ECKERD CORP
S-3/A, 1995-07-27
DRUG STORES AND PROPRIETARY STORES
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     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 27, 1995
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-60887
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                              -------------------
 

    
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                              -------------------
    
                               ECKERD CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
                  DELAWARE                                      13-3302437
       (State or other jurisdiction of                         (IRS employer
       incorporation or organization)                     identification number)
 
                             8333 BRYAN DAIRY ROAD
                              LARGO, FLORIDA 34647
                                 (813) 399-6000
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
                             ROBERT E. LEWIS, ESQ.
                         VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL COUNSEL
                             8333 BRYAN DAIRY ROAD
                              LARGO, FLORIDA 34647
                                 (813) 399-6000
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                              -------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
            STACY J. KANTER, ESQ.                         MARK KESSEL, ESQ.
     SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM                SHEARMAN & STERLING
               919 THIRD AVENUE                          599 LEXINGTON AVENUE
           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022                    NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
                (212) 735-3000                              (212) 848-4000
                              -------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
                              -------------------
 
    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box:  / /
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box:  / /
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  / /
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.  / /
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  / /
 
   
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
   
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                   PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 27, 1995
     
PROSPECTUS
                                4,500,000 SHARES
                           ["ECKERD CORPORATION" LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                              -------------------
 
    Of the 4,500,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"), of Eckerd Corporation (the "Company") offered hereby (the
"Offering"), 2,500,000 shares are being sold by the Company and 2,000,000 shares
are being sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling
Stockholders"). See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." The Company will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock by the Selling
Stockholders.
 
   
    The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the
trading symbol "ECK." On July 26, 1995, the last reported sale price of the
Common Stock on the NYSE was $32 1/2 per share. See "Price Range of Common 
Stock and Dividend Policy."
    
 
    FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 8.
                              -------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
]COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
[CAPTION]
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
                                                                                         PROCEEDS TO
                                     PRICE TO        UNDERWRITING      PROCEEDS TO         SELLING
                                      PUBLIC         DISCOUNT(1)        COMPANY(2)       STOCKHOLDERS
<S>                              <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Per Share......................         $                 $                 $                 $
Total(3).......................         $                 $                 $                 $
</TABLE>
 
(1) The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
    several Underwriters against certain liabilities under the Securities Act of
    1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting certain expenses of the Offering payable by the Company
    estimated at $         .
(3) The Company and certain of the Selling Stockholders have granted the
    Underwriters 30-day options to purchase up to an aggregate of 175,000 and
    500,000 additional shares of Common Stock, respectively, solely to cover
    over-allotments, if any. If all such additional shares are purchased, the
    total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount, Proceeds to Company and
    Proceeds to Selling Stockholders will be $         , $         , $
    and $         , respectively. See "Underwriting."
                              -------------------
 
    The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, and subject to
approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain
other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be made in New York, New York on or
about             , 1995.
                              -------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                  CS FIRST BOSTON
                                 MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                                     INCORPORATED
                                                RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
                              -------------------
 
                The date of this Prospectus is           , 1995.

INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
                              ["ECKERD(R)" LOGO]
                             It's right at Eckerd.

                    NUMBER OF ECKERD DRUG STORES BY STATE.

[Map of southeastern part of the United States with numbers as follows:

        Maryland:          1                    Louisiana:        98
        Delaware:         11                    Mississippi:      26
        New Jersey:       28                    Alabama:          16
        Oklahoma:         26                    Georgia:         159
        Tennessee:        33                    South Carolina:   79
        North Carolina:  181                    Florida:         550
        Texas:           481]


    IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK OF
THE COMPANY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                                       2



    [Photographs of inter and exterior scenes of Eckerd Drug stores.]
 
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
    The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references in this
Prospectus to the "Company" include Eckerd Corporation and its subsidiaries. All
references to fiscal years shall be determined with respect to the calendar year
in which the fiscal year begins. The Company's fiscal year terminates each year
on the Saturday nearest to January 31st. Unless the context indicates otherwise,
the information contained in this Prospectus assumes that the over-allotment
options granted by the Company and certain of the Merrill Lynch Investors to the
Underwriters have not been exercised.
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    Eckerd Corporation (the "Company") operates the Eckerd Drug store chain,
which is one of the largest drug store chains in the United States. At May 27,
1995, the Eckerd Drug store chain consisted of 1,689 stores in 13 states located
primarily in the Sunbelt, including 550 stores in Florida and 481 stores in
Texas. The Company's stores are concentrated in 10 of the 12 metropolitan
statistical areas in the United States with the largest percentage growth in
population from 1980 to 1990, and, according to industry sources, the Company
ranks first or second in drug store sales in 12 of the 14 major metropolitan
markets in which it operates.

    
    The primary focus of Eckerd Drug stores is the sale of prescription and
over-the-counter drugs. During fiscal 1994, the Company filled more than 89
million prescriptions, and sales of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs
generated approximately 61.1% of the Company's drug store sales and other 
operating revenue. During the period from fiscal 1990 through fiscal 1994, the
Company's dollar volume of sales of prescription drugs increased at a compound
annual growth rate of 12.4% and during the first quarter of fiscal 1995, the
dollar volume of sales of prescription drugs increased by 17.0% as compared to
the first quarter of fiscal 1994. The Company expects that its prescription and
over-the-counter drug business will provide significant opportunities for
profitable growth primarily as a result of the continued shift to managed health
care in the United States and the aging of the American population.
    
 
    The Company believes it is well positioned to take advantage of the growth
in managed health care. The Company's extensive store base within its markets,
strong third-party payor marketing program, state-of-the-art pharmacy computer
systems, and experience and reputation in the industry provide the Company with
distinct advantages over independent drug stores, small drug store chains and
mass merchandisers in attracting third-party payor sales. In fiscal 1994, sales
to third-party payors, such as insurance companies, health maintenance
organizations ("HMOs"), preferred provider organizations ("PPOs"), other managed
care providers, government agencies or private employers, represented
approximately 64.6% of the Company's total prescription drug sales, as compared
to 36.0% in fiscal 1990, and this percentage is expected to continue to
increase.
 
    The Company also expects to benefit from the aging of the population, as
approximately 60% of the Company's drug stores are located in Florida and Texas,
two of the top three states in terms of growth in the number of persons over age
65. According to industry studies, persons over age 65 purchase twice as many
prescription drugs and 50% more over-the-counter drugs than the national
average.
 
    In addition to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the Company also
sells a wide variety of name brand and private label nonpharmacy merchandise,
including health and beauty aids, greeting cards and other convenience products,
such as sundries, tobacco, books, magazines, household products, seasonal
merchandise and toys. Over the last several years, the Company has introduced
convenience food mart sections in over 550 stores, offering beverages and other
convenience food items. The Company plans to add food mart departments to over
400 stores in fiscal 1995. The Company is also a leading source of photo
finishing in all of the major markets in which it operates, offering overnight
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
developing in all of its stores and 1-hour Express Photo service in 501 of its
locations as of May 27, 1995. The Company is one of the top three vertically
integrated retail photo finishers in the United States. The Company believes
that photo finishing operations increase store traffic and provide for
significant incremental sales of other drug store items. The Company anticipates
opening additional Express Photo Centers over the next several years in both new
and existing store locations, with a goal of adding approximately 270 new
Express Photo Centers by 1999.
 
    Customer service and convenience are critical in positioning the Company as
an alternative to mass merchandisers, supermarkets and other large format
retailing channels. The Company typically provides several conveniently located,
modern stores in a community. The Company's stores range in size from 8,200 to
10,800 square feet and are primarily located in high-traffic neighborhood strip
centers or free standing locations. The Company's stores are typically open
every day of the year except Christmas, with some open until midnight or 24
hours a day. The Company offers a high level of professional pharmacy service
such as the "Rx Advisor", a personalized, easy-to-read publication provided to
each prescription drug customer which advises the customer of the specific
dosages, contraindications and side effects of his or her prescription medicine.
Other customer service advantages include comfortable pharmacy waiting areas,
free health-related programs and screenings (e.g., blood pressure tests) and
drive-through pharmacy windows in most new drug stores. In addition, the Company
frequently tests new customer service features.
 
    The Company's business strategy is focused upon maintaining a strong
pharmacy and health-related business. The Company plans to continue to implement
this strategy by:
 
    . maintaining a high level of customer service and convenience;
 
    . providing competitive prices on its merchandise;
 
    . maintaining an aggressive marketing program to third-party payors;
 
    . continuing its commitment to control costs;
 
    . improving store productivity and profitability by continuing to assess the
      need to reallocate nonpharmacy shelf space;
 
    . expanding the number of stores primarily within the Company's existing
      market areas through internal expansion and acquisitions and improving the
      Company's store base by relocating and renovating certain stores and
      closing under-performing stores; and
 
    . continuing to invest in and upgrade information systems.
 
