup costs at a number of waste
disposal sites, several of which are on the EPA Superfund priority list. In
addition, damages are being claimed against DeSoto in private actions for
alleged
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   56
 
personal injury or property damage in the case of certain other waste disposal
sites. See also "-- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and Note I of the Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated
Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
     Lundman Development Corporation v. DeSoto, Inc. DeSoto was served with a
summons and complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Wisconsin on September 8, 1994. The complaint alleges, inter alia,
that DeSoto violated the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act ("CERCLA") with respect to property DeSoto once owned in Fredonia,
Wisconsin. DeSoto has denied the allegations in the complaint. Motions for
summary judgment are pending, and a September 1996 trial date has been set.
 
     Ninth Avenue Remedial Group et al v. Allis-Chambers Corporation et
al. DeSoto was named in a complaint filed in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Indiana on December 6, 1994. The complaint alleges
DeSoto and numerous other parties are jointly and severally responsible under
CERCLA for the cleanup and future cleanup of the site. Also, the EPA issued an
administrative order against DeSoto under Section 106(a) of CERCLA demanding
that DeSoto undertake remediation at the Ninth Avenue site. DeSoto has responded
that it intends to comply with all terms of the order. The matter is in the
discovery stage.
 
     United States of America v. Akzo et al. DeSoto was named in a complaint,
dated March 31, 1995, and filed in the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of Michigan. The complaint, filed on behalf of the EPA,
alleges, inter alia, that DeSoto and four other parties are responsible under
Section 107 of CERCLA for costs the EPA incurred at the Metamora Landfill site
in Lapeer, Michigan. The complaint also seeks a declaration under Section 113 of
CERCLA that DeSoto is liable for the EPA's future costs that may be incurred at
this site. Separately, on June 13, 1996, DeSoto was served with a complaint,
also filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Michigan, entitled Foamseal, Inc., et al. v. The Dow Chemical Co., et al., by a
group of firms seeking, inter alia, contribution from DeSoto and numerous other
parties for remediation costs being incurred by the plaintiff firms at the named
site. DeSoto's defense in these actions have been assumed by the company and its
principal shareholder from which DeSoto purchased certain assets of the business
which is alleged to be partially responsible for the alleged contamination at
this site. The former owners of the company have also agreed to indemnify DeSoto
with respect to the claims asserted in the complaints.
 
     DeSoto received a unilateral amended Administrative Order dated March 25,
1996, issued by the EPA under Section 106 of CERCLA, alleging DeSoto is a
potentially responsible party in connection with the Marina Cliffs site in South
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DeSoto presently believes it has no liability for the
claims made relating to the site.
 
     Pennsauken Solid Waste Management Authority v. State of New Jersey DEP, et
al. On or about December 14, 1995, DeSoto was served with an amended complaint
filed in the New Jersey Superior Court, Camden County, alleging, inter alia,
that DeSoto and numerous other parties are jointly and severally responsible for
the disposition of hazardous wastes at the Pennsauken Sanitary Landfill in New
Jersey. An earlier complaint naming DeSoto was dismissed without prejudice.
 
     Gerling-Service Nederland, BV v. DeSoto, Inc. In 1992, a claim was filed
against DeSoto in the Eastern Division of the Danish High Court by an insurance
carrier to a third party, for property damage allegedly incurred when a
fertilizer product manufactured by the third party, containing a chemical sold
to that party by one of DeSoto's discontinued operations, allegedly caused, or
promoted, a fungus infection resulting in failure of certain tomato crops in the
United Kingdom. The damages alleged are approximately $1.4 million. DeSoto's
defense, with a reservation of rights, has been undertaken by one of its
insurance carriers.
 
     In re DeSoto, Inc. Shareholder Litigation. There are several shareholder
actions pending in the Delaware courts relating to various proposals of Sutton
Holding Corp. to acquire DeSoto in the period 1989 to 1991. These actions, all
of which were consolidated, have not been actively pursued and it appears the
case was removed from the court's calendar; however, the plaintiffs recently
served a discovery request upon DeSoto. DeSoto believes these actions are not
material.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   57
 
     DeSoto, Inc. v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. On August 23, 1995,
DeSoto commenced an action in the United States District Court for the District
of New Jersey, seeking contract and declaratory relief with respect to
environmental insurance coverage that DeSoto purchased from Liberty Mutual
Insurance Company. The matter is now in the pre-trial discovery.
 
     Fort Dearborn Lithograph Co. v. DeSoto, Inc. DeSoto was served with a
summons and complaint on July 19, 1995, filed by Fort Dearborn Lithograph Co. in
the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, seeking to collect allegedly unpaid
invoices for goods and services, of approximately $500,000. The final
disposition of this action has been stayed, based on a payment arrangement made
with this creditor.
 
     Liquid Container, L.P. v. DeSoto, Inc. DeSoto was served with a summons and
complaint on December 6, 1995, filed by Liquid Container, L.P. in the Circuit
Court of Cook County, Illinois, claiming breach of contract and damages relating
to a transaction involving, in part, DeSoto's former blow molding operations.
DeSoto has asserted a number of defenses and counterclaims. The action is in the
early stages of pre-trial discovery.
 
     Rooney v. DeSoto, Inc., et al. This action was filed in 1991 in the
District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, by various emergency healthcare
providers against DeSoto, among others, claiming damages for alleged personal
injuries purportedly related to an industrial accident involving a DeSoto
employee at its former facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The case has now been set
for trial in the fall of 1996.
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
 
  Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
     DeSoto continues to experience losses from operations and negative
operating and financing cash flows. As part of a continuing effort to manage its
accounts payable and cash flow requirements, DeSoto, as of January 1996,
executed a Trade Composition Agreement (the "Trade Composition Agreement") with
its trade creditors as represented by a committee of six major trade creditors
and an agent for DeSoto's trade creditors (the "Trade Agent"). The Trade
Composition Agreement includes a form of Standstill Agreement (the "Standstill
Agreement") executed by DeSoto's trade creditors related to accounts payable
existing as of September 22, 1995. Under the Standstill Agreement, if certain
conditions are met, the creditors who are party to such agreement ("Qualified
Trade Creditors") have agreed not to initiate litigation or other efforts to
collect amounts owed to them. As part of the Trade Composition Agreement, DeSoto
initiated the termination of its overfunded defined benefit pension plan to be
effective upon the receipt of appropriate governmental approvals. DeSoto has
agreed to pay each Qualified Trade Creditor the balance owed to that creditor,
plus interest from July 1, 1996, at a rate of 8% per annum, within 10 days of
receipt of the reverted excess DeSoto Pension Plan assets. The Trade Composition
Agreement stipulates DeSoto may suspend efforts to terminate its defined benefit
pension plan if DeSoto enters into a binding agreement for a merger, asset sale
or similar transaction, involving substantially all of DeSoto's assets, if such
binding agreement provides that all Qualified Trade Creditors will be paid in
full. The Trade Composition Agreement provides that upon the receipt (the
"Requisite Consent Amount") by the Trade Agent and DeSoto of executed Standstill
Agreements from trade creditors holding at least 80% in dollar amounts of the
outstanding trade claims as reflected on DeSoto's books and records (other than
amounts owed to Procter & Gamble and Witco Chemical), DeSoto agreed to execute
and deliver a security agreement (the "Security Agreement") granting a security
interest and lien on all of DeSoto's assets to collateralize the obligations of
DeSoto to the Qualified Trade Creditors. As a result of the Reorganization
Agreement, DeSoto is no longer pursuing the pension plan termination. If the
Merger is not consummated, DeSoto will reinstate the pension plan termination
process.
 
     On or about May 9, 1996, under the Trade Composition Agreement, the Trade
Agent and DeSoto received the Requisite Consent Amount and thereafter, DeSoto
and the Trade Agent executed the Security Agreement. The Security Agreement
provides that DeSoto may consummate the transactions contemplated by the
Reorganization Agreement provided that DeSoto provides assurances reasonably
satisfactory to the Trade Agent that the provisions of the Reorganization
Agreement relating to payment of DeSoto's trade creditors will be satisfied. See
"The Reorganization Agreement -- Keystone Financing Agreements."
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   58
 
     As a result of its liquidity problems, DeSoto is currently operating on a
cash on delivery or limited credit basis with respect to purchases of supplies
and raw materials. DeSoto has been able to operate within these constraints and
expects to be able to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. DeSoto
currently has no outstanding secured debt or revolving credit arrangements.
DeSoto also expects to fund operations in 1996 with proceeds from insurance and
other settlements and spot factoring of accounts receivable. The disposition of
businesses during 1995 and 1996 and the resulting shut-down of certain operating
facilities are expected to reduce the cash required to fund remaining operations
in the future.
 
     DeSoto reported negative operating cash flows of approximately $1.2 million
during the first six months of 1996 which was primarily funded by the proceeds
from the sale, in February 1996, of machinery and equipment formerly used at
facilities sold in 1995. The Company has also factored certain accounts
receivable from time to time to address short-term cash requirements. Proceeds
of $4.3 million were received from factoring during the first six months of
1996, of which $1.3 million related to invoices due after June 30, 1996. The
proceeds from the sale of DeSoto's Union City, California facility in April 1996
did not have a material impact on DeSoto's cash flows or financial position. See
also "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Information."
 
     Accounts receivable at June 30, 1996 decreased versus December 31, 1995,
reflecting the fact there were no second quarter sales to Proctor & Gamble (due
to the April 1996 sale of the Union City facility), an increase in the allowance
for doubtful accounts, an offset of accounts receivable and payable relative to
certain parties who were both debtors and creditors of DeSoto, and an increase
in the level of factored receivables. The trade receivables are net of the
factored accounts receivable as discussed above.
 
     Lower inventory levels at June 30, 1996 verses December 31, 1995 reflect
DeSoto's efforts to manage its cash flow, as well as the impact of the Union
City disposition discussed above.
 
     The decline in property, plant and equipment during the first six months of
1996 reflects the sale of machinery and equipment in February 1996 as discussed
above and the sale of the machinery and equipment at the Union City facility in
April 1996. The balance of the reduction in property, plant and equipment
represents depreciation.
 
     The reduction in non-current assets during the first six months of 1996
reflects reclassification of certain amounts to current as well as a reserve
against certain assets due to questions with respect to realizability.
 
     The reduction in trade payables at June 30, 1996 as compared to December
31, 1995, reflects continued cost control efforts as well as an offset of
accounts receivable and payable relative to certain parties who were both
debtors and creditors of DeSoto. Reserves and liabilities related to
restructuring programs increased during the first six months of 1996 due to
provisions for expenses related to the disposition of the Union City, California
operations. Significant components of this accrual include the write-down of
property, plant and equipment to net realizable value, future rental commitments
on a leased warehouse and severance pay.
 
     Cash flows from operations in 1995 were a positive $1 million and included
cash proceeds of $6.1 million from insurance settlements related to the cost of
cleanup at certain hazardous waste sites. Cash flows from operations also
reflects the impact of no longer carrying receivables or inventory related to
the businesses sold during 1995.
 
     Accounts receivable at December 31, 1995, when compared to December 31,
1994, also reflects a reduction in trade accounts receivable due to the impact
of reduced sales resulting in part from the business dispositions. Inventory
levels have declined during the same time period due in part to lower
requirements stemming from the lower sales levels as well as the continued
impact of a product rationalization/inventory control program.
 
     The decline in DeSoto's property, plant and equipment during 1995 reflects
the 1995 business dispositions, the sale of equipment no longer used in
operations as well as the write-down to net realizable value of property, plant
and equipment at DeSoto's former South Holland facility. In addition, the excess
of depreciation over capital expenditures in 1995 contributed to the overall
reduction in net property, plant and equipment.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   59
 
     The decline in other noncurrent assets during 1995 was due primarily to the
third quarter write-off of approximately $3.3 million of goodwill related to the
businesses sold by DeSoto during 1995. This write-off of goodwill was partially
offset by a minimum long-term royalty receivable of $1.5 million recorded as
part of the sale of the businesses.
 
     Reserves and liabilities related to restructuring programs increased during
1995 primarily due to provisions for expenses related to the disposition, and
related shutdown, of DeSoto's South Holland facility. Significant components of
this accrual include future rental payments to the DeSoto Pension Plan and
future real estate taxes on the property.
 
     DeSoto has been identified by governmental regulatory authorities as one of
the parties potentially responsible for the cleanup costs at a number of waste
disposal sites and for certain alleged contamination. In addition, damages are
being claimed against DeSoto in private actions for alleged personal injury or
property damages in the case of some of the waste disposal sites. Accruals have
been made for the estimated costs of DeSoto's expected resulting liability.
These estimates are subject to numerous variables, the effects of which are
difficult to measure, including the stage of the investigations, the nature of
potential remedies, the joint and several liability with other potentially
responsible parties and other issues. Accordingly, these waste site accruals
represent DeSoto's best estimate of its potential exposure. It is the opinion of
DeSoto's management, after evaluating the variables discussed above, as well as
the anticipated time frame for remediation, that the resolution of environmental
liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's financial
position, results of operations or liquidity. Of the $2 million accrued as a
current liability at June 30, 1996 for waste site cleanup, $755,000 is fully
funded by a trust fund which is included in restricted short-term investments in
DeSoto's balance sheet. This fund was established in 1990 as part of the sale of
specific discontinued operations of DeSoto and may be accessed by DeSoto and, in
certain circumstances, a certain purchaser of the discontinued operations. In
1995, DeSoto paid out approximately $2.3 million on waste site related
liabilities, excluding legal and administrative costs; and of this amount, $1.1
million and $29,000 was disbursed, respectively, from the trust fund and
restricted cash account discussed above. Based upon currently available
information, DeSoto's management is unable to determine the timing of future
payments for that portion of the waste site liability which has been classified
as long-term. For additional information regarding DeSoto's waste site cleanup
liability, refer to Note I of the Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated Financial
Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
  Results of Operations
 
     Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 Versus Six Months Ended June 30, 1995.
DeSoto's net revenues for the first six months of 1996 were $9.5 million versus
$35.2 million in the comparable 1995 period. Results of operations for the 1995
six-month period include DeSoto's former Thornton and South Holland businesses
which were sold in July 1995 and the Union City business sold in April 1996. The
disposed businesses accounted for approximately $26.9 million of net revenues in
the first six months of 1995 and $2 million of net revenues in the first six
months of 1996. Excluding sales of the disposed businesses, net revenues in the
first half of 1996 were $7.5 million, down 10% from $8.3 million in the first
half of 1995, primarily as a result of lower sales levels to customers other
than Sears.
 
     Gross profit for the 1996 six month period was $1.1 million versus a loss
in 1995 of $574,000. The change in customer mix resulting from the sales of
certain businesses referred to above contributed to the 1996 increase in gross
profit.
 
     Sales to Sears in the first six months of 1996 were slightly higher than
the same period of 1995 as volume increases in the first quarter of 1996 were
largely offset by a decline in selling prices. Contract packaging revenues
declined in the first six months of 1996 versus the 1995 comparable period
largely due to a change in the manner of doing business with Procter & Gamble.
The Procter & Gamble business in 1995 included packaging materials that had been
purchased by DeSoto on behalf of Procter & Gamble. However, in 1996 the
packaging materials were furnished by Procter & Gamble which resulted in a
corresponding decrease in revenues and cost of sales. A temporary change in
Procter & Gamble's purchasing pattern during the first quarter of 1996 resulted
in increased volume and gross profit during the first six months of 1996, as
compared
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   60
 
to the comparable 1995 period, at DeSoto's Union City facility. Sales by DeSoto
to Procter & Gamble were discontinued as of April 1996 upon disposition of the
Union City facility.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.7 million in the first
six months of 1996 versus $5.7 million in the comparable 1995 period. This
decrease primarily reflects the disposition of the Thornton, South Holland and
Union City businesses.
 
     Nonrecurring expense in the first six months of 1996 amounted to $1.6
million and primarily reflects provisions in the first quarter of 1996 for
expenses related to the disposition of the Union City facility. Significant
components of the provisions include the write-down of fixed assets to net
realizable value, future rental commitments on a leased warehouse and severance
pay.
 
     Interest expense in the first six months of 1995 related to borrowings
repaid in September 1995 when DeSoto's credit facility with its primary secured
lender was terminated. Nonoperating expense for the first six months of 1996 of
$1.2 million represents the provision for an allowance against certain
receivables related to disposed businesses. The nonoperating income in the
comparable 1995 period primarily resulted from approximately $6.1 million in
insurance settlements and royalty income of $244,000 related to technology sold
by DeSoto in 1990.
 
     1995 versus 1994. Results of operations for 1995 reflect the disposition of
DeSoto's Thornton and South Holland, Illinois businesses in July 1995. These
businesses accounted for approximately $27.2 million of net revenues in 1995
versus $51.7 million of net revenues during 1994.
 
     Overall net revenues in 1995 decreased approximately 40% versus the prior
year. Net revenues from the continuing business in 1995 (excluding the 1995
business dispositions) decreased approximately 29% from 1994. This decline can
be attributed largely to a decrease in sales to two customers: Sears and Lever.
Sales to Sears in 1995 were approximately $3.5 million lower than the previous
year; a decrease of approximately 25%. This decline was partially attributable
to promotional activity in 1994 as well as competitive pressures that had a
negative impact on sales in general. Sales to Lever in 1994 included
approximately $2.0 million of sales of autodish gel and concentrated fabric
softener and $1.3 million of sales of fabric softener sheets. Lever transferred
this business out of DeSoto during the second and third quarters of 1994 and
DeSoto no longer manufactures either product.
 
     Sales to Kmart in 1995 were approximately $8.2 million lower than sales in
1994. Sales were made to Kmart as part of the businesses which were sold in July
of 1995. Approximately $3.4 million of the decline in sales to Kmart occurred
before the disposition of these businesses.
 
     The 1995 decline in gross profit from the 1994 level resulted from pricing
pressures, changes in product and customer mix, reduced volume, increased
packaging costs and unrecovered fixed costs at certain of DeSoto's operating
facilities. In addition, DeSoto continued to manufacture products through
October 1995 for the buyer of one of the businesses it sold in 1995. These
products were sold to the buyer at prices that approximated cost.
 
     Selling, general and administrative costs declined approximately 15% in
1995 versus 1994. This decline reflects the elimination of administrative
personnel subsequent to the business dispositions in 1995 as well as continued
cost containment efforts. Selling, general and administrative expenses in 1994
also included the operation of DeSoto facilities in Columbus, Georgia, which
closed in March 1994, and Stone Mountain, Georgia, which closed in July 1994.
 
     Nonrecurring expense in 1995 included a net loss on the sale of the
Thornton and South Holland, Illinois businesses (including the write-off of
related goodwill of $3.3 million) and a $3.1 million provision for costs
associated with the resulting closure of operating facilities due to these
dispositions.
 
     Interest expense in 1995 related to borrowings repaid in September 1995
when DeSoto's credit facility with its primary secured lender was terminated.
Nonoperating income in 1995 included approximately $6.1 million from insurance
settlements and approximately $244,000 of royalty income related to technology
sold by DeSoto in 1990.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   61
 
     1994 Versus 1993. In 1994, DeSoto's net revenues decreased approximately
14% from 1993. This decrease was primarily the result of lower sales to Lever
and the loss of a customer to which DeSoto made $5 million in sales during 1993.
Other losses of existing business and gains of new business for the most part
offset each other. The 1993 revenues also included approximately $3.1 million in
sales related to a former business of DeSoto, the assets and business of which
were sold in December 1993. Sales to Lever declined approximately $7 million
versus 1993 as a result of Lever transferring its autodish gel business to one
of Lever's own production facilities and its fabric sheet business to another
company during 1994.
 
     The 1994 decline in gross profit as compared to 1993 was attributable to
changes in customer and product mix. Competitive pricing pressures in the
marketplace depressed pricing. New business obtained in 1994 was, in most cases,
at a lower gross profit than the lost business it replaced. There was also
continued pressure to participate in advertising and promotional support of
various customers resulting in a negative impact on gross profit.
 
     Selling, general, and administrative costs in 1994 were reduced
significantly from 1993 levels. Approximately $1.2 million of this reduction
related to the fact that 1993 results included an entire year of expenses
related to the former business of DeSoto which was sold in December 1993. The
shutdown of DeSoto's Columbus and Stone Mountain, Georgia facilities also
resulted in a reduction in selling, general and administrative costs of
approximately $500,000 in 1994. The disposition of DeSoto's former headquarters
facility in 1993 resulted in the elimination of approximately $750,000 in
carrying costs in 1993. In 1993 there was a significant reduction in legal fees
and outside professional fees resulting from the settlement of various
outstanding legal matters and reflected DeSoto's continued focus on cost control
and containment across all functions of DeSoto.
 
     Nonoperating income in 1994 included the settlement of arbitration related
to a portion of a business sold in 1990. Other components of nonoperating income
included a settlement related to fees paid for professional services and royalty
income related to technology sold by DeSoto in 1990.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   62
 
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
 
     The following table sets forth certain information as of July 31, 1996
(except as otherwise indicated) regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of
voting stock of DeSoto held by (i) directors, (ii) each person or entity known
to DeSoto who beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding DeSoto Common
Stock or DeSoto Preferred Stock, (iii) the officers of DeSoto, and (iv) all
directors and officers of DeSoto as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each
person or entity has sole voting and investment power of the shares listed. For
purposes of this table, shares which are not outstanding but which are subject
to DeSoto Options or DeSoto Warrants are deemed to be outstanding for purposes
of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of the class owned by the
holder of the DeSoto Options or DeSoto Warrants but are not deemed to be
outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class owned by
other persons.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            COMBINED
                                                                                                          OWNERSHIP OF
                                                                                                             DESOTO
                                 AMOUNT AND                                                                COMMON AND
                                 NATURE OF           APPROXIMATE       AMOUNT AND                        PREFERRED STOCK
                                 BENEFICIAL         PERCENTAGE OF      NATURE OF         APPROXIMATE
      NAME OF INDIVIDUAL        OWNERSHIP OF         OUTSTANDING       BENEFICIAL        PERCENT OF        APPROXIMATE
           OR ENTITY               DESOTO              DESOTO         OWNERSHIP OF       OUTSTANDING     PERCENT OF ALL
           OR NUMBER            COMMON STOCK           COMMON       DESOTO PREFERRED       DESOTO            DESOTO
           IN GROUP             (SHARES)(1)             STOCK        STOCK (SHARES)    PREFERRED STOCK    VOTING STOCK
- ------------------------------- ------------        -------------   ----------------   ---------------   ---------------
<S>                             <C>                 <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>
Sutton Holding Corp.(2)........   1,797,089(3)          30.5%            583,333(4)         100.0%             36.8%(5)
William Spier..................     809,840(6)          15.4%            259,259(7)          44.4%             18.3%
Anders U. Schroeder............     639,470(8)          12.5%            194,444(9)          33.3%             14.6%
The Gabelli Group..............     512,600(10)         10.9%                  0                0               9.7%
Pioneering Management Corp.....     459,400(11)          9.8%                  0                0               8.7%
LL Capital Partners, L.P.......     276,700(12)          5.9%                  0                0               5.2%
Narragansett First Fund........     261,388(13)          5.6%                  0                0               5.0%
Dimensional Fund Advisors                                                                         
  Inc..........................     242,300(14)          5.2%                  0                0               4.6%
Anne E. Eisele.................      36,374(15)         *                      0                0                *
William P. Lyons...............      30,000(16)         *                      0                0                *
Daniel T. Carroll..............       8,500(17)         *                      0                0                *
David M. Tobey.................       8,000(18)         *                      0(19)            0                *  (20)
Paul E. Price..................       5,200(21)         *                      0                0                *
All directors and officers as a
  group (9 persons)............   1,969,087(22)         32.7%            583,333              100%             38.6%(22)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
  *  Denotes less than 1%
 
 (1) The information under this caption is based on representations made to
     DeSoto by individual directors and/or filings made with the Commission.
 
 (2) Sutton Holding Corp., a New York corporation ("Sutton"), is part of a group
     filing a joint Schedule 13D with respect to ownership of shares of DeSoto
     Common Stock that includes Anders U. Schroeder, an affiliate of William
     Spier, and parties having a business relationship with David Tobey. Sutton
     is owned by Asgard Ltd. (an affiliate of Anders U. Schroeder) ("Asgard"),
     Parkway M&A Capital Corporation ("Parkway"), M&A Investment Pte Ltd ("M&A")
     (entities having a business relationship with David Tobey), and an
     individual having no other relationship with DeSoto. Messrs. Spier,
     Schroeder and Tobey are directors and officers of Sutton. Sutton's address
     is 101 East 52nd Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10022. As a result
     of a recent agreement, Mr. Schroeder, Asgard, Parkway and M&A have ceased
     to be a part of the group filing the joint Schedule 13D.
 
 (3) Sutton is the record owner of 100 shares of DeSoto Common Stock. The stock
     ownership reported in the table for Sutton also includes the stock
     ownership of the other parties to the Schedule 13D referred to in Note 2 as
     follows: Coatings Group, Inc. ("Coatings Group") beneficially owns 779,840
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock, of which 246,507 shares are currently
     outstanding and 533,333 shares are issuable upon DeSoto Warrants
     beneficially owned by Coatings Group; Anders U. Schroeder and an affiliated
     entity beneficially own 618,970 shares of DeSoto Common Stock, of which
     218,970 shares are currently outstanding and 400,000 are issuable upon the
     exercise of DeSoto Warrants beneficially owned by the affiliate of Mr.
     Schroeder (DeSoto Options granted to Mr. Schroeder pursuant to the DeSoto
     1992 Stock Plan have not been included in the foregoing or in the ownership
     for Sutton reported in the
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   63
 
     table); Parkway beneficially owns 350,811 shares of DeSoto Common Stock, of
     which 84,144 are currently outstanding and 266,667 are issuable upon
     exercise of DeSoto Warrants beneficially owned by Parkway; and M&A
     beneficially owns 47,368 shares of DeSoto Common Stock, all of which are
     currently outstanding. Consequently, Sutton and these related parties
     currently beneficially own an aggregate of 597,089 currently outstanding
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock and 1,200,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     issuable upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants having an exercise price of $7.00
     per share, representing the 1,797,089 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     reported in the table. (DeSoto Options granted pursuant to the DeSoto 1992
     Stock Plan to affiliates of any of these parties have not been included in
     these numbers.)
 
 (4) Parties related to Sutton own all of the shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock
     reported in the table. Coatings Group owns 259,259 of such shares, an
     affiliate of Anders U. Schroeder owns 194,444 of such shares, and Parkway
     owns 129,630 of such shares.
 
 (5) Represents shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock
     currently owned by parties referred to in Note 2 and 1,200,000 shares of
     Common Stock issuable upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants owned by such
     parties as described in Note 3.
 
 (6) Mr. Spier's stock ownership includes 246,507 currently outstanding shares
     of DeSoto Common Stock and 533,333 shares of DeSoto Common Stock issuable
     upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants owned by Coatings Group, a corporation of
     which Mr. Spier is President and Chairman of the Board, and DeSoto Options
     to purchase 30,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock which are currently
     exercisable and were granted pursuant to the DeSoto 1992 Stock Plan. (The
     Coatings Group stock ownership also has been included in the stock
     ownership reported for Sutton. See Note 3.) The listed shares do not
     include the 100 shares owned by Sutton or 100 shares held by Mr. Spier's
     father-in-law, as to which Mr. Spier may be deemed the beneficial owner.
 
 (7) All such shares are owned by Coatings Group. See Note 3.
 
 (8) Mr. Schroeder's stock ownership includes stock owned by Asgard. Asgard, a
     corporation affiliated with Mr. Schroeder, owns 218,970 currently
     outstanding shares of DeSoto Common Stock, 194,444 shares of DeSoto
     Preferred Stock and beneficially owns 400,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     issuable upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants. (Asgard's stock ownership has
     been included in the stock ownership reported for Sutton. See Note 3.) Also
     includes DeSoto Options to purchase 20,500 shares of DeSoto Common Stock,
     which are currently exercisable and were granted pursuant to the De Soto
     1992 Stock Plan.
 
 (9) All such shares are owned by Asgard, a corporation affiliated with Mr.
     Schroeder.
 
(10) As reported by Mario J. Gabelli and various entities which he directly or
     indirectly controls and for which he acts as chief investment officer (the
     "Gabelli Group") its members include the following: Gabelli Funds, Inc.
     ("GFI"), GAMCO Investors, Inc. ("GAMCO"), Gabelli Securities, Inc. ("GSI"),
     Gabelli & Company, Inc. ("Gabelli & Company"), Gabelli Performance
     Partnership ("GPP"), GLI, Inc. ("GLI"), The Gabelli Associates Fund
     ("Gabelli Associates"), Gabelli Associates Limited ("GAL"), The Gabelli &
     Company, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan, Gabelli International Limited ("GIL"),
     Gabelli International II Limited ("GIL II"), Mario J. Gabelli ("Mr.
     Gabelli"), Lynch, Safety Railway and Western New Mexico. The address of
     Mario J. Gabelli and the Gabelli Group is c/o J. Hamilton Crawford, Jr.,
     Gabelli Funds, Inc., One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1434. Based
     on information in Amendment No. 24 to Schedule 13D, dated July 9, 1996, the
     Gabelli Group owns its shares of DeSoto Common Stock as follows: Mario J.
     Gabelli, 7,500 shares; GAMCO, 498,600 shares; and GIL II, 6,500 shares.
     Each of the above persons or entities has sole voting and dispositive power
     over its shares, except that GAMCO does not have authority to vote 52,500
     reported shares.
 
(11) Based on information in a Schedule 13G, dated as of January 26, 1996. The
     address of Pioneering Management Corporation is 60 State Street, Boston,
     Massachusetts 02109.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   64
 
(12) Based on information in Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13D filed jointly by LL
     Capital Partners, L.P. and its general partner Lance Lessman, dated as of
     December 1, 1995. The address of LL Capital Partners, L.P. is 375 Park
     Avenue, New York, New York 10152.
 
(13) Based on information in Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D, dated as of July
     19, 1996. The address of Narragansett First Fund is 900 Fleet Center,
     Providence, Rhode Island, 02903.
 
(14) Based on information in a Schedule 13G, dated as of February 7, 1996, filed
     by Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. ("Dimensional"), a registered investment
     advisor, Dimensional is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 242,300
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock, all of which shares are held in portfolios
     of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., a registered open-end investment
     company, or in series of the DFA Investment Trust Company, a Delaware
     business trust, or the DFA Group Trust and DFA Participation Group Trust,
     investment vehicles for qualified employee benefit plans, all of which
     Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. serves as investment manager. Dimensional
     disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares.
 
(15) Includes shares of DeSoto Common Stock held in Ms. Eisele's account in the
     DeSoto Stock Ownership Plus Plan and DeSoto Options to purchase 30,000
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock which are currently exercisable and were
     granted pursuant to the DeSoto 1992 Stock Plan.
 
(16) Includes 25,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock owned by the William P. Lyons
     and Co., Inc. Pension Trust, the only participant and beneficiary of which
     is Mr. Lyons. Also includes DeSoto Options to purchase 5,000 shares of
     DeSoto Common Stock, which are currently exercisable and were granted
     pursuant to the DeSoto 1992 Stock Plan.
 
(17) Includes DeSoto Options to purchase 4,500 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     which are currently exercisable and were granted pursuant to the DeSoto
     1992 Stock Plan.
 
(18) Includes DeSoto Options to purchase 5,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock,
     which are currently exercisable and were granted pursuant to the 1992 Stock
     Plan. Does not include the stock ownership of Parkway and M&A. See Note 3.
 
(19) Does not include the 129,630 shares owned by Parkway. See Note 4.
 
(20) Does not include stock ownership of Parkway and M&A. See Note 3.
 
(21) Includes DeSoto Options to purchase 5,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     which are currently exercisable and were granted pursuant to the DeSoto
     1992 Stock Plan.
 
(22) Includes 1,498 shares of DeSoto Common Stock beneficially held in the
     DeSoto Stock Ownership Plus Plan for the account of officers. Also includes
     stock ownership of Sutton to the extent not otherwise included in the
     beneficial ownership of directors and officers, DeSoto Options held by
     directors and officers if exercisable within 60 days and shares issuable
     upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants. (Without inclusion of such Sutton stock
     ownership, directors and officers, as a group, would own (i) 1,570,808
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock, representing approximately 27.3% of the
     outstanding shares of DeSoto Common Stock, (ii) 453,703 shares of DeSoto
     Preferred Stock, representing approximately 77.8% of all such shares, and
     (iii) approximately 31.9% of all voting stock.)
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   65
 
DESOTO DIRECTORS WHO WILL BE KEYSTONE DIRECTORS
 
     Set forth below is certain information, as of the date hereof, about
William Spier and William P. Lyons, each of whom will be elected to serve as a
director of Keystone upon consummation of the Merger.
 
     WILLIAM SPIER, age 61, has been a director of DeSoto since 1990 and
Chairman of DeSoto since 1991. Mr. Spier has also been Chief Executive Officer
of DeSoto from 1991 to January 1994 and from September 1995 to present,
President and Chairman of Sutton (a corporation formed for the purpose of
acquiring DeSoto) from 1989 to present, and a private investor from 1982 to
present. Mr. Spier also is a director of Geotek Communications, Inc., Holmes
Protection Group, Inc. and Video Lottery Technologies, Inc.
 
     WILLIAM P. LYONS, age 54, has been a director of DeSoto since 1991. Mr.
Lyons has also been Chairman of JVL Corp. (a manufacturer of generic and
over-the-counter pharmaceutical products) since 1992, President and Chief
Executive Officer of William P. Lyons and Co., Inc. (an investment firm) since
1975 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Duro Test Corp. (a manufacturer
of specialty lighting products) from 1988 to 1991. Mr. Lyons also is a director
of Holmes Protection Group, Inc., Lydell, Inc., and Video Lottery Technologies,
Inc.
 
     The following table sets forth certain information for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 concerning the compensation paid by DeSoto to
William Spier. (Mr. Spier has not received cash compensation from DeSoto in
1994, 1995 or 1996.) Mr. Lyons, as a director who is not an employee of DeSoto,
receives the same compensation from DeSoto as other directors who are not DeSoto
employees. Directors who are not employees of DeSoto are paid an annual retainer
of $6,000 and, in addition, receive $800 for each meeting of the DeSoto Board or
committee thereof attended. In addition, under the terms of the DeSoto 1992
Stock Plan, each non-employee director receives an initial grant of DeSoto
Options to purchase 3,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock upon becoming a director
and, thereafter, annual grants of DeSoto Options to purchase 500 shares of
DeSoto Common Stock.
 
                       DESOTO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     LONG-TERM
                                                                                    COMPENSATION
                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                       AWARDS
                                                                    ANNUAL          ------------
                                                                 COMPENSATION        SECURITIES
                                                               -----------------     UNDERLYING
                 NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                   YEAR      SALARY      OPTIONS(#)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----     --------    ------------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>         <C>
William Spier................................................. 1995     $     --       10,000
Chairman of the Board                                          1994           --       10,000
and Chief Executive Officer                                    1993      123,750       10,000
</TABLE>
 
     Mr. Spier served as Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto until December 13,
1993, and effective as of September 1, 1995, Mr. Spier was again appointed Chief
Executive Officer of DeSoto.
 
     Shown below is information with respect to DeSoto Options granted during
the year ended December 31, 1995 to William Spier under the DeSoto 1992 Stock
Plan, which provides, among other things, for the grant of DeSoto Options.
 
                          DESOTO OPTION GRANTS IN 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           POTENTIAL
                                        NUMBER OF      PERCENTAGE                                       REALIZABLE VALUE
                                          DESOTO        OF TOTAL                                       AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
                                         OPTIONS         DESOTO                                          RATES OF STOCK
                                         GRANTED        OPTIONS                                        PRICE APPRECIATION
                                        (IN COMMON      GRANTED       EXERCISE                         FOR OPTION TERM(B)
                                          SHARES      TO EMPLOYEES      PRICE         EXPIRATION       ------------------
                                           (A))         IN 1995       PER SHARE          DATE            5%         10%
                                        ----------    ------------    ---------    ----------------    -------    -------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>             <C>          <C>                 <C>        <C>
William Spier(c)......................    10,000          50.0%         $4.38      November 8, 2005    $27,514    $69,740
</TABLE>
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   66
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Stock appreciation rights may not be granted under the DeSoto 1992 Stock
    Plan.
 
(b) Under the rules and regulations of the Commission, the potential realizable
    value of a grant is the product of (i) the difference between (x) the
    product of the per share market price of the time of grant and the sum of 1
    plus the adjusted stock price appreciation rate (the assumed rates of
    appreciation compounded annually over the term of the options) and (y) the
    per share exercise price of the DeSoto Option and (ii) the number of
    securities underlying the grant at year-end. Assumed annual rates of stock
    price appreciation of 5% and 10% are specified by the Commission and are not
    intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the price of
    the shares of DeSoto Common Stock. (For example, if the price of shares of
    DeSoto Common Stock remained at the exercise price of the DeSoto Options,
    (i.e., a 0% appreciation rate), the potential realized value of the grant
    would be $0.) The actual performance of such shares may be significantly
    different from the rates specified by the Commission.
 
(c) This grant was made as of November 8, 1995 with an exercise price equal to
    the market price at that time. The DeSoto Options were immediately
    exercisable.
 
     The following table provides certain information with respect to the number
and value of unexercised options outstanding as of December 31, 1995.
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1995 DESOTO OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED              VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                   DESOTO OPTIONS                     IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                 (IN COMMON SHARES)                  DESOTO OPTIONS
                                                                AT DECEMBER 31, 1995            AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 (A)
                                                           ------------------------------     ----------------------------
                                                           EXERCISABLE      UNEXERCISABLE     EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
                                                           -----------      -------------     -----------    -------------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>               <C>            <C>
William Spier..........................................       30,000              0               $--             $--
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Calculated by determining the difference between the fair market value of
    the DeSoto Common Stock underlying the options on December 31, 1995 ($3.50,
    the closing price on the NYSE -- Composite Transactions) and the exercise
    price of the DeSoto Options on that date.
 
DESOTO PENSION PLAN
 
     The compensation covered by the DeSoto Employees' Retirement Pension Plan
(the "Pension Plan") and the DeSoto Salaried Employees' Pension Preservation
Plan (the "Preservation Plan") is substantially the same as that reported under
the "Salary" column of the Summary Compensation Table, limited, however, to
$150,000 for 1995 (or such other amount provided by Section 401(a)(17) of the
Internal Revenue Code). As of December 31, 1995, the estimated credited years of
service of Mr. Spier was approximately five and Mr. Spier's average annual
compensation during the highest five consecutive years of pay was $63,156. Thus,
Mr. Spier's estimated annual benefit payable upon retirement at age 65 is
$4,228. Benefits are computed on the basis of a straight life annuity and are
subject to offset for Social Security benefits (although the calculation of the
offset under the Salaried Pension Plan differs from the offset under the
Preservation Plan). To the extent an employee's benefit as computed under the
Salaried Pension Plan exceeds the limitations provided under the Code or an
employee's service exceeds 35 years, the benefit will be provided under the
Preservation Plan.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   67
 
                       CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT KEYSTONE
 
KEYSTONE MANAGEMENT
 
     The current directors and executive officers of Keystone are listed below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      NAME                   AGE                    TITLE
    ---------------------------------------- ---   ----------------------------------------
    <S>                                      <C>   <C>
    Glenn R. Simmons........................ 68    Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                                   Executive Officer
    J. Walter Tucker, Jr. .................. 70    Vice Chairman of the Board
    Thomas E. Barry......................... 53    Director
    Paul M. Bass, Jr. ...................... 60    Director
    David E. Connor......................... 70    Director
    Donald A. Sommer........................ 68    Director
    Richard N. Ullman....................... 62    Director
    Robert W. Singer........................ 59    President and Chief Operating Officer
    Harold M. Curdy......................... 49    Vice President -- Finance and Treasurer
    Bert E. Downing, Jr. ................... 40    Corporate Controller
    Ralph P. End............................ 58    Vice President and General Counsel
    Bill J. Johnson......................... 60    President, Sherman Wire Division
    Sandra K. Myers......................... 53    Corporate Secretary
</TABLE>
 
     GLENN R. SIMMONS is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer of Keystone and has served in such capacities since 1987 but has been a
director of Keystone since 1986. Mr. Simmons has served as Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Contran since prior to 1991. Mr. Simmons has been a
director of Contran and an executive officer and/or director of various
companies related to Contran since prior to 1991. He is Vice Chairman of the
Board of Valhi and Valcor, Inc. and a director of NL Industries, Inc. ("NL") and
Tremont Corporation ("Tremont"), all of which companies may be deemed to be
affiliates of Keystone. Mr. G. Simmons is also the brother of Harold C. Simmons.
Mr. G. Simmons' term as a director expires at Keystone's 1999 annual meeting of
stockholders.
 
     J. WALTER TUCKER, JR. is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Keystone and has served in such capacity since 1987 but has been a director of
Keystone since 1971. Mr. Tucker has served as a director, President, and
Treasurer of Tucker & Branham, Inc., a privately owned real estate, mortgage
banking and insurance firm since prior to 1991. Mr. Tucker is also a director of
SunTrust Banks, Inc., Columbian Mutual Life Insurance Company and Valhi. He has
also been an executive officer and/or director of various companies related to
Valhi and Contran since 1982. Mr. Tucker's spouse is a first cousin of Donald A.
Sommer. Mr. Tucker's term as a director expires at Keystone's 1999 annual
meeting of stockholders.
 
     THOMAS E. BARRY has been a director of Keystone since 1989 and is Vice
President for Executive Affairs at Southern Methodist University and has been a
Professor of Marketing in the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern
Methodist University since prior to 1991. Mr. Barry's term as a director expires
at Keystone's 1997 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     PAUL M. BASS, JR. has been a director of Keystone since 1989 and is Vice
Chairman of First Southwest Company, a privately owned investment banking firm,
and has served as a director since prior to 1991. Mr. Bass is also Chairman of
Richman Gordman Half Price Stores, Inc., Chairman of MorAmerica Private Equities
Company, director of First Madison Bank and Chairman of the Audit Committee and
director of Source Services, Inc. Mr. Bass is currently serving as a member of
the Executive Committee of Zale-Lipshy University Hospital and as Chairman of
the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Medical Foundation. Mr. Bass' term as a
director expires at Keystone's 1998 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     DAVID E. CONNOR has been a director of Keystone since 1992 and is President
of David E. Connor and Associates, advisers to commerce and industry, in Peoria,
Illinois and has served in such capacity since prior to 1991. He is a director
of Cilcorp, Inc., Peoria, Illinois, and Chairman of the Board of First Midwest
Bankshares, Quincy, Illinois. He is also director of Heartland Community Health
Clinic, Peoria, Illinois,
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   68
 
Museum Trustees of America, Washington, D.C., and a trustee of Bradley
University, Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Connor's term as a director expires at
Keystone's 1998 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     DONALD A. SOMMER has been a director of Keystone since 1962 and served as a
Vice President of Keystone prior to his retirement in 1982. Mr. Sommer is a
first cousin to the spouse of J. Walter Tucker, Jr. Mr. Sommer's term as a
director expires at Keystone's 1998 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     RICHARD N. ULLMAN has been a director of Keystone since 1992 and is
President of Federal Companies, a privately held commercial warehouse and
transportation company in Peoria, Illinois, and has served in such capacity
since prior to 1991. He is a director of First of America Bank -- Illinois, N.A.
and Cilcorp, Inc. and is also serving as director of Children's Hospital of
Illinois at St. Francis, director of St. Francis Medical Center, and a trustee
of Bradley University, all located in Peoria. Mr. Ullman's term as a director
expires at Keystone's 1997 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     ROBERT W. SINGER is President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company
and has served in that capacity since prior to 1991. He has served as Vice
President of Valhi and Contran since prior to 1991.
 
     HAROLD M. CURDY is Vice President -- Finance and Treasurer of the Company
and has served in such capacities since prior to 1991.
 
     BERT E. DOWNING, JR. is Corporate Controller of the Company and has served
in such capacity since December 1993. From prior to 1991 to December 1993, Mr.
Downing served as Senior Manager in the Dallas office of Ernst & Young, a public
accounting firm.
 
     RALPH P. END has served as Vice President and General Counsel since 1991
and as the Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Company since prior
to 1991.
 
     BILL J. JOHNSON has served as President, Sherman Wire, a division of the
Company, since February 1995. Mr. Johnson served as Vice President & General
Manager, Sherman Wire, since prior to 1991.
 
     SANDRA K. MYERS is Corporate Secretary of the Company and Executive
Secretary of Contran and has served in both capacities since prior to 1991.
 
     All of the executive officers of Keystone serve at the pleasure of the
Keystone Board of Directors.
 
CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     As set forth under the caption "-- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners," Harold C. Simmons, through Contran and other entities, may be deemed to
own beneficially approximately 69% of Keystone Common Stock and, therefore, may
be deemed to control Keystone. Certain officers and directors of Keystone are
also officers and directors of Contran or of entities that may be deemed to be
controlled by or affiliated with Contran or Harold C. Simmons. Keystone and
other entities that may be deemed to be controlled by or affiliated with Mr.
Simmons sometimes engage in (i) intercorporate transactions with related
companies, including guarantees, management and expense sharing arrangements,
shared fee arrangements, joint ventures, partnerships, loans, options, advances
of funds on open account, and sales, leases and exchanges of assets, including
securities issued by both related and unrelated parties, and (ii) common
acquisition strategies, business combinations, reorganizations,
recapitalizations, securities repurchases and purchases and sales (and other
acquisitions and dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business
units, which transactions may involve both related and unrelated parties and may
include transactions that result in the acquisition by one related party of a
publicly-held minority equity interest in another related party. Depending on
the business, tax and other objectives then relevant, it is possible that
Keystone might be a party to one or more of such transactions in the future. In
connection with these activities, Keystone may consider issuing additional
equity securities or incurring additional indebtedness. Keystone's acquisition
activities have in the past and may in the future include participation in the
acquisition or restructuring activities conducted by other companies that may be
deemed to be controlled by Harold C. Simmons. The foregoing relationships,
transactions and agreements may create potential conflicts of interest. It is
the policy of Keystone to engage in transactions with related parties on terms,
in the opinion of Keystone, no less favorable to Keystone than could be obtained
from unrelated parties.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   69
 
     No specific procedures are in place that govern the treatment of
transactions among Keystone and its related entities, although such entities may
implement specific procedures as appropriate for particular transactions. In
addition, under applicable principles of law, in the absence of stockholder
ratification or approval by directors who may be deemed disinterested,
transactions involving contracts among companies under common control must be
fair to all companies involved. Furthermore, directors and officers owe
fiduciary duties of good faith and fair dealing to all stockholders of the
companies for which they serve.
 
     Glenn R. Simmons, J. Walter Tucker, Jr., and Sandra K. Myers are not
salaried employees of Keystone. Keystone has contracted with Contran, on a fee
basis payable in quarterly installments, to provide certain administrative and
other services to Keystone in addition to the services of Mr. G. Simmons and Ms.
Myers, including consulting services of Contran executive officers pursuant to
the Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran and Keystone, (the
"Intercorporate Services Agreement"). The fee incurred during 1995 was $500,000.
Keystone compensates Tucker & Branham, Inc. for certain consulting services of
Mr. Tucker on an hourly basis as his services are requested. The fees paid
Tucker & Branham, Inc. during 1995 were $50,000.
 
     Certain of Keystone's property, liability and casualty insurance risks are
partially insured or reinsured by a captive insurance subsidiary of Valhi. The
premiums and claims paid in connection therewith were approximately $39,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
     Aircraft services were purchased from Valhi in the amount of $150,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
     In the opinion of Keystone management and the Keystone Board of Directors,
the terms of the transactions described above were no less favorable to Keystone
than those that could have been obtained from an unrelated entity.
 
CERTAIN LITIGATION
 
     Harold C. Simmons, Glenn R. Simmons and certain companies related to
Keystone are parties to the litigation described below.
 
     In November 1991, a purported derivative complaint was filed in the Court
of Chancery of the State of Delaware, New Castle County, (Alan Russell Kahn v.
Tremont Corporation, et al., No. 12339), in connection with the purchase by
Tremont of 7,800,000 shares of NL Common Stock from Valhi (the "NL Stock
Purchase"). In addition to Valhi, the complaint named as defendants Tremont and
the members of Tremont's Board of Directors, including Glenn R. Simmons and
Harold C. Simmons. The complaint alleged, among other things, that the NL Stock
Purchase constituted a waste of Tremont's assets and that Tremont's Board of
Directors had breached its fiduciary duties to Tremont's public stockholders. A
trial on this matter was held in June 1995 and in March 1996 the court issued
its opinion ruling in favor of the defendants and concluded that the NL Stock
Purchase did not constitute an overreaching by Valhi, that Tremont's purchase
price in the NL Stock Purchase was fair and that in all other respects the NL
Stock Purchase was fair to Tremont. The plaintiffs have filed an appeal of the
Court of Chancery's ruling.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   70
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
 
     As of August 21, 1996, Keystone's directors, the executive officers named
in the Keystone Summary Compensation Table below, and the Keystone directors and
executive officers as a group, beneficially owned, as defined by the rules of
the Commission, the shares of Keystone Common Stock shown in the following
table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AMOUNT AND NATURE
                                                                 OF BENEFICIAL
                                                                   OWNERSHIP
                                                                  OF KEYSTONE        PERCENT OF
                    NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                    COMMON STOCK(1)       CLASS(2)
    ---------------------------------------------------------  -----------------     ----------
    <S>                                                        <C>                   <C>
    Thomas E. Barry(3).......................................         4,100               --
    Paul M. Bass, Jr.(3)(4)..................................         6,500               --
    David E. Connor(3).......................................         4,500               --
    Harold M. Curdy(3).......................................        15,951               --
    Ralph P. End(3)..........................................         3,414               --
    Bill J. Johnson(3).......................................         6,535               --
    Glenn R. Simmons(3)(5)...................................        63,600              1.1%
    Robert W. Singer(3)......................................        28,770               --
    Donald A. Sommer(3)......................................        32,964               --
    J. Walter Tucker, Jr. ...................................       153,450              2.7%
    Richard N. Ullman(3).....................................         4,500               --
    All Keystone directors and executive officers as a group
      (13 persons)(3)(4)(5)..................................       331,788              5.8%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) All beneficial ownership is sole and direct except as otherwise set forth
     herein. Information as to the beneficial ownership of Keystone Common Stock
     has either been furnished to Keystone by or on behalf of the indicated
     persons or is taken from reports on file with the Commission.
 
(2) Percentage omitted if less than 1%.
 
(3) Includes shares that such person or group could acquire upon the exercise of
     options exercisable within 60 days of August 21, 1996 by Messrs. Barry,
     Bass, Connor, Sommer and Ullman for the purchase of 4,000 shares each, and
     named executive officers, Messrs. Curdy, End, Johnson, Simmons and Singer,
     for the purchase of 3,000, 900, 2,340, 22,500, and 6,000 shares,
     respectively, and the Keystone directors and executive officers as a group
     for the purchase of 56,740 shares under Keystone's stock option plans.
 
(4) Includes 2,500 shares of Keystone Common Stock held in discretionary
     accounts by First Southwest Company, a licensed broker-dealer, on behalf of
     certain of its clients, as to which Mr. Bass has voting and dispositive
     authority. Mr. Bass serves as Vice Chairman of First Southwest Company. As
     a result of the foregoing, Mr. Bass may be deemed to be the beneficial
     owner of such shares. However, Mr. Bass disclaims all such beneficial
     ownership.
 
(5) Glenn R. Simmons is the brother of Harold C. Simmons. See footnote (1) to
     the table under "-- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners."
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   71
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
     The following table sets forth the stockholders known to Keystone to be the
beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Keystone Common Stock outstanding as of
the Record Date.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
                                                             BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
                    NAME AND ADDRESS OF                               OF                   PERCENT
                     BENEFICIAL OWNER                        KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK         OF CLASS
- -----------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------         --------
<S>                                                          <C>                           <C>
Harold C. Simmons..........................................        3,893,833(1)(2)           68.5%
5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700
Dallas, Texas 75240
Killen Group, Inc..........................................          337,500(3)               5.9%
1189 Lancaster Avenue
Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The shares of Keystone Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Harold C.
    Simmons includes 3,161,733, 326,050, 250,000, 115,550 and 30,000 shares of
    Keystone Common Stock held by Contran, NL, The Harold Simmons Foundation,
    Inc. (the "Foundation"), The Contran Deferred Compensation Trust No. 2 (the
    "Deferred Compensation Trust") and The Combined Master Retirement Trust (the
    "Master Trust"), respectively.
 
    Contran and NL directly hold approximately 55.6% and 5.7%, respectively, of
    the outstanding Keystone Common Stock. Valhi and Tremont are the holders of
    approximately 55.2% and 17.7%, respectively, of the outstanding common stock
    of NL. Contran holds, directly or indirectly through related entities,
    approximately 91.3% and 44.0% of the outstanding common stock of Valhi and
    Tremont, respectively. Substantially all of Contran's outstanding voting
    stock is held by trusts established for the benefit of Harold C. Simmons'
    children and grandchildren (together, the "Trusts"), of which Mr. Simmons is
    the sole trustee. As sole trustee of each of the Trusts, Mr. Simmons has the
    power to vote and direct the disposition of the shares of Contran stock held
    by each of the Trusts; however, Mr. Simmons disclaims beneficial ownership
    thereof.
 
    Harold C. Simmons is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
    Officer of Valhi and Contran and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
    Officer of certain related entities through which Contran may be deemed to
    control Valhi. Additionally, he is Chairman of the Board of NL and is a
    director of Tremont.
 
    The Master Trust holds approximately 0.5% of the outstanding shares of
    Keystone Common Stock. The Master Trust is a trust formed by Valhi to permit
    the collective investment by trusts that maintain the assets of certain
    employee benefit plans adopted by Valhi and related companies, including
    Keystone. Harold C. Simmons is sole trustee of the Master Trust and sole
    member of the Trust Investment Committee for the Master Trust. The trustee
    and members of the Trust Investment Committee for the Master Trust are
    selected by Valhi's board of directors. Harold C. Simmons and Glenn R.
    Simmons are members of Valhi's board of directors and are both participants
    in one or more of the employee benefit plans that invest through the Master
    Trust; however, both such persons disclaim beneficial ownership of the
    shares of Keystone Common Stock held by the Master Trust, except to the
    extent of their respective vested beneficial interests therein.
 
    The Foundation holds approximately 4.4% of the outstanding shares of
    Keystone Common Stock. The Foundation is a tax-exempt foundation organized
    and existing exclusively for charitable purposes. Harold C. Simmons is
    Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation.
 
    The Deferred Compensation Trust holds approximately 2.0% of the outstanding
    shares of Keystone Common Stock. NationsBank of Texas, N.A. serves as
    trustee of the Deferred Compensation Trust (the "Trustee"). Contran
    established the Deferred Compensation Trust as an irrevocable "rabbi trust"
    to assist Contran in meeting certain deferred compensation obligations that
    it owes to Harold C. Simmons. If the Deferred Compensation Trust assets are
    insufficient to satisfy such obligations, Contran must satisfy the balance
    of such obligations. Pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Compensation
    Trust,
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   72
 
    Contran (i) retains the power to vote the shares held by the Deferred
    Compensation Trust, (ii) shares dispositive power over such shares with the
    Trustee and (iii) may be deemed the indirect beneficial owner of such
    shares.
 
    By virtue of the holding of such offices, the stock ownership as described
    above and his service as trustee as described above, Harold C. Simmons may
    be deemed to control such entities and Mr. Simmons and such entities may be
    deemed to possess indirect beneficial ownership of certain shares of
    Keystone Common Stock held by such entities. However, Mr. Simmons disclaims
    such beneficial ownership of the shares of Keystone Common Stock
    beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by such entities.
 
    Certain information contained in this footnote is based on information
    provided to Keystone by Valhi, Contran and certain of their affiliates.
 
(2) The shares of Keystone Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Harold C.
    Simmons also includes 10,500 shares of Keystone Common Stock held by Mr. H.
    Simmons' wife, with respect to all of which Mr. Simmons disclaims beneficial
    ownership.
 
(3) Based on Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13G dated February 14, 1996, filed by
    The Killen Group, Inc. (the "Killen Group") and Robert E. Killen. The Killen
    Group has sole power to vote 95,425 shares of Keystone Common Stock and the
    sole power to dispose of 335,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock. Robert E.
    Killen, the president and sole stockholder of the Killen Group whose address
    is the same as the Killen Group, has the sole power to vote and dispose of
    2,500 shares of Keystone Preferred Stock.
 
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
 
     Directors of Keystone who are not salaried employees of Keystone receive an
annual retainer of $12,000. Such directors also receive a fee of $450 per day
for each Keystone Board of Directors meeting and/or committee meeting requiring
attendance in person. Directors are also reimbursed for reasonable expenses
incurred in attending Keystone Board of Directors and/or committee meetings. On
May 5, 1992, the Keystone stockholders approved the Keystone Consolidated
Industries, Inc. 1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan ("Keystone
Director Plan"), which provides that each non-employee director will be granted
an option to purchase 1,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock on the third
business day after Keystone issues its press release summarizing Keystone's
annual financial results for the prior fiscal year. The exercise price of the
options will be equal to the last reported sale price of Keystone Common Stock
on the NYSE Composite Tape on the date of grant. Options granted pursuant to the
Keystone Director Plan become exercisable one year after the date of grant and
expire on the fifth anniversary following the date of grant.
 
     Mr. G. Simmons' services as an executive officer are made available to
Keystone pursuant to the Intercorporate Services Agreement. In addition to
director services, Mr. Tucker provides certain consulting services to Keystone
for which Keystone pays a company related to Mr. Tucker. See "-- Certain
Business Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   73
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following table summarizes all compensation paid to Keystone's chief
executive officer and to each of Keystone's four most highly compensated
executive officers other than the chief executive officer (collectively, the
"Keystone named executive officers") for services rendered in all capacities to
Keystone for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993.
 
                      KEYSTONE SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        LONG-TERM
                                                                                       COMPENSATION
                                                                                 ------------------------
                                                                                          AWARDS
                                                                                 ------------------------
                                                                                 RESTRICTED    SECURITIES
                                                     ANNUAL COMPENSATION           STOCK       UNDERLYING     ALL OTHER
                                                -----------------------------      AWARDS       OPTIONS      COMPENSATION
         NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION            YEAR    SALARY($)    BONUS($)      ($)(1)         (#)           ($)(2)
- ----------------------------------------------  ----    ---------    --------    ----------    ----------    ------------
<S>                                             <C>     <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
Glenn R. Simmons(3)                             1995     123,077          --           --            --             --
Chief Executive Officer                         1994     175,000          --           --            --             --
                                                1993     149,596          --           --        12,500             --
Robert W. Singer(4)                             1995     170,000      62,500           --            --          7,425
President                                       1994     225,000     150,000           --            --          6,690
                                                1993     200,000     150,000       25,625        10,000          8,994
Harold M. Curdy                                 1995     132,000      60,000           --            --          7,425
Vice President -- Finance & Treasurer           1994     132,000     125,000           --            --          6,690
                                                1993     125,000      56,250       19,475         5,000          8,362
Ralph P. End                                    1995      93,000      30,000           --            --          6,559
Vice President and General Counsel              1994      93,000      35,000           --            --          5,762
                                                1993      90,000      30,000       10,250         1,500          5,353
Bill J. Johnson                                 1995     101,642      16,716           --            --          7,425
President -- Sherman Wire Division              1994      96,560      70,500           --         2,100          6,642
                                                1993      93,404      20,976       21,525         2,500          6,695
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The dollar value of the reported grants of restricted Keystone Common Stock
    is based on the last reported sales price per share on the date of grant of
    Keystone Common Stock as reported by the NYSE Composite Tape. The reported
    shares of restricted Keystone Common Stock vest at a rate of 40% after six
    months from the date of award, 30% after eighteen months from the date of
    the award and 30% after thirty months from the date of the award. Dividends
    on all shares of restricted Keystone Common Stock are paid at the same time
    and at the same rate as dividends on unrestricted Keystone Common Stock, if
    declared.
 
     The total number of shares of restricted Keystone Common Stock awarded to
     each Keystone named executive officer and the aggregate number and value of
     each Keystone named executive officer's holdings of restricted Keystone
     Common Stock as of December 31, 1995 (at which time the market value was
     $11.50 per share based on the last reported sales price per share of
     Keystone Common Stock as reported by the NYSE Composite Tape) were as
     follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        NON-VESTED
                                                         SHARES OF           VALUE OF NON-
                                                        RESTRICTED         VESTED RESTRICTED
                                                      KEYSTONE COMMON       KEYSTONE COMMON
                                                        STOCK AS OF           STOCK AS OF
                 NAME OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER           DECEMBER 31, 1995     DECEMBER 31, 1995
        -------------------------------------------  -----------------     -----------------
        <S>                                          <C>                   <C>
        Glenn R. Simmons...........................          --                 $    --
        Robert W. Singer...........................         750                   8,625
        Harold M. Curdy............................         550                   6,325
        Ralph P. End...............................         300                   3,450
        Bill J. Johnson............................         600                   6,900
</TABLE>
 
(2) Amounts contributed by Keystone to Keystone's 401(k) Plan for the benefit of
     such executive officer.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   74
 
(3) Glenn R. Simmons, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
     Keystone, is not a salaried employee of Keystone. The reported salary
     represents an allocation of his time devoted to Keystone business under the
     Intercorporate Services Agreement. See "-- Certain Business Relationships
     and Related Transactions" above.
 
(4) The amounts shown in the table as compensation for Mr. Singer represent the
     full amount paid by Keystone for services rendered to Keystone during 1995,
     less the portion of such compensation that is either credited or reimbursed
     to Keystone for services Mr. Singer rendered to Valhi pursuant to the
     Intercorporate Services Agreement. Mr. Singer's Keystone compensation
     excludes $55,000 as salary and $62,500 as bonus for services rendered by
     Mr. Singer to Valhi during 1995.
 
     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Keystone named executive officers concerning unexercised Keystone stock options
at December 31, 1995. No Keystone stock options or Keystone stock appreciation
rights were exercised during 1995.
 
                           KEYSTONE OPTION/SAR VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NUMBER OF SECURITIES              VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                             UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED                 IN-THE-MONEY
                                              KEYSTONE OPTIONS/SARS            KEYSTONE OPTIONS/SARS
                                                  AT FY-END(#)                    AT FY-END($)(2)
                                         -------------------------------    ----------------------------
                   NAME                  EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE(1)    EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
    -----------------------------------  -----------    ----------------    -----------    -------------
    <S>                                  <C>            <C>                 <C>            <C>
    Glenn R. Simmons...................     14,000           13,500            13,750          20,625
    Robert W. Singer...................      4,000            6,000            11,000          16,500
    Harold M. Curdy....................      2,000            3,000             5,500           8,250
    Ralph P. End.......................        600              900             1,650           2,475
    Bill J. Johnson....................      1,420            3,180             3,275           6,225
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Options vest 20%, 40%, 60% and 100% on the first, second, third and fourth
     anniversary of the date of grant, respectively.
 
(2) The values shown in the table are based on the $11.50 per share closing
     price of the Keystone Common Stock on December 31, 1995 as reported by the
     NYSE Composite Tape, less the exercise price of the options.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
     Except for Mr. Sommer who retired as Vice President of Keystone in 1982, no
member of the Keystone Compensation Committee is or has been an officer or
employee of Keystone or any of its subsidiaries. In 1995, no executive officer
of Keystone served on the compensation committee or as a director of another
entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Keystone's Compensation
Committee or Board of Directors.
 
PENSION PLAN
 
     Keystone maintains several qualified, noncontributory defined benefit plans
which provide defined retirement benefits to eligible employees including
executive officers. Normal retirement age under the Company's pension plans is
age 65. Under the plans covering salaried employees, including officers, the
defined benefit for an individual is based on a straight life annuity. An
individual's monthly benefit is the sum of the following: (i) for credited
service prior to January 1, 1981, the amount determined by his or her average
monthly cash compensation for the five years of his or her highest earnings
prior to January 1, 1981, multiplied by 1.1%, multiplied by the years of
credited service, plus (ii) for each year of service between 1980 and 1989, the
amount determined by the sum of 1.2% multiplied by his or her average monthly
cash compensation that year up to the social security wage base and 1.75%
multiplied by his or her average monthly cash compensation that year in excess
of the social security wage base, plus (iii) for each year subsequent to 1989,
the amount determined by 1.2% multiplied by his or her average monthly cash
compensation that year, but not less than $14.00 per month.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   75
 
     The estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement at normal retirement
age for each of the salaried Keystone named executive officers, assuming
continued employment with Keystone until normal retirement age at current salary
levels are: Harold M. Curdy, $46,786; Ralph P. End, $27,937; Robert W. Singer,
$27,401; and Bill J. Johnson, $28,145. Glenn R. Simmons does not participate in
the Keystone defined benefit pension plans.
 
                    COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
                              KEYSTONE AND DESOTO
 
     The rights of Keystone's stockholders are governed by its Certificate of
Incorporation, its Bylaws ("Keystone Bylaws") and the laws of the State of
Delaware. The rights of DeSoto stockholders are governed by its Certificate of
Incorporation, its Bylaws ("DeSoto Bylaws") and the laws of the State of
Delaware. After the Effective Time of the Merger, the rights of DeSoto
stockholders who become Keystone stockholders will be governed by the Keystone
Certificate of Incorporation, Keystone Bylaws and the laws of the State of
Delaware. In most respects, the rights of Keystone stockholders and DeSoto
stockholders are similar. The following is a summary of the material differences
between the rights of Keystone stockholders and the rights of DeSoto
stockholders under their respective Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
  Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
     Amendments of the Certificate of Incorporation for each of Keystone and
DeSoto requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the respective outstanding
shares of common stock; provided, however, that any amendment to the Certificate
of Incorporation of DeSoto that adversely affects the powers, preferences or
special rights of the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock requires the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock of DeSoto (the "Series A Preferred"), and the affirmative vote of seventy
five percent (75%) of each class or series of outstanding stock of DeSoto is
required to amend certain other provisions, including those relating to
classification of the Board of Directors, removal of directors only for cause,
and the prohibition on the taking of action by stockholders other than at a
meeting of stockholders. No shares of the Series A Preferred are outstanding.
 
     The Keystone Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation provide that the
Keystone Bylaws may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors or by the
stockholders. The DeSoto Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation also provide
that the DeSoto Bylaws may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors or
by the stockholders.
 
  Dividends and Distributions
 
     Keystone. Subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding shares of
preferred stock, if any, the holders of shares of Keystone Common Stock shall be
entitled to receive such dividends if as and when declared by the Board of
Directors. In the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation of Keystone,
and subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding shares of preferred
stock, if any, the holders of shares of Keystone Common Stock shall be entitled
to receive pro rata all of the remaining assets of Keystone available for
distribution to its stockholders. No shares of Keystone preferred stock are
currently outstanding.
 
     DeSoto. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred
stock ranking prior and superior to the shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock, if
any, the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive the
liquidation preference of each share of DeSoto Preferred Stock. If such
dividends are in arrears for four (4) quarterly periods at any time, dividends
for any subsequent quarterly periods are payable to holders of DeSoto Preferred
Stock at the rate of ten percent (10%) of the sum of the liquidation preference
of each share of DeSoto Preferred Stock, until dividend arrearages exist for
less than four (4) quarterly periods. Holders of DeSoto Common Stock are
entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the DeSoto Board of
Directors out of funds legally available therefor.
 
     In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of DeSoto, no distribution
shall be made to the holders of shares ranking junior to the DeSoto Preferred
Stock unless the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock shall have
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   76
 
received an amount equal to the liquidation preference to the date of such
payment. In the event DeSoto does not have sufficient assets to pay the
liquidation preference, the remaining assets of DeSoto shall be distributed pro
rata among the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock.
 
  Anti-Takeover Provisions
 
     Neither the Keystone Certificate of Incorporation nor Bylaws contain
specific anti-takeover provisions; however, the Keystone Certificate of
Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 500,000 shares of preferred stock, the
rights, preferences, powers and restrictions of which may be determined by the
Board of Directors without stockholder approval. Pursuant to the terms of the
Merger, approximately 435,456 shares of Keystone Preferred Stock will be issued.
The Board of Directors has the ability to designate a series of preferred stock
with rights, preferences, powers and restrictions that would make a change in
control of Keystone not approved by the Board of Directors difficult and
therefore, less likely. In addition, on September 22, 1995, Keystone's
Certificate of Incorporation was amended and restated to increase the authorized
Keystone Common Stock from 9,000,000 to 12,000,000 shares. Shares of authorized
and unissued Keystone Common Stock could be issued in one or more transactions
which also would make a change in control of Keystone more difficult, and
therefore less likely. Any such issuance of additional stock could have the
effect of diluting the earnings per share and book value per share of
outstanding shares of Keystone Common Stock, and such additional shares could be
used to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain
control of Keystone. In addition, the Board of Directors of Keystone is divided
into three classes, which together with the provisions of the DGCL restricting
the removal of directors described below could delay a change in a majority of
the board for at least two annual meetings. Following consummation of the
Merger, the provisions in the Keystone Preferred Stock requiring redemption of
such stock following a change of control may also have an anti-takeover effect.
See "Description of Keystone Capital Stock."
 
     DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, the rights, preferences, powers and restrictions of which may
be determined by the Board of Directors without stockholder approval. To date,
DeSoto has designated 583,333 shares of preferred stock as Series B Senior
Preferred Stock (defined above as "DeSoto Preferred Stock"), all of which are
outstanding. The dividends payable on the DeSoto Preferred Stock, as described
above under "Dividends and Distributions," as well as the required redemption of
such stock upon a change in control could make a change in control of DeSoto not
approved by the Board of Directors difficult and, therefore, less likely. In
connection with the Rights Plan described below, DeSoto designated 200,000
shares of Series A Preferred Stock, none of which are outstanding. In addition,
the Board of Directors has the ability to designate the rights, preferences,
powers and restrictions of the remaining shares of authorized preferred stock
that would make a change in control of DeSoto without the approval of the Board
of Directors even more difficult and less likely.
 
     DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain provisions
which might make a change of control of DeSoto which is not approved by the
Board of Directors more difficult. DeSoto's Board of Directors is divided into
three classes, which, as is the case with Keystone, could delay a change in a
majority of the Board. The Bylaws of DeSoto require stockholders wishing to
nominate persons for election as directors to satisfy certain advance notice and
disclosure requirements. DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation contains a
provision permitting removal of directors only for cause. DeSoto's Certificate
of Incorporation also contains a provision that provides that certain business
combination transactions (each a "Business Combination"), including mergers, of
DeSoto with any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the
shares of DeSoto Common Stock (a "New Substantial Stockholder") or an affiliate
of such person, requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of
DeSoto's voting stock (the "Supermajority Vote"), unless (i) the Business
Combination shall have been approved by three-fourths of the Whole Board (as
defined below) and by a majority of the Continuing Directors (as defined below)
of DeSoto (together, the "Required Approvals"), or (ii) the Price Requirement
and the Procedure Requirements (as defined below) are met. "Continuing Director"
is defined as any director who is unaffiliated with the New Substantial
Stockholder and (i) was a director prior to the time that the New Substantial
Stockholder became such, or (ii) who was designated as a Continuing Director by
at least a majority of Continuing Directors (but not less than one Continuing
Director) and three-fourths of the Whole Board. "Whole Board" is defined as the
total number of
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   77
 
directors which DeSoto would have if there were no vacancies. The Price
Requirement is that the consideration to be received per share of DeSoto Common
Stock by holders of shares in such Business Combination be at least equal to the
highest of the following: (i) the highest per share price (including brokerage
commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers' fees and with appropriate
adjustments for reclassifications) paid by the New Substantial Stockholder of
any shares acquired by it; (ii) the highest fair market value per share at any
time after the New Substantial Stockholder became such; or (iii) the highest
preferential amount per share to which the holders of shares are entitled in the
event of a voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of DeSoto. The
Procedure Requirements include the following, among others: (i) the
consideration payable to stockholders must be in cash or in the same form as was
previously paid by the Substantial Stockholder in its acquisition of shares; and
(ii) after the New Substantial Stockholder has become such and prior to the
consummation of the Business Combination, except as approved by at least a
majority of the Continuing Directors and three-fourths of the Whole Board (x)
there shall have been no failure to pay, at least once during each fiscal
quarter of the Company, dividends on the DeSoto Common Stock at a rate per share
at least equal to that paid per share during the fiscal quarter prior to the New
Substantial Stockholder becoming such and (y) an increase in such quarterly rate
of dividends as necessary to reflect any reclassification or similar transaction
which has the effect of reducing the number of outstanding shares. This
provision can be amended or repealed only by the affirmative vote of holders of
at least 75% of the voting stock of DeSoto, unless such amendment or repeal is
first approved by at least a majority of the Continuing Directors and
three-fourths of the Whole Board.
 
     Accordingly, holders of DeSoto Common Stock who become holders of Keystone
Common Stock as a result of the Merger will no longer be afforded certain
protections afforded by, or be subject to, these provisions in DeSoto's
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
  Stockholder Inspection Rights
 
     The Bylaws of Keystone and DeSoto each provide that a complete list of
stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders, arranged in
alphabetical order and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of
shares registered in his or her name, shall be open to the examination of any
stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business
hours for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting. The stockholder
list shall also be open to examination during the meeting by any stockholder
present at the meeting.
 
  Stockholder Meetings
 
     The Bylaws of DeSoto provide that special meetings of stockholders may be
called by stockholders holding in the aggregate shares representing not less
than a majority of each class or series of stock issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote at the meeting. Under the Keystone Bylaws, special meetings of
stockholders may only be called by the Chairman of the Board, President or Board
of Directors of Keystone.
 
     The Certificate of Incorporation of DeSoto prohibits the taking of
stockholder action without a meeting. The Certificate of Incorporation of
Keystone does not prohibit the taking of stockholder action without a meeting.
 
  Director Nominations
 
     The Keystone Bylaws currently provide for a five to nine member Board of
Directors; there are currently seven members of the Board of Directors which
shall be expanded to nine members effective upon consummation of the Merger. The
Directors are divided into three classes, with staggered three year terms. One
class of Directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders for a
three year term and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
 
     The DeSoto Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be eleven,
which number may be changed by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. The
DeSoto Board of Directors currently consists of seven members. The Directors are
divided into three classes, with staggered three year terms. One class of
Directors
 
                                       74
<PAGE>   78
 
shall be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders and each director shall
hold office for a three year term and until his or her successor is duly elected
and qualified.
 
  State Antitakeover Statutes
 
     Both Keystone and DeSoto are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Section
203 of the DGCL would prohibit a "business combination" (as defined in Section
203, generally including mergers, sales and leases of assets, issuances of
securities and similar transactions) by the subject company or a subsidiary with
an "interested stockholder" (as defined in Section 203, generally the beneficial
owner of 15 percent or more of the subject company's voting stock) within three
years after the person or entity becomes an interested stockholder, unless (i)
prior to the person or entity becoming an interested stockholder, the business
combination or the transaction pursuant to which such person or entity became an
interested stockholder shall have been approved by the Board of Directors of the
subject company, (ii) upon the consummation of the transaction in which the
person or entity became an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder
holds at least 85 percent of the voting stock of the subject company (excluding
for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding, shares held by
persons who are both officers and directors of the subject company and shares
held by certain employee benefit plans), or (iii) the business combination is
approved by the Board of Directors of the subject company, and by the holders of
at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the subject company,
excluding shares held by the interested stockholder.
 
  Rights Plan
 
     Keystone does not have a rights plan.
 
     On February 20, 1989, DeSoto's Board of Directors declared a dividend of
one Purchase Right for each outstanding share of DeSoto voting stock. The
dividend was payable to holders of record of shares on March 3, 1989, and the
board authorized the issuance of additional Purchase Rights for DeSoto Common
Stock issued after that date. Each Purchase Right entitles the holder thereof to
buy from DeSoto one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock at a
price of $140 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"),
subject to adjustment. As currently in effect, in the event that (i) any person
acquires 25% or more of the outstanding shares of DeSoto voting stock (an
"Acquiring Person"), (ii) DeSoto is the surviving corporation in a merger with
an Acquiring Person and the shares of DeSoto voting stock are not changed or
exchanged, (iii) an Acquiring Person engaged in one of a number of specified
self-dealing transactions, or (iv) during such time as there is an Acquiring
Person, an event occurs (including a reverse stock split) which results in such
Acquiring Person's ownership interest being increased by more than 1%, each
holder of a Purchase Right (other than Purchase Rights beneficially owned by the
Acquiring Person, which will thereafter be void) will thereafter have the right
to receive upon exercise of a Purchase Right that number of shares of DeSoto
Common Stock which, at that time, would have a market value of two times the
Purchase Price. In the event that DeSoto is acquired in a merger or other
business combination transaction, each Purchase Right will entitle its holder to
purchase, at the Purchase Price, that number of shares of common stock of the
acquiring company which at the time of such transaction would have a market
value of two times the Purchase Price.
 
     DeSoto is entitled to redeem the Purchase Rights at $.01 per Purchase Right
at any time prior to a person becoming an Acquiring Person. The Purchase Rights
will not be exercisable until the earlier of (i) the tenth day after the public
announcement that a person has acquired beneficial ownership of 25% or more of
the outstanding shares of DeSoto voting stock, or (ii) the tenth business day
(or such later date as is determined by DeSoto's Board of Directors prior to
such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person) after the commencement of,
or announcement of an intention to commence, an offer the consummation of which
would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 25% or more of
the outstanding shares of DeSoto voting stock. The Purchase Rights are intended
to deter takeovers which are not in the best interests of DeSoto and its
stockholders. In connection with the Reorganization Agreement, the Board of
Directors took appropriate action to assure that the execution of the
Reorganization Agreement and the related agreements and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated thereby will not cause the Purchase Rights to become
exercisable or distributed.
 
                                       75
<PAGE>   79
 
  Indemnification
 
     Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may, and the Keystone
Bylaws provide that Keystone shall, indemnify any person made a party to an
action by reason of the fact that he or she was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the corporation or was serving at the request of the corporation in a
similar capacity, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or
her in connection with such action if he or she acted in good faith and in a
manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action (other
than an action by or in the right of the corporation), has no reasonable cause
to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Determination of indemnification
shall be made by (i) the corporation's Board of Directors by a majority vote of
a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action or, (ii) if
such a quorum is not obtainable, or even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested
directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or
(iii) by the corporation's stockholders.
 
     The DGCL provides that a corporation may, and the Keystone Bylaws provide
that Keystone shall, indemnify any person made a party to an action by or in the
right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the
fact that he or she was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation or was serving at the request of the corporation in a similar
capacity, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in
connection with such action if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he
or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of
the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of
any matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery, or the
court in which such action was brought, shall determine that such person is
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.
 
     The DeSoto Certificate of Incorporation provides that directors, officers
and certain other persons will be indemnified to the fullest extent authorized
by Delaware law. The DeSoto Bylaws require DeSoto to pay all expenses incurred
by a director or officer in defending any proceeding within the scope of the
indemnification provisions as such expenses are incurred in advance of its final
disposition, subject to certain conditions. The Keystone Bylaws contain a
comparable provision regarding the advancement of expenses, except that such
advancement may only be made upon receipt of an undertaking by the affected
officer or director that he or she will repay such amounts advanced if it is
ultimately determined that he or she was not entitled to indemnification under
the Keystone Bylaws.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling Keystone pursuant
to the foregoing provisions, Keystone has been informed that in the opinion of
the Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
 
  Election of Directors
 
     Under the Bylaws of each of Keystone and DeSoto, the Board of Directors has
the right to fill any vacancy created on the Board caused by death, resignation,
removal or otherwise, and newly created directorships. Under the provisions of
the DGCL and the Keystone Certificate of Incorporation, any director or the
entire Board of Directors of Keystone may be removed, with or without cause, by
the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of
directors. Under the provisions of the DGCL and the DeSoto Certificate of
Incorporation, directors may be removed from office only for cause.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>   80
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of Keystone at December 31, 1994 and 1995,
and the related consolidated statements of operations and changes in
stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows of Keystone for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 (including the notes thereto),
incorporated by reference from Keystone's Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been
audited by Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent auditors, as set forth in
their report thereon appearing therein and incorporated by reference herein.
Such consolidated financial statements of Keystone are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of DeSoto as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995
included in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and elsewhere in this
Registration Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto. Reference
is made to said report which includes an explanatory paragraph that describes
matters impacting DeSoto's ability to continue as a going concern. Such
consolidated financial statements are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said
reports.
 
     Representatives of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P. are expected to be present at
the Keystone Meeting, and representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to
be present at the DeSoto Meeting. In each case, such representatives will have
the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to
be available to respond to appropriate questions.
 
     Richard Holmes of Arthur Andersen LLP, acting as a representative of
DeSoto's trade creditors, is required, pursuant to the terms of DeSoto's
agreement with its trade creditors, to agree on behalf of such trade creditors
to the terms of the Reorganization Agreement as such terms relate to such trade
creditors.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the shares of Keystone Common Stock offered hereby and the
federal income tax consequences in connection with the Merger will be passed
upon for Keystone by Godwin & Carlton, P.C.
 
     The federal income tax consequences in connection with the Merger will be
passed upon for DeSoto by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson.
 