   
    On June 28, 1995, the Company entered into a definitive asset purchase
agreement (the "Asset Purchase Agreement") with Rite Aid of Florida, Inc. ("Rite
Aid") to acquire the assets of 109 drug stores located in Florida (the "Florida
Acquisition") for a cash purchase price of approximately $75.0 million, which is
subject to inventory adjustments. Pursuant to the Florida Acquisition, the
Company will acquire 37 Rite Aid leased locations, which will be operated as
Eckerd Drug stores, and the fixtures, inventory and prescription files of an
additional 72 Rite Aid locations that will be closed by Rite Aid, who will
remain obligated on the leases for such stores. The Company expects to liquidate
certain of the inventory and fixtures associated with the closed stores
immediately after the closing of the transaction. The Florida Acquisition is
currently expected to close in early August 1995, subject to certain closing
conditions, including the receipt of all applicable governmental approvals and
consents. See "Use of Proceeds."
    
 
    The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1985 and acquired the former
Jack Eckerd Corporation ("Old Eckerd") in 1986 (the "Acquisition"). The
Company's principal executive offices are located at 8333 Bryan Dairy Road,
Largo, Florida 34647; telephone number (813) 399-6000.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>
Common Stock Offered:
  By the Company..............  2,500,000 shares
  By the Selling
Stockholders..................  2,000,000 shares
    Total.....................  4,500,000 shares
Total Common Stock Outstanding
  after the Offering..........  34,643,900 shares (1)
Use of Proceeds...............  The net proceeds to the Company from the Offering are
                                estimated to be approximately $80.1 million, and, together
                                with Revolving Loan (as defined) borrowings under the Credit
                                Agreement (as defined) of approximately $73.8 million, will
                                be used to finance the Florida Acquisition, with the balance
                                to be used to redeem $78.9 million aggregate principal
                                amount of the Company's 11 1/8% Subordinated Debentures due
                                2001 (the "11 1/8% Debentures"). The Company will not
                                receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock
                                by the Selling Stockholders. See "Use of Proceeds."
NYSE Symbol...................  ECK
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) Does not include employee stock options outstanding to purchase an aggregate
    of 1,673,455 shares of Common Stock at May 27, 1995, of which options to
    purchase an aggregate of 346,988 shares of Common Stock were exercisable. In
    addition, 1,806,627 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance
    pursuant to the Company's 1993 and 1995 Stock Option and Incentive Plans.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
   The following summary historical financial data for the years and periods
presented below have been derived from the Company's consolidated financial
statements. The historical financial data for the three fiscal years ended
January 28, 1995 have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with,
the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes
contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K405 (the "Annual Report")
incorporated by reference herein. The historical financial data for the thirteen
week periods ended April 30, 1994 and April 29, 1995 have been derived from, and
should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of the Company contained in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q (the "10-Q") incorporated by reference herein which, in the opinion of
management, reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim period financial
data. The results for the thirteen week period ended April 29, 1995 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The
summary pro forma statement of operations data presented below give effect to
the Insta-Care Sale (as defined) and the use of the net proceeds therefrom as if
such transaction had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented and
for the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995 also reflect the reversal of the gain
on the Insta-Care Sale and the charge for future store closings and should be
read in conjunction with "Pro Forma Financial Data." The summary pro forma
financial data do not purport to represent what the Company's results of
operations would actually have been if the Insta-Care Sale and the use of
proceeds therefrom in fact had occurred at the beginning of the period
presented, or to project the Company's results of operations for any future
period. All information contained in the following tables should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations
and Financial Condition" and the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and related notes contained in the Annual Report and the 10-Q
incorporated by reference herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                    THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED                           FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                   -----------------------   --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                   APRIL 29,    APRIL 30,     JAN. 28,     JAN. 29,     JAN. 30,     FEB. 1,      FEB. 2,
                                      1995         1994         1995         1994         1993         1992         1991
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND PER SQUARE FOOT DATA)
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
 Sales and other operating
   revenue.......................  $1,219,594   $1,136,195(1) $4,549,031  $4,190,539   $3,887,027   $3,739,852   $3,456,134
 Gross profit(2).................     280,106      270,112    1,104,890    1,015,164      990,548    1,001,307      928,590
 Earnings before interest
   expense.......................      59,515       52,266      180,819      157,184      135,383      147,098      111,327
 Total interest expense..........      20,356       23,901       93,735      113,215      137,404      143,194      147,309
 Earnings (loss) before
   extraordinary items...........      30,544       26,945       78,331       41,413       (4,885)         977      (35,982)
 Net earnings (loss) for the
   period(3).....................      30,544       26,945       47,808       (2,941)      (4,123)       2,657      (35,982)
 Net earnings (loss) available to
   common shares(3)..............      30,544       26,945       47,808       (7,865)     (14,938)      (8,166)     (46,848)
 Earnings (loss) before
   extraordinary items per common
   share(4)......................  $      .93   $      .84   $     2.41   $     1.24   $    (0.59)  $    (0.38)  $    (1.97)
 Net earnings (loss) per common
   share(3)(4)...................         .93          .84         1.47        (0.27)       (0.56)       (0.32)       (1.97)
 Weighted average common shares
   outstanding...................  32,813,133   32,224,128   32,431,719   29,392,805   26,573,902   25,677,103   23,793,496
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
 EBITDA(5).......................  $   79,052   $   70,544   $  258,613   $  242,844   $  229,217   $  248,677   $  235,687
 EBITDA Margin(6)................         6.5%         6.2%         5.7%         5.8%         5.9%         6.6%         6.8%
 LIFO charge(7)..................  $    2,879   $    2,493   $   10,750   $    8,500   $   15,000   $   21,000   $   23,000
 Depreciation....................      11,758       10,251       45,842       50,041       53,753       49,554       47,835
 Amortization of intangibles and
   expenses related to
   Acquisition and other(8)......       7,779        8,027       31,952       35,619       40,081       52,025       77,925
 Capital expenditures............      15,694       10,047       57,246       39,327       51,389       49,410       73,243
DRUG STORE DATA:
 Drug stores open at end of
   period........................       1,727        1,709        1,735        1,718        1,696        1,675        1,673
 Comparable drug store sales
   growth........................         8.8%         7.4%         8.1%         6.1%         3.1%         5.7%         6.9%
 Average sales per drug store....  $      701   $      646   $    2,561   $    2,365   $    2,222   $    2,142   $    2,036
 Average sales per selling floor
   square foot...................          90           82          325          302          283          272          258
 Prescription sales as a
   percentage of drug store
   sales and other 
   operating revenue.............        53.1%        49.9%        50.8%        48.3%        45.4%        44.0%        42.6%
 Prescription and
   over-the-counter sales as a
   percentage of drug store sales        
   and other operating revenue           64.1%        61.2%        61.1%        59.0%        55.9%        54.7%        52.8%
 Third-party prescription sales
   as a percentage of
   prescription sales............        68.9%        62.6%        64.6%        58.0%        49.6%        43.1%        36.0%
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED    FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                                                  APRIL 30, 1994         JAN. 28, 1995
                                                                               --------------------    -----------------
<S>                                                                            <C>                     <C>
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:(9)(10)
Total interest expense(11)..................................................       $     21,770           $    86,987
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary items..................................             27,564                80,395
Net earnings (loss) for the period..........................................             27,564                49,872
Net earnings (loss) available to common shares..............................             27,564                49,872
Earnings (loss) before extraordinary items per common share.................                .86                  2.48
Net earnings (loss) per common share........................................                .86                  1.54
Weighted average common shares outstanding..................................         32,224,128            32,431,719
</TABLE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           AS OF APRIL 29, 1995
                                                                                       -----------------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>           <C>
                                                                                         ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED(12)
                                                                                       ----------    ---------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.....................................................................   $  340,527      $   366,188
Total assets........................................................................    1,346,706        1,420,537
Long-term debt (including current installments).....................................      808,449          809,731
Stockholders' deficit...............................................................      (91,906)         (17,696)
</TABLE>
    
 
                                                   (Footnotes on following page)
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
(Footnotes for preceding page)
 
- ------------
 
 (1) Reflects reclassification of sales to employees in the thirteen weeks ended
     April 30, 1994 to conform to fiscal 1995 financial statement presentation.
     Fiscal 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 and 1990 have not been reclassified.
 
 (2) Gross profit represents sales and other operating revenue less cost of
     sales, including store occupancy, warehousing and delivery expense.
 
 (3) Reflects extraordinary item of $762 in fiscal 1992 and $1,680 in fiscal
     1991 relating to the tax effect of utilization of net operating loss
     carryforwards and extraordinary loss net of taxes of $44,354 in fiscal 1993
     relating to the early retirement of indebtedness and preferred stock and
     $30,523 in fiscal 1994 relating to the early retirement of indebtedness.
 