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
     Keystone stockholders may submit proposals on matters appropriate for
stockholder action at Keystone's annual meetings, subject to regulations adopted
by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Keystone presently intends to call
the next annual meeting during May 1997. For such proposals to be considered for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to the 1997 annual
meeting, they must be received by the Company not later than December 24, 1996.
Such proposals should be addressed to Secretary, Keystone Consolidated
Industries, Inc., Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas,
Texas 75240.
 
     If the Merger is not consummated, any DeSoto stockholder who intends to
present a proposal at the 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and have it
included in DeSoto's proxy statement for that meeting must submit it to DeSoto
by the close of business on the date which is 120 calendar days in advance of
the first anniversary of November 27, 1995, unless the date of the 1996 Annual
Meeting changes by more than 30 days from the date of the 1995 Annual Meeting,
in which case proposals must be received by DeSoto a reasonable time before the
release of the proxy statement. In addition, if the Merger is not consummated, a
stockholder who otherwise intends to present business at the 1996 Annual Meeting
must comply with the requirements set forth in DeSoto's bylaws. Among other
things, to bring business before an annual meeting, a stockholder must give
written notice complying with the bylaws to the Secretary of DeSoto sixty (60)
days in advance of the meeting if the meeting is to be held on the first Friday
of May or, if the meeting is to be held on some other date, no later than seven
days following the date on which notice of the meeting is first given to
stockholders.
 
                                       77
<PAGE>   81
 
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The accompanying unaudited pro forma Keystone financial statements set
forth the pro forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of Keystone as of June
30, 1996, and the pro forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996. These
pro forma financial statements are presented to illustrate the effect of certain
adjustments to the historical consolidated financial statements that result from
the Merger between Keystone and DeSoto and the immediate, subsequent merger of
the two companies' defined benefit pension plans under the assumptions and
estimates set forth in the notes thereto. Keystone will account for the Merger
by the purchase method.
 
     The accompanying unaudited pro forma DeSoto financial statements set forth
the pro forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996. These pro forma
financial statements are presented to illustrate the effect of certain
adjustments to the historical DeSoto consolidated financial statements that
result from recording the April 1996 sale of DeSoto's Union City, California
business and the 1995 sales of DeSoto's businesses in Thornton and South
Holland, Illinois under the assumptions and estimates set forth in the notes
thereto.
 
     The accompanying Keystone and DeSoto pro forma condensed consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the respective
companies' historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The
pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are presented for
informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of actual results
had the foregoing transactions occurred as described in the preceding
paragraphs, nor do they purport to represent results of future operations of the
merged companies.
 
                                       P-1
<PAGE>   82
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                    INDEX OF PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.:

  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet -- June 30, 1996...........   P-3
  Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet...................   P-4
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations -- Year ended
     December 31, 1995................................................................   P-6
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations -- Six months
     ended June 30, 1996..............................................................   P-7
  Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations........   P-8

DeSoto, Inc.:

  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations -- Year ended
     December 31, 1995................................................................   P-9
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations -- Six months
     ended June 30, 1996..............................................................  P-10
  Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations........  P-11
</TABLE>
 
                                       P-2
<PAGE>   83
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  PRO FORMA
                                                                HISTORICAL    HISTORICAL    ---------------------     PRO FORMA
                                                                 KEYSTONE       DESOTO      NOTE 2    ADJUSTMENTS    CONSOLIDATED
                                                                ----------    ----------    ------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...................................   $     --      $     42                $      --       $     42
  Restricted cash and short-term investments..................         --         1,180                       --          1,180
  Notes and accounts receivable...............................     40,125         2,744                       --         42,869
  Inventories.................................................     26,351           355                       --         26,706
  Deferred income taxes.......................................      5,066         3,180                       --          8,246
  Prepaid expenses and other..................................        190           218                       --            408
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
        Total current assets..................................     71,732         7,719                       --         79,451
Property, plant and equipment, net............................     86,713           589      (c)            (589)        86,713
Unrecognized net pension obligation...........................      7,517            --      (d)          (7,517)            --
Prepaid pension cost..........................................         --        50,710      (c)          40,162
                                                                                             (d)          11,422        102,294
Deferred income taxes.........................................     21,873            --      (e)         (21,873)            --
Restricted investments........................................         --         3,877                       --          3,877
Other.........................................................      6,887           748      (c)            (748)
                                                                                             (f)             250          7,137
Investment in DeSoto..........................................        275            --      (a)          34,563
                                                                                             (b)             475
                                                                                             (c)         (35,313)            --
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
                                                                 $194,997      $ 63,643                $  20,832       $279,472
                                                                 ========      ========                =========       ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Notes payable and current long-term debt....................   $ 26,943      $     --      (b)       $     475
                                                                                             (f)           1,113       $ 28,531
  Accounts payable............................................     23,353        11,482      (f)          (8,000)        26,835
  Accrued pension cost........................................      6,623            --      (d)          (6,623)            --
  Accrued OPEB cost...........................................      7,776           435                       --          8,211
  Other accrued liabilities...................................     19,618        10,220      (c)             590         30,428
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
        Total current liabilities.............................     84,313        22,137                  (12,445)        94,005
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
Noncurrent liabilities:
  Long-term debt..............................................      9,351            --      (f)           8,617         17,968
  Deferred income taxes.......................................         --        12,256      (c)          14,378
                                                                                             (d)           5,990
                                                                                             (e)         (21,873)        10,751
  Accrued pension cost........................................     26,650            --      (d)         (26,650)            --
  Accrued OPEB cost...........................................     97,746         1,431      (c)           1,367        100,544
  Negative goodwill...........................................         --            --      (c)           1,885          1,885
  Other.......................................................      9,166         8,131                       --         17,297
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
        Total noncurrent liabilities..........................    142,913        21,818                  (16,286)       148,445
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
Keystone mandatory redeemable preferred stock, no par value,
  500,000 shares authorized, none issued (pro
  forma -- 435,458)...........................................         --            --      (a)           4,684
                                                                                             (c)             296
                                                                                             (f)          (1,480)         3,500
DeSoto mandatory redeemable preferred stock, no par value,
  583,333 shares authorized, issued and outstanding (pro
  forma -- none)..............................................         --         4,684      (a)          (4,684)            --
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
                                                                       --         4,684                   (1,184)         3,500
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
Common stockholders' equity (deficit):
  Keystone common stock, $1 par value, 12,000,000 shares
    authorized; 5,687,858 shares issued at stated value (pro
    forma -- 9,187,858).......................................      6,413            --      (a)           3,500          9,913
  DeSoto common stock.........................................         --         5,619      (c)          (5,619)            --
  Additional paid-in capital..................................     20,484         1,000      (a)          31,063
                                                                                             (c)          (1,000)        51,547
  Net pension liabilities adjustment..........................    (31,188)           --      (d)          31,188             --
  Retained earnings (accumulated deficit).....................    (27,926)       40,211      (c)         (40,211)       (27,926)
  Keystone treasury stock -- 1,134 shares.....................        (12)           --                       --            (12)
  DeSoto treasury stock -- 930,751 shares (pro
    forma -- none)............................................         --       (31,826)     (c)          31,826             --
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
        Total stockholders' equity (deficit)..................    (32,229)       15,004                   50,747         33,522
                                                                 --------      --------                ---------       --------
                                                                 $194,997      $ 63,643                $  20,832       $279,472
                                                                 ========      ========                =========       ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                          Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
                                       P-3
<PAGE>   84
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
       NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30,
1996 reflects the adjustments necessary to record the Merger of Keystone and
DeSoto and the immediate, subsequent merger of the two companies' defined
benefit pension plans as though such transactions had occurred on June 30, 1996.
The Merger is accounted for by the purchase method.
 
NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS:
 
(a) Keystone issues 3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock, at a price of
     $9.875 per share in exchange for the 4,688,523 outstanding shares of DeSoto
     Common Stock. In addition, Keystone issues 435,458 shares of Keystone
     Preferred Stock ($8.0375 mandatory redemption value on July 1, 2000), in
     exchange for the 583,333 outstanding shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock.
 
(b) Keystone incurs $750,000 in Merger related costs, $275,000 of which had been
     incurred at June 30, 1996.
 
(c) Allocate purchase price as follows.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                             --------------
        <S>                                                                                  <C>
        PURCHASE PRICE TO BE ALLOCATED
          3,500,000 shares of Keystone common stock at $9.875 per share;...................     $ 34,563
          435,458 shares of Keystone preferred stock with mandatory redemption value of
            $8.0375 per share..............................................................        3,500
          Estimated transaction costs......................................................          750
                                                                                                --------
                                                                                                  38,813
                                                                                                --------
        PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION
          Historical DeSoto common equity..................................................       15,004
          Eliminate historical DeSoto preferred stock......................................        3,204
                                                                                                --------
                                                                                                  18,208
          Purchase price allocation adjustments:
            Adjust DeSoto pension cost to excess of pension plan assets over related
             projected benefit obligation..................................................       40,162
            Accrue DeSoto severance liability..............................................         (590)
            Adjust DeSoto OPEB liability to accumulated benefit obligation.................       (1,367)
            Eliminate DeSoto net property, plant and equipment.............................         (589)
            Eliminate DeSoto other noncurrent assets.......................................         (748)
            Record related deferred tax liability, at effective federal and state rate of
             39%,..........................................................................      (14,378)
                                                                                                --------
                                                                                                  40,698
                                                                                                --------
                Recorded negative goodwill.................................................     $ (1,885)
                                                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       P-4
<PAGE>   85
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET -- (CONTINUED)

(d) Elimination of Keystone's additional minimum pension liability, unrecognized
     net pension obligation, SFAS 87 equity adjustment and related deferred
     income taxes and increase in the aggregate projected benefit obligation due
     to conforming mortality assumptions, all as a result of merging Keystone's
     and DeSoto's defined benefit pension plans. The merger of the pension plans
     results in a pro forma funded status as follows.
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                IMPACT OF MERGER OF
                                                            HISTORICAL         ---------------------
                                                       --------------------    KEYSTONE/    PENSION
                                                       KEYSTONE     DESOTO      DESOTO       PLANS      PRO FORMA
                                                       --------    --------    ---------    --------    ---------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
        Plan assets..................................  $149,282    $160,229     $    --     $     --    $309,511
        Projected benefit obligation.................  192,192       69,357          --       18,255     279,804
                                                       --------    --------     -------     --------    --------
        Plan assets in excess of (exceeded by)
          projected benefit obligation...............  (42,910 )     90,872          --      (18,255)     29,707
        Unrecognized net loss (gain) from experience
          different from actuarial assumptions.......   46,869      (33,280)     33,280       18,255      65,124
        Unrecognized net obligation (asset)..........    7,463       (7,506)      7,506           --       7,463
        Additional minimum liability.................  (44,695 )         --          --       44,695          --
        Other........................................       --          624        (624)          --          --
                                                       --------    --------     -------     --------    --------
          Prepaid (accrued) pension cost.............  (33,273 )     50,710      40,162       44,695     102,294
        Less current portion.........................    6,623           --          --       (6,623)         --
                                                       --------    --------     -------     --------    --------
          Noncurrent prepaid (accrued) pension
            cost.....................................  $(26,650)   $ 50,710     $40,162     $ 38,072    $102,294
                                                       ========    ========     =======     ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
(e)  Reclassification of net noncurrent deferred income taxes.
 
(f)  Keystone's term loan is restructured and increased by $8,617,000 (to a 
     total of $20 million), at a cost of $250,000. The net term loan proceeds of
     $8,367,000, along with $1,113,000 of additional borrowings under Keystone's
     revolving credit facility, are used to fund $8 million of payments to
     DeSoto's trade creditors and payment of the dividend arrearage on DeSoto
     Preferred Stock of $1,480,000.
 
                                       P-5
<PAGE>   86
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        PRO FORMA           PRO FORMA
                                           HISTORICAL     DESOTO      ---------------------     PRO FORMA
                                           KEYSTONE     NOTE 2 (A)    NOTE 2    ADJUSTMENTS    CONSOLIDATED
                                           ---------    ----------    ------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>
Revenues and other income................  $ 345,924     $ 18,098                 $    --        $364,022
                                           ---------     --------                 -------        --------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold.....................    312,909       16,209       (c)          (205)
                                                                        (d)           966
                                                                        (g)        (3,882)        325,997
  Selling, general and administrative....     21,552        6,491       (b)           (11)
                                                                        (c)          (178)
                                                                        (d)           107
                                                                        (g)          (432)         27,529
  Nonrecurring expense (income), net.....         --       (6,360)                     --          (6,360)
  Retirement security program............         --       (6,846)      (d)         2,532
                                                                        (g)         4,314              --
  Interest...............................      3,385           83       (e)           475           3,943
                                           ---------     --------                 -------        --------
                                             337,846        9,577                   3,686         351,109
                                           ---------     --------                 -------        --------
     Income before income taxes..........      8,078        8,521                  (3,686)         12,913
Provision for income taxes...............      3,191        3,315       (f)        (1,475)          5,031
                                           ---------     --------                 -------        --------
Net income...............................      4,887        5,206                  (2,211)          7,882
Dividends on preferred stock.............         --          507                      --             507
                                           ---------     --------                 -------        --------
Net income available for common shares...  $   4,887     $  4,699                 $(2,211)       $  7,375
                                           =========     ========                 =======        ========
Net income per common and common
  equivalent share.......................  $     .86                                             $    .79
                                           =========                                             ========
Weighted average common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding..........      5,654                                                9,348
                                           =========                                             ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                                       P-6
<PAGE>   87
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      PRO FORMA            PRO FORMA
                                       HISTORICAL       DESOTO       ----------------------      PRO FORMA
                                        KEYSTONE      NOTE 2 (A)     NOTE 2     ADJUSTMENTS     CONSOLIDATED
                                       ----------     ----------     ------     -----------     ------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>             <C>
Revenues and other income............   $ 170,304      $  7,434                   $    --         $177,738
                                         --------      --------                   -------         --------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold.................     157,675         6,863       (c)             (81)
                                                                      (d)             483
                                                                      (g)          (1,645)         163,295
  Selling, general and
     administrative..................      11,302         2,562       (b)              (5)
                                                                      (c)             (40)
                                                                      (d)              54
                                                                      (g)            (183)          13,690
  Nonrecurring expense (income),
     net.............................          --          (676)                       --             (676)
  Retirement security program........          --        (3,436)      (d)           1,608
                                                                      (g)           1,828               --
  Interest...........................       1,869            --       (e)            (207)           1,662
                                         --------      --------                   -------         --------
                                          170,846         5,313                     1,812          177,971
                                         --------      --------                   -------         --------
     Income (loss) before income
       taxes.........................        (542)        2,121                    (1,812)            (233)
Provision (benefit) for income
  taxes..............................        (215)          826       (f)            (725)            (114)
                                         --------      --------                   -------         --------
Net income (loss)....................        (327)        1,295                    (1,087)            (119)
Dividends on preferred stock.........          --           283                        --              283
                                         --------      --------                   -------         --------
Net income (loss) available for
  common shares......................   $    (327)     $  1,012                   $(1,087)        $   (402)
                                        =========      ========                   =======         ========
Net income (loss) per common and
  common equivalent share............   $    (.06)                                                $   (.04)
                                        =========                                                 ========
Weighted average common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding......       5,678                                                    9,244
                                        =========                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                                       P-7
<PAGE>   88
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND
                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996 have
been prepared assuming the Merger of Keystone and DeSoto and the immediate,
subsequent merger of the two companies' defined benefit pension plans occurred
on January 1, 1995. The Merger is accounted for by the purchase method.
 
NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS:
 
(a) Includes pro forma adjustments to reflect the effect of certain DeSoto
     businesses sold in 1995 and 1996 as if such sales had occurred on December
     31, 1994. See DeSoto pro forma financial statements on pages P-9 to P-11.
 
(b) Amortization of negative goodwill and deferred financing costs by the
     straight-line method over 20 years and 3 years, respectively.
 
(c) Reduction in depreciation expense resulting from amortization of purchase
     accounting basis difference over average remaining life of two years.
 
(d) Increase in pension expense due to conforming Keystone and DeSoto mortality
     assumptions and purchase accounting adjustments relating to DeSoto's
     defined benefit pension plan.
 
(e) Impact on interest expense based on changes in average outstanding debt
     levels using weighted average interest rates of 9.9% in 1995 and 9.3% in
     1996, as follows.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SIX MONTHS
                                                              YEAR ENDED         ENDED
                                                             DECEMBER 31,       JUNE 30,
                                                                 1995             1996
                                                             ------------     ------------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                                  <C>              <C>
        Increase (decrease) in average outstanding debt
          levels related to:
          Payment to DeSoto trade creditors................    $  8,000         $ 10,000
          Payment of DeSoto preferred stock dividends......       1,700            1,900
          Reduced defined benefit pension contributions....      (6,600)         (17,300)
          Payment of financing and transaction costs.......         700              700
          Other............................................         900              300
                                                                -------         --------
                                                               $  4,700         $ (4,400)
                                                                =======         ========
</TABLE>
 
(f) Income tax expense of pro forma adjustments (c) through (e) at assumed
     effective federal and state rate of 39%.
 
(g) Reclassification.
 
                                       P-8
<PAGE>   89
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                    ---------------------     PRO FORMA
                                                      HISTORICAL    NOTE 2    ADJUSTMENTS    CONSOLIDATED
                                                      ----------    ------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>
Revenues and other income...........................   $ 52,339       (d)      $ (34,241)      $ 18,098
                                                       --------                ---------       --------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold................................     54,069       (d)        (37,860)        16,209
  Selling, general and administrative...............     10,164       (b)         (3,673)         6,491
  Nonrecurring expense (income), net................       (201)      (c)         (6,159)        (6,360)
  Retirement security program.......................     (6,846)                      --         (6,846)
  Interest..........................................        546       (a)           (463)            83
                                                       --------                ---------       --------
                                                         57,732                  (48,155)         9,577
                                                       --------                ---------       --------
     Income (loss) before income taxes..............     (5,393)                  13,914          8,521
Provision (benefit) for income taxes................       (758)      (f)          4,073          3,315
                                                       --------                ---------       --------
Net income (loss)...................................     (4,635)                   9,841          5,206
Dividends on preferred stock........................        507                       --            507
                                                       --------                ---------       --------
Net income (loss) available for common shares.......   $ (5,142)               $   9,841       $  4,699
                                                       ========                =========       ========
Net income (loss) per common and common equivalent
  share.............................................   $  (1.10)                               $   1.00
                                                       ========                                ========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
  outstanding.......................................      4,677                                   4,677
                                                       ========                                ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                                       P-9
<PAGE>   90
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PRO FORMA
                                                                  ----------------------      PRO FORMA
                                                   HISTORICAL     NOTE 2     ADJUSTMENTS     CONSOLIDATED
                                                   ----------     ------     -----------     ------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>        <C>             <C>
Revenues and other income........................   $  9,481        (d)        $(2,047)        $  7,434
                                                    --------                   -------         --------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold.............................      8,383        (d)         (1,520)           6,863
  Selling, general and administrative............      2,718        (b)           (156)           2,562
  Nonrecurring expense (income), net.............      2,746        (c)         (1,562)            (676)
                                                                    (e)         (1,860)
  Retirement security program....................     (3,436)                       --           (3,436)
                                                    --------                   -------         --------
                                                      10,411                    (5,098)           5,313
                                                    --------                   -------         --------
     Income (loss) before income taxes...........       (930)                    3,051            2,121
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.............       (351)       (f)          1,177              826
                                                    --------                   -------         --------
Net income (loss)................................       (579)                    1,874            1,295
Dividends on preferred stock.....................        283                        --              283
                                                    --------                   -------         --------
Net income (loss) available for common shares....   $   (862)                  $ 1,874         $  1,012
                                                    ========                   =======         ========
Net income (loss) per common and common
  equivalent share...............................   $   (.18)                                  $    .22
                                                    ========                                   ========
Weighted average common and common equivalent
  shares outstanding.............................      4,684                                      4,684
                                                    ========                                   ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                                      P-10
<PAGE>   91
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                          NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND
                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996 have
been prepared by the management of DeSoto and reflect the adjustments necessary
to record the April 1996 sale of DeSoto's Union City, California business and
the 1995 sales of DeSoto's businesses in Thornton and South Holland, Illinois as
though such transactions had occurred on December 31, 1994.
 
NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS:
 
(a) Sale proceeds used to reduce debt resulting in decreased interest expense.
 
(b) Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased due to reduced sales
    personnel, facility expense, amortization of goodwill and corporate 
    overhead.
 
(c) Eliminate losses related to sale of facilities.
 
(d) Eliminate sales and cost of sales related to the sold facilities.
 
(e) Eliminate provision for uncollectible receivables related to the disposed
    operations.
 
(f) Income tax expense calculated at an assumed rate of 39%.
 
NOTE 3 -- NONRECURRING EXPENSE (INCOME)
 
    Pro forma nonrecurring income for the year ended December 31, 1995 and for
the six months ended June 30, 1996 consists principally of insurance
settlements. See "Information About DeSoto -- Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Results of
Operations."
 
                                      P-11
<PAGE>   92
 
                    DESOTO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
               INDEX TO DESOTO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants..................................   F-2
Consolidated statements of operations.....................................   F-3
Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity...........................   F-4
Consolidated balance sheets...............................................   F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows.....................................   F-6
Notes to consolidated financial statements................................   F-7
Quarterly revenues and earnings data (1995 versus 1994)...................  F-21
                                                                   
                        SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996             
                                                                   
Consolidated condensed statements of operations...........................  F-22
Consolidated condensed balance sheets.....................................  F-23
Consolidated condensed statements of cash flows...........................  F-24
Notes to consolidated condensed financial statements......................  F-25
</TABLE>                                                           
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   93
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of DeSoto, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DeSoto,
Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995.
These financial statements are the responsibility of DeSoto's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of DeSoto, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
     The accompanying financial statements for 1995 have been prepared assuming
that DeSoto will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note B to the
financial statements, DeSoto has suffered recurring losses from operations and
negative operating and financing cash flows, and has contingent liabilities
related to environmental matters, income taxes and the 1992 acquisition of J.L.
Prescott Company, that collectively raise substantial doubt about its ability to
continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are
also described in Note B. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois,
March 25, 1996
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   94
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                                1995        1994         1993
                                                              --------     -------     --------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                                                          
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>         <C>
NET REVENUES................................................  $ 52,339     $87,182     $101,175
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of sales.............................................    54,069      84,800       96,309
  Selling, administrative and general.......................    10,164      11,889       18,794
  Retirement security program...............................    (6,846)     (6,495)      (4,753)
  Nonrecurring expense......................................     6,159          --        5,925
                                                              --------     -------     --------
          TOTAL OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES................    63,546      90,194      116,275
                                                              --------     -------     --------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS........................................   (11,207)     (3,012)     (15,100)
                                                              --------     -------     --------
OTHER CHARGES AND CREDITS:
  Interest expense..........................................       546         575          642
  Nonoperating expense......................................        --          --        1,601
  Nonoperating income.......................................    (6,360)     (1,303)      (4,021)
                                                              --------     -------     --------
Loss before Income Taxes....................................    (5,393)     (2,284)     (13,322)
Benefit for Income Taxes....................................      (758)       (649)      (5,232)
                                                              --------     -------     --------
NET LOSS....................................................    (4,635)     (1,635)      (8,090)
Dividends on Preferred Stock................................      (507)       (319)        (302)
                                                              --------     -------     --------
Net Loss Available for Common Shares........................  $ (5,142)    $(1,954)    $ (8,392)
                                                              ========     =======     ========
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE...................................  $  (1.10)    $ (0.42)    $  (1.83)
                                                              ========     =======     ========
Average Common Shares Outstanding...........................     4,677       4,657        4,598
                                                              ========     =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   95
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         COMMON
                                                         STOCK                    RETAINED    TREASURY
                                                      $1 PAR VALUE    WARRANTS    EARNINGS     STOCK
                                                      ------------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE, January 1, 1993............................     $5,619        $1,000     $ 61,722    $(36,868)
  Net loss..........................................         --            --       (8,090)         --
  Accrued dividends -- redeemable preferred stock...         --            --         (302)         --
  Accretion of redeemable preferred stock to
     liquidation preference.........................         --            --         (185)         --
  Shares issued under employee stock options........         --            --       (1,017)      1,262
                                                         ------        ------     --------    --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1993..........................      5,619         1,000       52,128     (35,606)
  Net loss..........................................         --            --       (1,635)         --
  Accrued dividends -- redeemable preferred stock...         --            --         (319)         --
  Accretion of redeemable preferred stock to
     liquidation preference.........................         --            --         (198)         --
  Shares issued under employee stock options and
     other grants...................................         --            --       (1,182)      1,442
                                                         ------        ------     --------    --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1994..........................      5,619         1,000       48,794     (34,164)
  Net loss..........................................         --            --       (4,635)         --
  Accrued dividends -- redeemable preferred stock...         --            --         (507)         --
  Accretion of redeemable preferred stock to
     liquidation preference.........................         --            --         (212)         --
  Shares issued under employee stock options and
     other grants...................................         --            --         (232)        271
                                                         ------        ------     --------    --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1995..........................     $5,619        $1,000     $ 43,208    $(33,893)
                                                         ======        ======     ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   96
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                 -------------------
                                                                                                  1995        1994
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                                                      DOLLARS)
<S>                                                                                              <C>         <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash...........................................................................................  $    51     $ 1,702
Restricted cash................................................................................       29          58
Restricted short-term investments, at cost (approximates market)...............................    1,180         710
Trade accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts and notes of $367 in
  1995 and $1,819 in 1994......................................................................    4,764      11,848
Inventories, net:
  Finished goods...............................................................................      405       4,331
  Raw materials and work-in-process............................................................      380       4,182
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                     785       8,513
Deferred income taxes..........................................................................    2,049       3,295
Prepaid expenses and other assets..............................................................      231         215
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total Current Assets...................................................................    9,089      26,341
RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS, at cost (approximates market)..........................................    3,770       4,666
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST:
Land and improvements..........................................................................       --          --
Buildings and improvements.....................................................................       --          90
Machinery and equipment........................................................................   14,440      22,783
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                  14,440      22,873
Less accumulated depreciation..................................................................   11,830      14,905
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                   2,610       7,968
PREPAID PENSION COSTS..........................................................................   46,913      39,319
OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS.......................................................................    2,586       4,818
                                                                                                 -------     -------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................................................................  $64,968     $83,112
                                                                                                 =======     =======
                                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable...............................................................................  $14,263     $14,961
Revolving credit agreement.....................................................................       --       8,381
Waste site cleanup.............................................................................    2,025       2,522
Reserves and liabilities related to restructuring programs.....................................    3,226       1,884
Other liabilities..............................................................................    4,500       5,725
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total Current Liabilities..............................................................   24,014      33,473
WASTE SITE CLEANUP -- LONG-TERM................................................................    5,269       6,744
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES..........................................................................   11,461      13,392
CONTINGENCIES AND LITIGATION (Note J)..........................................................       --          --
POST RETIREMENT AND POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS...................................................    1,223       1,510
LONG-TERM DEFERRED GAIN........................................................................    2,779       3,175
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK; series B senior preferred, 583,333 shares authorized, issued and
  outstanding, $6 per share liquidation preference.............................................    4,288       3,569
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY:
Common stock, $1 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued -- 5,619,274..................    5,619       5,619
Warrants.......................................................................................    1,000       1,000
Retained earnings..............................................................................   43,208      48,794
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                  49,827      55,413
Less treasury stock, at cost (940,067 shares in 1995 and 947,567 shares in 1994)...............   33,893      34,164
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                  15,934      21,249
                                                                                                 -------     -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.....................................................  $64,968     $83,112
                                                                                                 =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   97
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                 1995        1994        1993
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss......................................................  $(4,635)    $(1,635)    $(8,090)
Non-cash items:
  Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets -- net of deferred
     credit...................................................    4,177        (457)     (1,434)
  Depreciation and amortization...............................    1,397       2,920       4,148
  Pension income..............................................   (7,594)     (7,101)     (5,094)
  Deferred income taxes.......................................     (685)      1,390         407
  Other non-cash items........................................       38         174          --
                                                                -------     -------     -------
     Net non-cash items.......................................   (2,667)     (3,074)     (1,973)
Changes in assets and liabilities resulting from operating
  activities:
  Net (increase) decrease in trade accounts and notes
     receivable...............................................    5,719        (406)      5,666
  Net (increase) decrease in inventories......................    4,585       1,933      (3,195)
  Net decrease in other non-current assets....................    1,344       1,102       1,237
  Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities................   (2,142)     (2,284)      2,930
  Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable.................     (698)     (4,040)      2,422
  Net (increase) decrease in other current assets.............     (458)       (185)      1,183
  Net (increase) decrease in refundable income taxes..........       --       6,697      (4,185)
  Other.......................................................       --          16          (1)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities............    1,048      (1,876)     (4,006)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of liquid laundry detergent and fabric
     softener sheet businesses................................    5,305          --          --
  Proceeds from sale of assets................................      622       3,803       4,285
  Additions to property, plant and equipment..................     (245)     (1,021)     (1,021)
  Net cash from waste site escrow.............................       --          --         917
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net cash flows from investing activities......................    5,682       2,782       4,181
                                                                -------     -------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Additions (payments) under revolving credit agreement.......   (8,381)        681       1,500
  Proceeds from shares issued from treasury stock.............       --          70         245
  Payment of mortgage loan....................................       --          --      (2,122)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities............   (8,381)        751        (377)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..........   (1,651)      1,657        (202)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year............    1,702          45         247
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year..............  $    51     $ 1,702     $    45
                                                                =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   98
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
A. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of DeSoto and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
     Short-Term Investments. For purposes of the statements of cash flows,
DeSoto considers all investments purchased with a maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents.
 
     Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
computed on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for all inventories. The cost
of products includes raw materials, direct labor and operating overhead. If the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of inventory accounting had been used for all
of DeSoto's inventories, inventories would have been $1,493,000 and $1,889,000
higher than reported at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
     Property and Depreciation. Property is recorded at cost. Repairs and
maintenance are charged to expense. Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment is provided by charges to earnings based on the estimated useful lives
of the assets, computed primarily on accelerated methods. Useful lives are 10-40
years for buildings and improvements and 10 years for machinery and equipment.
 
     Goodwill and Amortization. Goodwill represented the excess of cost over the
fair value of net assets acquired, and was being amortized by the straight-line
method over 40 years until the related businesses were sold in 1995. This
goodwill was written off in 1995 as a result of the disposition of the liquid
detergent and fabric softener sheet businesses in 1995.
 
     Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1994 and
1993 financial statements and footnotes to conform with current year
presentation.
 
     Revenue. Revenue is recognized at the time goods are shipped.
 
     Research and Development. Research and development costs are charged to
expense. These charges were $218,000 in 1995, $345,000 in 1994, and $665,000 in
1993.
 
     Income Taxes. Income taxes are provided based on the liability method of
accounting pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Deferred income taxes are recorded to
reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax
basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each
year-end.
 
     Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     DeSoto's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995 have
been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of
assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of
business. DeSoto has incurred operating losses of $11.2 million, $3.0 million,
and $15.1 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively; and cash flows from
operations have been $1.0 million, $(1.9) million and $(4.0) million in 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively. Cash flows from operations in 1995, however,
included the cash proceeds from insurance settlements of $6.1 million, and $10.0
million from the reduction of working capital.
 
     In addition to operating and financing cash flow losses, DeSoto continues
to be party to environmental exposures as discussed in Note I, has received a
notice of tax deficiencies from the IRS as discussed in Note F, and has a
contingent liability related to the 1992 Prescott acquisition as discussed in
Note L. Although management has used the best information available to record
the estimated liabilities for these
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   99
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
matters, actual outcomes could differ from recorded amounts. Additionally, the
timing of cash required to satisfy these obligations could significantly impact
DeSoto's cash flows in 1996.
 
     As part of DeSoto's continuing effort to manage its accounts payable and
cash flow requirements, DeSoto has been negotiating a Trade Composition
Agreement and a related Security Agreement with its trade creditors as
represented by a committee of six major creditors of DeSoto. The proposed
agreements include a standstill agreement related to accounts payable existing
as of September 22, 1995. Also, as part of the proposed Trade Composition
Agreement, DeSoto initiated the termination of its overfunded pension plan to be
effective contingent upon the receipt of appropriate governmental approvals. For
further information regarding the plan termination, refer to Note C to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Under the standstill agreement, if certain
conditions are met, the creditors who sign the agreement agree not to initiate
litigation or other efforts to collect amounts owed to them. DeSoto has agreed
to pay each Qualified Trade Creditor (as defined) the balance owed to that
creditor within 10 days of receipt of the reverted excess pension plan assets.
If payment is not made by July 1, 1996, interest would accrue from that date at
8% per annum on the outstanding balance. The proposed Security Agreement would
grant a security interest and lien on all of DeSoto's assets to secure the
obligations of DeSoto to the Qualified Trade Creditors. The proposed Trade
Composition Agreement further stipulates that DeSoto may suspend efforts to
terminate its pension plan if DeSoto enters into a binding agreement for a
merger, asset sale or similar transaction, involving substantially all of
DeSoto's assets, which provides that all Qualified Trade Creditors will be paid
in full. DeSoto and its creditors have been operating within the understanding
outlined above. The actual Standstill Agreement document was circulated for
signatures on March 11, 1996 and final execution of the documents has not yet
been completed. DeSoto is continuing to pursue, with the assistance of its
investment bankers, a possible business combination; however, there can be no
assurance as to the outcome of such efforts. For further information regarding a
possible business combination, refer to Note P to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
C. PENSION AND EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLANS
 
     DeSoto's retirement security program includes a noncontributory defined
benefit pension plan and an employee investment plan covering substantially all
employees except certain hourly-rated employees; DeSoto also contributes to
union sponsored plans. DeSoto's pension plan benefits are principally based on
the employee's compensation and years of service. DeSoto's funding policy is to
contribute annually at a rate that is intended to remain at a level percentage
of compensation for the covered employees. DeSoto was not required to make
contributions to DeSoto sponsored pension plan in 1995, 1994 and 1993 due to the
plan's overfunded status.
 
     In January 1996, DeSoto announced that it had notified the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation of its intention to terminate the pension plan to be
effective contingent upon the receipt of appropriate governmental approvals.
DeSoto further intends to use 25% of the excess assets in the pension plan to
fund a replacement plan and purchase an annuity contract to cover accrued plan
benefits. The remaining excess plan assets will be subject to a 20% federal
excise tax and federal and state income taxes. If more than 75% of the excess
assets were reverted to DeSoto from the plan, such reversion would be subject to
a 50% federal excise tax and federal and state income taxes. DeSoto intends to
utilize the reversionary funds to satisfy, among other things, various creditor
obligations and stabilize ongoing operations. As an alternative to termination
of the pension plan, DeSoto is also continuing to pursue a possible business
combination, in its ongoing efforts to preserve and maximize shareholder values;
however, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of such efforts. For
further information regarding the possible business combination, refer to Note P
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     DeSoto makes contributions to the employee investment plan in cash or
Company stock in an amount equal to 30% of employee deposits up to 5% of such
employee's gross pay.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   100
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The costs of the pension and employee investment plans are summarized as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ---------------------------------
                                                              1995        1994       1993
                                                            --------    --------    -------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
    Noncontributory Retirement plans:
    Service cost -- benefits earned during the period.....  $    527    $    671    $   492
    Interest cost on projected benefit obligation.........     5,089       4,978      5,012
    Actual return on assets -- (favorable) unfavorable....   (30,841)      3,962     (8,652)
    Net amortization and deferral.........................    17,803     (16,824)    (2,053)
                                                            --------    --------    -------
                                                              (7,422)     (7,213)    (5,201)
    Employee Investment Plan..............................        35          84         47
    Contributions to Union Sponsored Plans................       242         313        288
                                                            --------    --------    -------
    Total income from pension and employee investment
      plans...............................................  $ (7,145)   $ (6,816)   $(4,866)
                                                            ========    ========    =======
</TABLE>
 
     The change in the net amortization and deferral from 1993 to 1994 and from
1994 to 1995 was primarily due to the difference between the actual return on
Plan assets, which was favorable in 1995 and unfavorable in 1994, versus the
expected return on Plan assets. Under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 87, the difference between the actual and expected return on
assets is deferred and amortized over subsequent periods.
 
     The pension plans assets at December 31, 1995 are invested in United States
Treasury Notes, corporate bonds and notes, investment partnerships, United
States Treasury Securities, time deposits, commercial paper, interest rate
futures, forward exchange contracts, foreign currency, certain real estate
operated by DeSoto, various mutual funds invested in bonds, equity and real
estate, mortgages and other short-term investments. The pension plan's funded
status and amounts recognized in DeSoto's balance sheets at December 31 are
presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995         1994
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                              <C>          <C>
    Actuarial present value of vested benefit obligation...........  $ 65,719     $ 57,540
                                                                     ========     ========
    Accumulated benefit obligation.................................  $ 65,877     $ 57,702
                                                                     ========     ========
    Plan assets at fair value......................................  $162,017     $135,764
    Actuarial present value of projected benefit obligation........    66,832       59,471
                                                                     --------     --------
    Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation..........    95,185       76,293
    Unrecognized net gain..........................................   (40,595)     (27,707)
    Prior service costs............................................     2,064        2,259
    Unrecognized net asset.........................................    (9,741)     (11,526)
                                                                     --------     --------
    Prepaid pension cost recognized on the balance sheet...........  $ 46,913     $ 39,319
                                                                     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial
present value of the projected benefit obligation was 7.5% in 1995 and 8.9% in
1994. The rate of increase in future compensation levels used in determining the
actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation was 5.0% in 1995 and
1994. The expected long-term rate of return on assets used in determining
pension income was 8.0% in 1995 and 7.0% in 1994.
 
     In October 1992, DeSoto completed the sale of its real properties in
Joliet, Illinois, Columbus, Georgia, and Union City, California, to a real
property trust created by DeSoto's pension plan. This trust paid approximately
$6.5 million in cash for the properties and entered into a ten-year lease of the
properties to DeSoto. DeSoto's initial annualized rental obligation was
$707,000. The amount paid to DeSoto by the trust
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   101
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
and DeSoto's annual rental obligation were based upon an independent appraisal
and approved by DeSoto's Board of Directors.
 
     Effective January 1, 1994, the DeSoto Salaried Plan, Hourly Plan and J. L.
Prescott Plan were merged into the DeSoto Employee Retirement Plan. This action
resulted in a combination of the assets of each of these plan into one trust
fund. The method of calculating benefits under each of these plans remained
unchanged.
 
     In March 1994, DeSoto ceased operations at the Columbus, Georgia facility.
Effective October 1, 1994, DeSoto entered into an agreement to sublease the
facility for a term of three years. The subtenant makes monthly rental payments
directly to the pension trust; DeSoto continues to make monthly rental payments
to the pension trust for the amount by which DeSoto's initial rental obligation
exceeds the subtenant's rental obligation.
 
     In December 1994, DeSoto sold its real property located in South Holland,
Illinois, to the real property trust of DeSoto's pension plan. The trust paid
$4,117,000 in cash for the properties and has entered into a ten-year lease of
the properties to DeSoto. DeSoto's annualized rental obligation (net of receipts
from subtenants) is approximately $898,000 including the South Holland facility.
The amount paid to DeSoto by the trust and DeSoto's annual rental obligation
were based upon an independent appraisal and approved by DeSoto's Board of
Directors.
 
D. POST RETIREMENT AND OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
 
     DeSoto provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired
employees on a contributory basis. Substantially all of DeSoto's employees,
except certain hourly-rated employees, may become eligible for such benefits if
they reach qualifying retirement age while working for DeSoto. Such benefits and
similar benefits for active employees are administered by two outside companies
whose administrative fees are based upon number of participants and claims
processed. The health care program is self funded by DeSoto with purchased stop
loss coverage for claims over certain levels. Life insurance benefits are funded
by policies for which DeSoto pays premiums. In certain cases the participants
also contribute to the premium payment. The following table presents the costs
of accruing the postretirement insurance benefits in 1995, 1994, and 1993:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1995     1994     1993
                                                                    ----     ----     ----
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                           DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
    Service cost -- benefits attributed to service during the
      period......................................................  $ 31     $ 14     $  4
    Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit
      obligation..................................................   289      130      109
    Amortization of unrecognized net loss.........................   115        7       --
                                                                    ----     ----     ----
    Net periodic postretirement benefit cost......................  $435     $151     $113
                                                                    ====     ====     ====
</TABLE>
 
     The following table presents the components of DeSoto's post-retirement
benefit obligation and the amount recognized in DeSoto's balance sheets at
December 31,
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1995       1994
                                                                         ------     ------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                             DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                                  <C>        <C>
    Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation:
      Current retirees.................................................  $2,831     $2,819
      Active plan participants.........................................     373        393
                                                                         ------     ------
              Total....................................................   3,204      3,212
    Unrecognized net loss..............................................   1,621      1,687
                                                                         ------     ------
    Accrued post-retirement liability recognized on the balance
      sheet............................................................  $1,583     $1,525
                                                                         ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   102
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The assumed health care cost trend rate used to measure the expected cost
of benefits covered by the plan was 7% and 8% as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to measure the accumulated
post-retirement insurance obligation was 7.5% for 1995 and 9.0% for 1994. A one
percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate for each
future year would have resulted in additional obligation of $288,000 at December
31, 1995 and would have increased the aggregate service and interest cost by
$29,000 in 1995.
 
     DeSoto adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112,
"Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits" effective January 1, 1994.
The impact of adoption was not material to DeSoto's financial position or
results of operations.
 
E. REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT AND OTHER DEBT
 
     On November 12, 1992, in conjunction with the acquisition of J. L. Prescott
Company ("Prescott"), DeSoto entered into an amended credit agreement with
Harris Trust and Savings Bank and two additional banks. The agreement had
originally provided for a two-year revolving credit facility of up to
$20,000,000. Effective October 1, 1993, the credit facility was reduced to
$15,000,000 per conditions set in the November 12, 1992 amendment. The
termination date of this amended agreement was originally October 31, 1994. In
March 1994, the facility was further amended setting a termination date of
January 1, 1995. Effective with the March 1994 amendment, DeSoto paid $2,700,000
of the outstanding debt upon the receipt of its income tax refund for fiscal
year 1993. Up to the March 1994 amendment, the revolver carried an interest rate
equal to either the prime rate of Harris Trust and Savings Bank plus 1 1/4% or
the IBOR rate plus 3 1/2% (as amended in the third quarter of 1993). Effective
in March 1994, the interest rate became the prime rate of Harris Trust and
Savings plus 2%.
 
     On December 7, 1994, DeSoto entered into a revolving credit facility with
CIT. The agreement provided for up to $14,000,000 under a revolving credit
facility. The funds available for borrowing were based on a formula which
included specified percents of accounts receivable and inventory. The interest
rate on the facility was prime plus 1 1/4%. Commitment fees under the revolving
credit facility were calculated at 1/4 of one percent per annum of the average
unused and available portion of the facility. The facility was collateralized by
substantially all of DeSoto's assets. A portion of the line of credit was
available in the form of letters of credit. As of September 30, 1995, the
revolving credit agreement was terminated and DeSoto had no outstanding
borrowing as of that date.
 
     Cash payments for interest were $546,000 in 1995, $575,000 in 1994 and
$535,000 in 1993.
 
F. INCOME TAXES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995     1994      1993
                                                                 -----    -----    -------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                          <C>      <C>      <C>
    The benefit for income taxes is comprised of:
      Federal Income Taxes:
      Currently Refundable.....................................  $  --    $  --    $(4,808)
      Deferred.................................................   (608)    (493)       249
                                                                 -----    -----    -------
      Federal Income Taxes.....................................   (608)    (493)    (4,559)
      State and Local Income Taxes.............................   (150)    (156)      (673)
                                                                 -----    -----    -------
              Total Income Tax Benefit.........................  $(758)   $(649)   $(5,232)
                                                                 =====    =====    =======
</TABLE>
 
     Net cash refunds of income taxes were $0 in 1995, $8,742,000 in 1994 and
$1,446,000 in 1993.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   103
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective
tax rate is presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1995      1994      1993
                                                                  -----     -----     -----
    <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
    Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate...........................  (35.0)%   (35.0)%   (34.0)%
    Effect of:
      Write off of Goodwill.....................................   22.0        --        --
      Effect of Tax Rate Changes on Deferred Taxes..............   (0.9)      7.6        --
      State Income Taxes, Net...................................   (0.9)     (3.6)     (3.4)
      E.P.A. Fine...............................................     --       0.3       0.3
      Other.....................................................    0.7       2.3      (2.2)
                                                                  -----     -----     -----
    Effective Rate..............................................  (14.1)%   (28.4)%   (39.3)%
                                                                  =====     =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
     The components of the net deferred income tax asset and liability were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       -------------------
                                                                        1995        1994
                                                                       -------     -------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                            DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                                <C>         <C>
    Current Deferred Tax Asset:
      Restructuring and Cost Containment.............................  $ 1,899     $   917
      Inventory......................................................      531       1,989
      Retirement Security Program....................................      272         315
      Insurance......................................................      210         441
      Valuation Reserves.............................................      144         844
      Vacation Pay...................................................      137         225
      Other..........................................................   (1,144)     (1,436)
                                                                       -------     -------
              Total Current Deferred Tax Asset.......................  $ 2,049     $ 3,295
                                                                       =======     =======
    Long Term Deferred Tax Liability:
      Prepaid Pension................................................  $18,390     $15,570
      Other Reserves.................................................    3,919       3,092
      Restricted Investments.........................................    1,773       2,129
      Depreciation...................................................    1,287       2,413
      Net Operating Loss Carryforward................................   (7,681)     (3,889)
      Waste Site Cleanup.............................................   (2,859)     (3,669)
      Deferred Gain -- Sale of Assets................................   (1,091)     (1,255)
      Post Retirement Insurance......................................     (658)       (624)
      State and Local Income Taxes...................................     (459)       (480)
      Valuation Reserves.............................................     (377)       (404)
      Other..........................................................     (783)        509
                                                                       -------     -------
              Total Long-Term Deferred Tax Liability.................  $11,461     $13,392
                                                                       =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1995, DeSoto had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $22.0 million. These carryforwards expire between 2007 and 2010.
 
     DeSoto has received a Report of Tax Examination Changes from the Internal
Revenue Service that proposes adjustments resulting in additional taxes due of
$6.5 million and penalties of $1.4 million, as well as an unspecified amount of
interest for the years 1990 through 1993. DeSoto has filed a formal appeal of
the proposed adjustments. DeSoto believes that the resolution of this matter
will not have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's financial position or
results of operations, although the timing of cash required to settle any
amounts ultimately due could have a significant impact on DeSoto's cash flows.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   104
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
G. LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
     DeSoto leases certain facilities and equipment under lease agreements which
are classified as operating leases. These leases are for remaining periods
ranging from one to ten years and in some instances include renewal provisions
at the option of DeSoto. Rental expense was $1,592,000 in 1995, $1,652,000 in
1994 and $2,107,000 in 1993.
 
                               RENTAL COMMITMENTS
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      TOTAL
                                                                      ------
                <S>                                                   <C>
                1996..............................................    $1,267
                1997..............................................     1,263
                1998..............................................     1,101
                1999..............................................     1,098
                2000..............................................     1,098
                2001-2004.........................................     2,978
                                                                      ------
                                                                      $8,805
                                                                      ======
</TABLE>
 
H. SEGMENT REPORTING
 
     DeSoto operates in one industry segment, the manufacture of detergent.
DeSoto also performs contract manufacturing and packaging of detergents.
DeSoto's products are sold in retail stores, including mass merchants and
service centers, throughout the United States. DeSoto's revenues are derived
from several customers. There are five customers which each have accounted for
more than 10% of DeSoto's revenues as indicated below. DeSoto no longer does
business with Kmart or Benckiser as a result of the transactions disclosed in
Note O to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   % OF CONSOLIDATED NET
                                                                          REVENUES
                                                                 --------------------------
                                                                 1995       1994       1993
                                                                 ----       ----       ----
    <S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>
    Sears, Roebuck & Co........................................   20%        16%        14%
    Kmart......................................................   10%        15%        10%
    Procter & Gamble...........................................   13%        10%        *
    Benckiser..................................................   12%        *          *
    Lever Brothers.............................................   *          *          11%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
*   Less than 10% of consolidated net sales.
 
     From time to time, DeSoto enters into manufacturing and packaging
agreements with its contract packaging customers. These contracts include
product specifications, production procedures and other general terms. The
contracts do not obligate the customer to make any purchases.
 
I.  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
     DeSoto has been identified by government authorities as one of the parties
potentially responsible for the cleanup costs of waste disposal sites, many of
which are on the U.S. EPA's Superfund priority list, and for certain alleged
contamination. In addition, damages are being claimed against DeSoto in private
actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of certain
other waste disposal sites. The waste disposal sites relate to DeSoto's
discontinued operations. DeSoto's potential responsibility in connection with
these sites generally depends upon, among other things, whether it, directly or
through third parties, engaged in the business of waste disposal or storage,
shipped waste to the sites and, in those cases in which DeSoto did so ship
waste, the relative amount and/or composition of waste material attributable to
DeSoto as compared to the
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   105
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
waste material attributable to other solvent parties. Typically, DeSoto is one
of numerous parties involved in actions or proceedings relating to these waste
disposal sites and its obligations in connection with its share of cleanup and
other costs extend over a number of years rather than being payable at one time.
 
     DeSoto believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may
incur with respect to the sites. DeSoto provides a reserve for the lower end of
an estimated range of total loss from $7.3 to $21.6 million (after considering
information provided by independent legal counsel). These estimates are subject
to numerous variables, the effects of which are difficult to measure, including
the stage of the investigations, the nature of potential remedies, the joint and
several liability with other potentially responsible parties and other issues.
Accordingly, the reserves represent DeSoto's best estimates of its potential
exposure at this time. The reserve balance was $7.3 million as of December 31,
1995 and $9.3 million as of December 31, 1994. In 1995, DeSoto paid out
approximately $2.3 million on waste site related liabilities, excluding legal
and administrative costs; of this amount $1.1 million was disbursed from the
trust discussed below and $29,000 was disbursed from the restricted cash account
discussed below.
 
     Actual costs to be incurred in future periods may vary from the estimates.
DeSoto's potential liability may be materially impacted in the future as a
result of final determinations of the extent of environmental damage, the share
of the cost of cleanup technology which is ultimately chosen, the extent of the
cleanup required, the solvency of other potentially responsible parties, changes
in law and unanticipated awards of damages for personal injury or property
damages. In addition, DeSoto has not reduced its estimates of liability to
reflect the possible proceeds of insurance coverage which may be applicable to
these costs. DeSoto from time to time engages in discussions with insurance
carriers regarding Company claims in this regard and DeSoto may pursue
litigation if no satisfactory resolution of the claims is reached. DeSoto
reached settlements with two insurance carriers in 1995 regarding the cost of
cleanup at certain waste disposal sites. As a result of these settlements,
DeSoto received proceeds in 1995 totaling approximately $6.1 million.
 
     In connection with DeSoto's acquisition of Prescott in November 1992,
DeSoto assumed the cleanup obligations of Prescott under New Jersey's
Environmental Cleanup and Responsibility Act ("ECRA"). Pursuant to an agreement
with certain former owners of Prescott, DeSoto in 1993 received funds to offset
the cost of the cleanup previously held in escrow for the benefit of Prescott.
(DeSoto has placed these funds in a restricted cash account to secure its
cleanup obligations.) DeSoto currently expects that these funds will fully cover
the costs of cleanup required by New Jersey. The remaining liability related to
this site is included in the ranges above. The remaining funds are shown on the
balance sheet under the caption, restricted cash.
 
     Under the terms of the 1990 consumer paint asset purchase agreement with
Sherwin-Williams, $6.0 million of the sale's proceeds were used to establish a
trust fund to fund potential clean-up liabilities. The trust agreement expires
on October 26, 2000, or when the trust is depleted, whichever occurs first. A
portion of the trust has been set aside with respect to a specific site; the
agreement governing that portion of the trust expires on October 26, 2008.
DeSoto has access to the trust fund, subject to the other party's approval, for
any expenses or liabilities incurred by DeSoto regarding environmental claims
relating to the sites identified in the trust agreement. Sherwin-Williams has
access to the trust fund, subject to the other party's approval, for any
expenses or liabilities incurred as a result of DeSoto's failure to meet its
obligations relating to the sites identified in the agreement. DeSoto was
reimbursed $1,095,000 in 1995 and $145,000 in 1994 from the trust to cover waste
site payments. The balance in the trust fund, primarily invested in United
States Treasury securities and classified as a restricted investment on the
balance sheet, as of December 31, 1995 was $4,524,000. Of the estimated range of
total loss noted above, $2.3 to $5.0 million relate to sites which are covered
by the escrow account. The accrued waste site cleanup liability that was covered
by the trust at December 31, 1995 was $2,346,000 of which $755,000 was
classified as current.
 
     Under the terms of the 1990 industrial coatings business purchase
agreement, DeSoto had delivered to the Valspar Corporation an irrevocable
standby letter of credit in the amount of $2.0 million. The letter of credit was
delivered to secure DeSoto's obligation to indemnify Valspar for certain
environmental matters. DeSoto reached a settlement with Valspar in 1994 under
which the letter of credit was terminated.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   106
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     In December 1993, DeSoto transferred approximately $9.0 million of
liabilities for certain of its clean-up costs and related expenses at certain
waste disposal sites to DeSoto Environmental Management, Inc. (DEMI), a
subsidiary of DeSoto. DeSoto remains liable for the potential environmental
clean-up costs if DEMI is unable to satisfy the obligations. The purpose of DEMI
is to provide focused, strategic management of the environmental liabilities and
the related clean-up costs. DeSoto and certain members of DeSoto's management
and consultants are stockholders in DEMI. Refer to Note K of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
 
     It is the opinion of management, after evaluating the variables discussed
above as well as the anticipated time frame for remediation, that the resolution
of the waste site liability will not have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's
financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
 
J.  CONTINGENCIES & LITIGATION
 
     As previously reported, there are several shareholder actions still pending
in the Delaware courts relating to various proposals of Sutton Holding Corp. to
acquire DeSoto in the period 1989 to 1991. These actions, all of which
consolidated, have not been actively pursued and it appears the case was removed
from the courts calendar; however, the plaintiffs recently served a discovery
request upon DeSoto. DeSoto believes that these actions are not material.
 
     See Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information
regarding the Contingent Value Rights ("CVR's") which were issued by DeSoto to
the sellers in connection with DeSoto's acquisition of J.L. Prescott Company in
November 1992.
 
     DeSoto is also a party to other litigation arising out of the ordinary
conduct of its business or results of current and discontinued operations.
 
     DeSoto believes that the disposition of all such actions, individually and
in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's financial
position, cash flows, or results of operations.
 
K.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     In December 1993, DeSoto completed a number of transactions involving
certain of its subsidiaries and officers and directors. J.L. Prescott Company, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of DeSoto, paid off a portion of intercompany
obligations to DeSoto by means of the issuance of a ten-year, $9 million
principal amount, promissory note. DeSoto used this note to purchase 100 shares
of a non-voting class of common stock of another of its subsidiaries, DeSoto
Environmental Management, Inc. ("DEMI"). (This class of common stock is entitled
to 15% of the dividends or other distributions made to all classes of common
stock.) As part of the sale of stock to DeSoto, DEMI assumed up to a maximum of
$9 million of certain of DeSoto's possible clean-up costs and related expenses
at waste disposal sites. DeSoto remains liable for these possible environmental
clean-up costs if DEMI is unable to satisfy these obligations. DeSoto
subsequently sold at a price of $1 per share the shares of non-voting common
stock of DEMI to Anders Schroeder (Vice Chairman) (33 shares), William Spier
(Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) (33 shares), Anne Eisele (President and
Chief Financial Officer) (20 shares), and Irving Kagan (Special Counsel) (14
shares). Messrs. Schroeder and Spier subsequently sold 8 shares and 9 shares,
respectively, of their common stock to John Phillips upon his becoming President
and Chief Executive Officer in 1994. Mr. Phillips sold his shares back to
Messrs. Spier and Schroeder upon his resignation in 1995. Each of these persons
agreed that upon complete satisfaction of DeSoto's existing environmental
clean-up liabilities or when that person ceases to be an officer, director or
consultant of DeSoto, the DEMI shares held by that person would be repurchased
by DeSoto at the greater of $1 per share or the per share book value of DEMI. As
a general matter, the value of this DEMI stock will be dependent upon the
ability of DEMI, which has no other significant business or assets, to satisfy
DeSoto's existing environmental liabilities for less than $9 million, which was
the approximate minimum amount included in the 1994 estimated range of
environmental liability. Consequently, the holders of this DEMI stock have a
direct incentive to minimize the costs of satisfying environmental liabilities.
In any event, DeSoto will
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   107
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
retain 85% of the savings below the 1994 estimated minimum costs and savings
which do not reduce the liabilities below such estimated minimum will accrue
entirely to DeSoto. This transaction was approved by a unanimous vote of all
disinterested directors.
 
     In November 1992, DeSoto announced the completion of the sale of certain
real properties to a trust created by DeSoto's Pension Plans. In 1993, certain
of these assets were repurchased from the Pension Plans by DeSoto and then sold
to an unrelated third party. In 1994, DeSoto's facility in South Holland,
Illinois, was sold to the real property trust of DeSoto's Pension Plans. Refer
to Note C of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further
information.
 
     In July 1992, DeSoto entered into an agreement with parties related to
Sutton Holding Corp. ("Sutton"), which as of December 31, 1995 and in
conjunction with parties related to Sutton, owns 14% of DeSoto's outstanding
common stock and approximately 23% of all of DeSoto's outstanding voting stock,
providing for a cash purchase of newly issued DeSoto securities. The investment
resulted in Sutton's acquiring 583,333 shares of a new series of DeSoto senior
preferred stock and warrants to acquire 1.2 million shares of common stock.
Refer to Note L of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further
information regarding this transaction.
 
L. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     As of December 31, 1995, there were 5,619,274 shares of common stock issued
of which 940,067 shares were held as treasury stock. DeSoto's common stock has a
$1 par value per share, and there are 20,000,000 shares authorized.
 
     In July 1992, DeSoto entered into an agreement with parties related to
Sutton Holding Corp. ("Sutton"), providing for a $3.5 million cash purchase of
newly issued DeSoto securities. The investment resulted in Sutton's acquisition
of 583,333 shares of a new series of DeSoto senior preferred stock and warrants
to acquire 1.2 million shares of common stock per approval of DeSoto's
stockholders at the 1993 Annual Meeting.
 
     The DeSoto senior preferred pays 8% quarterly cumulative dividends (which
increase to 10% if dividends earned remain unpaid for more than one year), has
one vote per share (voting with common stock as a single class), has a
liquidation preference of $6.00 per share, must be redeemed by DeSoto at
liquidation preference after eight years and may be redeemed at DeSoto's option
after five years. The carrying amount of the preferred shares on the balance
sheet represents the proceeds received upon issuance (net of related expenses)
plus accretion to the redemption value of the shares in five years. The carrying
value has also been increased by cumulative dividends not currently declared.
The warrants have a term of six years and are exercisable at $7.00 per share of
common stock.
 
     Dividends have not been paid on the preferred stock since the date of
issuance. In addition, dividends may not be declared on the common stock while
dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears. At December 31, 1995 unpaid
dividends on the preferred totaled approximately $1,197,000.
 
     The purchase price of $3.5 million for the new securities was allocated by
DeSoto, upon the advice of an independent financial advisor, as $2.5 million for
the preferred stock and $1.0 million for the warrants. The valuation took into
account the terms of the purchase agreement and applied customary financial
analyses used in such transactions to those terms.
 
     The agreement with Sutton resulted from negotiations between Sutton and a
Special Committee of DeSoto's Board of Directors comprised of persons
unaffiliated with Sutton. The Special Committee was represented by independent
legal counsel and received an opinion from an independent financial advisor,
selected by the Committee, that the arrangements with Sutton are fair, from a
financial point of view, to the stockholders of DeSoto (other than those related
to Sutton).
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   108
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Sutton includes entities affiliated with William Spier, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of DeSoto, and Anders Schroeder, Vice Chairman of DeSoto, and
entities represented by David Tobey, a director of DeSoto.
 
     In 1992, DeSoto also amended the terms of its stockholder rights plan to
permit the parties related to Sutton to increase their ownership of common
shares and other voting securities to approximately 38.2% of DeSoto's
outstanding voting power (whether by exercise of warrants or acquisitions of
common shares in the market or otherwise). In addition, the plan was amended to
permit any stockholder to acquire up to 25% of DeSoto's outstanding voting power
(as compared to the previous 20% limit).
 
     As a result of the $3.5 million purchase of senior preferred stock, parties
related to Sutton now hold securities representing approximately 23% of DeSoto's
currently outstanding voting securities. If securities issuable upon exercise of
warrants are included, parties related to Sutton would own approximately 38% of
the outstanding voting power of DeSoto.
 
     In connection with the 1992 Prescott acquisition, DeSoto also issued
522,775 shares of DeSoto common stock, which were held in treasury, and agreed
to make a per share payment at the end of three years equal to the difference,
if any, between $12 and the highest 60-day average trading price, if lower than
$12 per share, of DeSoto common stock during the second and third years
following the acquisition, with a maximum obligation of $6 per share (the
"Contingent Value Rights" or "CVR's"). The payment shall be subject to reduction
as provided by the Agreement which governs the payment (the "Agreement"). Per
the Agreement, the payment, if any, shall be made in cash to the extent not
prohibited (as defined in the Agreement). Any payment not made in cash is to be
made by issuance of DeSoto securities and/or DeSoto common stock in that order.
As of the measurement date of the Agreement (November 12, 1995), the amount
calculated as payable under the terms of the Agreement, before the deduction of
amounts DeSoto believes are appropriate and permitted under the terms of the
Agreement, is $1,934,000; after applying such deductions DeSoto believes it is
not required to make any payment, although certain CVR holders contend
otherwise, and accordingly, no obligation has been recorded related to the
Agreement. DeSoto intends to vigorously defend its position in this matter,
which may include additional claims by DeSoto. DeSoto has reached agreement with
the holder of one-half of the outstanding CVRs which, among other things,
provides that no amounts are owed by DeSoto in respect of the CVRs owned by that
holder.
 
M.  STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK GRANTS
 
     Shares of stock and stock options have been granted to certain employees,
consultants, and nonemployee directors under the stock plan adopted in 1992. The
options granted to employees and consultants are qualified stock options (ISO)
and the options granted to non employee directors are nonqualified options. The
ISO options vest equally over the three years subsequent to the first
anniversary of the grant date and are exercisable for a period of 10 years from
the grant date. The nonqualified options are exercisable immediately upon grant
and are exercisable for a period of 10 years from the grant date. All options
have been granted at the prices equal to the fair market value of the stock on
the dates the options were granted. At December 31, 1995, 50,500 of the 400,000
shares of stock available for options or grants under DeSoto's stock option plan
remained available for grants. Options which are terminated, lapsed or expired
shall again become available for issuance under the stock option plan.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   109
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Stock options have been granted and exercised as set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 OUTSTANDING       OPTION PRICE        EXERCISABLE
                                                   OPTIONS        PER SHARE-RANGE        OPTIONS
                                                 -----------      ---------------      -----------
    <S>                                          <C>              <C>                  <C>
    December 31, 1993..........................    181,500         5.875 - 10.125         83,833
      Options granted..........................    122,000            5.50 - 7.00         27,000
      Options that became exercisable..........         --            7.00 - 9.00         60,333
      Options exercised........................    (10,000)                  7.00        (10,000)
      Options lapsed and canceled..............    (29,000)          5.875 - 9.00        (19,000)
    December 31, 1994..........................    264,500          5.50 - 10.125        142,166
      Options granted..........................     27,000          4.375 - 4.750         27,000
      Options that became exercisable..........         --           6.625 - 9.00        122,334
      Options lapsed and cancelled.............    (35,000)          6.625 - 9.00        (35,000)
                                                  --------                              --------
    December 31, 1995..........................    256,500         4.375 - 10.125        256,500
                                                  ========                              ========
</TABLE>
 
     During 1994, 30,000 shares of common stock were granted to an officer of
DeSoto at no cost. All granted shares vested in 1994. The average market price
of the common stock at the close of business on the vesting dates in 1994 was
$5.81. An additional 20,000 shares of common stock were granted to officers of
DeSoto in 1994. Of those shares, 7,500 shares vested in 1995 and 5,000 shares
were canceled in 1995; the remaining shares vest over the period from 1996 to
1998. The average market price of the common stock at the close of business on
the vesting date in 1995 was $5.13.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   110
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
N. OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE
 
     The following are components of the respective captions in the statements
of operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995       1994       1993
                                                              -------    -------    -------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
    Nonrecurring expense:
      Provision for restructuring due to disposition of
         liquid laundry and fabric softener sheet
         businesses.........................................  $ 3,100    $    --    $    --
      Loss on disposition of liquid laundry detergent and
         fabric softener sheet businesses...................    3,059         --         --
      Provision for shutdown of Columbus, Georgia Plant.....       --         --      2,000
      Loss on disposition of Jean Sorelle...................       --         --      1,331
      Write-down of machinery and equipment held for
         resale.............................................       --         --      1,194
      Provision for manufacturing and product
         rationalization....................................       --         --        900
      Settlement of lawsuit (including plaintiff's legal
         fees)..............................................       --         --        369
      Other.................................................       --         --        131
                                                              -------    -------    -------
              Total.........................................  $ 6,159    $    --    $ 5,925
                                                              =======    =======    =======
    Nonoperating expense:
      Provision for waste site cleanup......................  $    --    $    --    $ 1,467
      Other.................................................       --         --        134
                                                              -------    -------    -------
              Total.........................................  $    --    $    --    $ 1,601
                                                              =======    =======    =======
    Nonoperating income:
      Insurance settlements.................................  $(6,067)   $    --    $  (232)
      Royalties.............................................     (244)      (222)       (53)
      Arbitration settlement -- discontinued operations.....       --       (837)        --
      Reimbursement of legal fees...........................       --       (244)        --
      Sale of land and building.............................       --         --     (3,235)
      Pension settlement -- discontinued operations.........       --         --       (454)
      Other.................................................      (49)                  (47)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
              Total.........................................  $(6,360)   $(1,303)   $(4,021)
                                                              =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
O. DISPOSITIONS
 
     On July 21, 1995, DeSoto announced the transfer and assignment of various
operations and assets involved in its liquid detergent and fabric softener dryer
sheet businesses to two separate buyers. DeSoto assigned the rights to certain
customers with respect to these businesses. DeSoto also sold other assets which
included certain accounts receivable, inventory and machinery and equipment. The
proceeds of these transactions were utilized to reduce DeSoto's senior debt owed
to CIT. Both transactions also provide for DeSoto to receive royalties and other
earn-out opportunities over a three-year period in one case and over a four-year
period in the other case.
 
     DeSoto recorded a net loss on the sale of the liquid detergent and fabric
softener sheet businesses (including the write-off of related goodwill). DeSoto
also recorded a charge of $3.1 million in the third quarter relative to costs
associated with the closure of operating facilities relative to these
transactions. Significant components of the charge included severance, rent,
real estate taxes and amounts to reduce assets to their net realizable value.
The non-recurring expense of $6,159,000 reflects the net impact of these
transactions.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   111
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The following information is provided on a pro forma basis to illustrate
the effect of certain adjustments to the historical consolidated financial
statements that would have resulted from the above dispositions if such
transactions had occurred on January 1, 1994. The results are not necessarily
indicative of actual results had the foregoing transactions occurred as
described above, nor do they purport to represent results of future operations
of DeSoto.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     ---------------------
                                                                      1995          1994
                                                                     -------       -------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS
                                                                       EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                     AMOUNTS -- UNAUDITED)
    <S>                                                              <C>           <C>
    Net revenues...................................................  $25,082       $35,424
                                                                     =======       =======
    Net earnings...................................................  $ 2,682       $ 1,037
                                                                     =======       =======
    Net earnings per common share..................................  $  0.47       $  0.21
                                                                     =======       =======
</TABLE>
 
     The following table summarizes the non-cash aspects of the sale of the
liquid detergent and fabric softener sheet businesses:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                           <C>
    Net selling prices of businesses sold.......................................  $6,782
    Minimum royalty to be paid over a four-year period..........................   1,477
                                                                                  ------
    Cash received as part of the transactions...................................  $5,305
                                                                                  ======
</TABLE>
 
P. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
     On March 13, 1996, DeSoto announced that it was discussing a proposed
merger with Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. which, as presently
contemplated, would involve an exchange of all of DeSoto's shares of outstanding
stock for 3.5 million shares of Keystone common stock, in a tax-free
transaction.
 
     Merger discussions are ongoing, and are subject to mutual due diligence by
the parties, the negotiation and signing of a definitive agreement, the approval
of DeSoto's and Keystone's boards of directors and shareholders and Keystone's
primary lender, as well as the requisite governmental review. Additionally, the
prospective transaction would require a satisfactory resolution of the payout
plan with DeSoto's trade creditors.
 
     The merger with Keystone would provide an alternative to the prospective
termination of DeSoto's overfunded pension plan. The termination will not occur
if the proposed merger is completed. Additionally, Keystone has an underfunded
pension plan with certain funding waivers relating to prior years and has
preliminarily discussed the possible merger with the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation.
 
     There can be no assurance as to the outcome of the merger discussions; or,
in this connection, the resolution of DeSoto's trade creditor plan.
 
     Keystone, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is engaged in the manufacture and
distribution of fencing and wire products, carbon steel rods, industrial wire,
nails and construction products.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   112
 
QUARTERLY REVENUES AND EARNINGS DATA (1995 VERSUS 1994)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995
                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                                FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH
                                               QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER     TOTAL
                                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Revenues.................................. $18,927    $16,314    $11,132    $ 5,966    $52,339
                                               =======    =======    =======     ======    =======
Gross Profit.................................. $  (516)   $   (58)   $(1,093)   $   (63)   $(1,730)
                                               =======    =======    =======     ======    =======
Net Earnings (Loss)........................... $(1,022)   $ 2,897    $(6,146)   $  (364)   $(4,635)
                                               =======    =======    =======     ======    =======
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.......... $ (0.24)   $  0.60    $ (1.33)   $ (0.13)   $ (1.10)
                                               =======    =======    =======     ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1994
                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                                FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH
                                               QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER     TOTAL
                                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Revenues.................................. $23,640    $22,286    $21,394    $19,862    $87,182
                                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Gross Profit.................................. $   977    $   639    $   543    $   223    $ 2,382
                                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Net Earnings (Loss)........................... $    51    $  (744)   $  (782)   $  (160)   $(1,635)
                                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.......... $ (0.01)   $ (0.18)   $ (0.19)   $ (0.05)   $ (0.42)
                                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
NOTES: In the third quarter of 1995, DeSoto completed the transfer and
       assignment of various operations and assets involved in its liquid
       detergent and fabric softener dryer sheet businesses to two separate
       buyers.
 
       The results for the second quarter of 1995 include $6.1 million of
       non-operating income.
 
       The results for the fourth quarter of 1994 include $2.9 million of
       income from DeSoto's retirement plans. The results for the first
       quarter of 1994 include $1.1 million of nonoperating income.
 
       The quarterly information presented above is unaudited.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   113
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                 JUNE 30,
                                                                            ------------------
                                                                             1996       1995
                                                                            -------    -------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS
                                                                             EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                                 AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>
NET REVENUES..............................................................  $ 9,481    $35,241
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of sales...........................................................    8,383     35,815
  Selling, administrative and general.....................................    2,718      5,729
  Retirement security program.............................................   (3,436)    (3,382)
  Nonrecurring expense....................................................    1,562         --
                                                                            -------    -------
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES........................................    9,227     38,162
                                                                            -------    -------
EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS...........................................      254     (2,921)
OTHER CHARGES AND CREDITS:
  Interest expense........................................................       --        459
  Nonoperating expense (income)...........................................    1,184     (6,360)
                                                                            -------    -------
Earnings (Loss) before Income Taxes.......................................     (930)     2,980
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes......................................     (351)     1,105
                                                                            -------    -------
NET EARNINGS (LOSS).......................................................     (579)     1,875
Dividends on Preferred Stock..............................................     (283)      (168)
                                                                            -------    -------
Net Earnings (Loss) Available for Common Shares...........................  $  (862)   $ 1,707
                                                                            =======    =======
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE......................................  $  (.18)   $   .37
                                                                            =======    =======
Average Common Shares Outstanding.........................................    4,684      4,674
                                                                            =======    =======
Dividends Declared per Common Share.......................................       --         --
                                                                            =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   114
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     JUNE 30,
                                                                       1996           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)           1995
                                                                    -----------       ------------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                                                                 <C>               <C>
Current Assets:
  Cash............................................................    $    42            $    51
  Restricted cash.................................................         --                 29
  Restricted short-term investments...............................      1,180              1,180
  Trade accounts and notes receivable-net.........................      2,744              4,764
  Inventories -- net:
     Finished goods...............................................         25                405
     Raw materials and work-in-process............................        330                380
                                                                      -------            -------
                                                                          355                785
  Deferred income taxes...........................................      3,180              2,049
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................        218                231
                                                                      -------            -------
          Total Current Assets....................................      7,719              9,089
Restricted Investments............................................      3,877              3,770
Property, Plant and Equipment -- net..............................        589              2,610
Prepaid Pension...................................................     50,710             46,913
Other Non-Current Assets..........................................        748              2,586
                                                                      -------            -------
                                                                      $63,643            $64,968
                                                                      =======            =======
                               LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Accounts payable................................................    $11,482            $14,263
  Reserves and liabilities related to restructuring programs......      4,242              3,226
  Waste site clean-up.............................................      2,025              2,025
  Other...........................................................      4,388              4,500
                                                                      -------            -------
          Total Current Liabilities...............................     22,137             24,014
Waste site clean-up -- long-term..................................      5,550              5,269
Post Retirement and Post Employment Insurance.....................      1,431              1,223
Deferred Income Taxes.............................................     12,256             11,461
Long-Term Deferred Gain...........................................      2,581              2,779
Redeemable Preferred Stock........................................      4,684              4,288
Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity.......................     15,004             15,934
                                                                      -------            -------
                                                                      $63,643            $64,968
                                                                      =======            =======
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   115
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                               JUNE 30,
                                                                         ---------------------
                                                                          1996          1995
                                                                         -------       -------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                               DOLLARS)
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings (loss)....................................................  $  (579)      $ 1,875
Non-cash items:
  Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment................      636           (17)
  Depreciation and amortization........................................      175           881
  Pension income.......................................................   (3,797)       (3,746)
  Deferred income taxes................................................     (336)        1,107
  Amortization of deferred gain........................................     (198)         (198)
  Other non-cash items.................................................       45            38
                                                                         -------       -------
  Net non-cash items...................................................   (3,475)       (1,935)
Changes in assets and liabilities resulting from operating activities:
  Net (increase) decrease in trade accounts and notes receivable.......    2,020          (599)
  Net decrease in inventories..........................................      430            47
  Net decrease in other current assets.................................       42           608
  Net decrease in other non-current assets.............................    1,731           178
  Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable..........................   (2,781)        1,569
  Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities.........................    1,393        (1,847)
  Other................................................................       --            (4)
                                                                         -------       -------
Net cash flows from operating activities...............................   (1,219)         (108)
                                                                         -------       -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment..................    1,210           500
  Additions to property, plant and equipment...........................       --          (197)
                                                                         -------       -------
Net cash flows from investing activities...............................    1,210           303
                                                                         -------       -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments under Revolving Credit Agreement..............................       --        (1,369)
                                                                         -------       -------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents..............................       (9)       (1,174)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.......................       51         1,702
                                                                         -------       -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.............................  $    42       $   528
                                                                         =======       =======
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   116
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal
recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of
operations for the periods indicated.
 
     The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 1996 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
 
A. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     The reader is directed to Note A of the Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated
Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995 included in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus for details of the accounting policies followed by
DeSoto.
 
B. INCOME TAXES
 
     The provision (benefit) for income taxes is computed at the current
estimated effective income tax rate for the year.
 
C. INVENTORY VALUATION
 
     Inventory at June 30, 1996 is valued at the last-in, first-out (LIFO)
method of inventory accounting. If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of
inventory accounting had been used for all of DeSoto's inventories, inventories
would have been $520,000 and $1,493,000 higher than reported at June 30, 1996
and December 31, 1995, respectively.
 
D. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
     During the six months ended June 30, 1996, DeSoto sold certain of its
accounts receivable to fund short-term cash requirements. Proceeds of $4,291,000
were received during the six-month period of which $1,335,000 related to
invoices due after June 30, 1996. The accounts receivable sold were excluded
from Trade Accounts and Notes Receivable on the balance sheet as of June 30,
1996. DeSoto has retained the risk of loss in the event of nonpayment of the
receivables. DeSoto does not believe, however, that there is significant risk in
the collectibility of the receivables.
 
E. DISPOSITIONS
 
     On July 21, 1995, DeSoto announced the transfer and assignment of various
operations and assets involved in its liquid detergent and fabric softener dryer
sheet businesses to two separate buyers. DeSoto assigned the rights to certain
customers with respect to these businesses. DeSoto also sold other assets which
included certain accounts receivable, inventory and machinery and equipment. The
proceeds of these transactions were utilized to reduce DeSoto's senior debt owed
to CIT. Both transactions also provide for DeSoto to receive royalties and other
earn-out opportunities over a three-year period in one case and over a four-year
period in the other case. The statement of operations for the six months ended
June 30, 1995 includes the results of operations of these businesses.
 
     On April 11, 1996, DeSoto announced that it had sold the domestic business
and assets of its laundry detergent manufacturing and distribution operations,
at its Union City, California, plant, to Star Pacific, Inc. The buyer will
continue production under a sublease of the plant from DeSoto. DeSoto will
retain its international detergent business at the Union City facility, under a
production arrangement with Star Pacific.
 
     A charge of $1.6 million was recorded in the 1996 first quarter related to
the costs associated with the Union City disposition. This provision included
the write-down of fixed assets to net realizable value, future rental
commitments on a leased warehouse, and severance pay. The provision is reflected
on the statement of
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   117
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
operations as nonrecurring expense and the accrual is included with
restructuring reserves on the balance sheet. The statement of operations for the
six months ended June 30, 1995 includes the results of operations of this
business. The reader is directed to the DeSoto pro forma financial statements on
pages P-9 to P-11 for the pro forma effect of these business dispositions.
 
F. NONOPERATING EXPENSE (INCOME)
 
     Nonoperating expense during the first six months of 1996 resulted primarily
from a provision for uncollectible receivables related to prior operations.
Nonoperating income during the first six months of 1995 included approximately
$6.1 million from insurance settlements and approximately $244,000 of royalty
income related to technology sold by DeSoto in 1990.
 