 (4) Reflects payment of preferred stock dividends of $0 in fiscal 1994, $4,924
     in fiscal 1993, $10,815 in fiscal 1992, $10,823 in fiscal 1991 and $10,866
     in fiscal 1990.
 
 (5) EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization of
     intangibles and expenses related to the Acquisition and other, and, for
     fiscal 1990, the reversal of the inventory valuation reserve established in
     fiscal 1986 in connection with the Acquisition. See "Management's
     Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
     Condition--General--Impact of Non-Cash and Non-Recurring Charges." The
     Company believes that EBITDA is an important measure of its operating
     results because of the significant amount of charges resulting from the
     Acquisition and other transactions which are non-cash and/or non-recurring.
     However, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
     for net earnings and other statement of operations data prepared in
     accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as a measure of
     the Company's profitability or liquidity.
 
 (6) EBITDA Margin means EBITDA as a percentage of sales and other operating
     revenue.
 
 (7) LIFO charge for fiscal 1990 is before the reversal of the inventory
     valuation reserve established in fiscal 1986 in connection with the
     Acquisition.
 
 (8) Includes amortization of assets written up as a result of the Acquisition,
     including goodwill, and charges due to certain performance-related
     management compensation programs.
 
 (9) The pro forma statement of operations data reflect the Insta-Care Sale and
     the use of the net proceeds as if such transaction had occurred as of the
     beginning of the periods presented. See "The Company--The 1994
     Transactions--The Insta-Care Sale" and "Pro Forma Financial Data."
 
(10) For the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995, excludes $54,125 from sales and
     other operating revenue for the gain on the Insta-Care Sale, $4,655 from
     income taxes for the gain on the Insta-Care Sale and $48,988 from operating
     and administrative expenses for the charge for future store closings.
 
(11) Pro forma interest expense was computed assuming a rate of 6 1/2% under the
     Credit Agreement.
 
   
(12) The as adjusted balance sheet data reflect the use of the net proceeds from
     the Offering and approximately $73,760 of additional Revolving Loan
     borrowings under the Credit Agreement as set forth in "Use of Proceeds" and
     the redemption on May 12, 1995 of $16,640 aggregate principal amount of 11
     1/8% Debentures ($15,530 accreted value) with Revolving Loan borrowings of
     $16,640. See "Capitalization."
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    Prior to making an investment decision, prospective purchasers of Common
Stock should carefully consider all of the information contained in this
Prospectus, and, in particular, should evaluate the following risk factors.
 
SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS
 
   
    As a result of the Acquisition, the related financing and refinancings
thereof, the Company is highly leveraged. At April 29, 1995, the Company had
long-term debt (including current maturities) of approximately $808.4 million
and a stockholders' deficit of approximately $91.9 million. The Company may
incur additional indebtedness in the future, including (i) unused and available
borrowing commitments under the revolving credit facility portion of the Credit
Agreement of $209.4 million on April 29, 1995 and (ii) up to an additional
$150.0 million aggregate principal amount of debt securities (the "Debt
Securities") which are registered pursuant to an effective shelf registration
statement, subject in all cases to certain restrictions contained in the Credit
Agreement, the Company's 9 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2004 (the "9 1/4%
Notes") and the Company's other debt instruments. See "-- Restrictions Imposed
by Terms of the Company's Indebtedness." As of June 24, 1995, the Company had
borrowed an additional $47.0 million of Revolving Loan borrowings under the
Credit Agreement.
    
 
    The ability of the Company to make cash payments to satisfy its substantial
indebtedness will depend upon its future operating performance, which is subject
to prevailing economic conditions, and to financial, business and other factors
beyond the Company's control. Based upon the Company's ability to generate cash
flow from operating activities, the available unused portion of the working
capital revolving loans under the Credit Agreement and other existing financing
sources, the Company believes that it will have the funds necessary to meet the
principal and interest payments on its debt as they become due and to operate
and expand its businesses. However, there can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to do so. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient earnings
and cash flow to meet its obligations with respect to its outstanding
indebtedness, refinancing of certain of these debt obligations or asset
dispositions might be required. In the event debt refinancing is required, there
can be no assurance that the Company can effect such refinancing on satisfactory
terms or that the refinancing will be permitted by the lenders under the Credit
Agreement, by the terms of the 9 1/4% Notes or by the other creditors of the
Company. In addition, asset dispositions may be made under circumstances which
might not be favorable to realizing the best price for such assets. Moreover,
there can be no assurance that assets can be sold promptly enough, or for
amounts sufficient to satisfy outstanding debt obligations. The Credit Agreement
and the 9 1/4% Notes contain certain restrictions on the Company's ability to
sell assets and on the use of proceeds from permitted asset sales. For
information regarding restrictions on debt refinancing and asset dispositions,
see "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
 
    While certain transactions consummated in fiscal 1993 and 1994, such as the
IPO (as defined), the issuance of the 9 1/4% Notes and amendments to the Credit
Agreement, have improved the Company's financial flexibility, the substantial
interest and principal payment requirements on borrowings under the Credit
Agreement, the 9 1/4% Notes and the Company's other indebtedness could have
important consequences to holders of Common Stock, including (i) limiting the
Company's ability to effect future financings and otherwise restricting
corporate activities, including the Company's ability to respond to market
conditions, to provide for capital expenditures or to take advantage of
acquisition opportunities and (ii) reducing the funds available to the Company
for its operations. The Credit Agreement, the 9 1/4% Notes and certain other
financing agreements impose other operating and financial restrictions on the
Company, the failure to comply with which may result in an event of default
which, if not cured or waived, would have a material adverse effect on the
Company. See "--Restrictions Imposed by Terms of the Company's Indebtedness."
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    All of the Company's indebtedness under the Credit Agreement is at variable
rates of interest, causing the Company to be sensitive to prevailing interest
rates. As required by the Credit Agreement, the Company has entered into certain
interest rate protection agreements with respect to $200.0 million of its
floating rate exposure. Such interest rate protection agreements will remain in
full force and effect through August 1996. At June 24, 1995, the Company had
$515.8 million of borrowings under the Credit Agreement which are at variable
rates of interest. To the extent interest rates rise, the Company's ability to
pay principal and interest on borrowings under the Credit Agreement and its
other indebtedness could be adversely affected. See "Description of Certain
Indebtedness--The Credit Agreement."
 
RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY TERMS OF THE COMPANY'S INDEBTEDNESS
 
    The terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and the 9 1/4% Notes
Indenture (as defined herein) impose restrictions that affect, among other
things, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur debt, pay
dividends, make acquisitions, create liens and make capital expenditures. See
"Description of Certain Indebtedness--The Credit Agreement" and "Description of
Certain Indebtedness--The 9 1/4% Notes." The Credit Agreement also requires the
Company to satisfy certain financial covenants on a quarterly basis. The ability
of the Company to comply with such financial covenants can be affected by events
beyond the Company's control, and there can be no assurance that the Company
will achieve operating results that will comply with such covenants. A breach of
any of these covenants could result in a default under the Credit Agreement, the
9 1/4% Notes Indenture and other indebtedness of the Company. In the event of
any such default, the lenders under the Credit Agreement could elect to declare
all amounts borrowed thereunder, together with accrued interest, to be due and
payable. If the Credit Agreement indebtedness or the 9 1/4% Notes were to be
accelerated, there can be no assurance that the assets of the Company would be
sufficient to repay in full such Credit Agreement indebtedness and the other
indebtedness of the Company. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness--The
Credit Agreement."
 
COMPETITION
 
    The Company operates in highly competitive industries. In addition to
traditional competition from independent drug stores and other drug store
chains, Eckerd Drug stores face competition from mass merchants (including
discounters and deep discounters), supermarkets, combination food and drug
stores, mail order distributors, hospitals and HMOs and other managed care
providers. These other formats have experienced significant growth in their
market share of the prescription and over-the-counter drug business. Many of
these competitors have greater financial resources than the Company. The Company
competes with these competitors primarily on the basis of customer service,
convenience and price. See "Business--Business Strategy--Competitive Pricing"
and "Business--Business Strategy--Competition."
 
PRESCRIPTION DRUG SALES AND FUTURE REGULATION

    
    The Company relies on prescription drug sales for a significant portion of
its revenues and profits, and prescription drug sales represent a growing
segment of the Company's business. Prescription drug sales accounted for
approximately 53.1%, 50.8%, 48.3%, 45.4%, 44.0% and 42.6% of the Company's drug
store sales and other operating revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 1995, 
fiscal 1994, fiscal 1993, fiscal 1992, fiscal 1991 and fiscal 1990, 
respectively. These revenues are affected by changes within the health care 
industry, including changes in programs providing for reimbursement of the 
cost of prescription drugs by third-party payors, such as government and 
private sources, and regulatory changes relating to the approval process for 
prescription drugs. The Clinton Administration has stated that health care 
reform is one of its top priorities.  A health care reform plan by President 
Clinton as well as a number of competing
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
health care reform proposals were introduced in Congress in 1994. The Company
cannot predict whether any federal health care reform legislation will
eventually be passed, and if so, the impact thereof on the Company's financial
position or results of operations. Health care reform, if implemented, could
adversely affect the pricing of prescription drugs or the amount of
reimbursement from governmental agencies and third-party payors, and
consequently could be adverse to the Company. However, to the extent health care
reform expands the number of persons receiving health care benefits covering the
purchase of prescription drugs, it may also result in increased purchases of
such drugs and could thereby have a favorable impact on both the Company and the
retail drug industry in general. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that
any such future legislation or any similar legislation adopted by any states in
which the Company operates will not adversely affect the Company or the retail
drug store industry generally. See "Business-- Regulation."
 