G. KEYSTONE MERGER
 
     As previously reported, DeSoto, on June 27, 1996, entered into a definitive
merger agreement with Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. The consummation of
the merger is subject to certain conditions, including approval by the
shareholders of both companies and Keystone's obtaining the additional financing
necessary to consummate the merger.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   118
 
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
                                    BETWEEN
 
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                      AND
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                                  DATED AS OF
 
                                 JUNE 26, 1996
 
                                      A-CP
<PAGE>   119
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          ----
<S>   <C>     <C>                                                                         <C>
1.    PLAN OF REORGANIZATION............................................................   A-1
      1.1     The Merger................................................................   A-1
              (a) Conversion of Shares of DSO Common Stock..............................   A-1
              (b) Conversion of Shares of DSO Preferred Stock...........................   A-1
              (c) Adjustments for Capital Changes.......................................   A-2
              (d) Dissenting Shares.....................................................   A-2
              (e) Conversion of KCI Sub Common Stock....................................   A-2
      1.2     Fractional Shares.........................................................   A-2
      1.3     DSO Options...............................................................   A-2
              (a) Conversion............................................................   A-2
              (b) Registration..........................................................   A-3
      1.4     Effects of the Merger.....................................................   A-3
      1.5     Registration on Form S-4..................................................   A-3

2.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DSO.............................................   A-3
      2.1     Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power......................   A-4
      2.2     Capital Structure.........................................................   A-4
              (a) Stock and Options.....................................................   A-4
              (b) DEMI..................................................................   A-4
              (c) Warrants..............................................................   A-4
              (d) No Other Commitments..................................................   A-4
      2.3     Authority.................................................................   A-5
              (a) Corporate Action......................................................   A-5
              (b) No Conflict...........................................................   A-5
              (c) Governmental Consents.................................................   A-5
      2.4     SEC Documents.............................................................   A-6
              (a) SEC Reports...........................................................   A-6
              (b) Financial Statements..................................................   A-6
      2.5     Information Supplied......................................................   A-6
      2.6     Compliance with Applicable Law............................................   A-6
      2.7     Litigation and Legal Matters..............................................   A-7
      2.8     ERISA and Other Compliance................................................   A-7
      2.9     Labor Matters.............................................................   A-9
      2.10    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities........................................  A-10
      2.11    Absence of Certain Changes or Events......................................  A-10
      2.12    No Default................................................................  A-11
      2.13    Certain Agreements........................................................  A-11
      2.14    Taxes.....................................................................  A-11
      2.15    Intellectual Property.....................................................  A-12
      2.16    Fees and Expenses.........................................................  A-12
      2.17    Environmental Matters.....................................................  A-13
      2.18    Interested Party Transactions.............................................  A-14
      2.19    Contracts.................................................................  A-14
      2.20    Title to Properties.......................................................  A-15
      2.21    Insurance.................................................................  A-15
      2.22    Board Approval............................................................  A-15
      2.23    Vote Required.............................................................  A-15
      2.24    Disclosure................................................................  A-15
      2.25    Fairness Opinion..........................................................  A-16
      2.26    Restrictions on Business Activities.......................................  A-16
</TABLE>
 
                                       A-i
<PAGE>   120
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          ----
<S>   <C>     <C>                                                                         <C>
      2.27    DSO Rights Agreement......................................................  A-16
      2.28    Propriety of Past Payments................................................  A-16

3.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF KCI.............................................  A-16
      3.1     Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power......................  A-16
      3.2     Capital Structure.........................................................  A-16
              (a) Stock and Options.....................................................  A-16
              (b) No Other Commitments..................................................  A-17
      3.3     Authority.................................................................  A-17
              (a) Corporate Action......................................................  A-17
              (b) No Conflict...........................................................  A-17
              (c) Governmental Consents.................................................  A-18
      3.4     SEC Documents.............................................................  A-18
              (a) SEC Reports...........................................................  A-18
              (b) Financial Statements..................................................  A-18
      3.5     Information Supplied......................................................  A-18
      3.6     Compliance with Applicable Law............................................  A-19
      3.7     Litigation and Legal Matters..............................................  A-19
      3.8     ERISA and Other Compliance................................................  A-19
      3.9     Labor Matters.............................................................  A-21
      3.10    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities........................................  A-22
      3.11    Absence of Certain Changes or Events......................................  A-22
      3.12    No Default................................................................  A-23
      3.13    Certain Agreements........................................................  A-23
      3.14    Taxes.....................................................................  A-23
      3.15    Intellectual Property.....................................................  A-24
      3.16    Fees and Expenses.........................................................  A-24
      3.17    Environmental Matters.....................................................  A-24
      3.18    Interested Party Transactions.............................................  A-25
      3.19    Contracts.................................................................  A-25
      3.20    Title to Properties.......................................................  A-26
      3.21    Insurance.................................................................  A-26
      3.22    Board Approval............................................................  A-26
      3.23    Vote Required.............................................................  A-26
      3.24    Disclosure................................................................  A-26
      3.25    Fairness Opinion..........................................................  A-27
      3.26    Restrictions on Business Activities.......................................  A-27
      3.27    Propriety of Past Payments................................................  A-27

4.    DSO COVENANTS.....................................................................  A-27
      4.1     Advice of Changes.........................................................  A-27
      4.2     Maintenance of Business...................................................  A-27
      4.3     Conduct of Business.......................................................  A-27
      4.4     Stockholder Approval......................................................  A-29
      4.5     Prospectus/Proxy Statement................................................  A-29
      4.6     Regulatory Approvals......................................................  A-29
      4.7     Necessary Consents........................................................  A-29
      4.8     Access to Information.....................................................  A-29
      4.9     Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent......................................  A-30
      4.10    No Other Negotiations.....................................................  A-30
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-ii
<PAGE>   121
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          ----
<S>   <C>     <C>                                                                         <C>
5.    KCI COVENANTS.....................................................................  A-31
      5.1     Advice of Changes.........................................................  A-31
      5.2     Maintenance of Business...................................................  A-31
      5.3     Conduct of Business.......................................................  A-31
      5.4     Stockholder Approval......................................................  A-33
      5.5     Prospectus/Proxy Statement................................................  A-33
      5.6     Regulatory Approvals......................................................  A-33
      5.7     Necessary Consents........................................................  A-33
      5.8     Access to Information.....................................................  A-33
      5.9     Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent......................................  A-33
      5.10    Listing...................................................................  A-33
      5.11    Nomination of Directors...................................................  A-33
      5.12    Executive Committee.......................................................  A-34
      5.13    Director and Officer Indemnification......................................  A-34
      5.14    DSO Trade Debt............................................................  A-34

6.    CLOSING MATTERS...................................................................  A-34
      6.1     The Closing...............................................................  A-34
      6.2     Exchange of Certificates..................................................  A-34
              (a) Exchange Agent........................................................  A-34
              (b) Exchange Procedures...................................................  A-35
              (c) Distributions with Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates..............  A-35
              (d) No Further Ownership Rights to DSO Stock..............................  A-35
              (e) Termination of Exchange Fund..........................................  A-36
              (f) No Liability..........................................................  A-36
      6.3     Assumption of Options.....................................................  A-36

7.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF DSO........................................  A-36
      7.1     Accuracy of Representations and Warranties................................  A-36
      7.2     Covenants.................................................................  A-36
      7.3     Absence of Material Adverse Change........................................  A-36
      7.4     Compliance with Law.......................................................  A-36
      7.5     Government Consents.......................................................  A-36
      7.6     The Form S-4..............................................................  A-36
      7.7     Documents.................................................................  A-36
      7.8     Stockholder Approval......................................................  A-37
      7.9     KCI Approval..............................................................  A-37
      7.10    No Legal Action...........................................................  A-37
      7.11    Election of DSO Designees to Board of Directors of KCI....................  A-37
      7.12    Tax Opinions..............................................................  A-37
      7.13    Legal Opinion.............................................................  A-37
      7.14    Listing...................................................................  A-37
      7.15    PBGC......................................................................  A-37
      7.16    Financing.................................................................  A-37
      7.17    Fairness Opinion..........................................................  A-37

8.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF KCI........................................  A-37
      8.1     Accuracy of Representations and Warranties................................  A-37
      8.2     Covenants.................................................................  A-38
      8.3     Absence of Material Adverse Change........................................  A-38
      8.4     Compliance with Law.......................................................  A-38
      8.5     Government Consents.......................................................  A-38
      8.6     Form S-4..................................................................  A-38
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-iii
<PAGE>   122
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          ----
<S>   <C>     <C>                                                                         <C>
      8.7     Documents.................................................................  A-38
      8.8     Stockholder Approval......................................................  A-38
      8.9     DSO Approval..............................................................  A-38
      8.10    No Legal Action...........................................................  A-38
      8.11    Tax Opinions..............................................................  A-38
      8.12    Legal Opinion.............................................................  A-39
      8.13    Agreement of Warrantholders...............................................  A-39
      8.14    Financing.................................................................  A-39
      8.15    Amendment of DSO Retirement Plan..........................................  A-39
      8.16    No Pending Termination....................................................  A-39
      8.17    PBGC......................................................................  A-39
      8.18    Approval of Change of Control.............................................  A-39
      8.19    Preferred Stockholders Consents...........................................  A-39
      8.20    Prescott Obligation.......................................................  A-39
      8.21    Fairness Opinion..........................................................  A-39
      8.22    Lender Consent............................................................  A-39
      8.23    Trade Creditor Agreement..................................................  A-39
      8.24    Merger of Pension Plans...................................................  A-39

9.    TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT; BREAK UP FEES...........................................  A-39
      9.1     Termination...............................................................  A-39
      9.2     Notice of Termination.....................................................  A-40
      9.3     Effect of Termination.....................................................  A-40
      9.4     Breakup Fee...............................................................  A-40

10.   SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.............................  A-41

11.   MISCELLANEOUS.....................................................................  A-41
      11.1    Governing Law.............................................................  A-41
      11.2    Assignment; Binding Upon Successors and Assigns...........................  A-41
      11.3    Severability..............................................................  A-41
      11.4    Counterparts..............................................................  A-41
      11.5    Other Remedies............................................................  A-41
      11.6    Amendment and Waivers.....................................................  A-41
      11.7    Expenses..................................................................  A-41
      11.8    Attorney's Fees...........................................................  A-42
      11.9    Notices...................................................................  A-42
      11.10   Construction of Agreement.................................................  A-42
      11.11   No Joint Venture..........................................................  A-42
      11.12   Further Assurances........................................................  A-43
      11.13   Absence of Third Party Beneficiary Rights.................................  A-43
      11.14   Public Announcement.......................................................  A-43
      11.15   Entire Agreement..........................................................  A-43
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-iv
<PAGE>   123
 
                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
     THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (this "Agreement") is entered
into as of this 26th day of June, 1996, by and between KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED
INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("KCI"), and DESOTO, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("DSO").
 
                                    RECITALS
 
     A. The parties intend that, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, DSO will consolidate with a wholly owned subsidiary of KCI (the "KCI
Sub") in a statutory merger (the "Merger") with DSO being the surviving
corporation of the Merger (the "Surviving Corporation"), all pursuant to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement and the applicable provisions of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the "Delaware Law"). Upon the
effectiveness of the Merger, all the capital stock of DSO outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.1) will be
converted into capital stock of KCI, and KCI will assume all outstanding options
to purchase shares of common stock of DSO, as provided in this Agreement.
 
     B. The Merger is intended to be treated as a tax-free reorganization
pursuant to the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
     C. It is the intention and desire of KCI and DSO, immediately after the
Effective Time to cause a merger of the pension plans of KCI and DSO.
 
     The parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
 
     1. PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
          1.1  The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
     Agreement, the Merger will occur pursuant to this Agreement and in
     accordance with applicable provisions of the Delaware Law as follows:
 
             (a) Conversion of Shares of DSO Common Stock. Each share of DSO
        Common Stock, $1.00 par value, including the associated rights (the
        "Associated Rights") issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement (the
        "Rights Agreement") between DSO and Harris Trust and Savings Bank
        (collectively the "DSO Common Stock"), issued and outstanding
        immediately prior to the date and time of filing of a Certificate of
        Merger (the "Certificate of Merger") with the Secretary of State of
        Delaware (the "Effective Time") will by virtue of the Merger and at the
        Effective Time, and without further action on the part of any holder
        thereof, be converted into the right to receive .7465 of a share (the
        "Exchange Ratio") of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable KCI
        Common Stock, $1.00 par value (the "KCI Common Stock"). Shares of DSO's
        capital stock held by DSO in its treasury will not be deemed outstanding
        for purposes of this Agreement and will not be converted into shares of
        KCI Common Stock, cash or any other property and will be cancelled as of
        the Effective Time. No holder of shares of DSO Common Stock shall have
        any rights as a stockholder of KCI prior to the date of issuance to such
        holder of a certificate or certificates representing shares of KCI
        Common Stock.
 
             (b) Conversion of Shares of DSO Preferred Stock. Each share of DSO
        Series B Senior Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value (the "DSO Preferred
        Stock" and collectively with the DSO Common Stock, the "DSO Stock"),
        issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will by
        virtue of the Merger and at the Effective Time, and without further
        action on the part of any holder thereof, be converted into the right to
        receive the Exchange Ratio of a share of validly issued, fully paid and
        nonassessable KCI Series A Senior Preferred Stock, no par value, as
        contemplated by the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement
        of even date herewith (the "KCI Preferred Stock" and collectively with
        the KCI Common Stock, the "KCI Stock"). No holder of shares of DSO
        Preferred Stock shall have any rights as a stockholder of KCI prior to
        the date of issuance to such holder of a certificate or certificates
        representing shares of KCI Preferred Stock.
 
                                       A-1
<PAGE>   124
 
             (c) Adjustments for Capital Changes. If, prior to the Effective
        Time, DSO or KCI recapitalizes through a subdivision of its outstanding
        shares into a greater number of shares, or a combination of its
        outstanding shares into a lesser number of shares, or reorganizes,
        reclassifies or otherwise changes its outstanding shares into the same
        or a different number of shares of other classes, or declares a dividend
        on its outstanding shares payable in shares of its capital stock or
        securities convertible into shares of its capital stock, then the
        Exchange Ratio, as applicable, will be adjusted appropriately so as to
        maintain the relative proportionate interests of the holders of the
        shares of DSO Stock and the holders of the shares of KCI Stock.
 
             (d) Dissenting Shares. Holders of shares of DSO Common Stock who
        dissent from the Merger are not entitled to rights of appraisal under
        Section 262 of the Delaware Law by virtue of Section 262(b)(1) of the
        Delaware Law.
 
             (e) Conversion of KCI Sub Common Stock. Each share of common stock
        of KCI Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
        Time will by virtue of the Merger and at the Effective Time, and without
        further action on the part of any holder hereof, be converted into one
        share of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable common stock of
        the Surviving Corporation.
 
          1.2  Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of KCI Common Stock will
     be issued in connection with the Merger, but in lieu thereof each holder of
     DSO Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a
     share of KCI Common Stock will receive from the Exchange Agent (as defined
     in Section 6.2), at such time as such holder shall receive a certificate
     representing shares of KCI Common Stock as contemplated by Section 6.2, an
     amount of cash equal to the per share market value of KCI Common Stock
     (based on the average of the closing sale prices of KCI Common Stock during
     the ten (10) trading day period ending on the Closing Date (as defined in
     Section 6.1) as reported in the Wall Street Journal) multiplied by the
     fraction of a share of KCI Common Stock to which such holder would
     otherwise have been entitled. The fractional interests of each DSO
     stockholder will be aggregated so that no DSO stockholder will receive cash
     in an amount equal to or greater than the value of one full share of KCI
     Common Stock (other than those holding shares as nominees or in similar
     capacity, in which case, each interest of a beneficial owner shall be
     aggregated separately). KCI shall provide sufficient funds to the Exchange
     Agent to make the payments contemplated by this Section 1.2.
 
          1.3  DSO Options.
 
             (a) Conversion. At the Effective Time, each of the then outstanding
        options to purchase DSO Common Stock (the "DSO Options") will by virtue
        of the Merger, and without any further action on the part of any holder
        thereof, be converted into an option to purchase that number of shares
        of KCI Common Stock determined by multiplying the number of shares of
        DSO Common Stock subject to such DSO Option at the Effective Time by the
        Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share of KCI Common Stock equal
        to the exercise price per share of such DSO Option immediately prior to
        the Effective Time divided by the Exchange Ratio and rounded up to the
        nearest whole cent (provided, however, in the case of any DSO Options to
        which Section 421 of the Code applies by reason of its qualification
        under Section 422 or Section 423 of the Code, the option price, the
        number of shares purchasable pursuant to such DSO Options and the terms
        and conditions of exercise of such DSO Options shall be determined in
        order to comply with Section 424 of the Code). If the foregoing
        calculation results in an assumed DSO Option being exercisable for a
        fraction of a share of KCI Common Stock, then the number of shares of
        KCI Common Stock subject to such option will be rounded up to the
        nearest whole number of shares. The term, exercisability, vesting
        schedule, status as an "incentive stock option" under Section 422 of the
        Code, if applicable, and all other terms and conditions of the DSO
        Options shall be as set forth in the DSO Disclosure Schedule (as defined
        in Article 2). Continuous employment with DSO or any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 2.1) will be credited to an optionee
        of DSO for purposes of determining the number of shares of KCI Common
        Stock subject to exercise under DSO Options converted into options to
        purchase KCI Common Stock (the "KCI Converted Options"). Each
 
                                       A-2
<PAGE>   125
 
        KCI Converted Option shall otherwise be subject to the terms and
        conditions as were applicable to such converted DSO Option under the
        applicable DSO Plan (as defined in Section 2.2).
 
             (b) Registration. To the extent a registration statement on Form
        S-8 is available, KCI will cause the KCI Common Stock issuable upon
        exercise of the KCI Converted Options to be registered on Form S-8
        promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as
        soon as practicable after the Effective Time and will use its best
        efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement or
        registration statements for so long as the KCI Converted Options shall
        remain outstanding. With respect to those individuals who subsequent to
        the Merger will be subject to the reporting requirements under Section
        16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
        Act"), KCI shall administer, to the extent reasonably practicable, the
        DSO Plans (as defined in Section 2.2(a)) assumed pursuant to the Merger
        and this Section 1.3 in a manner that complies with the rules
        promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. KCI will reserve a
        sufficient number of shares of KCI Common Stock for issuance upon
        exercise of the KCI Converted Options.
 
          1.4  Effects of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the Certificate of
     Merger shall be filed as contemplated by Section 1.1(a), the effect of
     which shall be as follows: (a) each share of KCI Common Stock outstanding
     immediately prior to the Effective Time will continue to be an identical
     outstanding share of KCI Common Stock; (b) each share of DSO Stock and each
     DSO Option outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be
     converted as provided in Sections 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 hereof; (c) each share
     of KCI Sub Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
     will be converted as provided in Section 1.1(e) hereof; (d) the Certificate
     of Incorporation, Bylaws, directors and officers of the Surviving
     Corporation will be as provided in the Certificate of Merger; and (e) the
     Merger will, from and after the Effective Time, have all of the effects
     provided by applicable law, including, without limitation, the Delaware
     Law.
 
          1.5  Registration on Form S-4. The KCI Stock to be issued in the
     Merger shall be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
     (the "Securities Act"), on a Form S-4 registration statement promulgated by
     the SEC (the "Form S-4"). As promptly as practicable after the date of this
     Agreement, KCI and DSO shall prepare and file with the SEC the Form S-4,
     together with the prospectus/joint proxy statement to be included therein
     (the "Prospectus/Proxy Statement") and any other documents required by the
     Securities Act or the Exchange Act, in connection with the Merger. Each of
     KCI and DSO shall use its best efforts to respond promptly to any comments
     of the SEC and to have the Form S-4 declared effective under the Securities
     Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and to cause the
     Prospectus/Proxy Statement to be mailed to each company's stockholders at
     the earliest practicable time. Each party shall as promptly as practicable
     furnish to the other party all information concerning such party and its
     stockholders as may be reasonably required in connection with any action
     contemplated by this Section 1.5. The Prospectus/Proxy Statement and Form
     S-4 shall comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements
     of law. Each of KCI and DSO will notify the other promptly of the receipt
     of any comments from the SEC or its staff and of any request by the SEC or
     its staff for amendments or supplements to the Form S-4 or the
     Prospectus/Proxy Statement or for additional information and will supply
     the other with copies of all correspondence with the SEC or its staff with
     respect to the Form S-4, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement or any amendments
     or supplements thereto. Whenever any event occurs which should be set forth
     in an amendment or supplement to the Form S-4 or the Prospectus/Proxy
     Statement, KCI or DSO, as the case may be, shall promptly inform the other
     of such occurrence and cooperate in filing as promptly as practicable with
     the SEC or its staff, and/or mailing to stockholders of KCI and DSO, such
     amendment or supplement.
 
     2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DSO
 
          Except as set forth in a schedule dated the date of this Agreement and
     delivered by DSO to KCI concurrently herewith (the "DSO Disclosure
     Schedule") or as disclosed in the Recent DSO SEC Documents (as defined in
     Section 2.4), DSO represents and warrants to KCI as set forth below. In
     this Agreement, any reference to any event, change or effect being
     "material" with respect to any entity or
 
                                       A-3
<PAGE>   126
 
     group of entities means any material event, change or effect related to the
     condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets, liabilities,
     businesses, operations, results of operations or prospects of such entity
     or group of entities taken as a whole. In this Agreement, the term
     "Material Adverse Effect" used in connection with a party or any of such
     party's subsidiaries means any event, change or effect that is materially
     adverse to the condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets,
     liabilities, businesses, operations, results of operations or prospects of
     such party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
 
          2.1  Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power. DSO and
     each of its subsidiaries, including corporations, partnerships, trusts or
     any other type of entity (the "DSO Subsidiaries") is duly organized,
     validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its
     incorporation or organization, has all requisite corporate power and
     authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
     business as now being conducted, and is duly qualified and in good standing
     to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or
     the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification
     necessary or where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material
     Adverse Effect. The DSO Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and
     correct list of the DSO Subsidiaries. DSO has made available to KCI or its
     counsel complete and correct copies of the Certificates or Articles of
     Incorporation and Bylaws of DSO and each of the DSO Subsidiaries, in each
     case as amended to the date of this Agreement.
 
          2.2  Capital Structure.
 
             (a) Stock and Options. The authorized capital stock of DSO consists
        of 20,000,000 shares of DSO Common Stock, and 583,333 shares of DSO
        Preferred Stock. At the close of business on June 17, 1996, 4,688,523
        shares of DSO Common Stock were issued and outstanding, 583,333 shares
        of DSO Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding, 930,751 shares of
        DSO Common Stock were held by DSO in its treasury, and 120,500 shares of
        DSO Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the
        outstanding DSO Options. All outstanding shares of DSO Stock are validly
        issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to preemptive
        rights. All outstanding shares of DSO Common Stock, including treasury
        shares, and all shares reserved for issuance have been listed on the New
        York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"). All outstanding shares of the capital
        stock of each of the DSO Subsidiaries are validly issued, fully paid and
        nonassessable and are owned by DSO or one of the DSO Subsidiaries free
        and clear of any liens, security interests, pledges, agreements, claims,
        charges or encumbrances . DSO has made available to KCI, a true and
        correct copy of its 1992 Stock Plan and the DeSoto Stock Ownership Plus
        Plan (collectively, the "DSO Plans"), and a complete and correct list of
        each DSO Option outstanding as of the date hereof, including the name of
        the holder of each such DSO Option, the DSO Plan pursuant to which each
        such DSO Option was issued, the security and number of shares covered by
        each such DSO Option, the per share exercise price of each such DSO
        Option and the vesting schedule applicable to each such DSO Option.
 
             (b) DEMI. As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of
        DeSoto Environmental Management, Inc. ("DEMI") consists of one hundred
        (100) shares of Class A Common Stock, one hundred (100) shares of Class
        B Common Stock, and one hundred (100) shares of preferred stock. At the
        close of business on June 12, 1996, one (1) share of Class A Common
        Stock was held by DSO, one hundred (100) shares of Class B Common Stock
        were held by directors and officers of DSO as set forth on the
        Disclosure Schedule, and no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
 
             (c) Warrants. As of the date hereof warrants to purchase an
        aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of DSO Common Stock (the "DSO Warrants")
        were outstanding. As of the date hereof, 1,200,000 shares of DSO Common
        Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the DSO Warrants.
 
             (d) No Other Commitments. Except for the DSO Options, the DSO
        Warrants and the Contingent Value Rights issued in connection with the
        acquisition of J.L. Prescott Company, there are no options, warrants,
        calls, rights, commitments, conversion rights or agreements of any
        character to which DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a party or by
        which DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries is bound, obligating DSO or any
        of the DSO Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell,
 
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        or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, any shares of capital stock of
        DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries or securities convertible into or
        exchangeable for shares of capital stock of DSO or any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries, or obligating DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries to grant,
        extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment,
        conversion right or agreement. Except for the parties affiliated with
        Sutton Holding Corp. who have previously filed a Schedule 13-D with
        respect to DSO, there are no voting trusts or other agreements or
        understandings to which DSO or any DSO Subsidiary is a party or, as of
        the date hereof, of which DSO has knowledge, with respect to the voting
        of the capital stock of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries.
 
        2.3  Authority.
 
             (a) Corporate Action. DSO has the requisite corporate power and
        authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to approval of this
        Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of DSO, to perform its
        obligations hereunder and to consummate the Merger and the other
        transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery
        of this Agreement by DSO and, subject to approval of this Agreement and
        the Merger by the stockholders of DSO, the consummation by DSO of the
        Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
        authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of DSO. This
        Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by DSO, and this
        Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of DSO, enforceable in
        accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may be
        subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar
        laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors' rights generally
        and (ii) general equitable principles.
 
             (b) No Conflict. Subject to approval of this Agreement and the
        Merger by the stockholders of DSO, neither the execution, delivery and
        performance of this Agreement or the Certificate of Merger, nor the
        consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor
        compliance with the provisions hereof or thereof will conflict with, or
        result in any violation of, or cause a default (with or without notice
        or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of
        termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation
        contained in, or the loss of any benefit under, or result in the
        creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any
        of the properties or assets of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries under
        any term, condition or provision of (i) the Certificates or Articles of
        Incorporation or Bylaws of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries or (ii)
        any agreement, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
        regulation applicable to DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries or their
        respective properties or assets, other than any such conflicts,
        violations, defaults, losses, liens, security interests, charges, or
        encumbrances which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
        Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (c) Governmental Consents. No consent, approval or authorization
        of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any court,
        administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or
        instrumentality, domestic or foreign (each a "Governmental Entity"), is
        required to be obtained by DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries in
        connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
        Certificate of Merger or the consummation of the transaction
        contemplated hereby or thereby except for (i) the filing with the SEC of
        (A) the Form S-4, (B) the Prospectus/Proxy Statement relating to the
        meeting of the stockholders of DSO (the "DSO Stockholders Meeting") to
        be held with respect to the approval by DSO's stockholders of this
        Agreement and the Merger, and (C) such reports and information under the
        Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
        thereunder, as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the
        transactions contemplated hereby; (ii) the filing of the Certificate of
        Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and
        appropriate documents with relevant authorities of other states in which
        DSO is qualified to do business; (iii) such filings, authorizations,
        orders and approvals as may be required under state "control share
        acquisition," "anti-takeover" or other similar statutes and regulations
        (collectively, the "State Anti-Takeover Laws"); (iv) such filings,
        authorizations, orders and approvals as may be required under foreign
        laws, state securities laws and the rules of the NYSE; (v) such filings
        and notifications as may be necessary under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
        Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"); and
 
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<PAGE>   128
 
        (vi) such consents, approvals, etc. the failure of DSO to so obtain
        would not prevent or delay the consummation of the Merger or otherwise
        prevent DSO from performing its obligations under this Agreement and
        would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.4  SEC Documents.
 
             (a) SEC Reports. DSO has made available to KCI or its counsel
        complete and correct copies of each report, schedule, registration
        statement and definitive proxy statement filed by DSO with the SEC on or
        after January 1, 1991 (the "DSO SEC Documents"), which are all the
        documents (other than preliminary material) that DSO was required to
        file with the SEC on or after such date. As of their respective dates
        or, in the case of registration statements, their effective dates (and
        if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this
        Agreement, then also on the date of such filing), none of the DSO SEC
        Documents (including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents
        incorporated by reference herein) contained any untrue statement of a
        material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated
        therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light
        of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and the
        DSO SEC Documents were timely filed and complied when filed, in form and
        content, in all material respects with the then applicable requirements
        of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, including the timeliness of
        the filing as the case may be, and the rules and regulations promulgated
        by the SEC thereunder. DSO has filed all documents and agreements which
        were required to be filed as exhibits to the DSO SEC Documents. For
        purposes hereof, "Recent DSO SEC Documents" shall mean the most recent
        annual report on Form 10-K of DSO, together with the most recent
        quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DSO for any quarter subsequent to the
        annual period covered by such Form 10-K, together with any current
        reports on Form 8-K filed by DSO subsequent to such most recent Form
        10-Q.
 
             (b) Financial Statements. The financial statements of DSO included
        in the DSO SEC Documents complied as to form in all material respects
        with the then applicable accounting requirements and the published rules
        and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in
        accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
        consistent basis during the periods involved or at the applicable dates
        (except as may have been indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case
        of the unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q promulgated by
        the SEC) and fairly present (subject, in the case of the unaudited
        statements, to normal, year-end audit adjustments) the consolidated
        financial position of DSO and its consolidated DSO Subsidiaries as at
        the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of their
        operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended.
 
          2.5  Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be
     supplied by DSO for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Form S-4
     and Prospectus/Proxy Statement will, at the time the Form S-4 is declared
     effective, at the date the Prospectus/Proxy Statement is mailed to the
     stockholders of DSO and at the time of the KCI and DSO Stockholders
     Meetings, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
     any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are
     made, not misleading. The material to be supplied by DSO in respect of the
     Form S-4 and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement will comply as to form in all
     material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act, Exchange Act,
     and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.
 
          2.6  Compliance with Applicable Law. The businesses of DSO and the DSO
     Subsidiaries are not being conducted in violation of any law, ordinance,
     regulation, rule or order of any Governmental Entity where such violation
     would have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the Recent DSO
     SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement or where such
     notification would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
     Adverse Effect, DSO has not been notified by any Governmental Entity that
     any investigation or review with respect to DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries is pending or threatened, nor has any Governmental Entity
     notified DSO of its intention to conduct the same. DSO and each of the DSO
     Subsidiaries have all permits, licenses and franchises from Governmental
     Entities
 
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<PAGE>   129
 
     required to conduct their businesses as now being conducted, except for
     those the absence of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.7  Litigation and Legal Matters. There is no suit, action,
     arbitration, demand, claim or proceeding pending or threatened against DSO
     or any of the DSO Subsidiaries, or any of their officers, directors,
     employees or agents involving, affecting or relating to any assets,
     operations or properties of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries, or any DSO
     Employee Plans (as defined in Section 2.8), nor is there any judgment,
     decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator
     outstanding against DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries that, individually
     or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect. DSO has made available to KCI or its counsel complete and
     correct copies of all correspondence prepared by its counsel for DSO's
     auditors in connection with the last five (5) completed audits of DSO's
     financial statements and any such correspondence since the date of the last
     such audit.
 
          2.8  ERISA and Other Compliance.
 
             (a) DSO has made available to KCI a list of all employees of DSO
        and of any DSO Subsidiary, and their salaries as of the date of this
        Agreement. DSO has made available to KCI (i) a copy of each "employee
        benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement
        Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and (ii) a copy of
        all other written or formal plans or agreements involving direct or
        indirect compensation or benefits (including any employment agreements
        entered into by DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries, but excluding
        workers' compensation, unemployment compensation and other
        government-mandated programs) currently maintained, contributed to or
        entered into by DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries under which DSO or
        any of the DSO Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate (as defined below)
        thereof has any present or future obligation or liability (collectively,
        the "DSO Employee Plans"). For purposes of this Agreement, "ERISA
        Affiliate" shall mean any entity which is a member of (A) a "controlled
        group of corporations," as defined in Section 414(b) of the Code, (B) a
        group of entities under "common control," as defined in Section 414(c)
        of the Code, or (C) an "affiliated service group," as defined in Section
        414(c) of the Code, or treasury regulations promulgated under Section
        414(o) of the Code, any of which includes DSO or any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries. Copies of all DSO Employee Plans (and, if applicable,
        related trust agreements) and all amendments thereto and all summary
        plan descriptions, other than plans which are multi-employer plans
        within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, have been made available to KCI
        or its counsel, together with the three (3) most recent annual reports
        (Forms 5500) prepared in connection with any such DSO Employee Plan.
        Each DSO Pension Plan (as defined below) operates in accordance with the
        reporting and disclosure requirements imposed under ERISA and the Code
        except for such noncompliance which would not have a Material Adverse
        Effect. Copies of all DSO Employee Plans which individually or
        collectively would constitute an "employee pension benefit plan," as
        defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (collectively, the "DSO Pension
        Plans"), have been made available to KCI. Except for funding waivers
        which have been obtained, all contributions due from DSO or any of the
        DSO Subsidiaries through March 31, 1996 with respect to any of the DSO
        Employee Plans have been made as required under ERISA or have been
        accrued in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on
        DSO's or any such DSO Subsidiary's financial statements as of March 31,
        1996. Each DSO Employee Plan has been maintained since May 19, 1991 in
        substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements
        prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and regulations,
        including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code, which are applicable
        to such DSO Employee Plans except for such noncompliance which would not
        have a Material Adverse Effect, and all such plans which are DSO Pension
        Plans are fully funded on a termination basis.
 
             (b) No DSO Pension Plan constitutes, or has since May 19, 1991
        constituted, a "multiemployer plan," as defined in Section 3(37) of
        ERISA. No DSO Pension Plans other than the DeSoto Employees' Retirement
        Plan which is the result of the merger of the DeSoto Hourly Employees'
        Pension Plan and the J.L. Prescott Company Employees' Retirement Plan
        into the DeSoto Salaried Employees' Pension Plan, effective January 1,
        1994, all of which together currently constitute the
 
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<PAGE>   130
 
        DeSoto Employees' Retirement Plan (the "DSO Retirement Plan") are
        subject to Title IV of ERISA. To the best of the knowledge of the
        officers of DSO, no "prohibited transaction," as defined in Section 406
        of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to any
        DSO Employee Plan which is covered by Title I of ERISA which would
        result in a material liability to DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries taken as
        a whole, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or
        administrative exemption. To the best of the knowledge of the officers
        of DSO, nothing done or omitted to be done and no transaction or holding
        of any asset under or in connection with any DSO Employee Plan has or
        will make DSO or any officer or director of DSO subject to any material
        liability under Title I of ERISA or liable for any material tax or
        penalty pursuant to Sections 4972, 4975, 4976 or 4979 of the Code or
        Section 502 of ERISA. No DSO Pension Plan is liable for any federal,
        state or local taxes other than unrelated business taxable income as
        defined in Section 512 of the Code.
 
             (c) To the best of the knowledge of the officers of DSO, each DSO
        401(a) Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and has been
        so qualified during the period from May 19, 1991 to date, and the trust
        forming a part thereof is exempt from tax pursuant to Section 501(c) of
        the Code. Each DSO 401(a) Plan operates in accordance with its terms
        and, to DSO's knowledge, there exists no fact which would adversely
        affect its qualified status. Except for pending requests for favorable
        determination letters on qualification filed with the Internal Revenue
        Service (the "IRS") on March 29, 1995 for the DSO Retirement Plan and
        the DeSoto Stock Ownership Plan, no DSO 401(a) Plan is currently under
        investigation, audit or review by the IRS, nor is such action
        contemplated, and the IRS has not asserted that any DSO Pension Plan is
        not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or that any trust
        established under a DSO Pension Plan is not exempt under Section 501(a)
        of the Code.
 
             (d) With respect to each DSO Pension Plan which is a defined
        benefit plan under Section 414(j) of the Code and each defined
        contribution plan under Section 414(i) of the Code:
 
                (i) no liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
           (the "PBGC") under Sections 406-4064 of ERISA has been incurred by
           DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries since May 19, 1991 and all premiums due
           and owing to the PBGC have been timely paid;
 
                (ii) the PBGC has notified neither DSO, any of the DSO
           Subsidiaries nor any DSO Pension Plan of the commencement of
           proceedings under Section 4042 of ERISA to terminate any such plan;
 
                (iii) since May 19, 1991 no event has occurred, or to DSO's
           knowledge is threatened or is about to occur which would constitute a
           reportable event within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA for
           which reporting has not been made;
 
                (iv) no DSO Pension Plan has any "accumulated funding
           deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of
           the Code for which a waiver has not been obtained); and
 
                (v) no withdrawal liability has been incurred with respect to
           any DSO Pension Plan which is a multi-employer plan.
 
             (e) DSO has made available to KCI a list of each employment,
        severance or other similar contract, arrangement or policy and each plan
        or arrangement (written or oral) providing for insurance coverage
        (including any self-insured arrangements), workers' benefits, vacation
        benefits, severance benefits, disability benefits, death benefits,
        hospitalization benefits, retirement benefits, deferred compensation,
        profit-sharing, bonuses, stock options, stock purchases, phantom stock,
        stock appreciation rights or other forms of incentive compensation or
        post-retirement insurance, compensation or benefits for employees,
        consultants or directors which (i) is not a DSO Employee Plan, (ii) is
        entered into, maintained or contributed to, as the case may be, by DSO
        or any of the DSO Subsidiaries and (iii) covers any employee or former
        employee of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries. Such contracts, plans
        and arrangements as are described in this Section 2.8(e) are
 
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<PAGE>   131
 
        herein referred to collectively as the "DSO Benefit Arrangements." To
        DSO's knowledge, each DSO Benefit Arrangement has been maintained since
        May 19, 1991 in material compliance with its terms and with the
        requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and
        regulations which are applicable to such DSO Benefit Arrangement, is not
        currently under investigation, audit or review by the IRS or any other
        federal or state agency and no such actions are contemplated or under
        consideration, has no liability for any federal, state, local or foreign
        taxes and has no claim subject to dispute or litigation. DSO has made
        available to KCI or its counsel a complete and correct copy or
        description of each DSO Benefit Arrangement.
 
             (f) There has been no amendment to, written interpretation by or
        announcement (whether or not written) by DSO or any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries relating to, or change in employee participation or
        coverage under, any DSO Employee Plan or DSO Benefit Arrangement that
        would increase materially the expense of maintaining such DSO Employee
        Plan or DSO Benefit Arrangement above the level of the expense incurred
        in respect thereof from the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
 
             (g) DSO has provided, or will have provided prior to the Effective
        Time, to individuals entitled thereto all required notices and coverage
        pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code and the Consolidated Omnibus
        Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ("COBRA"), with respect to
        any "qualifying event" (as defined in Section 4980B(f)(3) of the Code)
        occurring prior to and including the Effective Time, and, to DSO's
        knowledge, no material tax payable on account of Section 4980B of the
        Code has been incurred with respect to any current or former employees
        (or their beneficiaries) of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries.
 
             (h) No benefit payable or which may become payable by DSO or any of
        the DSO Subsidiaries pursuant to any DSO Employee Plan or any DSO
        Benefit Arrangement or as a result of or arising under this Agreement
        shall constitute an "excess parachute payment" (as defined in Section
        280G(b)(1) of the Code) which is subject to the imposition of an excise
        tax under Section 4999 of the Code or which would not be deductible by
        reasons of Section 280G of the Code.
 
             (i) No DSO Retirement Plan is the subject of any investigation,
        audit or inquiry by the United States Department of Labor or the PBGC
        and, at the Effective Time, all items on the Disclosure Schedule with
        respect to this Section 2.8(i) shall not be required to remain on the
        Disclosure Schedule in order to make this representation true and
        correct.
 
          2.9  Labor Matters.
 
             (a) DSO and each of the DSO Subsidiaries has paid or made provision
        for the payment of all salaries, accrued wages and accrued vacation pay
        in the ordinary course of business and has complied in all material
        respects with all applicable laws, agreements, rules and regulations
        relating to the employment of labor, including those relating to wages,
        hours, collective bargaining and the payment and withholding of taxes,
        and has withheld and paid to the appropriate governmental authority, or
        is holding for payment not yet due to such authority, all amounts
        required by law or agreement to be withheld from the wages or salaries
        of its employees.
 
             (b) Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a party to any
        (i) outstanding employment agreements or contracts with officers or
        employees that are not terminable at will, or that provide for the
        payment of any bonus or commission, (ii) agreement, policy or practice
        that requires it to pay termination or severance pay to any employees
        (other than as required by law), (iii) collective bargaining agreement
        or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed by DSO or
        any DSO Subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of DSO are there any
        activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such
        employees. DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have made available to KCI
        complete and correct copies of all such agreements (the "Employment and
        Labor Agreements"). Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries has
        breached or otherwise failed to comply with any provisions of any of the
        Employment and Labor Agreement, and there are no grievances outstanding
        thereunder which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
                                       A-9
<PAGE>   132
 
             (c) With respect to DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, (i) there is no
        unfair labor practice, charge or complaint pending before the National
        Labor Relations Board (the "NLRB"), (ii) there is no labor strike,
        material slowdown or material work stoppage or lockout actually pending
        or threatened against or affecting DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries, and
        neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries has experienced any strike,
        material slowdown or material work stoppage, lockout or other collective
        labor action by or with respect to employees of DSO or the DSO
        Subsidiaries, (iii) there is no representation, claim or petition
        pending before the NLRB or a similar agency and no question concerning
        representation exists relating to the employees of DSO or the DSO
        Subsidiaries, (iv) there are no charges with respect to or relating to
        DSO or DSO Subsidiaries pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity
        Commission or any state, local, or foreign agency responsible for the
        prevention of unlawful employment practices, (v) neither DSO nor any of
        the DSO Subsidiaries has received formal notice from any federal, state,
        local or foreign agency responsible for the enforcement of labor or
        employment laws of an intention to conduct an investigation of DSO or
        the DSO Subsidiaries and no such investigation is in progress and (vi)
        the consents of the unions that are parties to any Employment and Labor
        Agreements are not required to complete the transactions contemplated by
        this Agreement.
 
             (d) Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries has caused any
        "plant closing" or "mass layoff" as such actions are defined in the
        Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as codified at 29
        U.S.C. sec.sec. 2101-2109, and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
        where DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries have failed to comply with the
        provisions of such act.
 
          2.10  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as and to the extent
     reflected, reserved against or otherwise disclosed in DSO's consolidated
     balance sheet (including the notes thereto) at December 31, 1995 (the "DSO
     Balance Sheet Date"), as disclosed in the Recent DSO SEC Documents or
     otherwise disclosed pursuant to this Agreement, neither DSO nor any of the
     DSO Subsidiaries had, at December 31, 1995, any liabilities or obligations
     of any nature (matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent) which would have
     a Material Adverse Effect on DSO. All reserves established by DSO and set
     forth in the consolidated balance sheet of DSO (including the notes
     thereto) at December 31, 1995 (the "DSO Balance Sheet") were reasonably
     adequate as required by generally accepted accounting principles.
 
          2.11  Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since the DSO Balance
     Sheet Date (and other than in compliance with Section 4.3) there has not
     occurred:
 
             (a) any change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
        properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations or results of
        operations of DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, that constitutes or could
        reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (b) any amendments or changes in the Certificate of Incorporation
        or Bylaws of DSO;
 
             (c) any damage, destruction or loss, whether covered by insurance
        or not, that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to result in a
        Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (d) any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of shares of
        DSO Stock by DSO, or any declarations, setting aside or payment of any
        dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with
        respect to DSO Stock;
 
             (e) any increase in or modification of the compensation or benefits
        payable or to become payable by DSO to any of its directors or
        employees, except pursuant to agreements or arrangements existing as of
        the DSO Balance Sheet Date;
 
             (f) any increase in or modification of any bonus, pension,
        insurance, DSO Employee Plan or DSO Benefit Arrangement (including, but
        not limited to, the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards
        or stock appreciation rights) made to, for or with any of its employees,
        other than pursuant to agreements or arrangements existing as of the DSO
        Balance Sheet Date;
 
             (g) any acquisition or sale of a material amount of property or
        assets of DSO, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
        with past practice;
 
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<PAGE>   133
 
             (h) any alteration in any term of any outstanding security of DSO;
 
             (i) any (A) incurrence, assumption or guarantee by DSO of any debt
        for borrowed money or other obligation; (B) issuance or sale of any
        security convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities of DSO; or
        (C) issuance or sale of options or other rights to acquire from DSO,
        directly or indirectly, debt securities of DSO or any securities
        convertible into or exchangeable for any such debt securities;
 
             (j) any creation or assumption by DSO of any mortgage, pledge,
        security interest, lien or other encumbrance on any asset, except as
        would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (k) any making of any loan, advance or capital contribution to or
        investment in any person (as defined in Section 2.18) other than (i)
        travel loans or advances made in the ordinary course of business of DSO,
        (ii) other loans and advances in an aggregate amount which does not
        exceed $25,000 outstanding at any time and (iii) purchases on the open
        market of liquid, publicly traded securities;
 
             (l) any entering into or amendment, relinquishment, termination or
        non-renewal by DSO of any contract, lease transaction, commitment or
        other right or obligation other than in the ordinary course of business,
        except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (m) any transfer or grant of a right of any Intellectual Property
        Rights (as defined in Section 2.15 below) of DSO, other than those
        transferred or granted in the ordinary course of business; or
 
             (n) any agreement or arrangement made by DSO to take any action
        which, if taken prior to the date hereof, would have made any
        representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement untrue or
        incorrect as of the date when made unless otherwise disclosed.
 
          2.12  No Default. Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries is in
     default under, and there exists no event, condition or occurrence which,
     after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute such a default by
     DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries under, any contract or agreement to
     which DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a party and which would, if
     terminated or modified, have, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen, a
     Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.13  Certain Agreements. Other than the DSO Options, neither the
     execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated hereby will (i) result in any payment (including,
     without limitation, severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute,
     bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any director or employee of DSO or any
     of the DSO Subsidiaries from DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries, under any
     DSO Employee Plan, DSO Benefit Arrangement or otherwise, (ii) increase any
     benefit otherwise payable under any DSO Employee Plan, DSO Benefit
     Arrangement or otherwise or (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of
     payment or vesting of any such benefits.
 
        2.14  Taxes.
 
             (a) DSO and each of the DSO Subsidiaries have (i) duly and timely
        filed with the appropriate governmental authorities all Tax Returns (as
        defined in subsection (c) below) required to be filed by it, and has not
        filed for an extension to file any Tax Returns and such Tax Returns are
        true, complete and correct in all material respects, and (ii) duly paid
        in full or made adequate provision for the payment of all Taxes (as
        defined in subsection (b) below) shown to be due on such Tax Returns.
        Tax Returns referred to in clause (i) hereinabove have been examined by
        the IRS or the appropriate governmental authority through the returns
        for the year ending December 31, 1990 or the period of assessment of the
        Taxes in respect of which such Tax Returns were required to be filed has
        expired, all deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of
        such examination have been paid in full and no proceeding or examination
        by or in front of the relevant governmental authority in connection with
        the examination of any of the Tax Returns referred to in clause (i)
        hereinabove is currently pending. No claim has been made in writing to
        them by any authority in a jurisdiction where they do not file a Tax
        Return that they are or may be subject to Tax in such jurisdiction. No
        waivers of
 
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        statutes of limitations have been given by or requested in writing to
        them with respect to any Taxes. They have not agreed to any extension of
        time with respect to any Tax deficiency. The liabilities and reserves
        for Taxes reflected in the DSO Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996 will
        be adequate to cover all Taxes for all periods ending on or prior to
        such date, except for the payment of such Taxes which, alone or in the
        aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on them, and there
        are no liens for Taxes upon any property or asset of DSO or DSO
        Subsidiaries, except for liens for Taxes not yet due. There are no
        unresolved issues of law or fact arising out of a notice of deficiency,
        proposed deficiency or assessment from the IRS or any other governmental
        taxing authority with respect to their Taxes which, if decided
        adversely, singly or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse
        Effect on them. They are not parties to any agreement providing for the
        allocation or sharing of Taxes with any entity. They have not, with
        regard to any asset or property held, acquired or to be acquired by
        them, filed a consent to the application of Section 341(f) of the Code.
        They have withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and
        paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
        independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party,
        except for such taxes which, alone or in the aggregate, would not have a
        Material Adverse Effect on them. No Tax is required to be withheld by
        them pursuant to Section 1445 of the Code as a result of the transfer
        contemplated by this Agreement. As a result of the Merger, they will not
        be obligated to make a payment to any individual that would be a
        "parachute payment" to a "disqualified individual" as those terms are
        defined in Section 280G of the Code without regard to whether such
        payment is reasonable compensation for personal services performed or to
        be performed in the future.
 
             (b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Taxes" shall mean all
        taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, including, without
        limitation, income, gross receipts, excise, property, sales,
        withholdings, social security, occupation, use, service, service use,
        license, payroll, franchise, transfer and recording taxes, fees and
        charges, imposed by the United States or any state, local or foreign
        government or subdivision or agency thereof whether computed on a
        separate, consolidated, unitary, combined or any other basis; and such
        term shall include any interest, fines, penalties or additional amounts
        attributable to or imposed with respect to any such taxes, charges,
        fees, levies or other assessments.
 
             (c) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Tax Return" shall
        mean any return, report or other document or information required to be
        supplied to a taxing authority in connection with Taxes.
 
          2.15  Intellectual Property. DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries own, or have
     the right to use, sell or license all material Intellectual Property Rights
     (as defined below) necessary or required for the conduct of their
     respective businesses as presently conducted and such rights to use, sell
     or license are reasonably sufficient for such conduct of their respective
     businesses. To DSO's knowledge, neither DSO nor any DSO Subsidiary is
     infringing or otherwise violating Intellectual Property Rights of any
     person, which infringement or violation would subject DSO or any DSO
     Subsidiary to a liability which, individually or in the aggregate, would
     have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim has been made or, to DSO's
     knowledge, threatened against DSO or any DSO Subsidiary alleging any such
     violation which will have a Material Adverse Effect. As used herein, the
     term "Intellectual Property Rights" shall mean all worldwide industrial and
     intellectual property rights, including, without limitation, patents,
     patent applications, patent rights, trademarks, trademark applications,
     trade names, service marks, service mark applications, copyrights,
     copyright applications, franchises, licenses, inventories, know-how, trade
     secrets, customer lists, proprietary processes and formulae, all source and
     object codes, algorithms, architecture, structures, display screens,
     layouts, inventions, development tools and all documentation and media
     constituting, describing or relating to the above, including, without
     limitation, manuals, memoranda, and records.
 
          2.16  Fees and Expenses. Except for Salomon Brothers, Inc., neither
     DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries has paid or become obligated to pay any
     fee or commission to any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
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<PAGE>   135
 
          2.17  Environmental Matters.
 
             (a) DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have duly complied with, and the
        real property, equipment, businesses, operations and assets of each are
        in compliance with, the provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental
        Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Resource
        Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, the Clean Air Act, the Federal
        Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, the Toxic Substances Control Act,
        the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, the
        National Environmental Policy Act and any other law, statute, ordinance
        or regulation relating to the protection of the public health and/or the
        environment, whether promulgated by the United States, any state,
        municipality and/or other governmental body, each as amended
        (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Environmental Laws"), except
        where any such failures to comply, when taken in the aggregate, will not
        have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (b) To the best of the knowledge of DSO, with respect to DSO and
        the DSO Subsidiaries, there are no conditions presently existing which
        may reasonably be expected to lead to: (i) responsibilities or
        liability, or an assertion thereunder by any governmental entity or
        private person, pursuant to any Environmental Law the subject of which
        is the management and disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or
        wastes (intended hereby and hereafter to include any and all such
        materials listed in any foreign, federal, state or local law, statute,
        code or ordinance and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
        as hazardous or potentially hazardous and, if not so listed, asbestos,
        lead and petroleum) or (ii) tort claims based on an action or inaction
        of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries relating to the management and
        disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes prior to the
        Effective Time, except where any such failures to comply, when taken in
        the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (c) DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have been issued, will maintain
        until the Effective Time and will cause to remain in effect immediately
        thereafter, all required foreign, federal, state and local permits,
        licenses, certificates and approvals relating to (i) air emissions, (ii)
        discharges to surface water or ground water, (iii) noise emissions, (iv)
        solid or liquid waste disposal, (v) the use, generation, storage,
        transportation or disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes
        and (vi) any other environmental, health or safety matters, except where
        any such failures to comply, when taken in the aggregate, will not have
        a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (d) DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have neither received notice of,
        nor know of, nor have any reason to suspect, any fact(s) which might
        constitute violation(s) of any Environmental Laws which remain uncured,
        except where the failure to cure any such violation(s), when taken in
        the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (e) To the best of the knowledge of DSO, with respect to DSO and
        the DSO Subsidiaries, there has been, no emission, spill, release or
        discharge in violation of Environmental Laws, whether on real property,
        adjacent sites or at any other location or disposal site, into or upon
        (i) the air, (ii) soils or improvements, (iii) surface water or ground
        water, or (iv) the sewer, septic system or waste treatment, storage or
        disposal system servicing real property, of any toxic or hazardous
        substances or wastes used, stored, generated, treated or disposed at or
        from the real property (any of which events is hereafter referred to as
        a "Hazardous Discharge"), which, when taken in the aggregate, will have
        a Material Adverse Effect. To the best of the knowledge of DSO, there is
        not located on the real property used by DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries
        toxic or hazardous substances or wastes in violation of Environmental
        Laws, which, when taken in the aggregate, will have a Material Adverse
        Effect.
 
             (f) With respect to DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, there has been no
        complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or notice received from any
        governmental authority or any other person or entity with respect to (i)
        air emissions, (ii) spills, releases or discharges to soil or any
        improvements located thereon, surface water, ground water or the sewer,
        septic system or waste treatment, storage or disposal systems servicing
        the real property and the business conducted thereon, (iii) noise
        emissions, (iv) solid or liquid waste disposal, (v) the use, generation,
        storage, transportation or
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>   136
 
        disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes or (vi) other
        environmental, health or safety matters affecting DSO or any DSO
        Subsidiary, the real property used by DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, any
        improvements located thereon or the business conducted thereon (any of
        which is hereafter referred to as an "Environmental Complaint") which,
        when taken in the aggregate, will result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (g) With respect to DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, there has been no
        lien asserted or created by any foreign, federal, state or local
        authority upon any or all of the assets, equipment, real property or
        other facilities of DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries by reason of a
        Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint initiated or occurring
        prior to the Effective Time, except any which, when taken in the
        aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (h) For the purposes of this Section 2.17, the term "DSO and DSO
        Subsidiaries" shall also mean subsidiaries or other properties
        previously owned or operated by DSO or a DSO Subsidiary, either directly
        or indirectly, which would create liability for DSO or the DSO
        Subsidiary by virtue of their prior ownership.
 
             (i) DSO has made available to KCI all environmental studies and
        reports pertaining or relating in any way to the real property or
        equipment owned, occupied or leased by DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries or
        otherwise relating or pertaining to the business, operations or assets
        of DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries.
 
          2.18  Interested Party Transactions.
 
             (a) As of the date hereof, neither DSO nor any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries is a party to any oral or written (i) consulting or similar
        agreement with any present or former director, officer or employee or
        any entity controlled by any such person not terminable on thirty days'
        or less notice involving the payment of more than $100,000 per annum,
        (ii) agreement with any executive officer or other key employee, the
        benefits of which are contingent or the terms of which are materially
        altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving it of the nature
        contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) agreement with respect to any
        executive officer or other key employee of it providing any term of
        employment or compensation guarantee extending for a period longer than
        one year or for the payment in excess of $100,000 per annum, or (iv)
        except for the DSO Options, agreement or plan, including any stock
        option plan, stock appreciation right plan, restricted stock plan or
        stock purchase plan, any of the benefits of which will be increased, or
        the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the
        occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
        the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the
        basis of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
             (b) Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries is indebted for
        money borrowed, either directly or indirectly from any of its officers,
        directors, or any Affiliate (as defined below) in any amount whatsoever,
        nor are any of its officers, directors, or Affiliates indebted for money
        borrowed from it; nor are there any transactions of a continuing nature
        between it and any of its officers, directors, or Affiliates (other than
        the regular employment of such persons) which will continue beyond the
        Effective Time, including, without limitation, use of its assets for
        personal benefit with or without adequate compensation. For the purpose
        of this Agreement, the term "Affiliate" shall mean any person that,
        directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or
        is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.
        As used in the foregoing definition, the term (i) "control" shall mean
        the power through the ownership of voting securities, contract or
        otherwise to direct the affairs of another person and (ii) "person"
        shall mean an individual, firm, trust, association, corporation,
        partnership, government (whether federal, state, local or other
        political subdivision, or any agency or bureau of any of them) or other
        entity.
 
        2.19  Contracts.
 
             (a) Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a party to any
        contracts, agreements, commitments and other instruments (whether oral
        or written), other than current insurance policies,
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>   137
 
        that (i) involve an expenditure by such party or require the performance
        of services or delivery of goods to, by, through, on behalf of or for
        the benefit of such party, which in each case, relates to a contract,
        commitment or instrument that requires payments in excess of $25,000 per
        year and (ii) involve an obligation for the performance of services or
        delivery of goods by such party that cannot, or in reasonable
        probability will not be performed within thirty days from the dates as
        of which these representations are made, except for arrangements for the
        manufacture or supply of products and for the purchase or sale of
        merchandise or services entered into the ordinary course of business.
 
             (b) All of the material contracts, agreements, commitments and
        other instruments that either DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a
        party to, or by which any of them is bound, are valid and binding upon
        such party and the other parties thereto and are in full force and
        effect and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and neither such
        party nor any other party to any such contract, agreement, commitment or
        other instrument has breached any provision thereof, and no event has
        occurred, in each case, which, with the lapse of time or action by a
        third party, could result in a default under the terms thereof which,
        alone or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect, and
        there are no existing facts or circumstances which would prevent such
        party's contracts and agreements for the sale of goods from maturing in
        due course into fully collectible accounts receivable, except where such
        failure would have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.20  Title to Properties. DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have good and
     marketable title to all of their real and other properties and assets,
     tangible and intangible, as reflected in the DSO Balance Sheet, except as
     since sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business,
     free and clear of all claims and encumbrances other than (i) specifically
     disclosed in the DSO Balance Sheet, (ii) any liens for taxes not yet due
     and payable or being contested, and (iii) such imperfections of title,
     covenants, restrictions, easements and encumbrances, if any, as do not
     materially detract from the value or materially interfere with the present
     use of any of the properties or otherwise materially impair the business
     operations or the financial condition of DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries taken
     as a whole.
 
          2.21  Insurance. DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have insurance covering
     casualty, fire, liability, worker's compensation and disability (the "DSO
     Policies") providing coverage and having limitations and deductibles that
     are customary for a business of the type operated by them and sufficient
     for compliance in all material respects with all requirements of law and of
     all agreements to which DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries are a party, and such
     DSO Policies will be in full force and effect for all periods up to and
     including the Effective Time, and no notice of cancellation or termination
     has been received with respect to any of the DSO Policies. There are no
     pending claims under or relating to any of the DSO Policies, which,
     individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.22  Board Approval. The Board of Directors of DSO has, as of the
     date hereof, unanimously (i) approved this Agreement and the Merger, (ii)
     approved the Voting Agreement between DSO and Contran Corporation, (iii)
     determined that the Merger is in the best interests of the stockholders of
     DSO and is on terms that are fair to such stockholders and (iv) resolved to
     recommend that the stockholders of DSO approve this Agreement and the
     Merger.
 
          2.23  Vote Required. Except as required by applicable law, the
     affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of DSO
     Stock voting as a single class is the only vote of the holders of any class
     or series of DSO's capital stock necessary to approve this Agreement and
     the Merger.
 
          2.24  Disclosure. No representation or warranty made by DSO in this
     Agreement, nor any document, written information, statement, financial
     statement, certificate or exhibit prepared and furnished or to be prepared
     and furnished by DSO or its representatives pursuant hereto or in
     connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, when taken together,
     contains any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits to state a
     material fact necessary to make the statements or facts contained herein or
     therein, not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they are
     furnished.
 
                                      A-15
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          2.25  Fairness Opinion. DSO's Board of Directors has received a
     written opinion from Salomon Brothers, Inc. that as of the date hereof the
     Exchange Ratio is fair to DSO's stockholders from a financial point of
     view.
 
          2.26  Restrictions on Business Activities. There is no agreement,
     judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries that has or could reasonably be expected to have the effect of
     prohibiting or impairing any business practice of DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries or the conduct of business by DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries as currently conducted, which would have a Material Adverse
     Effect.
 
          2.27  DSO Rights Agreement. The Rights Agreement, dated as of February
     20, 1989, between the Company and Harris Trust & Savings Bank, as amended
     (the "Rights Agreement"), shall be amended so as to provide (i) that the
     execution of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated thereby shall not cause any of the rights (as defined in the
     Rights Agreement) to become exercisable in accordance with the terms of the
     Rights Agreement, and (ii) that the Rights Agreement shall terminate at the
     Effective Time.
 
          2.28  Propriety of Past Payments. No funds or assets of DSO or any of
     the DSO Subsidiaries have been used for an illegal purpose, nor have any
     unrecorded funds or assets of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries been established
     for any purposes. No accumulation or use of DSO's or the DSO Subsidiaries'
     corporate funds or assets has been made without being properly accounted
     for in their respective books and records and all payments by or on behalf
     of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries have been duly and properly recorded and
     accounted for in their respective books and records. No false or artificial
     entry has been made in the books and records of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries
     for any reason (except in the case of unaudited financial statements, for
     year-end adjustments). No payment has been made by or on behalf of DSO or
     the DSO Subsidiaries with the understanding that any part of such payment
     is to be used for any purpose other than that described in the document
     supporting such payment, and neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries
     has made, directly or indirectly, any illegal contributions to any
     political party or candidate, either domestic or foreign. Neither the IRS
     nor any other federal, state, local or foreign government agency or entity
     has initiated or threatened any investigation of any payment made by DSO or
     the DSO Subsidiaries of, or alleged to be of, the type described in this
     Section 2.28.
 
     3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF KCI
 
          Except as set forth in a schedule dated the date of this Agreement and
     delivered by KCI to DSO concurrently herewith (the "KCI Disclosure
     Schedule") or as disclosed in the Recent KCI SEC Documents (as defined in
     Section 3.4), KCI represents and warrants to DSO as set forth below.
 
          3.1 Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power. KCI and each
     of its subsidiaries, including corporations, partnerships, trusts or any
     other type of entity (the "KCI Subsidiaries") is duly organized, validly
     existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its
     incorporation or organization, has all requisite corporate power and
     authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
     business as now being conducted, and is duly qualified and in good standing
     to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or
     the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification
     necessary or where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material
     Adverse Effect. The KCI Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and
     correct list of the KCI Subsidiaries. KCI has made available to DSO or its
     counsel complete and correct copies of the Certificates or Articles of
     Incorporation and Bylaws of KCI and each of the KCI Subsidiaries, in each
     case as amended to the date of this Agreement.
 
          3.2  Capital Structure.
 
             (a) Stock and Options. The authorized capital stock of KCI consists
        of 12,000,000 shares of KCI Common Stock, and 500,000 shares of
        preferred stock, no par value. At the close of business on June 17,
        1996, 5,688,558 shares of KCI Common Stock were issued and outstanding,
        no shares of
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>   139
 
        KCI Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding, 1,134 shares of KCI
        Common Stock were held by KCI in its treasury, and 348,100 shares of KCI
        Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding
        options to purchase KCI Common Stock (the "KCI Options"). All
        outstanding shares of KCI Stock are validly issued, fully paid and
        nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights. All outstanding
        shares of the capital stock of each of the KCI Subsidiaries are validly
        issued, fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by KCI or one of the
        KCI Subsidiaries free and clear of any liens, security interests,
        pledges, agreements, claims, charges or encumbrances. KCI has made
        available to DSO, a true and correct copy of the Keystone Consolidated
        Industries, Inc. 1992 Incentive Compensation Plan and the Keystone
        Consolidated Industries, Inc. 1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
        Plan (collectively, the "KCI Plans"), and a complete and correct list of
        each KCI Option outstanding as of the date hereof, including the name of
        the holder of each such KCI Option, the KCI Plan pursuant to which each
        such KCI Option was issued, the security and number of shares covered by
        each such KCI Option, the per share exercise price of each such KCI
        Option and the vesting schedule applicable to each such KCI Option.
 
             (b) No Other Commitments. Except for the KCI Options, there are no
        options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, conversion rights or
        agreements of any character to which KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries
        is a party or by which KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries is bound,
        obligating KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell,
        or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, any shares of capital stock of
        KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries or securities convertible into or
        exchangeable for shares of capital stock of KCI or any of the KCI
        Subsidiaries, or obligating KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries to grant,
        extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment,
        conversion right or agreement. There are no voting trusts or other
        agreements or understandings to which KCI is a party or, as of the date
        hereof, of which KCI has knowledge, with respect to the voting of the
        capital stock of KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries.
 
        3.3  Authority.
 
             (a) Corporate Action. KCI has the requisite corporate power and
        authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to approval of this
        Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of KCI, to perform its
        obligations hereunder and to consummate the Merger and the other
        transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery
        of this Agreement by KCI and, subject to approval of this Agreement and
        the Merger by the stockholders of KCI, the consummation by KCI of the
        Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
        authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of KCI. This
        Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by KCI, and this
        Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of KCI, enforceable in
        accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may be
        subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar
        laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors' rights generally
        and (ii) general equitable principles.
 
             (b) No Conflict. Subject to approval of this Agreement and the
        Merger by the stockholders of KCI, neither the execution, delivery and
        performance of this Agreement or the Certificate of Merger, nor the
        consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor
        compliance with the provisions hereof or thereof will conflict with, or
        result in any violation of, or cause a default (with or without notice
        or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of
        termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation
        contained in, or the loss of any material benefit under, or result in
        the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon
        any of the material properties or assets of KCI or any of the KCI
        Subsidiaries under any term, condition or provision of (i) the
        Certificates or Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of KCI or any of the
        KCI Subsidiaries or (ii) any material agreement, judgment, order,
        decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to KCI or
        any of the KCI Subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets,
        other than any such conflicts, violations, defaults, losses, liens,
        security interests, charges, or encumbrances which, individually or in
        the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>   140
 
             (c) Governmental Consents. No consent, approval or authorization
        of, or registration, declaration or filing with any Governmental Entity
        is required to be obtained by KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries in
        connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
        Certificate of Merger or the consummation of the transaction
        contemplated hereby or thereby except for (i) the filing with the SEC of
        (A) the Form S-4 and the declaration of its effectiveness, (B) the
        Prospectus/Proxy Statement relating to the meeting of the stockholders
        of KCI (the "KCI Stockholders Meeting") to be held with respect to the
        approval by KCI's stockholders of this Agreement and the Merger, (C) the
        filing contemplated by Section 1.3(b) hereof, and (D) such reports and
        information under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
        promulgated by the SEC thereunder, as may be required in connection with
        this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; (ii) the filing
        of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
        Delaware and appropriate documents with relevant authorities of other
        states in which KCI is qualified to do business; (iii) such filings,
        authorizations, orders and approvals as may be required under the State
        Anti-Takeover Laws; (iv) such filings, authorizations, orders and
        approvals as may be required under foreign laws, state securities laws
        and the rules of the NYSE; (v) such filings and notifications as may be
        necessary under the HSR Act; and (vi) where the failure to obtain such
        consents, approvals, etc. would not prevent or delay the consummation of
        the Merger or otherwise prevent KCI from performing its obligations
        under this Agreement and would not reasonably be expected to have a
        Material Adverse Effect.
 
          3.4  SEC Documents.
 
             (a) SEC Reports. KCI has made available to DSO or its counsel
        complete and correct copies of each report, schedule, registration
        statement and definitive proxy statement filed by KCI with the SEC on or
        after January 1, 1991 (the "KCI SEC Documents"), which are all the
        documents (other than preliminary material) that KCI was required to
        file with the SEC on or after such date. As of their respective dates
        or, in the case of registration statements, their effective dates (or if
        amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement,
        then on the date of such filing), none of the KCI SEC Documents
        (including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents incorporated
        by reference herein) contained any untrue statement of a material fact
        or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
        necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
        circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and the KCI
        SEC Documents complied when filed in all material respects with the then
        applicable requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as
        the case may be, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
        thereunder. KCI has filed all documents and agreements which were
        required to be filed as exhibits to the KCI SEC Documents. For purposes
        hereof, "Recent KCI SEC Documents" shall mean the most recent annual
        report on Form 10-K of KCI, together with the most recent quarterly
        report on Form 10-Q of KCI for any quarter subsequent to the annual
        period covered by such Form 10-K, together with any current reports on
        Form 8-K filed by KCI subsequent to such most recent Form 10-Q.
 
             (b) Financial Statements. The financial statements of KCI included
        in the KCI SEC Documents complied as to form in all material respects
        with the then applicable accounting requirements and the published rules
        and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in
        accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
        consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may have been
        indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of the unaudited
        statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q promulgated by the SEC) and fairly
        present (subject, in the case of the unaudited statements, to normal,
        year-end audit adjustments) the consolidated financial position of KCI
        and its consolidated KCI Subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof
        and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the
        respective periods then ended.
 
          3.5  Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be
     supplied by KCI for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Form S-4
     and Prospectus/Proxy Statement will, at the time the Form S-4 is declared
     effective, at the date the Prospectus/Proxy Statement is mailed to the
     stockholders
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>   141
 
     of KCI and at the time of the KCI Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to
     be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of
     the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The material
     to be supplied by KCI in respect of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement will
     comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the
     Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
     thereunder.
 
          3.6  Compliance with Applicable Law. The businesses of KCI and the KCI
     Subsidiaries are not being conducted in violation of any law, ordinance,
     regulation, rule or order of any Governmental Entity where such violation
     would have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the KCI SEC
     Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement or where such
     notification would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
     Adverse Effect, KCI has not been notified by any Governmental Entity that
     any investigation or review with respect to KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries is pending or threatened, nor has any Governmental Entity
     notified KCI of its intention to conduct the same. KCI and the KCI
     Subsidiaries have all material permits, licenses and franchises from
     Governmental Entities required to conduct their businesses as now being
     conducted, except for those whose absence would not have a Material Adverse
     Effect.
 
          3.7  Litigation and Legal Matters. There is no suit, action,
     arbitration, demand, claim or proceeding pending or threatened against KCI
     or any of the KCI Subsidiaries, or any of their officers, directors,
     employees or agents involving, affecting or relating to any assets,
     operations or properties of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries, or any KCI
     Employee Plans (as defined in Section 3.8), nor is there any judgment,
     decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator
     outstanding against KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries that, individually
     or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect. KCI has made available to DSO or its counsel complete and
     correct copies of all correspondence prepared by its counsel for KCI's
     auditors in connection with the last five (5) completed audits of KCI's
     financial statements and any such correspondence since the date of the last
     such audit.
 
          3.8  ERISA and Other Compliance.
 
             (a) KCI has made available to DSO a list of all employees of KCI
        and of any KCI Subsidiary, and their salaries as of the date of this
        Agreement. KCI has made available to DSO (i) a copy of each "employee
        benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, and (ii) a copy of
        all other written or formal plans or agreements involving direct or
        indirect compensation or benefits (including any employment agreements
        entered into by KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries, but excluding
        workers' compensation, unemployment compensation and other
        government-mandated programs) currently maintained, contributed to or
        entered into by KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries under which KCI or
        any of the KCI Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate thereof has any
        present or future obligation or liability (collectively, the "KCI
        Employee Plans"). Copies of all KCI Employee Plans (and, if applicable,
        related trust agreements), all amendments thereto and all summary plan
        descriptions, other than plans which are multiemployer plans within the
        meaning of Title IV of ERISA, have been made available to DSO or its
        counsel, together with the three (3) most recent annual reports (Forms
        5500) prepared in connection with any such KCI Employee Plans. Each KCI
        Pension Plan (as defined below) operates in accordance with the
        reporting and disclosure requirements imposed under ERISA and the Code
        except for such noncompliance which would not have a Material Adverse
        Effect. Copies of all KCI Employee Plans which individually or
        collectively would constitute an "employee pension benefit plan," as
        defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (collectively, the "KCI Pension
        Plans"), have been made available to DSO. Except for funding waivers
        which have been obtained, all contributions due from KCI or any of the
        KCI Subsidiaries through March 31, 1996 with respect to any of the KCI
        Employee Plans have been made as required under ERISA or have been
        accrued in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on
        KCI's or any such KCI Subsidiary's financial statements as of March 31,
        1996. Each KCI Employee Plan has been maintained since May 19, 1991 in
        substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements
        prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>   142
 
        regulations, including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code, which
        are applicable to such KCI Employee Plans except for such noncompliance
        which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (b) No KCI Pension Plan constitutes, or has since May 19, 1991
        constituted, a "multiemployer plan," as defined in Section 3(37) of
        ERISA. No KCI Pension Plans other than the Keystone-Bartonville Pension
        Plan, the Keystone Steel & Wire Company Pension Plan and the Sherman
        Wire Pension Plan (collectively, the "KCI Retirement Plans") are subject
        to Title IV of ERISA. No "prohibited transaction," as defined in Section
        406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to
        any KCI Employee Plan which is covered by Title I of ERISA which would
        result in a material liability to KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries taken as
        a whole, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or
        administrative exemption. To the best of the knowledge of the officers
        of KCI, nothing done or omitted to be done and no transaction or holding
        of any asset under or in connection with any KCI Employee Plan has or
        will make KCI or any officer or director of KCI subject to any material
        liability under Title I of ERISA or liable for any material tax or
        penalty pursuant to Sections 4972, 4975, 4976 or 4979 of the Code or
        Section 502 of ERISA. No KCI Pension Plan is liable for any federal,
        state or local taxes other than unrelated business taxable income as
        defined in Section 512 of the Code.
 
             (c) To the best knowledge of the officers of KCI, each KCI 401(a)
        Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and has been so
        qualified during the period from May 19, 1991 to date, and the trust
        forming a part thereof is exempt from tax pursuant to Section 501(c) of
        the Code. Each KCI 401(a) Plan operates in accordance with its terms
        and, to KCI's knowledge, there exists no fact which would adversely
        affect its qualified status. No KCI 401(a) Plan is currently under
        investigation, audit or review by the IRS, nor is such action
        contemplated and the IRS has not asserted that any KCI Pension Plan is
        not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or that any trust
        established under a KCI Pension Plan is not exempt under Section 501(a)
        of the Code.
 
             (d) With respect to each KCI Pension Plan which is a defined
        benefit plan under Section 414(j) of the Code and each defined
        contribution plan under Section 414(i) of the Code:
 
                (i) no liability to the PBGC under Sections 406 - 4064 of ERISA
           has been incurred by KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries since May 19, 1991
           and all premiums due and owing to the PBGC have been timely paid;
 
                (ii) the PBGC has notified neither KCI, any of the KCI
           Subsidiaries nor any KCI Pension Plan of the commencement of
           proceedings under Section 4042 of ERISA to terminate any such plan;
 
                (iii) since May 19, 1991, no event has occurred, or to KCI's
           knowledge is threatened or is about to occur which would constitute a
           reportable event within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA for
           which reporting has not been made; and
 
                (iv) no KCI Pension Plan has any "accumulated funding
           deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of
           the Code for which a waiver has not been obtained).
 
             (e) KCI has made available to DSO a list of each employment,
        severance or other similar contract, arrangement or policy and each plan
        or arrangement (written or oral) providing for insurance coverage
        (including any self-insured arrangements), workers' benefits, vacation
        benefits, severance benefits, disability benefits, death benefits,
        hospitalization benefits, retirement benefits, deferred compensation,
        profit-sharing, bonuses, stock options, stock purchases, phantom stock,
        stock appreciation rights or other forms of incentive compensation or
        post-retirement insurance, compensation or benefits for employees,
        consultants or directors which (i) is not a KCI Employee Plan, (ii) is
        entered into, maintained or contributed to, as the case may be, by KCI
        or any of the KCI Subsidiaries and (iii) covers any employee or former
        employee of KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries. Such contracts, plans
        and arrangements as are described in this Section 3.8(e) are herein
        referred to collectively as the "KCI Benefit Arrangements". To KCI's
        knowledge, each KCI Benefit Arrangement has been maintained since May
        19, 1991 in material compliance with its terms
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>   143
 
        and with the requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders,
        rules and regulations which are applicable to such KCI Benefit
        Arrangement, is not currently under investigation, audit or review by
        the IRS or any other federal or state agency and no such actions are
        contemplated or under consideration, has no liability for any federal,
        state, local or foreign taxes and has no claim subject to dispute or
        litigation. KCI has made available to DSO or its counsel a complete and
        correct copy or description of each KCI Benefit Arrangement.
 
             (f) There has been no amendment to, written interpretation by or
        announcement (whether or not written) by KCI or any of the KCI
        Subsidiaries relating to, or change in employee participation or
        coverage under, any KCI Employee Plan or KCI Benefit Arrangement that
        would increase materially the expense of maintaining such KCI Employee
        Plan or KCI Benefit Arrangement above the level of the expense incurred
        in respect thereof from the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
 
             (g) KCI has provided, or will have provided prior to the Effective
        Time, to individuals entitled thereto all required notices and coverage
        pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code and COBRA, with respect to any
        "qualifying event" (as defined in Section 4980B(f)(3) of the Code)
        occurring prior to and including the Effective Time, and no material tax
        payable on account of Section 4980B of the Code has been incurred with
        respect to any current or former employees (or their beneficiaries) of
        KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries.
 
             (h) No benefit payable or which may become payable by KCI or any of
        the KCI Subsidiaries pursuant to any KCI Employee Plan or any KCI
        Benefit Arrangement or as a result of or arising under this Agreement
        shall constitute an "excess parachute payment" (as defined in Section
        280G(b)(1) of the Code) which is subject to the imposition of an excise
        tax under Section 4999 of the Code or which would not be deductible by
        reasons of Section 280G of the Code.
 
          3.9  Labor Matters.
 
             (a) KCI and each of the KCI Subsidiaries has paid or made provision
        for the payment of all salaries and accrued wages in the ordinary course
        of business and has complied in all material respects with all
        applicable laws, agreements, rules and regulations relating to the
        employment of labor, including those relating to wages, hours,
        collective bargaining and the payment and withholding of taxes, and has
        withheld and paid to the appropriate governmental authority, or is
        holding for payment not yet due to such authority, all amounts required
        by law or agreement to be withheld from the wages or salaries of its
        employees.
 
             (b) Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries is a party to any
        (i) outstanding employment agreements or contracts with officers or
        employees that are not terminable at will, or that provide for the
        payment of any bonus or commission, (ii) agreement, policy or practice
        that requires it to pay termination or severance pay to any employees
        (other than as required by law), (iii) collective bargaining agreement
        or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed by KCI or
        any KCI Subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of KCI, are there any
        activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such
        employees. KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have made available to DSO
        complete and correct copies of all such agreements (the "KCI Employment
        and Labor Agreements"). Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries has
        breached or otherwise failed to comply with any provisions of any KCI
        Employment and Labor Agreement, and there are no grievances outstanding
        which will have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (c) With respect to KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, (i) there is no
        unfair labor practice, charge or complaint pending before the NLRB, (ii)
        there is no labor strike, material slowdown or material work stoppage or
        lockout actually pending or threatened against or affecting KCI or the
        KCI Subsidiaries, and neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries has
        experienced any strike, material slowdown or material work stoppage,
        lockout or other collective labor action by or with respect to employees
        of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries, (iii) there is no representation, claim
        or petition pending before the NLRB or a similar agency and no question
        concerning representation exists relating to the employees of KCI or the
        KCI Subsidiaries, (iv) there are no charges with respect to or relating
        to
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>   144
 
        KCI or KCI Subsidiaries pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity
        Commission or any state, local, or foreign agency responsible for the
        prevention of unlawful employment practices, (v) neither KCI nor any of
        the KCI Subsidiaries has received formal notice from any federal, state,
        local or foreign agency responsible for the enforcement of labor or
        employment laws of an intention to conduct an investigation of KCI or
        the KCI Subsidiaries and no such investigation is in progress and (vi)
        the consents of the unions that are parties to any Employment and Labor
        Agreements are not required to complete the transactions contemplated by
        this Agreement.
 
             (d) Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries has caused any
        "plant closing" or "mass layoff" as such actions are defined in the
        Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as codified at 29
        U.S.C. sec.sec. 2101-2109, and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
        where KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries have failed to comply with the
        provisions of such act.
 
          3.10  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as and to the extent
     reflected, reserved against or otherwise disclosed in KCI's consolidated
     balance sheet (including the notes thereto) at December 31, 1995 (the "KCI
     Balance Sheet Date"), as disclosed in the Recent KCI SEC Documents or
     otherwise disclosed pursuant to this Agreement, neither KCI nor any of the
     KCI Subsidiaries had, at December 31, 1995, any liabilities or obligations
     of any nature (matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent) which would have
     a Material Adverse Effect on KCI. All reserves established by KCI and set
     forth at the December 31, 1995 consolidated balance sheet of KCI (including
     the notes thereto) (the "KCI Balance Sheet") were reasonably adequate as
     required by generally accepted accounting principles.
 
          3.11  Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since the KCI Balance
     Sheet Date (and other than in compliance with Section 5.3) there has not
     occurred:
 
             (a) any change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
        properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations or results of
        operations of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, that constitutes or could
        reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (b) any amendments or changes in the Certificate of Incorporation
        or Bylaws of KCI;
 
             (c) any damage, destruction or loss, whether covered by insurance
        or not, that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to result in a
        Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (d) any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of shares of
        KCI Stock by KCI, or any declarations, setting aside or payment of any
        dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with
        respect to KCI Stock;
 
             (e) any material increase in or modification of the compensation or
        benefits payable or to become payable by KCI to any of its directors or
        employees, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with
        past practice or pursuant to agreements or arrangements existing as of
        the KCI Balance Sheet Date;
 
             (f) any material increase in or modification of any bonus, pension,
        insurance, KCI Employee Plan or KCI Benefit Arrangement (including, but
        not limited to, the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards
        or stock appreciation rights) made to, for or with any of its employees,
        other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
        practice or pursuant to agreements or arrangements existing as of the
        KCI Balance Sheet Date;
 
             (g) any acquisition or sale of a material amount of property or
        assets of KCI, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
        with past practice;
 
             (h) any alteration in any term of any outstanding security of KCI;
 
             (i) any (A) incurrence, assumption or guarantee by KCI of any debt
        for borrowed money or other obligation; (B) issuance or sale of any
        security convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities of KCI; or
        (C) issuance or sale of options or other rights to acquire from KCI,
        directly or indirectly, debt securities of DSO or any securities
        convertible into or exchangeable for any such debt securities;
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>   145
 
             (j) any creation or assumption by KCI of any mortgage, pledge,
        security interest, lien or other encumbrance on any asset, except as
        would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (k) any making of any loan, advance or capital contribution to or
        investment in any person (as defined in Section 3.18) other than (i)
        travel loans or advances made in the ordinary course of business of KCI,
        (ii) other loans and advances in an aggregate amount which does not
        exceed $25,000 outstanding at any time and (iii) purchases on the open
        market of liquid, publicly traded securities;
 
             (l) any entering into or amendment, relinquishment, termination or
        non-renewal by KCI of any contract, lease transaction, commitment or
        other right or obligation other than in the ordinary course of business,
        except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (m) any transfer or grant of a right under KCI's Intellectual
        Property Rights, other than those transferred or granted in the ordinary
        course of business; or
 
             (n) any agreement or arrangement made by KCI to take any action
        which, if taken prior to the date hereof, would have made any
        representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement untrue or
        incorrect as of the date when made unless otherwise disclosed.
 
          3.12  No Default. Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries is in
     default under, and there exists no event, condition or occurrence which,
     after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute such a default by
     KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries under, any contract or agreement to
     which KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries is a party and which would, if
     terminated or modified, have, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen, a
     Material Adverse Effect.
 