SALES TO THIRD-PARTY PAYORS
 
    A growing percentage of the Company's prescription drug volume has been
accounted for by sales to customers who are covered by third-party payment
programs. Third-party prescription sales accounted for approximately 68.9%,
64.6%, 58.0%, 49.6%, 43.1% and 36.0% of the Company's prescription sales in the
first quarter of fiscal 1995, fiscal 1994, fiscal 1993, fiscal 1992, fiscal 1991
and fiscal 1990, respectively. Prescription sales to third-party payors, in
terms of both dollar volume and as a percentage of total prescription sales,
continued to increase in the first quarter of fiscal 1995 and the Company
expects this trend to continue. Although contracts with third-party payors may
increase the volume of prescription sales and gross profits, third-party payors
typically negotiate lower prescription prices than those on non third-party
prescriptions. Accordingly, there has been downward pressure on gross profit
margins on sales of prescription drugs which is expected to continue in future
periods. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition" and "Business--The Drug Store Industry."
 
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
    Upon completion of the Offering, the Merrill Lynch Investors (as defined
under "The Company-- General") will own approximately 28.18% of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock (approximately 26.60% if the over-allotment options are
exercised in full) and the Management Investors (as defined under "The
Company--General") will own approximately 3.70% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (approximately 3.68% if the over-allotment options are exercised in
full). As a result of such stock ownership, if the Merrill Lynch Investors and
the Management Investors were to vote together, they may be in a position to
elect the Board of Directors of the Company, to approve or disapprove of other
matters requiring stockholder approval and to effectively control the affairs
and policies of the Company. The Merrill Lynch Investors are affiliates of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"). In
addition, certain provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and
By-laws could make more difficult non-negotiated acquisitions of the Company.
These provisions include a staggered board of directors, limitation on actions
by written consent of stockholders and advance notice procedures for nominations
of directors and other stockholder proposals. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders" and "Description of Capital Stock--Certificate of Incorporation
and By-laws."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Upon completion of the Offering, approximately 34,643,900 shares of Common
Stock will be outstanding. All of the 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock being
sold hereby, together with approximately 15,317,117 shares currently
outstanding, will be freely transferable without restriction under the
Securities Act unless held by an affiliate of the Company. The remaining
outstanding shares of
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
Common Stock held by existing stockholders are "restricted securities" of the
Company within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may not be
sold unless they are registered under the Securities Act or sold pursuant to an
exemption from registration thereunder, including the exemption contained in
Rule 144, which contains certain volume and other resale limitations. Pursuant
to Rule 144(k), however, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who
is not deemed to have been an affiliate of the Company at the time of sale and
has not been an affiliate during the three months immediately preceding the sale
may sell such shares without regard to such volume and other resale limitations
of Rule 144 provided that a period of at least three years has elapsed since the
later of the date the securities were acquired from the issuer or from an
affiliate of the issuer.
 
    The Merrill Lynch Investors, the Management Investors and the other existing
stockholders of the Company were granted rights entitling them, under specified
circumstances, to cause the Company to register for sale all or part of their
shares of Common Stock and to include such shares in any registered public
offerings of Common Stock by the Company. The Company has included the shares of
Common Stock to be sold by the Selling Stockholders in the Offering pursuant to
the exercise by such Selling Stockholders of their incidental registration
rights under the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined). See "Description of
Capital Stock--Registration Rights."
 
   
    Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, each holder of at least 1% of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock who is a party thereto (the "1% Holders")
has agreed for a period beginning seven days before, and ending 120 days after,
the effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part, not to effect any public sale or distribution, including any sale pursuant
to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, of Common Stock or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, or any rights
or warrants to acquire Common Stock, subject to certain exceptions, without 
the prior written consent of the Representatives (as defined herein) of the 
Underwriters. Approximately 36.8% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding 
upon consummation of the Offering will be subject to such lock-up agreement. 
In addition, certain of the Merrill Lynch Investors that are limited 
partnerships will be distributing an aggregate of 152,197 shares of Common 
Stock owned by them to their limited partners that have elected not to receive 
their pro rata share of the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock by such 
partnerships (the "Merrill Lynch Distribution"). As a condition to receiving 
shares of Common Stock in the Merrill Lynch Distribution, such limited 
partners have agreed to be bound by the same lock-up provision as the 1% 
Holders for a period of 120 days after the effective date of the Registration 
Statement. The Merrill Lynch Distribution is expected to occur as soon as 
practicable after 120 days from the effective date of the Registration 
Statement, or on such earlier date consented to by the Representatives of the
Underwriters. In addition, each of the Company and the executive officers and
directors of the Company will agree, for a period of 90 days after the effective
date of the Registration Statement, not to sell or otherwise dispose of any
shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for Common Stock, or any rights or warrants to acquire Common Stock,
subject to certain exceptions, without the prior written consent of the
Representatives of the Underwriters.
    
 
    No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of
Common Stock or the availability of Common Stock for future sale will have on
the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of
substantial amounts of Common Stock (including shares issued upon exercise of
employee stock options) in the public market, or the perception that such sales
could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of the Common
Stock.
 
    Future sales of Common Stock could also cause the Company to experience an
"ownership change" within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended. If such "ownership change" occurs, the Company's
ability to use its net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards existing at such
time to offset its taxable income, if any, generated thereafter, would be
subject to
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
certain limitations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition--Tax Net Operating Loss Carryforwards."
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
    The net proceeds to the Company from the Offering are estimated to be
approximately $80.1 million. The Company intends to use such net proceeds,
together with Revolving Loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement of
approximately $73.8 million, to finance the Florida Acquisition, with the
balance to be used to redeem $78.9 million aggregate principal amount of the 11
1/8% Debentures (representing all of the 11 1/8% Debentures remaining
outstanding). The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares
of Common Stock by the Selling Stockholders.
    
 
    The 11 1/8% Debentures mature on May 1, 2001 and will be redeemed at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof,
together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
See "Description of Certain Indebtedness--The 11 1/8% Debentures."
 
   
    On June 28, 1995, the Company entered into the Asset Purchase Agreement with
Rite Aid to acquire the assets of 109 drug stores located in Florida for a cash
purchase price of approximately $75.0 million, which is subject to inventory
adjustments. Pursuant to the Florida Acquisition, the Company will acquire 37
Rite Aid leased locations, which will be operated as Eckerd Drug stores, and the
fixtures, inventory and prescription files of an additional 72 Rite Aid
locations that will be closed by Rite Aid, who will remain obligated on the
leases for such stores. The Company expects to liquidate certain of the
inventory and fixtures associated with the closed stores immediately after the
closing of the transaction. The Florida Acquisition is currently expected to
close in early August 1995, subject to certain closing conditions, including the
receipt of all applicable governmental approvals and consents. The Company
expects to use the proceeds of such liquidation to repay a portion of the
Revolving Loans that were incurred under the Credit Agreement to finance the
Florida Acquisition.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
    The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of April
29, 1995 and as adjusted to give effect to (i) the issuance of the shares of
Common Stock offered by the Company in the Offering at an estimated initial
offering price of $33.625 per share and the use of the net proceeds therefrom as
set forth in "Use of Proceeds," (ii) additional Revolving Loan borrowings under
the Credit Agreement and the use thereof as set forth in "Use of Proceeds" and
(iii) the redemption of 11 1/8% Debentures that occurred on May 12, 1995. The
table should be read in conjunction with "Pro Forma Financial Data" and the
Company's consolidated financial statements contained in the Annual Report and
the 10-Q incorporated by reference herein.
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            APRIL 29, 1995
                                                                      ---------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
                                                                       ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED(1)
                                                                      ---------    --------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
Total long-term indebtedness (including current installments):
  Credit Agreement
    Term Loans.....................................................   $ 424,826      $  424,826
    Revolving Loans and Bankers' Acceptances.......................      52,000         142,400
  9 1/4% Notes.....................................................     200,000         200,000
  11 1/8% Debentures ($95,500 principal amount)(2).................      89,118         --
  Variable rate demand industrial revenue bonds....................      18,250          18,250
  Other (principally notes secured by fixtures and equipment)......      24,255          24,255
                                                                      ---------    --------------
      Total long-term indebtedness (including current
        installments)..............................................     808,449         809,731
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
  Common stock.....................................................         321             346
  Capital in excess of par value...................................     234,319         314,394
  Retained deficit.................................................    (326,546)       (332,436)(3)
                                                                      ---------    --------------
      Total common stockholders' deficit...........................     (91,906)        (17,696)
                                                                      ---------    --------------
Total capitalization...............................................   $ 716,543      $  792,035
                                                                      ---------    --------------
                                                                      ---------    --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
   
(1) Reflects estimated net proceeds to the Company from the Offering of $80,100
    and additional Revolving Loan borrowings of $73,760.
    