          3.13  Certain Agreements. Neither the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will
     (i) result in any payment (including, without limitation, severance,
     unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus or otherwise) becoming
     due to any director or employee of KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries from
     KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries, under any KCI Employee Plan, KCI
     Benefit Arrangement or otherwise, (ii) increase any benefit otherwise
     payable under any KCI Employee Plan, KCI Benefit Arrangement or otherwise
     or (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of
     any such benefits.
 
          3.14  Taxes. KCI and each of the KCI Subsidiaries have (i) duly and
     timely filed with the appropriate governmental authorities all Tax Returns
     (as defined in Section 2.14(c)) required to be filed by it, and has not
     filed for an extension to file any Tax Returns and such Tax Returns are
     true, complete and correct in all material respects, and (ii) duly paid in
     full or made adequate provision for the payment of all Taxes (as defined in
     Section 2.14(b)) shown to be due on such Tax Returns. Tax Returns referred
     to in clause (i) hereinabove have been examined by the IRS or the
     appropriate governmental authority through the returns for the year ending
     December 31, 1990 or the period of assessment of the Taxes in respect of
     which such Tax Returns were required to be filed has expired, all
     deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of such examination
     have been paid in full and no proceeding or examination by or in front of
     the relevant governmental authority in connection with the examination of
     any of the Tax Returns referred to in clause (i) hereinabove is currently
     pending. No claim has been made in writing to them by any authority in a
     jurisdiction where they do not file a Tax Return that they are or may be
     subject to Tax in such jurisdiction. No waivers of statutes of limitations
     have been given by or requested in writing to them with respect to any
     Taxes. They have not agreed to any extension of time with respect to any
     Tax deficiency. The liabilities and reserves for Taxes reflected in the KCI
     Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996 will be adequate to cover all Taxes for
     all periods ending on or prior to such date, except for the payment of such
     Taxes which, alone or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
     Effect on them, and there are no liens for Taxes upon any property or asset
     of KCI or KCI Subsidiaries, except for liens for Taxes not yet due. There
     are no unresolved issues of law or fact arising out of a notice of
     deficiency, proposed deficiency or assessment from the IRS or any other
     governmental taxing authority with respect to their Taxes which, if decided
     adversely, singly or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect
     on them. They are not parties to any agreement providing for the
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>   146
 
     allocation or sharing of Taxes with any entity. They have not, with regard
     to any asset or property held, acquired or to be acquired by them, filed a
     consent to the application of Section 341(f) of the Code. They have
     withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in
     connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent
     contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party, except for such
     taxes which, alone or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
     Effect on them. No Tax is required to be withheld by them pursuant to
     Section 1445 of the Code as a result of the transfer contemplated by this
     Agreement. As a result of the Merger, they will not be obligated to make a
     payment to any individual that would be a "parachute payment" to a
     "disqualified individual" as those terms are defined in Section 280G of the
     Code without regard to whether such payment is reasonable compensation for
     personal services performed or to be performed in the future.
 
          3.15  Intellectual Property. KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries own, or have
     the right to use, sell or license all material Intellectual Property Rights
     necessary or required for the conduct of their respective businesses as
     presently conducted and such rights to use, sell or license are reasonably
     sufficient for such conduct of their respective businesses. To KCI's
     knowledge, neither KCI nor any KCI Subsidiary is infringing or otherwise
     violating Intellectual Property Rights of any person, which infringement or
     violation would subject KCI or any KCI Subsidiary to a liability which,
     individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect. No
     claim has been made or to KCI's knowledge, threatened against KCI or any
     KCI Subsidiary alleging any such violation which will have a Material
     Adverse Effect.
 
          3.16  Fees and Expenses. Except for PaineWebber Incorporated, neither
     KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries has paid or become obligated to pay any
     fee or commission to any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          3.17  Environmental Matters.
 
             (a) KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have duly complied with, and the
        real property, equipment, businesses, operations and assets of each are
        in compliance with, the Environmental Laws, except where any such
        failures to comply, when taken in the aggregate, will not have a
        Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (b) To the best of the knowledge of KCI, with respect to KCI and
        the KCI Subsidiaries, there are no conditions presently existing which
        may reasonably be expected to lead to: (i) responsibilities or
        liability, or an assertion thereunder by any governmental entity or
        private person, pursuant to any Environmental Law the subject of which
        is the management and disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or
        wastes (intended hereby and hereafter to include any and all such
        materials listed in any foreign, federal, state or local law, statute,
        code or ordinance and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
        as hazardous or potentially hazardous and, if not so listed, asbestos,
        lead and petroleum) or (ii) tort claims based on an action or inaction
        of KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries relating to the management and
        disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes prior to the
        Effective Time, except where any such failures to comply, when taken in
        the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (c) KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have been issued, will maintain
        until the Effective Time and will cause to remain in effect immediately
        thereafter, all required foreign, federal, state and local permits,
        licenses, certificates and approvals relating to (i) air emissions, (ii)
        discharges to surface water or ground water, (iii) noise emissions, (iv)
        solid or liquid waste disposal, (v) the use, generation, storage,
        transportation or disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes
        and (vi) any other environmental, health or safety matters, except where
        any such failures to comply, when taken in the aggregate, will not have
        a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (d) KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have neither received notice of,
        nor know of, nor have any reason to suspect, any fact(s) which might
        constitute violation(s) of any Environmental Laws which remain uncured
        or where failure to cure any such violations, when taken in the
        aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>   147
 
             (e) To the best of the knowledge of KCI, with respect to KCI and
        the KCI Subsidiaries, there has been no Hazardous Discharge which, when
        taken in the aggregate, will have a Material Adverse Effect. To KCI's
        knowledge, there is not located on the real property used by KCI and the
        KCI Subsidiaries toxic or hazardous substances or wastes in violation of
        Environmental Laws, which, when taken in the aggregate, will have a
        Material Adverse Effect. To the best of the knowledge of KCI, there is
        not located on the real property used by KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries
        toxic or hazardous substances or wastes in violation of Environmental
        Laws, which, when taken in the aggregate, will have a Material Adverse
        Effect.
 
             (f) With respect to KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, there has been no
        Environmental Complaints which, when taken in the aggregate, would
        result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (g) With respect to KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, there has been no
        lien asserted or created by any foreign, federal, state or local
        authority upon any or all of the assets, equipment, real property or
        other facilities of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries by reason of a
        Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint initiated or occurring
        prior to the Effective Time, except any which, when taken in the
        aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (h) For the purposes of this Section 3.17, the term "KCI and KCI
        Subsidiaries" shall also mean subsidiaries or other properties
        previously owned or operated by KCI or a KCI Subsidiary, either directly
        or indirectly, which would create liability for KCI or the KCI
        Subsidiary by virtue of their prior ownership.
 
             (i) KCI has made available to DSO all environmental studies and
        reports pertaining or relating in any way to the real property or
        equipment owned, occupied or leased by KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries or
        otherwise relating or pertaining to the business, operations or assets
        of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries.
 
          3.18  Interested Party Transactions.
 
             (a) As of the date hereof, neither KCI nor any of the KCI
        Subsidiaries is a party to any oral or written (i) consulting or similar
        agreement with any present or former director, officer or employee or
        any entity controlled by any such person not terminable on thirty days'
        or less notice involving the payment of more than $100,000 per annum,
        (ii) agreement with any executive officer or other key employee, the
        benefits of which are contingent or the terms of which are materially
        altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving it of the nature
        contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) agreement with respect to any
        executive officer or other key employee of it providing any term of
        employment or compensation guarantee extending for a period longer than
        one year or for the payment in excess of $100,000 per annum, or (iv)
        except for the KCI Options, agreement or plan, including any stock
        option plan, stock appreciation right plan, restricted stock plan or
        stock purchase plan, any of the benefits of which will be increased, or
        the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the
        occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
        the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the
        basis of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
             (b) Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries is indebted for
        money borrowed, either directly or indirectly from any of its officers,
        directors, or any Affiliate in any amount whatsoever, nor are any of its
        officers, directors, or Affiliates indebted for money borrowed from it;
        nor are there any transactions of a continuing nature between it and any
        of its officers, directors, or Affiliates (other than the regular
        employment of such persons) which will continue beyond the Effective
        Time, including, without limitation, use of its assets for personal
        benefit with or without adequate compensation.
 
        3.19  Contracts.
 
             (a) Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries is a party to any
        contracts, agreements, commitments and other instruments (whether oral
        or written) that (i) involve an expenditure by
 
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<PAGE>   148
 
        such party or require the performance of services or delivery of goods
        to, by, through, on behalf of or for the benefit of such party, which in
        each case, relates to a contract, commitment or instrument that requires
        payments in excess of $25,000 per year and (ii) involve an obligation
        for the performance of services or delivery of goods by such party that
        cannot, or in reasonable probability will not be performed within thirty
        days from the dates as of which these representations are made, except
        for arrangements for the manufacture or supply of products and for the
        purchase or sale of merchandise or services entered into the ordinary
        course of business.
 
             (b) All of the material contracts, agreements, commitments and
        other instruments that either KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries is a
        party to, or by which any of them is bound, are valid and binding upon
        such party and the other parties thereto and are in full force and
        effect and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and neither such
        party nor any other party to any such contract, agreement, commitment or
        other instrument has breached any provision of, and no event has
        occurred, in each case, which, with the lapse of time or action by a
        third party, could result in a default under the terms thereof which,
        alone or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect, and,
        there are no existing facts or circumstances which would prevent such
        party's contracts and agreements for the sale of goods from maturing in
        due course into fully collectible accounts receivable, except where
        failure to do so would have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          3.20  Title to Properties. KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have good
     title to all of their real and other properties and assets, tangible and
     intangible, as reflected in the KCI Balance Sheet, except as since sold or
     otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, free and clear of
     all claims and encumbrances other than (i) specifically disclosed in the
     KCI Balance Sheet, (ii) any liens for taxes not yet due and payable or
     being contested, and (iii) such imperfections of title, covenants,
     restrictions, easements and encumbrances, if any, as do not materially
     detract from the value or materially interfere with the present use of any
     of the properties or otherwise materially impair the business operations or
     the financial condition of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
          3.21  Insurance. KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have insurance covering
     casualty, fire, liability, worker's compensation and disability (the "KCI
     Policies") providing coverage and having limitations and deductibles that
     are customary for a business of the type operated by them and sufficient
     for compliance in all material respects with all requirements of law and of
     all agreements to which KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries are a party, and such
     KCI Policies will be in full force and effect for all periods up to and
     including the Effective Time, and no notice of cancellation or termination
     has been received with respect to any of the KCI Policies. There are no
     pending claims under or relating to any of the KCI Policies which
     individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          3.22  Board Approval. The Board of Directors of KCI has, as of the
     date hereof, unanimously (i) approved this Agreement and the Merger, (ii)
     approved the Voting Agreement among KCI, Coatings Group, Inc., Anders U.
     Schroeder, Asgard Ltd., Parkway M & A Capital Corporation and M&A
     Investment Pte Ltd., (iii) determined that the Merger is in the best
     interests of the stockholders of KCI and is on terms that are fair to such
     stockholders and (iv) resolved to recommend that the stockholders of KCI
     approve this Agreement and the Merger.
 
          3.23  Vote Required. The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of
     the outstanding shares of KCI Common Stock is the only vote of the holders
     of any class or series of KCI's capital stock necessary to approve this
     Agreement and the Merger.
 
          3.24  Disclosure. No representation or warranty made by KCI in this
     Agreement, nor any document, written information, statement, financial
     statement, certificate or exhibit prepared and furnished or to be prepared
     and furnished by KCI or its representatives pursuant hereto or in
     connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, when taken together,
     contains any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits to state a
     material fact necessary to make the statements or facts contained herein or
     therein, not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they are
     furnished.
 
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<PAGE>   149
 
          3.25  Fairness Opinion. KCI's Board of Directors has received a
     written opinion from PaineWebber Incorporated that as of the date hereof
     the Exchange Ratio is fair to KCI's stockholders from a financial point of
     view.
 
          3.26  Restrictions on Business Activities. There is no agreement,
     judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries that has or could reasonably be expected to have the effect of
     prohibiting or impairing any business practice of KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries or the conduct of business by KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries as currently conducted, which would have a Material Adverse
     Effect.
 
          3.27  Propriety of Past Payments. No funds or assets of KCI or any of
     the KCI Subsidiaries have been used for an illegal purpose, nor have any
     unrecorded funds or assets of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries been established
     for any purposes. No accumulation or use of KCI's or the KCI Subsidiaries'
     corporate funds or assets has been made without being properly accounted
     for in their respective books and records and all payments by or on behalf
     of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries have been duly and properly recorded and
     accounted for in their respective books and records. No false or artificial
     entry has been made in the books and records of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries
     for any reason (except in the case of unaudited financial statements, for
     year-ended adjustments). No payment has been made by or on behalf of KCI or
     the KCI Subsidiaries with the understanding that any part of such payment
     is to be used for any purpose other than that described in the document
     supporting such payment, and neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries
     has made, directly or indirectly, any illegal contributions to any
     political party or candidate, either domestic or foreign. Neither the IRS
     nor any other federal, state, local or foreign government agency or entity
     has initiated or threatened any investigation of any payment made by KCI or
     the KCI Subsidiaries of, or alleged to be of, the type described in this
     Section 3.27.
 
     4. DSO COVENANTS
 
          4.1  Advice of Changes. During the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, DSO will as soon as possible
     advise KCI in writing (a) of any event occurring subsequent to the date of
     this Agreement that would render any representation or warranty of DSO
     contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or
     the Effective Time, untrue or inaccurate in any material respect, (b) of
     any event or occurrence resulting in or which may reasonably be expected to
     result in, a Material Adverse Effect on DSO or (c) of any breach by DSO of
     any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement. To ensure compliance
     with this Section 4.1, DSO shall deliver to KCI as soon as reasonably
     practicable after the end of each monthly accounting period ending after
     the date of this Agreement and before the earlier of the Effective Time or
     the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, an
     unaudited consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations and statement
     of cash flows for DSO, which financial statements shall be prepared in the
     ordinary course of business, in accordance with DSO's books and records and
     generally accepted accounting principles and shall fairly present the
     consolidated financial position of DSO as of their respective dates and the
     results of DSO's operations for the periods then ended.
 
          4.2  Maintenance of Business. During the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, DSO will use its diligent
     commercial efforts to carry on and preserve its business and its
     relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and others in
     substantially the same manner as it has prior to the date hereof. If DSO
     becomes aware of any material deterioration in the relationship with any
     material customer, material supplier or key employee, it will promptly
     bring such information to the attention of KCI.
 
          4.3  Conduct of Business. Except as may be necessary to consummate the
     transactions contemplated hereby, during the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, DSO will continue to conduct
     its
 
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<PAGE>   150
 
     business and maintain its business relationships in the ordinary and usual
     course and neither DSO nor any DSO Subsidiary will, without the prior
     written consent of KCI:
 
             (a) borrow any money except for amounts that are not in the
        aggregate material to the financial condition of DSO and the DSO
        Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
 
             (b) enter into any material transaction not in the ordinary course
        of its business;
 
             (c) encumber or permit to be encumbered any of its assets except in
        the ordinary course of its business or with respect to liens which are
        not material or relate to unpaid taxes;
 
             (d) dispose of any of its assets except in the ordinary course of
        business;
 
             (e) enter into any material lease or contract for the purchase or
        sale or license of any property, real or personal, except in the
        ordinary course of business;
 
             (f) fail to maintain its equipment and other assets in good working
        condition and repair, and in all material respects, in accordance with
        the standards it has maintained to the date of this Agreement, subject
        only to ordinary wear and tear;
 
             (g) pay (or make any oral or written commitments or representations
        to pay) any bonus, increased salary or special remuneration to any
        officer, employee or consultant (except for normal salary increases
        consistent with past practices, not to exceed ten percent (10%) per year
        pursuant to existing arrangements previously disclosed to KCI on the DSO
        Disclosure Schedule) or enter into or vary the terms of any employment,
        consulting or severance agreement with any such person, pay any
        severance or termination pay (other than payments made in accordance
        with plans or agreements existing on the date hereof), grant any stock
        option (except for normal grants to newly hired or current employees
        consistent with past practices and annual grants of options granted to
        non-employee directors required by the terms of the DSO 1992 Stock Plan)
        or issue any restricted stock, or enter into or modify any agreement or
        plan or increase benefits of the type described in Section 2.8; provided
        that DSO shall be entitled to pay annual bonuses and to make changes to
        compensation (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
        practices or (ii) with prior written notice to KCI in the event that
        such changes are required, in the good faith judgment of DSO and after
        consultation with KCI, to retain its key employees following the
        Effective Time;
 
             (h) change accounting methods;
 
             (i) declare, set aside or pay any cash or stock dividend or other
        distribution in respect of capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire
        any of its capital stock (other than pursuant to arrangements with
        terminated employees or consultants in the ordinary course of business
        consistent with past practice);
 
             (j) amend or terminate any contract, agreement or license to which
        it is a party except those amended or terminated in the ordinary course
        of its business, consistent with past practice, and which are not
        material in amount or effect;
 
             (k) lend any amount to any person or entity, other than (i)
        advances for travel and expenses which are incurred in the ordinary
        course of business consistent with past practice, not material in amount
        and documented by receipts for the claimed amounts, or (ii) any loans
        pursuant to any DSO Section 401(a) Plan;
 
             (l) guarantee or act as a surety for any obligation except for
        obligations in amounts that are not material;
 
             (m) issue or sell any shares of its capital stock of any class
        (except upon the exercise of a bona fide option or warrant currently
        outstanding or permitted to be granted under Section 4.3(g)), or any
        other of its securities, or issue or create any warrants, obligations,
        subscriptions, options (except as expressly permitted under Section
        4.3(g)), convertible securities or other commitments to issue shares of
        capital stock, or accelerate the vesting of any outstanding option or
        other security;
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>   151
 
             (n) split or combine the outstanding shares of its capital stock of
        any class or enter into any recapitalization or agreement affecting the
        number of rights of outstanding shares of its capital stock of any class
        or affecting any other of its securities;
 
             (o) merge, consolidate or reorganize with, or acquire any entity
        (other than such transaction that would not be material and that would
        not impair or affect the timing of the Merger) or adopt a plan of
        liquidation or dissolution;
 
             (p) amend its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws;
 
             (q) license any DSO Intellectual Property Rights except in the
        ordinary course of business;
 
             (r) agree to any audit assessment by any tax authority;
 
             (s) change any insurance coverage, voluntarily allow any insurance
        coverage to lapse, or issue any certificates of insurance; or
 
             (t) agree to do, or permit any DSO Subsidiary to do or agree to do,
        or enter into negotiations with respect to any of the things described
        in the preceding clauses in this Section 4.3.
 
          4.4  Stockholder Approval. Without regard to the recommendation
     contemplated by this Section 4.4, DSO will call the DSO Stockholders
     Meeting to be held as soon as possible after the Form S-4 shall have been
     declared effective by the SEC to submit this Agreement, the Merger and
     related matters for the consideration and approval of the DSO stockholders.
     Such approval will be recommended by DSO's Board of Directors subject to
     the fiduciary obligations of its directors. Such meeting will be called,
     held and conducted, and any proxies will be solicited, in compliance with
     applicable securities laws.
 
          4.5  Prospectus/Proxy Statement. DSO will mail to its stockholders in
     a timely manner at least twenty (20) business days prior to the meeting,
     for the purpose of considering and voting upon the Merger at the DSO
     Stockholders Meeting, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement in the Form S-4. DSO
     will as soon as possible provide all information relating to DSO, its
     business or operations necessary for inclusion in the Prospectus/Proxy
     Statement to satisfy all requirements of applicable state and federal
     securities laws. DSO shall be solely responsible for any statement,
     information or omission in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement relating to it or
     its Affiliates based upon written information furnished by it. DSO will not
     provide or publish to its stockholders any material concerning it or its
     Affiliates that violates the Securities Act or the Exchange Act with
     respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
          4.6  Regulatory Approvals. DSO will promptly execute and file or join
     in the execution and filing of, any application or other document that may
     be necessary in order to obtain the authorization, approval or consent of
     any governmental body, federal, state, local or foreign, which may be
     reasonably required, or which KCI may reasonably request, in connection
     with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
     DSO will use its best efforts to obtain promptly all such authorizations,
     approvals and consents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
     as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, DSO shall
     file with the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust
     Division of the Department of Justice (the "DOJ"), a pre-merger
     notification report under the HSR Act.
 
          4.7  Necessary Consents. During the term of this Agreement, DSO will
     use its best efforts to obtain such written consents and take such other
     actions as may be necessary or appropriate in addition to those set forth
     in Section 4.6 to allow the consummation of the transactions contemplated
     hereby and to allow the Surviving Corporation to carry on DSO's business
     after the Effective Time.
 
          4.8  Access to Information. DSO will allow KCI and its agents
     reasonable access to the files, books, records and offices of DSO and each
     DSO Subsidiary, including, without limitation, any and all information
     relating to DSO's taxes, commitments, contracts, leases, licenses and real,
     personal and intangible property and financial condition. DSO will cause
     its accountants to cooperate with KCI and its agents in making available to
     KCI all financial information reasonably requested, including, without
     limitation, the right to examine all working papers pertaining to all tax
     returns and financial statements prepared or audited by such accountants.
 
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<PAGE>   152
 
          4.9  Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent. During the term of this
     Agreement, DSO will use its best efforts to satisfy or cause to be
     satisfied all the conditions precedent that are set forth in Article 8, and
     DSO will use its best efforts to cause the Merger and the other
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated.
 
          4.10  No Other Negotiations. From and after the date of this Agreement
     until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this
     Agreement in accordance with its terms, DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries shall
     not, and shall direct and use its best efforts to cause its officers,
     directors and agents not to (a) solicit, engage in discussions or negotiate
     with any person (whether such discussions or negotiations are initiated by
     DSO or otherwise) or take any other action intended or designed to
     facilitate the efforts of any person, other than KCI, relating to a
     possible Alternative Acquisition (as defined below), (b) provide
     information with respect to DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries to any
     person, other than KCI, relating to a possible Alternative Acquisition by
     any person, other than KCI, (c) enter into an agreement with any person,
     other than KCI, providing for a possible Alternative Acquisition or (d)
     except as contemplated by this Section 4.10 or as required by applicable
     law (including the exercise of the fiduciary duties of the DSO Board of
     Directors), make or authorize any statement, recommendation or solicitation
     in support of any possible Alternative Acquisition by any person, other
     than by KCI.
 
          Notwithstanding the foregoing, the restrictions set forth in this
     Agreement shall not prevent the Board of Directors of DSO (or its agents
     pursuant to its instructions) from taking the following actions: (a)
     furnishing information concerning DSO and its business, properties and
     assets to any third party and (b) entering into discussions with such third
     party concerning an Alternative Acquisition, provided that all of the
     following events shall have occurred: (i) such third party has made a
     written proposal to the Board of Directors of DSO to consummate an
     Alternative Acquisition which proposal identifies a price or range of
     values to be paid for the outstanding securities or substantially all of
     the assets of DSO, and if consummated, based on the advice of DSO's
     investment bankers, the Board of Directors of DSO has determined such
     Alternative Acquisition to be financially more favorable to the
     stockholders of DSO than the terms of the Merger (a "Superior Proposal");
     (ii) DSO's Board of Directors has determined, based on the advice of its
     investment bankers, that such third party is financially capable of
     consummating such Superior Proposal; (iii) the Board of Directors of DSO
     shall have determined, after consultation with its outside legal counsel,
     that the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors require DSO to furnish
     information to and negotiate with such third party; and (iv) at least two
     (2) business days prior thereto, KCI shall have been notified in writing of
     such Superior Proposal, including all of its terms and conditions, and
     shall have been given copies of such proposal and KCI shall have been
     notified of the determinations made by the DSO Board of Directors pursuant
     to clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph. Notwithstanding the
     foregoing, DSO shall not provide any non-public information to such third
     party unless (A) it provides such information to KCI simultaneously or as
     promptly as practicable thereafter and (B) DSO has notified KCI in advance
     of any such proposed disclosure of non-public information to any such third
     party, with a description of the information proposed to be disclosed.
 
          In addition to the foregoing, DSO shall not accept or enter into any
     agreement concerning an Alternative Acquisition for a period of not less
     than forty-eight (48) hours after KCI's receipt of a copy of such proposal
     of an Alternative Acquisition. Upon compliance with the foregoing, DSO
     shall be entitled to enter into an agreement with such third-party
     concerning an Alternative Acquisition provided that DSO shall immediately
     make or cause to be made payment in full to KCI of the Breakup Fee as
     defined in Section 9.4 below.
 
          If DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries receives any unsolicited offer,
     inquiry or proposal to enter into discussions or negotiations relating to
     an Alternative Acquisition, DSO shall immediately notify KCI thereof,
     including information as to the identity of the party making any such
     offer, inquiry or proposal and the specific terms of such offer, inquiry or
     proposal, as the case may be.
 
          DSO shall be entitled to provide copies of this Section 4.10 to third
     parties who, on an entirely unsolicited basis after the date hereof,
     contact DSO concerning an Alternative Acquisition; provided that KCI shall
     concurrently be notified of such contact and the delivery of such copy.
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>   153
 
          For purposes of this Agreement, "Alternative Acquisition" shall mean
     any of the following (other than transactions between KCI and DSO
     contemplated hereby): (i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange,
     business combination, or other similar transaction involving DSO or the DSO
     Subsidiaries; (ii) any sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of 20%
     or more of the assets of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in
     a single transaction or series of related transactions, (iii) any sale of
     or tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of the outstanding shares
     of capital stock of DSO or the filing of a registration statement under the
     Securities Act in connection therewith; (iv) any person acquiring
     beneficial ownership or the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, or
     any "group" (as such term is defined under Section 13(d) of the Exchange
     Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) having been
     formed for the purpose of effecting an Alternative Acquisition which
     beneficially owns, or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 20%
     or more of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of DSO; or (v) any
     public announcement of a proposal, plan or intention to do any of the
     foregoing or any agreement to engage in any of the foregoing with respect
     to DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries.
 
     5. KCI COVENANTS
 
          5.1  Advice of Changes. During the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, KCI will as soon as possible
     advise DSO in writing (a) of any event occurring subsequent to the date of
     this Agreement that would render any representation or warranty of KCI
     contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or
     the Effective Time, untrue or inaccurate in any material respect, (b) of
     any Material Adverse Effect on KCI or (c) of any breach by KCI of any
     covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement. To ensure compliance
     with this Section 5.1, KCI shall deliver to DSO as soon as reasonably
     practicable after the end of each monthly accounting period ending after
     the date of this Agreement and before the earlier of the Effective Time or
     the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, an
     unaudited consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations and statement
     of cash flows for KCI, which financial statements shall be prepared in the
     ordinary course of business, in accordance with KCI's books and records and
     generally accepted accounting principles and shall fairly present the
     consolidated financial position of KCI as of their respective dates and the
     results of KCI's operations for the periods then ended.
 
          5.2  Maintenance of Business. During the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, KCI will use its diligent
     commercial efforts to carry on and preserve its business and its
     relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and others in
     substantially the same manner as it has prior to the date hereof. If KCI
     becomes aware of any material deterioration in the relationship with any
     material customer, material supplier or key employee, it will promptly
     bring such information to the attention of DSO.
 
          5.3  Conduct of Business. Except as may be necessary to consummate the
     transactions contemplated hereby, during the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, KCI will continue to conduct
     its business and maintain its business relationships in the ordinary and
     usual course and neither KCI nor any KCI Subsidiary will, without the prior
     written consent of DSO:
 
             (a) borrow any money except for amounts that are not in the
        aggregate material to the financial condition of KCI and the KCI
        Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
 
             (b) enter into any material transaction not in the ordinary course
        of its business;
 
             (c) encumber or permit to be encumbered any of its assets except in
        the ordinary course of its business or with respect to liens which are
        not material or relate to unpaid taxes;
 
             (d) dispose of any of its assets except in the ordinary course of
        business;
 
             (e) enter into any material lease or contract for the purchase or
        sale or license of any property, real or personal, except in the
        ordinary course of business;
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>   154
 
             (f) fail to maintain its equipment and other assets in good working
        condition and repair, and accordingly, in all material respects, to the
        standards it has maintained to the date of this Agreement, subject only
        to ordinary wear and tear;
 
             (g) pay (or make any oral or written commitments or representations
        to pay) any bonus, increased salary or special remuneration to any
        officer, employee or consultant (except for normal salary increases
        consistent with past practices and not to exceed ten percent (10%) per
        year pursuant to existing arrangements previously disclosed to DSO on
        the KCI Disclosure Schedule) or enter into or vary the terms of any
        employment, consulting or severance agreement with any such person, pay
        any severance or termination pay (other than payments made in accordance
        with plans or agreements existing on the date hereof), grant any stock
        option (except for normal grants to newly hired or current employees
        consistent with past practices and grants of options granted to non-
        employee directors required by the terms of the KCI 1992 Incentive
        Compensation Plan) or issue any restricted stock, or enter into or
        modify any agreement or plan or increase benefits of the type described
        in Section 3.8; provided that KCI shall be entitled to pay annual
        bonuses and to make changes to compensation (i) in the ordinary course
        of business consistent with past practices or (ii) with prior written
        notice to DSO in the event that such changes are required, in the good
        faith judgment of KCI and after consultation with DSO, to retain its key
        employees following the Effective Time;
 
             (h) change accounting methods;
 
             (i) declare, set aside or pay any cash or stock dividend or other
        distribution in respect of capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire
        any of its capital stock (other than pursuant to arrangements with
        terminated employees or consultants in the ordinary course of business
        consistent with past practice);
 
             (j) amend or terminate any contract, agreement or license to which
        it is a party except those amended or terminated in the ordinary course
        of its business, consistent with past practice, and which are not
        material in amount or effect;
 
             (k) lend any amount to any person or entity, other than (i)
        advances for travel and expenses which are incurred in the ordinary
        course of business consistent with past practice, not material in amount
        and documented by receipts for the claimed amounts, or (ii) any loans
        pursuant to any KCI Section 401(a) Plan;
 
             (l) guarantee or act as a surety for any obligation except for
        obligations in amounts that are not material;
 
             (m) issue or sell any shares of its capital stock of any class
        (except upon the exercise of a bona fide option or warrant currently
        outstanding or permitted to be granted under Section 5.3(g)), or any
        other of its securities, or issue or create any warrants, obligations,
        subscriptions, options (except as expressly permitted under Section
        5.3(g)), convertible securities or other commitments to issue shares of
        capital stock, or accelerate the vesting of any outstanding option or
        other security;
 
             (n) split or combine the outstanding shares of its capital stock of
        any class or enter into any recapitalization or agreement affecting the
        number of rights of outstanding shares of its capital stock of any class
        or affecting any other of its securities;
 
             (o) merge, consolidate or reorganize with, or acquire any entity
        (other than such transaction that would not be material and that would
        not impair or affect the timing of the Merger) or adopt a plan of
        liquidation or dissolution;
 
             (p) amend its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws;
 
             (q) license any KCI Intellectual Property Rights except in the
        ordinary course of business;
 
             (r) agree to any audit assessment by any tax authority;
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>   155
 
             (s) change any insurance coverage, voluntarily allow any insurance
        coverage to lapse, or issue any certificates of insurance; or
 
             (t) agree to do, or permit any KCI Subsidiary to do or agree to do,
        or enter into negotiations with respect to any of the things described
        in the preceding clauses in this Section 5.3.
 
          5.4  Stockholder Approval. Without regard to the recommendation
     contemplated by this Section 5.4, KCI will call the KCI Stockholders
     Meeting to be held as soon as possible after the Form S-4 shall have been
     declared effective by the SEC to submit this Agreement, the Merger and
     related matters for the consideration and approval of the KCI stockholders.
     Such approval will be recommended by KCI's Board of Directors subject to
     the fiduciary obligations of its directors. Such meeting will be called,
     held and conducted, and any proxies will be solicited, in compliance with
     applicable securities laws.
 
          5.5  Prospectus/Proxy Statement. KCI will mail to its stockholders in
     a timely manner at least twenty (20) business days prior to the meeting,
     for the purpose of considering and voting upon the Merger at the KCI
     Stockholders Meeting, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement in the Form S-4. KCI
     will as promptly as soon as possible provide all information relating to
     KCI, its business or operations necessary for inclusion in the
     Prospectus/Proxy Statement to satisfy all requirements of applicable state
     and federal securities laws. KCI shall be solely responsible for any
     statement, information or omission in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement
     relating to it or its Affiliates based upon written information furnished
     by it. KCI will not provide or publish to its stockholders any material
     concerning it or its Affiliates that violates the Securities Act or the
     Exchange Act with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
          5.6  Regulatory Approvals. KCI will promptly execute and file or join
     in the execution and filing, of any application or other document that may
     be necessary in order to obtain the authorization, approval or consent of
     any governmental body, federal, state, local or foreign, which may be
     reasonably required, or which DSO may reasonably request, in connection
     with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
     KCI will use its best efforts to promptly obtain all such authorizations,
     approvals and consents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
     as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, KCI shall
     file with the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the DOJ a pre-merger
     notification report under the HSR Act.
 
          5.7  Necessary Consents. During the term of this Agreement, KCI will
     use its best efforts to obtain such written consents and take such other
     actions as may be necessary or appropriate in addition to those set forth
     in Section 5.6 to allow the consummation of the transactions contemplated
     hereby and to allow the Surviving Corporation to carry on KCI's business
     after the Effective Time.
 
          5.8  Access to Information. KCI will allow DSO and its agents
     reasonable access to the files, books, records and offices of KCI and each
     KCI Subsidiary, including, without limitation, any and all information
     relating to KCI's taxes, commitments, contracts, leases, licenses and real,
     personal and intangible property and financial condition. KCI will cause
     its accountants to cooperate with DSO and its agents in making available to
     DSO all financial information reasonably requested, including, without
     limitation, the right to examine all working papers pertaining to all tax
     returns and financial statements prepared or audited by such accountants.
 
          5.9  Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent. During the term of this
     Agreement, KCI will use its best efforts to satisfy or cause to be
     satisfied all the conditions precedent that are set forth in Article 7, and
     KCI will use its best efforts to cause the Merger and the other
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated.
 
          5.10  Listing. KCI will use its best efforts to cause as promptly as
     reasonably practicable the shares of KCI Common Stock to be issued pursuant
     to the Merger to be listed upon the Effective Time with the NYSE, subject
     to official notice of issuance.
 
          5.11  Nomination of Directors. The Board of Directors of KCI shall
     take all necessary action to increase the KCI Board of Directors to nine
     members as of the Effective Time and to cause the two persons named by DSO
     at the Effective Time to be appointed to the Board of Directors of KCI with
     one
 
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<PAGE>   156
 
     DSO designee to be appointed to the class of directors serving until the
     KCI Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 1999 and the other in the class
     serving until the KCI Annual Meeting in 1997, at which KCI agrees to use
     its best efforts to renominate such person to serve until the KCI Annual
     Meeting in 2000.
 
          5.12  Executive Committee. The Board of Directors of KCI shall take
     all necessary steps as of the Effective Time, to create an Executive
     Committee of the Board of Directors with three members, and to cause one
     director, named by DSO at the Effective Time, to be appointed to such
     committee.
 
          5.13 Director and Officer Indemnification. From and after the
     Effective Time, KCI shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the current
     officers and directors of DSO and DSO Subsidiaries against all losses,
     claims, damages and liability in respect of acts or omissions occurring at
     or prior to the Effective Time to the fullest extent that DSO or such DSO
     Subsidiary would have been permitted under applicable law and the
     Certificates or Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of DSO or DSO
     Subsidiary in effect on the date hereof to indemnify such person. For at
     least six years after the Effective Time, KCI shall cause the Surviving
     Corporation to keep in effect provisions in its Certificate or Article of
     Incorporation and Bylaws providing for limitation of director and officer
     liability and indemnification of such persons to the fullest extent. KCI
     shall reimburse all expenses including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred
     by any person to enforce successfully the obligations of KCI under this
     Section. The provisions of this Section 5.13 shall survive consummation of
     the Merger and are expressly intended to benefit current directors and
     officers of DSO. After the Effective Time, KCI shall cause the Surviving
     Corporation to purchase insurance covering the directors and officers of
     DSO for claims made within one year after the Effective Time against such
     directors and officers relating to claims arising prior to the Effective
     Time. KCI shall not be obligated to pay more than $150,000 for such
     insurance. From and after the Effective Time, KCI shall purchase insurance
     covering the directors and officers of KCI, with coverage limits comparable
     to such insurance carried by DSO prior to the Effective Time, if in the
     sole discretion of KCI, such insurance may be purchased at prices
     comparable to that paid by DSO.
 
          5.14  DSO Trade Debt. KCI shall cause the Surviving Corporation to
     provide for the approximately $9,922,017 (plus interest accruing after July
     1, 1996) owing as of the date hereof by DeSoto to its trade creditors
     pursuant to the Trade Composition Agreement and related Security Agreement
     (the "Trade Debt"), in the following amounts: (i) eighty percent (80%) of
     the Trade Debt as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Effective
     Time, and (ii) twenty percent (20%) of the Trade Debt no later than one (1)
     year after the Effective Time.
 
     6. CLOSING MATTERS
 
          6.1  The Closing. Subject to the termination of this Agreement as
     provided in Article 9 below, the Closing of the transactions contemplated
     by this Agreement (the "Closing") will take place at the offices of Godwin
     & Carlton, P.C., 901 Main Street, Suite 2500, Dallas, Texas 75202 on a date
     (the "Closing Date") and at a time to be mutually agreed upon by the
     parties, which date shall be no later than the third business day after all
     conditions to Closing set forth herein shall have been satisfied or waived,
     unless another place, time and date is mutually selected by DSO and KCI.
     Concurrently with the Closing, the Certificate of Merger will be filed in
     the office of Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. As soon as
     practicable thereafter, the Certificate of Merger will be recorded in the
     Office of Recorder of the Delaware county or counties in which the parties
     to the Certificate of Merger maintain their respective registered offices.
 
          6.2  Exchange of Certificates.
 
             (a) Exchange Agent. Prior to the Closing Date, KCI shall select a
        bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to DSO to act as exchange
        agent (the "Exchange Agent") in the Merger. Promptly after the Effective
        Time, KCI shall deposit with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the
        holders of shares of DSO Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with
        this Agreement and the Certificate of Merger, certificates representing
        the shares of KCI Common Stock (such shares of KCI Common Stock,
        together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto
        pursuant to
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>   157
 
        Section 6.2(c), being hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Fund")
        issuable pursuant to this Agreement and the Certificate of Merger in
        exchange for outstanding shares of DSO Common Stock. The Exchange Agent
        shall not be entitled to vote or exercise any right of ownership with
        respect to the KCI Common Stock held by it from time to time hereunder.
 
             (b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as practicable after the Effective
        Time, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a
        certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the Effective
        Time represented issued and outstanding shares of DSO Common Stock
        (collectively, the "Certificates"), (i) a letter of transmittal (which
        shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and
        title to the Certificates shall pass, upon delivery of the Certificates
        to the Exchange Agent and shall be in such form and have such other
        provisions as DSO and KCI may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions
        for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for
        certificates representing KCI Common Stock. Upon surrender of a
        Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with a duly
        executed letter of transmittal and such other documents as may be
        reasonably required by the Exchange Agent, the holder of such
        Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a
        certificate representing the number of whole shares of KCI Common Stock
        which such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of
        this Agreement and the Certificate of Merger, and the Certificate so
        surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. In the event of a transfer of
        ownership of shares of DSO Common Stock which is not registered on the
        transfer records of DSO, a certificate representing the proper number of
        shares of KCI Common Stock may be issued to a transferee if the
        Certificate representing such KCI Common Stock is presented to the
        Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and
        effect such transfer and by evidence that any applicable stock transfer
        taxes have been paid. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section
        6.2 and the Certificate of Merger, each Certificate shall be deemed, on
        and after the Effective Time, to represent only the right to receive
        upon such surrender the certificate representing shares of KCI Common
        Stock and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of KCI Common Stock as
        contemplated by Section 1.2, the Certificate of Merger and the Delaware
        Law.
 
             (c) Distributions with Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates. No
        dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective
        Time with respect to KCI Common Stock with a record date after the
        Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered
        Certificate with respect to the shares of KCI Common Stock represented
        thereby and no cash payment in lieu of fractional shares shall be paid
        to any such holder pursuant to Section 1.2 or the Certificate of Merger
        until a new certificate for KCI Common Stock is issued in exchange for
        such Certificate. Subject to the effect of applicable laws, after the
        issuance of a certificate for KCI Common Stock in exchange for a
        Certificate, there shall be paid to the record holder of such new
        certificate representing whole shares of KCI Common Stock issued in
        exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at the time of such issuance,
        the amount of any cash payable in lieu of a fractional share of KCI
        Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 1.2
        and the Certificate of Merger and the amount of dividends or other
        distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore
        paid with respect to such whole shares of KCI Common Stock and (ii) at
        the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other
        distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to
        surrender and a payment date subsequent to surrender payable with
        respect to such whole shares of KCI Common Stock.
 