 
(2) Of such principal amount, the Company redeemed $16,640 aggregate principal
    amount ($15,530 accreted value) on May 12, 1995 with Revolving Loan
    borrowings of $16,640.
 
(3) Reflects the write-off of original issue discount and deferred debt expense
    of $1,310 ($1,022 on an after-tax basis) related to the redemption on May
    12, 1995 of 11 1/8% Debentures and $6,241 ($4,868 on an after-tax basis)
    related to the redemption of the balance of the 11 1/8% Debentures which
    will occur upon completion of the Offering.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the
symbol "ECK." The following table sets forth on a per share basis, for the
periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock as reported
on the NYSE Composite Tape. The Common Stock was not publicly traded, and no
dividends were paid on the Common Stock, prior to the IPO on August 5, 1993.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PRICE RANGE
                                                                  ----------------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>
                                                               HIGH              LOW
                                                           -------------    -------------
FISCAL 1993:
  Third Quarter (from August 6, 1993)...................   $          18    $      12 3/4
  Fourth Quarter........................................          20 3/4           13 3/4
 
FISCAL 1994:
  First Quarter.........................................   $          24    $      18 1/2
  Second Quarter........................................          25 1/4           18 1/8
  Third Quarter.........................................          31 1/2           23 1/4
  Fourth Quarter........................................              32           25 3/8
 
FISCAL 1995:
  First Quarter.........................................   $      30 1/4    $      24 1/2
  Second Quarter (through July 12, 1995)................          34 5/8           28 3/8
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    On July 26, 1995, the last sale price as reported on the NYSE was $32.50 per
share.
    
 
    The Company has never paid dividends on its Common Stock and does not intend
to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends by the
Company is subject to restrictions under certain of its financing agreements,
including the Credit Agreement and the 9 1/4% Notes. See "Description of Certain
Indebtedness." Any determination to pay cash dividends in the future will be at
the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be dependent upon
the Company's results of operations, financial condition, contractual
restrictions and other factors deemed relevant at that time by the Company's
Board of Directors.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
   
    Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc. ("Merrill Lynch Capital Partners")
formed the Company for the purpose of acquiring Old Eckerd in April 1986. Prior
to the Acquisition, the Company had no activities other than those connected to
the Acquisition. Merrill Lynch Capital Partners formed EDS Holdings Inc. ("EDS")
and its wholly owned subsidiary, Eckerd Holdings II, Inc. ("EH II"), to acquire
certain additional drug stores in July 1990. EH II owns certain drug stores
which were operated by the Company pursuant to a Management Agreement dated as
of July 13, 1990, as amended (the "EH II Management Agreement"). On August 12,
1993, the Company completed an initial public offering (the "IPO") in which it
issued and sold 5,175,000 shares of Common Stock for $14.00 per share. The
stockholders of the Company include (i) certain partnerships affiliated with
Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, (ii) certain other affiliates of Merrill Lynch &
Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") ((i) and (ii), collectively, the "Merrill Lynch
Investors" or the "Selling Stockholders"), (iii) approximately 25 members of
current and former management (the "Management Investors"), (iv) the Company's
Employees' Profit Sharing Plan and (v) certain affiliates of the banks which
provided part of the financing for the Acquisition and other institutional
investors. As of May 27, 1995, the Merrill Lynch Investors owned approximately
11,761,951 shares, or 36.59%, of the Common Stock, and the Management Investors
owned approximately 1,282,005 shares, or 3.99%, of the Common Stock. Upon
completion of the Offering, the Merrill Lynch Investors will own approximately
28.18% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (approximately 26.60% if the
over-allotment options are exercised in full) and the Management Investors will
own approximately 3.70% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (approximately
3.68% if the over-allotment options are exercised in full). The Management
Investors are not selling any shares of Common Stock in the Offering. See
"Principal and Selling Stockholders."
    
 
THE 1993 TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Refinancing
 
    On June 15, 1993, the Company consummated a series of transactions designed
to simplify its capital structure, reduce interest expense and dividend costs
and provide additional financial flexibility. The Company entered into the Old
Credit Agreement (as defined), which provided for (a) a $650.0 million term loan
facility consisting of a six-year amortizing Tranche A term loan facility of
$500.0 million (the "Tranche A Term Loans") and a seven-year amortizing Tranche
B term loan facility of $150.0 million (the "Tranche B Term Loans") and (b) a
$300.0 million six-year revolving credit facility (a portion of which was
available as a swingline loan facility and as a letter of credit and bankers'
acceptance facility). The Company also entered into a sale and leaseback
arrangement with Imaging Financial Services, Inc. (the "IFS Sale and Leaseback")
relating to approximately $35.0 million of photo processing equipment. In
addition, the Company, EDS and EH II amended the EH II Management Agreement to
provide for the payment by EH II to the Company of $40.0 million, of which
approximately $22.0 million represented payment by EH II of the management fee
and interest thereon which was accrued and previously deferred and approximately
$18.0 million represented prepayment by EH II of the management fee to be earned
by the Company in the future, which prepayment was evidenced by an unsecured
promissory note (the "EH II Note"). EH II obtained the funds necessary for such
payments from cash generated by its operations and from borrowings of
approximately $31.6 million under a new revolving credit and term loan agreement
dated as of June 7, 1993 (the "EH II Credit Agreement") (the borrowings under
the Old Credit Agreement, the consummation of the IFS Sale and Leaseback, the
amendment to the EH II Management Agreement, including Eckerd's obligations
under the EH II Note, borrowings under the EH II Credit Agreement, and the
application of the proceeds therefrom, are collectively referred to as the
"Refinancing").
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
    The net proceeds from the Refinancing were used to pay, prepay or redeem (i)
borrowings outstanding under the Company's prior Credit Agreement, dated as of
July 13, 1990, as amended, with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and
the other lenders party thereto (the "1990 Credit Agreement"), which consisted
of a revolving credit facility and a term loan facility, (ii) the 11.39% Senior
Notes due January 31, 1995 of the Company at a prepayment price of 100% of the
principal amount thereof plus a make-whole amount, (iii) the 11.75% Senior Notes
due April 15, 1995 of the Company at a prepayment price of 105% of the principal
amount thereof, (iv) the Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due April 15, 1997
of the Company at a redemption price of 101% of the principal amount thereof,
(v) the 13% Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes due April 15, 1997 of the Company at
a redemption price of 106.6% of the principal amount thereof, (vi) the Company's
Discount Subordinated Debentures due May 1, 2006 (the "13% Discount
Debentures"), at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof
(except for the $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 13% Discount
Debentures which was subsequently redeemed with the net proceeds from the
issuance of the 9 1/4% Notes) and (vii) the Company's 14 1/2% Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "14 1/2% Preferred Stock"), at a redemption
price of $1,000 per share plus a redemption premium of $48.30 per share.
 
  The IPO and Related Transactions

    
    On August 12, 1993, the Company consummated the IPO and certain related
transactions. Immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, the stockholders
of EDS (which included certain of the Merrill Lynch Investors and certain of the
Management Investors) exchanged their shares of EDS common stock for shares of
Class A common stock of the Company. EDS was subsequently merged into the
Company with EH II becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and the EH
II Management Agreement was terminated upon consummation of the IPO. In
connection with the IPO the Company also amended its Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to effect, among other things, (i) the reclassification of its
Class A common stock and Class B common stock into Common Stock at certain
specified rates, (ii) a 2-for-3 reverse stock split, (iii) the adoption of
certain provisions such as a classified board of directors and the prohibition
of stockholder action by written consent, which could make non-negotiated
acquisitions of the Company more difficult and (iv) the change of the Company's
name from "Jack Eckerd Corporation" to "Eckerd Corporation." The Company used
approximately $30.0 million of the net proceeds of the IPO to repay all 
borrowings outstanding under the EH II Credit Agreement and the balance to 
repay borrowings under the Old Credit Agreement consisting of Tranche A Term 
Loans of $27.5 million and Tranche B Term Loans of $8.3 million.
    
 
  The 9 1/4% Note Issuance
 
    On November 2, 1993, the Company consummated the sale (the "9 1/4% Note
Issuance") of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 9 1/4% Notes. The
net proceeds from the 9 1/4% Note Issuance were used to redeem (i) the remaining
$50.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 13% Discount Debentures and (ii)
$145.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 11 1/8% Debentures.
 
    The Refinancing, the IPO and the 9 1/4% Note Issuance are collectively
referred to herein as the "1993 Transactions."
 
THE 1994 TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Vision Group Sale
 
    Effective January 30, 1994, the Company sold its operations of Eckerd
Optical centers and "Visionworks" retail optical superstores (the "Vision Group
Sale"). The Company sold the Vision
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
   
Group for an amount in cash and notes approximately equal to the book value of
the related assets and no gain or loss was recognized by the Company. The net
proceeds from the Vision Group Sale were used to reduce outstanding indebtedness
under the Credit Agreement. Sales of the Vision Group were $60.7 million in
fiscal 1993, accounting for approximately 1.5% of the Company's sales and 2.2%
of the Company's earnings before interest, taxes and extraordinary items.
    
 
  The Amendment
 
    On August 3, 1994, the Company completed an amendment (the "Amendment") to
its then existing credit agreement (the "Old Credit Agreement" and, as amended
and restated pursuant to the Amendment, the "Credit Agreement"). The Amendment
did not provide any additional proceeds to the Company, but it did provide
improved pricing and increased operating flexibility with respect to
acquisitions, capital expenditures and lease payments, with future reductions in
rates if the Company achieves certain indebtedness levels and performance goals.
 
  The Insta-Care Sale
 
   
    On November 15, 1994, the Company consummated the sale of Insta-Care
Holdings, Inc. ("Insta-Care") to Pharmacy Corporation of America, a subsidiary
of Beverly Enterprises, Inc., for a total consideration of $112.0 million in
cash (the "Insta-Care Sale"). Insta-Care provided prescription drugs as well as
patient record and consulting services to long-term health care facilities in
New England and the Sunbelt. The net proceeds from the Insta-Care Sale, after
certain closing adjustments, were approximately $93.3 million. Such net proceeds
were used to redeem $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11 1/8%
Debentures in December 1994 and to repay approximately $43.3 million of
Revolving Loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement in November 1994. In fiscal
1994, sales of Insta-Care were approximately $89.0 million and earnings before
interest and income taxes were approximately $3.0 million, accounting for
approximately 2.0% of the Company's sales and 1.6% of the Company's earnings
before interest, taxes and extraordinary items. The Company recognized a gain on
the Insta-Care Sale of $49.5 million, net of income taxes of $4.6 million.
    
 
    The Vision Group Sale, the Amendment and the Insta-Care Sale are
collectively referred to herein as the "1994 Transactions."
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following historical selected financial data for the years and periods
presented below have been derived from the Company's consolidated financial
statements. The historical financial data for the three fiscal years ended
January 28, 1995 have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with,
the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes
contained in the Annual Report incorporated by reference herein. The historical
financial data for the thirteen week periods ended April 29, 1995 and April 30,
1994 have been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company contained in the 10-Q
incorporated by reference herein which, in the opinion of management, reflect
all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for
a fair presentation of the interim period financial data. The results for the
thirteen week period ended April 29, 1995 are not necessarily indicative of the
results to be expected for the full year. All information contained in the
following tables should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" and the consolidated
financial statements of the Company and related notes contained in the Annual
Report and the 10-Q incorporated by reference herein.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED                                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                ------------------------      -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>          <C>              <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
                                APRIL 29,     APRIL 30,        JAN. 28,      JAN. 29,      JAN. 30,       FEB. 1,       FEB. 2,
                                   1995         1994             1995          1994          1993          1992          1991
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                             <C>          <C>              <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
 Sales and other operating
   revenue....................  $1,219,594   $ 1,136,195(1)   $ 4,549,031   $ 4,190,539   $ 3,887,027   $ 3,739,852   $ 3,456,134
 Cost of sales, including
   store occupancy,
   warehousing and delivery
   expense....................     939,488       866,083        3,444,141     3,175,375     2,896,479     2,738,545     2,527,544
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 Gross profit(2)..............     280,106       270,112        1,104,890     1,015,164       990,548     1,001,307       928,590
 Operating and administrative
   expense....................     220,591       217,846          924,071       857,980       855,165       854,209       817,263
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 Earnings before interest
   expense....................      59,515        52,266          180,819       157,184       135,383       147,098       111,327
 Total interest expense.......      20,356        23,901           93,735       113,215       137,404       143,194       147,309
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 Earnings (loss) before income
   taxes and extraordinary
   items......................      39,159        28,365           87,084        43,969        (2,021)        3,904       (35,982)
 Income tax provision.........       8,615         1,420            8,753         2,556         2,864         2,927       --
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 Earnings (loss) before
   extraordinary items........      30,544        26,945           78,331        41,413        (4,885)          977       (35,982)
 Extraordinary item--early
   retirement of debt and
   preferred stock, net of tax
   benefit....................      --           --               (30,523)      (44,354)      --            --            --
 Extraordinary item--tax
   effect of utilization of
   net operating loss
   carryforward...............      --           --               --            --                762         1,680       --
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 Net earnings (loss) for the
   period(3)..................  $   30,544   $    26,945      $    47,808   $    (2,941)  $    (4,123)  $     2,657   $   (35,982)
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
 Net earnings (loss) available
   to common shares(3)........  $   30,544   $    26,945      $    47,808   $    (7,865)  $   (14,938)  $    (8,166)  $   (46,848)
 Earnings (loss) before
   extraordinary items per
   common share(4)............  $      .93   $       .84      $      2.41   $      1.24   $     (0.59)  $     (0.38)  $     (1.97)
 Net earnings (loss) per
   common share(3)(4).........  $      .93   $       .84      $      1.47   $     (0.27)  $     (0.56)  $     (0.32)  $     (1.97)
 Weighted average common
   shares outstanding.........  32,813,133    32,224,128       32,431,719    29,392,805    26,573,902    25,677,103    23,793,496
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
 EBITDA(5)....................  $   79,052   $    70,544      $   258,613   $   242,844   $   229,217   $   248,677   $   235,687
 EBITDA Margin(6).............        6.5%          6.2%             5.7%          5.8%          5.9%          6.6%          6.8%
 LIFO charge(7)...............  $    2,879   $     2,493      $    10,750   $     8,500   $    15,000   $    21,000   $    23,000
 Depreciation.................      11,758        10,251           45,842        50,041        53,753        49,554        47,835
 Amortization of intangibles
   and expenses related to
   Acquisition and other(8)...       7,779         8,027           31,952        35,619        40,081        52,025        77,925
 Capital expenditures.........      15,694        10,047           57,246        39,327        51,389        49,410        73,243
</TABLE>
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                  THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED                                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                ------------------------      -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                APRIL 29,     APRIL 30,        JAN. 28,      JAN. 29,      JAN. 30,       FEB. 1,       FEB. 2,
                                   1995         1994             1995          1994          1993          1992          1991
                                ----------   -----------      -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SQUARE FOOT DATA)
<S>                             <C>          <C>              <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
DRUG STORE DATA:
 Drug stores open at end of
   period.....................       1,727         1,709            1,735         1,718         1,696         1,675         1,673
 Comparable drug store sales
   growth.....................        8.8%          7.4%             8.1%          6.1%          3.1%          5.7%          6.9%
 Average sales per drug
   store......................  $      701   $       646      $     2,561   $     2,365   $     2,222   $     2,142   $     2,036
 Average sales per selling
   floor square foot..........          90            82              325           302           283           272           258
 Prescription sales as a
   percentage of drug store
   sales and other
   operating revenue..........       53.1%         49.9%            50.8%         48.3%         45.4%         44.0%         42.6%
 Prescription and
   over-the-counter sales as a
   percentage of drug store
   sales and other operating 
   revenue....................       64.1%         61.2%            61.1%         59.0%         55.9%         54.7%         52.8%
 Third-party prescription
   sales as a percentage of
   prescription sales.........       68.9%         62.6%            64.6%         58.0%         49.6%         43.1%         36.0%
</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              AS OF
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
                                          APRIL 29, 1995
                                    --------------------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                     ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED(9)   JAN. 28, 1995   JAN. 29, 1994   JAN. 30, 1993   FEB. 1, 1992
                                    ---------   --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   ------------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Working capital..................  $ 340,527     $  366,188       $ 280,289       $ 306,588       $ 367,027      $  328,617
 Total Assets.....................  1,346,706      1,420,537       1,342,347       1,420,137       1,418,922       1,412,249
 Long-term debt (including current
   installments)..................    808,449        809,731         787,013         954,891       1,048,222       1,023,106
 Preferred stock..................     --            --              --              --               75,000          75,000
 Stockholders' deficit............    (91,906)       (17,696)       (122,742)       (179,022)       (243,291)       (228,353)
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                 <C>
 
                                    FEB. 2, 1991
                                    ------------
<S>                                 <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Working capital..................   $  347,775
 Total Assets.....................    1,443,167
 Long-term debt (including current
installments).....................    1,084,088
 Preferred stock..................       75,000
 Stockholders' deficit............     (220,187)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) Reflects reclassification of sales to employees in the thirteen weeks ended
    April 30, 1994 to conform to fiscal 1995 financial statement presentation.
    Fiscal 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991 and 1990 have not been reclassified.
 