             (d) No Further Ownership Rights to DSO Stock. All shares of KCI
        Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of shares of DSO Stock in
        accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Certificate of
        Merger (including any cash paid pursuant to Section 1.2) shall be deemed
        to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to
        such shares of DSO Stock, and after the Effective Time there shall be no
        further registration of any transfer on the stock transfer books of the
        Surviving Corporation of the shares of DSO Stock which were outstanding
        immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time,
        Certificates are presented to KCI for any reason, they shall be
        cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Section 6.2 and the
        Certificate of Merger.
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>   158
 
             (e) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund
        which remains undistributed to the former stockholders of DSO for six
        (6) months after the Effective Time shall be delivered to KCI, upon
        demand, and any former stockholders of DSO who have not theretofore
        complied with this Section 6.2 and the Certificate of Merger shall
        thereafter look only to KCI for payment of their claim for KCI Stock,
        any cash in lieu of fractional shares of KCI Stock and any dividends or
        distributions with respect to KCI Stock.
 
             (f) No Liability. Neither the Exchange Agent, KCI nor DSO shall be
        liable to any holder of shares of DSO Stock or KCI Stock, as the case
        may be, for Exchange Funds or stock delivered to a public official
        pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
 
          6.3  Assumption of Options. Promptly after the Effective Time, KCI
     will notify in writing each holder of a KCI Converted Option of the
     assumption of such option by KCI, the number of shares of KCI Common Stock
     that are then subject to such option, and the exercise price of such
     option, as determined pursuant to this Agreement.
 
7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF DSO
 
          The obligations of DSO hereunder are subject to the fulfillment or
     satisfaction on or before the Closing Date, of each of the following
     conditions (any one or more of which may be waived by DSO, but only in a
     writing signed by DSO):
 
          7.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations
     and warranties of KCI set forth in Article 3 (as qualified by the KCI
     Disclosure Schedule and the Recent KCI SEC Documents) shall be true and
     accurate in every respect on and as of the Closing Date with the same force
     and effect as if they had been made at the Closing except to the extent the
     failure of such representations and warranties to be true and accurate in
     such respects has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a
     Material Adverse Effect, and DSO shall receive a certificate to such effect
     executed by KCI's Chief Financial Officer.
 
          7.2 Covenants. KCI shall have performed and complied in all material
     respects with all of its covenants required to be performed by it under
     this Agreement on or before the Closing, and DSO shall receive a
     certificate to such effect signed by KCI's Chief Financial Officer.
 
          7.3  Absence of Material Adverse Change. From the date of this
     Agreement through the Effective Time, there shall not have been any
     material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
     properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations or results of
     operations of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "KCI
     Material Adverse Change").
 
          7.4  Compliance with Law. There shall be no order, decree or ruling by
     any governmental agency or written threat thereof, or any statute, rule,
     regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the
     Merger, which would prohibit or render illegal the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          7.5  Government Consents. There shall have been obtained on or before
     the Closing such material permits or authorizations, and there shall have
     been taken such other action, as may be required to consummate the Merger
     by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the parties and the
     actions herein proposed to be taken, including but not limited to
     requirements under applicable federal and state securities laws and the
     compliance with, and expiration of any applicable waiting period under, the
     HSR Act.
 
          7.6  The Form S-4. The Form S-4 shall have become effective under the
     Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any stop-order or
     proceedings seeking a stop-order and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement shall
     on the Closing not be subject to any proceedings commenced or threatened by
     the SEC.
 
          7.7  Documents. DSO shall have received all written consents,
     assignments, waivers, authorizations or other certificates reasonably
     deemed necessary by DSO's legal counsel to provide for the continuation in
     full force and effect of any and all material contracts and leases of KCI
     and for KCI to consummate
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>   159
 
     the transactions contemplated hereby except when the failure to receive
     such consents, assignments, waivers, authorizations or certificates would
     not constitute a KCI Material Adverse Change.
 
          7.8  Stockholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have
     been approved and adopted by the DSO stockholders in accordance with the
     rules of the NYSE, applicable law and DSO's Certificate of Incorporation
     and Bylaws.
 
          7.9  KCI Approval. This Agreement, the Merger and the issuance of KCI
     Common Stock in connection with the Merger shall have been approved by the
     KCI stockholders in accordance with the rules of the NYSE, applicable law
     and KCI's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
          7.10  No Legal Action. No temporary restraining order, preliminary
     injunction or permanent injunction or other order preventing the
     consummation of the Merger shall have been issued by any federal or state
     court and remain in effect, nor shall any proceeding initiated by the U.S.
     Government seeking any of the foregoing be pending.
 
          7.11  Election of DSO Designees to Board of Directors of KCI. The
     Board of Directors of KCI shall have taken appropriate action to cause the
     number of directors comprising the full Board of Directors of KCI at the
     Effective Time to be increased from seven to nine persons, and the two
     persons named by DSO at the Effective Time shall be added as additional
     Directors effective upon the Effective Time.
 
          7.12  Tax Opinions. DSO shall have received two opinions of Fried,
     Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (or such other counsel selected by DSO)
     in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, based, in each case,
     upon representation letters dated on or about the dates of such opinions
     from persons reasonably requested to provide such letters and such other
     facts and representations as counsel may reasonably deem relevant, to the
     effect that the Merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
     reorganization qualifying under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code,
     the first of which shall be dated on or about the date that is two business
     days prior to the date of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
     second of which shall be dated as of the Effective Time.
 
          7.13  Legal Opinion. DSO shall have received from counsel to KCI an
     opinion reasonably acceptable to DSO.
 
          7.14  Listing. The shares of KCI Common Stock to be issued in the
     Merger and upon exercise of the Warrants shall have been approved for
     listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
 
          7.15  PBGC. Prior to the Effective Time (i) KCI shall have discussed
     with the PBGC the merger of the DSO Retirement Plans and the KCI Retirement
     Plans, and the assets thereof, and (ii) the PBGC will have raised KCI's
     borrowing restrictions to an amount reasonably expected to enable KCI to
     perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
          7.16  Financing. KCI shall have available reasonably sufficient
     sources of financing in order to effect the Merger and to satisfy its
     obligations and those of the Surviving Corporation.
 
          7.17  Fairness Opinion. DSO shall have received an opinion of Salomon
     Brothers, Inc. confirming, as of one business day before the Effective
     Time, that the Exchange Ratio is fair to the holders of DSO Common Stock
     from a financial point of view.
 
     8. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF KCI
 
          The obligations of KCI hereunder are subject to the fulfillment or
     satisfaction on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions
     (any one or more of which may be waived by KCI, but only in a writing
     signed by KCI):
 
          8.1  Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations
     and warranties of DSO set forth in Article 2 (as qualified by the DSO
     Disclosure Schedule and the Recent DSO SEC Documents) shall be true and
     accurate in every respect on and as of the Closing Date with the same force
     and effect as if they had been made at the Closing except to the extent the
     failure of such representations and warranties to be true and accurate in
     such respects had not had and could not reasonably be expected to
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>   160
 
     have a Material Adverse Effect (except that any breach of this Section 8.1
     shall be deemed to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to any
     untruth or inaccuracy contained in Section 2.8(i)), and KCI shall receive a
     certificate to such effect executed by DSO's Chief Financial Officer.
 
          8.2  Covenants. DSO shall have performed and complied in all material
     respects with all of its covenants required to be performed by it under
     this Agreement on or before the Closing, and KCI shall receive a
     certificate to such effect signed by DSO's Chief Financial Officer.
 
          8.3  Absence of Material Adverse Change. From the date of this
     Agreement through the Effective Time, there shall not have been any
     material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
     properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations or results of
     operations of DSO and DSO Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "DSO Material
     Adverse Change").
 
          8.4  Compliance with Law. There shall be no order, decree or ruling by
     any governmental agency or written threat thereof, or any statute, rule,
     regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the
     Merger, which would prohibit or render illegal the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          8.5  Government Consents. There shall have been obtained on or before
     the Closing such material permits or authorizations, and there shall have
     been taken such other action, as may be required to consummate the Merger
     by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the parties and the
     actions herein proposed to be taken, including but not limited to
     requirements under applicable federal and state securities laws and the
     compliance with, and expiration of any applicable waiting period under, the
     HSR Act.
 
          8.6  Form S-4. The Form S-4 shall have become effective under the
     Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any stop-order or
     proceedings seeking a stop-order and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement shall
     on the Closing not be subject to any proceedings commenced or threatened by
     the SEC.
 
          8.7  Documents. KCI shall have received all written consents,
     assignments, waivers, authorizations or other certificates reasonably
     deemed necessary by KCI's legal counsel to provide for the continuation in
     full force and effect of any and all material contracts and leases of DSO
     and for DSO to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby except when
     the failure to receive such consents, assignments, waivers, authorizations,
     or certificates would not constitute a DSO Material Adverse Change.
 
          8.8  Stockholder Approval. This Agreement, the Merger and the issuance
     of KCI Common Stock in connection with the Merger shall have been approved
     by the KCI stockholders in accordance with the rules of the NYSE,
     applicable law and KCI's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
          8.9  DSO Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have been
     approved and adopted by the DSO stockholders in accordance with the rules
     of the NYSE, applicable law and DSO's Certificate of Incorporation and
     Bylaws.
 
          8.10  No Legal Action. No temporary restraining order, preliminary
     injunction or permanent injunction or other order preventing the
     consummation of the Merger shall have been issued by any federal or state
     court and remain in effect, nor shall any proceeding initiated by the U.S.
     Government seeking any of the foregoing be pending.
 
          8.11  Tax Opinions. KCI shall have received two opinions of Godwin &
     Carlton, P.C. (or such other counsel selected by KCI) in form and substance
     reasonably satisfactory to it, based, in each case, upon representation
     letters dated on or about the dates of such opinions from persons
     reasonably requested to provide such letters and such other facts and
     representations as counsel may reasonably deem relevant, to the effect that
     the Merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
     reorganization qualifying under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code,
     the first of which shall be dated on or about the date that is two business
     days prior to the date of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
     second of which shall be dated as of the Effective Time.
 
                                      A-38
<PAGE>   161
 
          8.12  Legal Opinion. KCI shall have received from counsel to DSO, an
     opinion reasonably acceptable to KCI.
 
          8.13  Agreement of Warrantholders. The Warrant Conversion Agreement of
     even date herewith between each holder of DSO Warrants and KCI shall be in
     full force and effect and the holders of the DSO Warrants shall have
     complied with all of their obligations under such Warrant Conversion
     Agreement.
 
          8.14  Financing. KCI shall have available reasonably sufficient
     sources of financing in order to effect the Merger and to satisfy its
     obligations and those of the Surviving Corporation.
 
          8.15  Amendment of DSO Retirement Plan. DSO shall have amended the DSO
     Retirement Plan effective immediately prior to the Effective Time to the
     reasonable satisfaction of KCI, in order to remove all restrictions in the
     DSO Retirement Plan, other than those required by ERISA, regarding (a)
     reductions or changes in benefit formulas thereunder, (b) the merger of the
     DSO Retirement Plan into another plan or the merger of another plan into
     the DSO Retirement Plan, (c) the reversion of plan assets thereof, and (d)
     the allocation of plan assets upon plan termination, including without
     limitation, any such restrictions in Section 10.3(e), Section 10.4 or
     Section 11.4 of the DSO Retirement Plan.
 
          8.16  No Pending Termination. The DSO Retirement Plan shall not have
     been terminated.
 
          8.17  PBGC. Prior to the Effective Time (i) KCI shall have discussed
     with the PBGC the merger of the DSO Retirement Plans and the KCI Retirement
     Plans, and the assets thereof, and (ii) the PBGC will have raised KCI's
     borrowing restrictions to an amount reasonably expected to enable KCI to
     perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
          8.18  Approval of Change of Control. Prior to the Effective Time, DSO
     and its Board of Directors shall make the approval and nomination described
     in Section 10.4 of the DSO Retirement Plan.
 
          8.19  Preferred Stockholders Consents. The Preferred Stockholder
     Waiver and Consent Agreement of even date herewith between KCI and the
     holders of the DSO Preferred Stock shall be in full force and effect and
     the holders of the DSO Preferred Stock shall have complied with all of
     their obligations under such Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent
     Agreement.
 
          8.20  Prescott Obligation. DSO's payment obligation in respect of its
     purchase of J.L. Prescott Company shall be resolved on terms satisfactory
     to KCI in its sole discretion.
 
          8.21  Fairness Opinion. KCI shall have received an opinion of
     PaineWebber Incorporated confirming, as of one business day before the
     Effective Time, that the Exchange Ratio is fair to the holders of KCI
     Common Stock from a financial point of view.
 
          8.22  Lender Consent. KCI shall have received a consent of its secured
     lender to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          8.23  Trade Creditor Agreement. DSO's trade creditors shall have
     consented to the terms of repayment contemplated by Section 5.14 hereof.
 
          8.24  Merger of Pension Plans. All regulatory action shall have been
     taken in order to effect, and no impediments shall exist to prohibit, the
     merger of the DSO Pension Plans and the KCI Pension Plans, in a manner
     satisfactory to KCI, at the Effective Time.
 
     9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT; BREAK UP FEES
 
          9.1  Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior
     to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the Merger by
     the stockholders of KCI or DSO:
 
             (a) by mutual agreement of DSO and KCI;
 
             (b) by DSO, if (i) there has been a breach by KCI of any
        representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this
        Agreement on the part of KCI, or if any representation or warranty of
 
                                      A-39
<PAGE>   162
 
        KCI shall have become untrue, in either case which has or can reasonably
        be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and which KCI fails to
        cure prior to the Closing (except that no cure period shall be provided
        for a breach by KCI which by its nature cannot be cured),(ii) DSO shall
        have received a Superior Proposal and DSO's Board of Directors believes,
        after consultation with legal counsel, that its fiduciary duties require
        termination of this Agreement, or (iii) KCI shall not have received a
        nonbinding commitment letter from a lending institution with respect to
        the matters contemplated by Sections 7.16 and 8.14 hereof, before the
        Form S-4 shall be declared effective by the SEC.
 
             (c) by KCI, if (i) there has been a breach by DSO of any
        representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this
        Agreement on the part of DSO, or if any representation or warranty of
        DSO shall have become untrue, in either case which has or can reasonably
        be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and which DSO fails to
        cure prior to the Closing (except that no cure period shall be provided
        for a breach by DSO which by its nature cannot be cured) or (ii) DSO
        shall have entered into an agreement with respect to an Alternative
        Acquisition;
 
             (d) by either party if the required approvals of the stockholders
        of DSO or KCI shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to
        obtain the required vote;
 
             (e) by either party, if all the conditions to its obligations for
        Closing the Merger shall not have been satisfied or waived on or before
        the Final Date (as defined below) other than as a result of a breach of
        this Agreement by the terminating party; or
 
             (f) by either party, if a permanent injunction or other order by
        any federal or state court which would make illegal or otherwise
        restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Merger shall have been
        issued and shall have become final and nonappealable.
 
          As used herein, the "Final Date" shall be December 31, 1996.
 
          9.2  Notice of Termination. Any termination of this Agreement under
     Section 9.1 above will be effective by the delivery of written notice
     pursuant to Section 11.9 of the terminating party to the other party
     hereto.
 
          9.3  Effect of Termination. In the case of any termination of this
     Agreement as provided in this Article 9, this Agreement shall be of no
     further force and effect (except as provided in Section 9.4 and Article 11)
     and nothing herein shall relieve any party from liability for any breach of
     this Agreement. No termination of this Agreement shall affect the
     obligations contained in the pre-existing confidentiality agreements
     between DSO and KCI (the "Confidentiality Agreements") which will survive
     termination of this Agreement in accordance with their terms.
 
          9.4  Breakup Fee.
 
             (a) Upon the occurrence of any of the following events, DSO shall
        immediately make payment or cause payment to be made to KCI (by wire
        transfer or cashier's check) of a breakup fee in the amount of
        $1,000,000 (the "Breakup Fee"): (i) this Agreement is terminated by KCI
        pursuant to Section 9.1(c)(ii); (ii) the Merger shall be submitted to a
        vote of the DSO stockholders as required hereunder, and the stockholders
        of DSO shall have failed to approve the Merger by a requisite vote
        required for such approval where at the time of such vote there is
        pending a proposal with respect to an Alternative Acquisition; (iii)
        without the occurrence of a KCI Material Adverse Change, the Board of
        Directors of DSO shall have failed to submit the Merger to its
        stockholders for approval as required by, and in accordance with, the
        terms of this Agreement; or (iv) DSO shall have terminated this
        Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(ii). Notwithstanding the foregoing,
        the fee payable under this Section 9.4(a) shall not be payable if, prior
        to the above-referenced occurrence, there shall be an event giving rise
        to KCI's payment obligation under Section 9.4(b).
 
             (b) If without the occurrence of a DSO Material Adverse Change, the
        Board of Directors of KCI shall fail to submit the Merger to its
        stockholders for approval as required by, and in accordance with, the
        terms of this Agreement, KCI shall immediately make payment or cause
        payment to be
 
                                      A-40
<PAGE>   163
 
        made to DSO (by wire transfer or cashier's check) the Breakup Fee.
        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fee payable under this Section 9.4(b)
        shall not be payable if, prior to the above-referenced occurrence, there
        shall be an event giving rise to DSO's payment obligation under Section
        9.4(a).
 
             (c) Neither party shall be entitled to receive the Breakup Fee
        hereunder if it shall have committed a material breach of this
        Agreement.
 
     10. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.
 
          All representations, warranties and covenants of the parties contained
     in this Agreement will remain operative and in full force and effect,
     regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the parties to this
     Agreement, until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the
     Closing Date, whereupon such representations, warranties and covenants will
     expire (except for covenants that by their terms survive for a longer
     period).
 
     11. MISCELLANEOUS.
 
          11.1  Governing Law. The internal laws of the State of Delaware
     (irrespective of its choice of law principles) will govern the validity of
     this Agreement, the construction of its terms and the interpretation and
     enforcement of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
 
          11.2  Assignment; Binding Upon Successors and Assigns. Neither party
     hereto may assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the
     prior written consent of the other party hereto. This Agreement will be
     binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
     respective successors and permitted assigns.
 
          11.3  Severability. If any provision of this Agreement, or the
     application thereof, will for any reason and to any extent be invalid or
     unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and application of such
     provision to other persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as
     reasonably to effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further
     agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision of this Agreement
     with a valid and enforceable provision that will achieve, to the greatest
     extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of the void or
     unenforceable provisions.
 
          11.4  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
     counterparts, each of which will be an original as regards any party whose
     signature appears thereon and all of which together will constitute one and
     the same instrument. This Agreement will become binding when one or more
     counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, will bear the
     signatures of all the parties reflected hereon as signatories.
 
          11.5  Other Remedies. Except as otherwise provided herein, any and all
     remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative
     with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby or by law on
     such party, and the exercise of any one remedy will not preclude the
     exercise of any other.
 
          11.6  Amendment and Waivers. Any term or provision of this Agreement
     may be amended only in a writing signed by the party to be bound thereby.
     The observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either
     generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or
     prospectively) only by a writing signed by the party to be benefitted
     thereby. The waiver by a party of any breach hereof or default in the
     performance hereof will not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any other
     default or any succeeding breach or default. The Agreement may be amended
     by the parties hereto at any time before or after approval of the DSO
     stockholders or the KCI stockholders, but, after such approval, no
     amendment will be made which by applicable law requires the further
     approval of the DSO stockholders or the KCI stockholders without obtaining
     such further approval.
 
          11.7  Expenses. Each party will bear its respective expenses and legal
     fees incurred with respect to this Agreement, and the transactions
     contemplated hereby.
 
                                      A-41
<PAGE>   164
 
          11.8  Attorney's Fees. Should suit be brought to enforce or interpret
     any part of this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to
     recover, as an element of the costs of suit and not as damages, reasonable
     attorney's fees to be fixed by the court (including without limitation,
     costs, expenses and fees on any appeal).
 
          11.9  Notices. All notices and other communications pursuant to this
     Agreement shall be in writing and deemed to be sufficient if contained in a
     written instrument and shall be deemed given if delivered personally,
     telecopied, sent by nationally-recognized overnight courier or mailed by
     registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid,
     to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a
     party as shall be specified by like notice):
 
     If to DSO to:       DeSoto, Inc.                               
                         2101 E. 52nd St., 11th Floor               
                         New York, NY 10022                         
                         Attention: William Spier                   
                         Telecopier: (212) 644-0499                 

     With a copy to:     Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson   
                         One New York Plaza                         
                         New York, New York 10004                   
                         Attention: Peter Golden                    
                         Telecopier: (212) 859-8586                 

     And if to KCI:      Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.     
                         Three Lincoln Centre                       
                         5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740               
                         Dallas, Texas 75240                        
                         Attention: Glenn R. Simmons                
                         Telecopier: (214) 458-8108                 

     With a copy to:     Godwin & Carlton, P.C.                     
                         901 Main Street, Suite 2500                
                         Dallas, Texas 75202                        
                         Attention: James G. Vetter, Jr.            
                         Telecopier: (214) 760-7332                 
 
          All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to have been
     received (a) in the case of personal delivery, on the date of such
     delivery, (b) in the case of a telecopy, when the party sending such copy
     shall have confirmed receipt of the communication, (c) in the case of
     delivery by nationally-recognized overnight courier, on the business day
     following dispatch, and (d) in the case of mailing, on the third business
     day following such mailing.
 
          11.10  Construction of Agreement. This Agreement has been negotiated
     by the respective parties hereto and their attorneys and the language
     hereof will not be construed for or against either party. A reference to a
     Section or an Exhibit will mean a Section in, or Exhibit to, this Agreement
     unless otherwise explicitly set forth. The titles and headings herein are
     for convenience purposes only and will not in any manner limit the
     construction of this Agreement which will be considered as a whole.
 
          11.11  No Joint Venture. Nothing contained in this Agreement will be
     deemed or construed as creating a joint venture or partnership between any
     of the parties hereto. No party is by virtue of this Agreement authorized
     as an agent, employee or legal representative of any other party. No party
     will have the power to control the activities and operations of any other.
     The status of the parties hereto is, and at all times, will continue to be,
     that of independent contractors with respect to each other. No party will
     have any power or authority to bind or commit any other. No party will hold
     itself out as having any authority or relationship in contravention of this
     Section.
 
                                      A-42
<PAGE>   165
 
          11.12  Further Assurances. Each party agrees to cooperate fully with
     the other parties and to execute such further instruments, documents and
     agreements and to give such further written assurances as may be reasonably
     requested by any other party to evidence and reflect the transactions
     described herein and contemplated hereby and to carry into effect the
     intents and purposes of this Agreement.
 
          11.13  Absence of Third Party Beneficiary Rights. No provisions of
     this Agreement are intended, nor will be interpreted, to provide or create
     any third party beneficiary rights or any other rights of any kind in any
     client, customer, affiliate, stockholder, partner or any party hereto or
     any other person or entity.
 
          11.14  Public Announcement. Upon execution of this Agreement, KCI and
     DSO promptly will issue a joint press release approved by both parties
     announcing the Merger. Thereafter, KCI or DSO may issue such press
     releases, and make such other disclosure regarding the Merger, after
     consultation with the other party, as it determines are required under
     applicable securities laws or NYSE rules after consultation with legal
     counsel.
 
          11.15  Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the exhibits hereto
     constitute the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto
     with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior and
     contemporaneous agreements or understandings, inducements or conditions,
     express or implied, written or oral, between the parties with respect
     hereto other than the Confidentiality Agreements, which shall remain in
     full force and effect. The express terms hereof control and supersede any
     course of performance or usage of trade inconsistent with any of the terms
     hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization as of the date first above written.
 


KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.          DESOTO, INC.


                                                
By: /s/  GLENN R. SIMMONS                       By:/s/  WILLIAM SPIER
    ----------------------------------             ---------------------------
    Glenn R. Simmons                               William Spier
    Chief Executive Officer                        Chief Executive Officer


 
                                      A-43
<PAGE>   166
 
                                                                      APPENDIX B
 
                      OPINION OF PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
<PAGE>   167

[PAINEWEBBER LETTERHEAD]
                                                                   June 26, 1996



Board of Directors
Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.
Three Lincoln Centre
5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700
Dallas, Texas 75240

Gentlemen:

          Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. ("Keystone" or the "Company")
has entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement") with
DeSoto, Inc. ("DeSoto").  Pursuant to the Agreement, DeSoto will consolidate
with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keystone (the "Merger").  Upon the
effectiveness of the Merger, all common stock of DeSoto, par value $1.00 per
share and Associated Rights issued pursuant to a Rights Agreement between
DeSoto and Harris Trust and Savings Bank will convert into the right to receive
0.7465 shares of common stock of Keystone (the "Exchange Ratio").  All
outstanding DeSoto options will be converted into options to purchase Keystone
common stock with the amount of options and exercise price to be determined by
the Exchange Ratio.  In addition, each share of DeSoto Series B Preferred
Stock, $1.00 par value (the "DeSoto Preferred Stock"), will be converted into
the right to receive the Exchange Ratio of shares of preferred stock issued by
Keystone with substantially similar terms and conditions as the DeSoto
Preferred Stock.  Accrued interest on the DeSoto Preferred Stock will be paid
by Keystone on the closing date.

          You have asked us whether or not, in our opinion, the proposed
consideration to be paid by Keystone pursuant to the Merger is fair to Keystone
stockholders, other than Contran Corporation and its affiliates, from a
financial point of view.

          In arriving at the opinion set forth below, we have, among other 
things:

               (1)     Reviewed, among other public information, Keystone's 
                       Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and related financial
                       information for the five fiscal years ended December
                       31, 1995 and Keystone's Form 10-Q for the three months   
                       ended March 31, 1996;





                                     B-1
<PAGE>   168
               (2)     Reviewed Keystone's financial projections dated May 3, 
                       1996 prepared by Keystone's management;
        
               (3)     Reviewed certain financial information relating to 
                       Keystone, including, earnings, cash flow, assets and
                       liabilities statements, furnished to us by Keystone;
        
               (4)     Conducted discussions with senior management of Keystone
                       regarding (i) the Company's operations and business
                       prospects, (ii) DeSoto's operations and business
                       prospects and (iii) certain studies prepared by Keystone
                       and its legal and accounting advisors relating to
                       potential off-balance sheet items;
        
               (5)     Considered the pro forma effect of the Merger on 
                       Keystone's cash flow and earnings per share;
        
               (6)     Considered the pro forma balance sheet effects of the 
                       Merger on Keystone;
               
               (7)     Reviewed, among other public information, DeSoto's 
                       Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and related financial
                       information for the five fiscal years ended December 31,
                       1995 and DeSoto's Form 10-Q for the three months ended
                       March 31, 1996;
        
               (8)     Conducted interviews with senior management of DeSoto,
                       regarding DeSoto's operations, financial condition and
                       business prospects;
        
               (9)     Reviewed the Agreement dated June 26, 1996; and
               
               (10)    Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and 
                       performed such other investigations and took into
                       account such other matters as we deemed necessary
                       including our assessment of regulatory, general
                       economic, market and monetary conditions.
        
          In preparing our opinion, we have relied on the accuracy and
completeness of all information that was publicly available or supplied or
otherwise communicated to us by or on behalf of Keystone and DeSoto, and we
have not assumed any responsibility to independently verify such information.
We have assumed that the financial forecasts examined by us were reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and good
faith judgments of the management of Keystone as to the future performance of
Keystone.  In arriving at our opinion, we have assumed that, as a result of the
Merger and the follow on merger of the pension plans, Keystone's liabilities
calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles with
respect to its pension plan will be eliminated and that certain projected
obligations of Keystone to fund such liabilities will be reduced.  We have not
undertaken, or caused to be taken, an independent evaluation





                                     B-2
<PAGE>   169
or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Keystone
or DeSoto and have assumed that all material liabilities (contingent or
otherwise, known or unknown) of Keystone and DeSoto are as set forth in
Keystone's and DeSoto's respective consolidated financial statements and other
provided information.

          Our opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of Keystone and
does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Keystone as to how
any such shareholder should vote with respect to the Merger.  This opinion does
not address the relative merits of the Merger and any other potential
transactions or business strategies discussed by the Board of Directors of
Keystone as alternatives to the Merger or the decision of the Board of
Directors of Keystone to proceed with the Merger.

          This opinion has been prepared solely for the use of the Board of
Directors of Keystone and shall not be reproduced, summarized, described or
referred to, or given to any other person or otherwise made public without the
prior written consent of PaineWebber Incorporated; provided, however, that this
letter may be reproduced in full in the Proxy Statement.

          In the ordinary course of our business, we may trade the securities
of Keystone and DeSoto for our own account and for the accounts of our
customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold long or short positions in
such securities.

          On the basis of, and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion
that the proposed consideration to be paid by Keystone pursuant to the Merger
is fair to Keystone stockholders, other than Contran Corporation and its
affiliates, from a financial point of view.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED

                                            /s/ PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
                                            -----------------------------------





                                     B-3
<PAGE>   170
 
                                                                      APPENDIX C
 
                        OPINION OF SALOMON BROTHERS INC
<PAGE>   171
                         [SALOMON BROTHERS LETTERHEAD]



August 23, 1996



Board of Directors
DeSoto, Inc.
101 East 52nd Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Members of the Board:

         You have requested our opinion as investment bankers as to the
fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of common stock with a
par value of $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock") of DeSoto, Inc. (the
"Company") of the exchange ratio in the proposed merger (the "Merger") of the
Company with Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.  ("Keystone") pursuant to
the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of June 26, 1996, between
Keystone and the Company (the "Merger Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the
Merger Agreement, each then issued and outstanding share of Common Stock not
owned directly or indirectly by Keystone or the Company will be converted into
0.7465 of a share of common stock of Keystone (the "Exchange Ratio"). You have
informed us that the Merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free
reorganization for federal income tax purposes and to be accounted for as a
purchase of the Company.

         In arriving at our opinion, we have considered, and if appropriate,
reviewed and analyzed, among other things, the following (i) a draft of the
Merger Agreement dated as of June 26, 1996, and have assumed that the final
form of such agreement will not vary in any regard that is material to our
analysis; (ii) certain publicly available business and financial information
concerning the Company and Keystone; (iii) certain internal information,
including financial projections, concerning the businesses and operations of
the Company and Keystone that were prepared by management of the Company and
Keystone, respectively; (iv) the historical and current market for the equity
securities of the Company, Keystone and certain other companies that we believe
to be comparable in certain respects to the Company and Keystone, including the
current and historical relationships between the trading levels of the
Company's Common Stock and Keystone's common stock; (v) the nature and terms of
certain other acquisition transactions that we believe to be reasonably
comparable or relevant; and (vi) information relating to the pension plans of
the Company and Keystone. We have also had due diligence discussions with
certain officers and employees of the Company and Keystone to discuss the
foregoing, including the past and current business operations, financial
condition and prospects of the Company and Keystone as well as other matters we
<PAGE>   172
DeSoto, Inc.
August 23, 1996
Page 2


believe relevant to our inquiry. We have also taken into account our assessment
of general economic, market and financial conditions and our knowledge of the
rod and wire industry, as well as our experience in connection with similar
transactions and securities valuation generally. We have also considered such
other information, financial studies, analyses, investigations and financial,
economic, market and trading criteria which we deemed relevant to our inquiry.

         In our review and analysis and in arriving at our opinion, we have
assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial,
pension plan and other information provided to us or publicly available and
have not assumed responsibility for verifying any of such information. With
respect to the Company's and Keystone's financial projections, we have assumed
that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments of the Company's or Keystone's management as
to the future financial performance of the Company and Keystone, and we express
no opinion with respect to such projections for the assumptions on which they
are based.  With respect to information relating to the Company's and
Keystone's pension plans, we have relied upon information provided to us by the
Company's and Keystone's management and accountants, and from the Company's
actuaries and pension plan consultants. We have not made or obtained any
independent evaluations or appraisals of any of the pension plans, assets
(including properties and facilities) or liabilities of the Company or
Keystone. Our opinion is necessarily based upon business, market, economic and
other conditions as they exist on, and can be evaluated as of, the date hereof,
and we assume no responsibility to update or revise our opinion based upon
circumstances or events occurring after the date hereof. Our opinion does not
address the Company's underlying business decision to effect the Merger or
constitute a recommendation to any holder of Common Stock of the Company as to
how such holder should vote with respect to the Merger. Our opinion as
expressed below does not imply any conclusion as to the likely trading range
for the common stock of Keystone following the consummation of the Merger,
which may vary depending upon, among other factors, changes in interest rates,
dividend rates, market conditions, general economic conditions and other
factors that generally influence the price of securities. The Company has not
requested us to solicit, and we have not solicited, other third party
indications of interest or proposals to acquire all or any part of the Company.

         For purposes of rendering our opinion we have assumed, in all respects
material to our analysis, that the representations and warranties of each party
contained in the Merger Agreement are true and correct, that each party will
perform all of the covenants and agreements required to be performed by it
under the Merger Agreement and that all conditions to the consummation of the
Merger will be satisfied without waiver thereof. We have also assumed that all
material governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals will be
obtained and that in the course of obtaining any
<PAGE>   173
DeSoto, Inc.
August 23, 1996
Page 3


such necessary approvals, as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, no
restrictions will be imposed or waivers made that would have any material
adverse effect on the contemplated benefits of the Merger.

         We have not acted as the financial advisor to the Company in
connection with the Merger and will receive fees from the Company solely
related to our services in connection with this opinion, and such fees are
contingent upon consummation of the Merger or termination of the Company's
pension plan, whichever event occurs first. We have from time to time provided
investment banking and related services to the Company, for which we have
received customary fees. We will continue to maintain a relationship with
certain principals of the Company and may provide them investment banking and
other related services. In the ordinary course of our business, we may actively
trade the debt and equity securities of the Company and Keystone for our own
account and for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, may at any time
hold a long or short position in such securities.

         This letter, and our opinion expressed herein, is not to be quoted,
summarized or referred to, in whole or in part, without our prior written
consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this opinion may be included or
referred to in any registration statement or proxy statement sent to the
shareholders of the Company and Keystone with respect to the Merger.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of
the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio in the Merger is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of Common Stock.

                                           Very truly yours,

                                           /s/ SALOMON BROTHERS INC
                                           SALOMON BROTHERS INC
<PAGE>   174
 
                                                                      APPENDIX D
 
                  KEYSTONE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE
 
                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
                  INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FILE NO. 1-3919)
<PAGE>   175
 
                                                                      APPENDIX E
 
                     KEYSTONE QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
 
                      FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
                  INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FILE NO. 1-3919)
<PAGE>   176
PROXY
                                  DESOTO, INC.

The undersigned hereby appoints ANNE E. EISELE and IRVING KAGAN, and each of
them, as Proxies with the power of substitution and revocation (to act by a
majority present or if only one acts then by that one) and hereby authorizes
them to represent and to vote as designated below all of the shares of stock of
DeSoto, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on August 23, 1996, at the
special meeting of stockholders to be held in New York, New York, on Friday,
September 27, 1996, at 10:00 A.M., New York time, or any adjournment thereof.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DESOTO, INC.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN
BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
DATED AS OF JUNE 26, 1996 BETWEEN DESOTO, INC. AND KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED
INDUSTRIES, INC. (THE "REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT"). 

The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore given to vote
such shares at said meeting or any adjournment thereof.

                   (CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON OTHER SIDE)

<PAGE>   177

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE LISTED PROPOSAL.
   PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY. [X]

                                                          FOR  AGAINST  ABSTAIN
                    APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE PLAN OF 
                    REORGANIZATION                        [ ]    [ ]       [ ]


                                        PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS
                                        HEREON. When shares are held by joint
                                        tenants, both should sign. When signing
                                        as attorney, executor, administrator,
                                        trustee or guardian, please give your
                                        full title as such. If a corporation,
                                        please sign in full corporate name by
                                        the President or other authorized
                                        officer. If a partnership, please sign
                                        in partnership name by authorized
                                        person.

                                        Dated: ___________________________, 1996

                                        ________________________________________

                                        ________________________________________
                                        Signature(s) of Stockholder(s)

                                        PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY
                                        IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>   178
 
 [DESOTO, INC. LOGO]    DESOTO STOCK OWNERSHIP PLUS PLAN
               900 East Washington Street, Joliet, Illinois 60433
 
                                                                 August 28, 1996
 
Dear Employee:
 
     The undersigned are the trustees for the DeSoto Stock Ownership Plus Plan.
As a member of this Plan, you have an opportunity to give voting instructions to
the trustees with respect to the voting of Company common stock credited to your
account, at the special meeting of stockholders of DeSoto, Inc., to be held on
Friday, September 27, 1996.
 
     Enclosed is a copy of the notice of the special meeting of stockholders,
the Company's proxy statement relating to that meeting and a voting instruction
form for your use. The Company's annual report on Form 10-K for 1995 has been
delivered to you at your place of work.
 
     The voting instruction form is being delivered to you with an addressed
postage prepaid envelope in which you may mail the form to Harris Trust and
Savings Bank for tabulation. The enclosed copy of the voting instruction form
shows the number of shares credited to your account at the close of business on
August 23, 1996, the record date for the determination of stockholders of record
entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and also the date
selected for determining the number of shares with respect to which each plan
member may give voting instructions to the trustees.
 
     Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Transfer Agent for the common stock of the
Company, will tabulate the voting instructions received from plan members and
will certify the results to the trustees in order that the latter may cause the
Company common stock held by the plan to be voted according to the instructions
received from plan members. In conformity with the rules of the plan, which
contemplate secrecy respecting each member's voting instructions, the voting
instructions of individual plan members will not be seen by the Company or the
trustees.
 
     If you send in your form without a specification on the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization dated as of June 26, 1996, between DeSoto, Inc. and Keystone
Consolidated Industries, Inc. (the "Reorganization Agreement"), your shares will
be voted for the approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement. Your
shares will also be voted for the Reorganization Agreement if your voting
instruction is not received by Harris Trust and Savings Bank on or before
September 20, 1996. On other matters which may come before the meeting -- and
the trustees know of none -- your Company shares will be voted by the trustees,
or their attorneys-in-fact, in accordance with their best judgment.
 
                                Sincerely yours,
 
                                          WILLIAM SPIER
                                          ANDERS SCHROEDER
                                               Trustees
<PAGE>   179
DESOTO STOCK OWNERSHIP PLUS PLAN                  MEMBER VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM

The undersigned directs that at the special meeting of stockholders of DeSoto,
Inc., to be held in New York, New York, on Friday, September 27, 1996, and at
any adjournment thereof, the shares of DeSoto stock to the credit of the
undersigned's account with the DeSoto Stock Ownership Plus Plan on August 23,
1996, shall be voted by the Trustees, or their attorneys-in-fact.

IF THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM, REQUESTED BY THE TRUSTEES WITH RESPECT TO A
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY, SIGNED BY
THE MEMBER, IS RECEIVED BY HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER
20, 1996, THE SHARES INDICATED HEREON WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
INSTRUCTION SPECIFIED HEREON IN CONNECTION WITH THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF
THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION DATED AS OF JUNE 26, 1996, BETWEEN
DeSOTO, INC. AND KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. (THE "REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT"). IF A SIGNED INSTRUCTION FORM IS NOT RECEIVED BY HARRIS TRUST AND
SAVINGS BANK ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 20, 1996, SAID SHARES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.

PLEASE RETURN TO: DeSOTO, INC., c/o HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, P.O. BOX
830, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60690-9972

                  (continued and to be signed on other side.)



<PAGE>   180
                                  DESOTO, INC.
   PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY. [X]

      THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE LISTED PROPOSAL.


                                                          For  Against  Abstain
                         APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE
                         PLAN OF REORGANIZATION           [ ]    [ ]      [ ]


                                        Please sign, date and return promptly
                                        in the enclosed envelope. No postage
                                        need be affixed if mailed in the United
                                        States.
                                        ________________________________________

                                        ________________________________________
                                        Signature of Member

                                        Dated: __________________________, 1996

                                        PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS ON
                                        THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM.

<PAGE>   1
                         [COOPERS & LYBRAND LETTERHEAD]

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the inclusion by reference in this proxy statement pursuant to
Section 14(a) of the Securities Act of 1934 of our report dated February 16,
1996, except for Note 14 as to which the date is March 13, 1996, on our audits
of the consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule
of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and
for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. We also consent to the
reference to our firm under the caption "Experts".


/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
- --------------------------------------
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.


Dallas, Texas
August 27, 1996


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