(2) Gross profit represents sales and other operating revenue less cost of
    sales, including store occupancy, warehousing and delivery expense.
 
(3) Reflects extraordinary item of $762 in fiscal 1992 and $1,680 in fiscal 1991
    relating to the tax effect of utilization of net operating loss
    carryforwards and extraordinary loss net of taxes of $44,354 in fiscal 1993
    relating to the early retirement of indebtedness and preferred stock and
    $30,523 in fiscal 1994 relating to the early retirement of indebtedness.
 
(4) Reflects payment of preferred stock dividends of $0 in fiscal 1994, $4,924
    in fiscal 1993, $10,815 in fiscal 1992, $10,823 in fiscal 1991 and $10,866
    in fiscal 1990.
 
(5) EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization of
    intangibles and expenses related to the Acquisition and other, and, for
    fiscal 1990, the reversal of the inventory valuation reserve established in
    fiscal 1986 in connection with the Acquisition. See "Management's Discussion
    and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
    Condition--General--Impact of Non-Cash and Non-Recurring Charges." The
    Company believes that EBITDA is an important measure of its operating
    results because of the significant amount of charges resulting from the
    Acquisition and other transactions which are non-cash and/or non-recurring.
    However, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for
    net earnings and other statement of operations data prepared in accordance
    with generally accepted accounting principles as a measure of the Company's
    profitability or liquidity.
 
(6) EBITDA Margin means EBITDA as a percentage of sales and other operating
    revenue.
 
(7) LIFO charge for fiscal 1990 is before the reversal of the inventory
    valuation reserve established in fiscal 1986 in connection with the
    Acquisition.
 
(8) Includes amortization of assets written up as a result of the Acquisition,
    including goodwill, and charges due to certain performance-related
    management compensation programs.
 
   
(9) The as adjusted balance sheet data reflect the use of the net proceeds from
    the Offering and approximately $73,760 of additional Revolving Loan
    borrowings under the Credit Agreement as set forth in "Use of Proceeds" and
    the redemption on May 12, 1995 of $16,640 aggregate principal amount of 11
    1/8% Debentures ($15,530 accreted value) with Revolving Loan borrowings of
    $16,640. See "Capitalization."
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                            PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following unaudited pro forma financial data of the Company are based on
the historical consolidated financial statements of the Company contained in the
Annual Report and 10-Q incorporated by reference herein, adjusted to give effect
to the Insta-Care Sale and the use of the net proceeds therefrom. The unaudited
pro forma statement of operations data for the fiscal year ended January 28,
1995 and the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 1995 give effect to the Insta-Care
Sale and the use of the net proceeds therefrom as if such transactions had
occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented and for the fiscal year
ended January 28, 1995 also reflect the reversal of the gain on the Insta-Care
Sale and the charge for future store closings. The adjustments relating to the
Insta-Care Sale and the future store closings are described in the accompanying
footnotes. The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and
certain assumptions that management of the Company believes are reasonable. The
pro forma financial data do not purport to represent what the Company's results
of operations would actually have been if the Insta-Care Sale and the use of
proceeds therefrom in fact had occurred at the beginning of the period
presented, or to project the Company's results of operations for any future
period. The pro forma financial data should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition" and the historical consolidated financial statements of the Company
and related notes contained in the Annual Report and the 10-Q incorporated by
reference herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  THIRTEEN
                                WEEKS ENDED               THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
                               APRIL 29, 1995                APRIL 30, 1994                   FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 28, 1995
                               --------------   ----------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>
                                                                ADJUST-                                    ADJUST-
                                   ACTUAL         ACTUAL         MENTS        PRO FORMA      ACTUAL         MENTS        PRO FORMA
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                            <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
 Sales and other
   operating revenue.........    $1,219,594     $1,136,195(1)   $(27,556)(2)  $1,108,639   $4,549,031(1)   $(88,663)(2)  $4,406,243
                                                                                                            (54,125)(3)
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
 Costs and expenses:
   Cost of sales, including
     store occupancy,
     warehousing and delivery
     expense.................       939,488        866,083       (18,639)(2)     847,444    3,444,141       (58,766)(2)   3,385,375
   Operating and
     administrative
     expenses................       220,591        217,846        (7,436)(2)     210,410      924,071       (25,830)(2)     849,253
                                                                                                            (48,988)(4)
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
 Earnings before interest
   expense...................        59,515         52,266        (1,481)         50,785      180,819        (9,204)        171,615
 Interest expense:
   Interest expense, net.....        19,817         22,212        (2,025)(5)      20,187       87,838        (6,347)(5)      81,491
   Amortization of original
     issue discount and
     deferred debt expense...           539          1,689          (106)(6)       1,583        5,897          (401)(6)       5,496
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
   Total interest expense....        20,356         23,901        (2,131)         21,770       93,735        (6,748)         86,987
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
   Earnings (loss) before
     income taxes and
     extraordinary item......        39,159         28,365           650          29,015       87,084        (2,456)         84,628
 Income tax provision........         8,615          1,420            31           1,451        8,753           135           4,233
                                                                                                             (4,655)(7)
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
   Earnings (loss) before
     extraordinary item......        30,544         26,945           619          27,564       78,331         2,064          80,395
   Extraordinary item--early
     retirement of debt and
     preferred stock.........       --              --             --             --          (30,523)        --            (30,523)
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
   Net earnings (loss) for
     the period..............    $   30,544     $   26,945      $    619      $   27,564   $   47,808      $  2,064      $   49,872
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
                               --------------   ----------      --------      ----------   ----------      --------      ----------
   Net earnings (loss)
     available to common
     shares..................    $   30,544     $   26,945         --         $   27,564   $   47,808         --         $   49,872
   Earnings (loss) before
     extraordinary items per
     common share............    $      .93     $      .84         --         $      .86   $     2.41         --         $     2.48
   Net earnings (loss) per
     common share............    $      .93     $      .84         --         $      .86   $     1.47         --         $     1.54
   Weighted average common
     shares outstanding......        32,813         32,224         --             32,224       32,432         --             32,432
</TABLE>
 
                                                   (Footnotes on following page)
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
(Footnotes for preceding page)
 
- ------------
 
(1) Reflects an additional $9,389 for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 1994 in
    connection with the reclassification of sales to employees to conform to
    fiscal 1995 financial statement presentation. Fiscal 1994 has not been
    reclassified.
 
(2) Reflects exclusion of Insta-Care operations.
 
(3) Reflects reversal of $54,125 gain on the Insta-Care Sale.
 
(4) Reflects reversal of $48,988 charge for future store closings. See
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
    Condition."
 
(5) Reflects the redemption of $50,000 aggregate principal amount of 11 1/8%
    Debentures and repayment of Revolving Loan borrowings under the Credit
    Agreement of $43,300 from the net proceeds from the Insta-Care Sale, net of
    income taxes of $4,655 paid from the gain on the Insta-Care Sale and the
    corresponding reduction in interest expense.
 
(6) Reflects the reversal of original issue discount and deferred debt expenses
    related to the redemption of $50,000 of 11 1/8% Debentures.
 
(7) Reflects reversal of $4,655 of income taxes related to the gain on the
    Insta-Care Sale.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
                     OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company's primary source of revenues is the operation of Eckerd Drug
stores, including Eckerd Express Photo centers. Until they were sold effective
January 30, 1994 and November 15, 1994, respectively, the Company also derived
revenues from the operations of Vision Group and Insta-Care, which together
represented approximately 4.0% of the Company's sales and other operating
revenue in fiscal 1993. See "The Company--The 1994 Transactions." The following
discussion is based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
  Impact of Non-Cash and Non-Recurring Charges
 
    As a result of the Acquisition, the Company incurred a significant amount of
charges which are non-cash and/or non-recurring. Therefore, the Company believes
that earnings before interest and taxes after adding back such non-cash and
non-recurring Acquisition related charges (together with other non-cash charges
unrelated to the Acquisition) is an important measure of its operating results.
The following table sets forth the Company's operating results excluding such
non-cash and non-recurring charges.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
                                                                               FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                      ---------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                      APRIL 29,   APRIL 30,   JAN. 28,   JAN. 29,   JAN. 30,   FEB. 1,    FEB. 2,
                                        1995        1994        1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
                                      ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Earnings before interest, taxes and
  extraordinary items...............   $ 59,515    $ 52,266   $180,819   $157,184   $135,383   $147,098   $111,327
Depreciation........................     11,758      10,251     45,842     50,041     53,753     49,554     47,835
Amortization of asset write-ups,
  including goodwill................      7,779       8,027     31,952     35,055     38,593     46,255     56,800
Charges due to performance related
  programs..........................     --          --          --         --         1,075      4,196     20,252
Reversal of inventory valuation
  reserve...........................     --          --          --         --         --         --        (1,400)
Other amortization..................     --          --          --           564        413      1,574        873
                                      ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
EBITDA..............................   $ 79,052    $ 70,544   $258,613   $242,844   $229,217   $248,677   $235,687
                                      ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                      ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>
    
 
    Depreciation includes normal depreciation of the Company's plant and
equipment over the useful lives of such assets. Other amortization includes the
write-off of certain deferred pre-opening costs for the Company's Visionworks
Stores, which were sold pursuant to the Vision Group Sale. The non-cash and
non-recurring Acquisition related charges are discussed in more detail below.
 
    Amortization of Asset Write-ups, Including Goodwill. As a result of the
Acquisition, the Company wrote up the carrying value of its assets by
approximately $707.5 million as of April 30, 1986 in accordance with the
purchase price method of accounting. The write-up was allocated to favorable
lease interests ($504.3 million), prescription files ($107.0 million),
inventories ($61.7 million) and the excess
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
of cost over net assets acquired, or goodwill ($34.5 million). Since April 30,
1986, these assets have been amortized or written off as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR                                          AMOUNT
- -----------------------------------------------   -------------
<S>                                               <C>
                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
  1986.........................................      $ 108.4
  1987.........................................        143.1
  1988.........................................         50.8
  1989.........................................         46.1
  1990.........................................         56.8
  1991.........................................         46.3
  1992.........................................         38.6
  1993.........................................         35.1
  1994.........................................         32.0
                                                  -------------
                                                     $ 557.2
                                                  -------------
                                                  -------------
</TABLE>
 
Most of such amortization is fully tax deductible. Amortization is expected to
be approximately $30.0 million in fiscal 1995.
 
  Tax Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
 
    As of January 28, 1995, the Company estimates that it had NOL carryforwards
of approximately $218.0 million for U.S. federal income tax purposes. These NOL
carryforwards may be utilized to reduce the Company's federal income tax
obligations in future periods and, if not so utilized, will expire in fiscal
years 2002 to 2008. See the discussion of the Company's tax NOL carryforwards in
"--Tax Net Operating Loss Carryforwards" below. In addition, the Company may be
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax ("AMT"), which is equal to 20% of
the Company's "alternative minimum taxable income" ("AMTI"), i.e., its regular
taxable income adjusted for certain preference items. As the Company generally
may utilize its NOL carryforwards (as adjusted for AMT purposes) to offset up to
90% of its AMTI, the Company generally will be subject to the AMT at an
effective rate of approximately 2% of its AMTI. After the Company utilizes all
of its NOL carryforwards, its effective tax rate will increase. Any AMT paid may
be used as a credit against the Company's regular federal income tax liability
in future taxable years.
 
  Cost Reduction Program
 
    In May 1992, the Company implemented a cost reduction program which, during
the last three fiscal years, has eliminated operating expenses of over $80.0
million. The Company continues to actively evaluate and pursue additional cost
savings which can be obtained without affecting the Company's customer service,
quality or sales growth potential. There can be no assurance, however, that any
additional cost reductions will be realized. See "Business--Business
Strategy--Cost Reduction Program."
 
  Competitive Pricing
 
    In May 1992, the Company commenced a program in certain selected markets
involving lowering prices on prescription drugs sold to non third-party
customers in order to enhance its market share and long term competitive
position. Such program was implemented in all of the Company's markets by
November 1992. Prescription sales to non third-party customers represented 35.4%
of the Company's fiscal 1994 prescription sales and 31.1% in the first quarter
of fiscal 1995. Although the program has resulted in lower gross margins, as
expected, the Company believes that it has also had the intended effect of
stimulating additional business. There can be no assurance, however, that
additional sales increases will be realized from the competitive pricing
program.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
    The Company believes that its reduced prescription prices, together with the
overall value provided by the high level of customer service and convenience
offered by its drug stores, have enabled the Company to more aggressively
compete with other drug stores and have enhanced its competitive position with
other shopping formats. See "Business--Business Strategy--Competitive Pricing."
 
  Non-Recurring Adjustments
 
    The Company's financial results for fiscal 1994 reflect non-recurring
adjustments in connection with the Amendment, as well as the early repayment of
debt with a portion of the net proceeds from the Insta-Care Sale, of $28.0
million ($26.6 million on an after-tax basis) and $4.1 million ($3.9 million on
an after-tax basis), respectively, which consisted of the write-off of deferred
debt expenses and original issue discount ("OID"). In addition, the fiscal 1994
financial results also include non-recurring adjustments of $49.5 million (net
of income taxes of $4.6 million) for the gain on the Insta-Care Sale and $49.0
million for the charge for future store closings.
 
    The Company's financial results will reflect a non-recurring adjustment in
connection with the early repayment of debt which reflects the write-off of OID
and deferred debt expense of $1.31 million ($1.02 million on an after-tax basis)
for the second quarter of fiscal 1995 related to the redemption on May 12, 1995
of 11 1/8% Debentures and $6.24 million ($4.87 million on an after-tax basis)
for the third quarter of fiscal 1995 related to the redemption of the balance of
the 11 1/8% Debentures which will occur upon completion of the Offering.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following table sets forth certain condensed consolidated statements of
operations data of the Company in dollars and as a percentage of sales and other
operating revenue for the periods indicated. The data for the thirteen weeks
ended April 29, 1995 and for fiscal 1992 are presented on a historical basis,
the data for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 1994 and for fiscal 1994 are
presented on an adjusted basis and the data for fiscal 1993 are presented on
both an adjusted basis and a historical basis. The data for the thirteen weeks
ended April 30, 1994 are adjusted to give pro forma effect to the Insta-Care
Sale and the use of proceeds therefrom and reflect the reclassification of sales
to employees to conform to fiscal 1995 financial statement presentation. The
fiscal 1994 data are adjusted to exclude a pre-tax gain of $54.1 million (before
income taxes of $4.6 million) from the Insta-Care Sale and also to exclude a
reserve of $49.0 million for future store closings. The fiscal 1993 adjusted
data exclude the operations of Vision Group for the full fiscal year because it
was sold effective January 30, 1994, and exclude the operations of Insta-Care
from November 16, 1993 through January 29, 1994 because it was sold effective
November 15, 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED                                     FISCAL YEARS ENDED
                    -------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>
                                                                                                                         JANUARY
                                                               JANUARY 28,         JANUARY 29,         JANUARY 29,         30,
                     APRIL 29, 1995      APRIL 30, 1994           1995                1994                1994            1993
                    -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   ---------
 
<CAPTION>
                       HISTORICAL           ADJUSTED            ADJUSTED            ADJUSTED           HISTORICAL       HISTORICAL
                                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                        $         %         $         %         $         %         $         %         $         %         $
                    ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------
<S>                 <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>
Sales and other
 operating
 revenue............ 1,219,594  100.0   1,108,639   100.0   4,494,906   100.0   4,108,683   100.0   4,190,539   100.0   3,887,027
Cost of sales and
 related expenses...   939,488   77.0     847,444    76.4   3,444,141    76.6   3,123,899    76.0   3,175,375    75.8   2,896,479
Gross profit........   280,106   23.0     261,195    23.6   1,050,765    23.4     984,784    24.0   1,015,164    24.2     990,548
Operating and
 administrative
 expenses...........   220,591   18.1     210,410    19.0     875,083    19.5     829,654    20.2     857,980    20.5     855,165
Operating and
 administrative
 expenses, excluding
 amortization of
 asset write-ups
 resulting from the
 Acquisition and
 related expenses...   212,812   17.4     202,464    18.3     843,131    18.8     794,267    19.3     822,361    19.6     816,159
Earnings before
 interest and
 taxes..............    59,515    4.9      50,785     4.6     175,682     3.9     155,130     3.8     157,184     3.8     135,383
Total interest
 expense............    20,356    1.7      21,770     2.0      93,735     2.1     113,215     2.8     113,215     2.7     137,404
Earnings (loss)
 before income taxes
 and extraordinary
 item................    39,159    3.2      29,015     2.6      81,947     1.8      41,915     1.0      43,969     1.0      (2,021)
Net earnings
 (loss).............    30,544    2.5      27,564     2.5      47,326     1.1      (4,995)    (.1)     (2,941)    (.1)     (4,123)
                    ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------
                    ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------   -----   ---------
EBITDA..............    79,052    6.5      68,646     6.2     253,476     5.6     237,512     5.8     242,844     5.8     229,217
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                 <C<C>
 
                        %
                      -----
<S>                 <C<C>
Sales and other
 operating
 revenue............  100.0
Cost of sales and
 related expenses...   74.5
Gross profit........   25.5
Operating and
 administrative
 expenses...........   22.0
Operating and
 administrative
 expenses, excluding
 amortization of
 asset write-ups
 resulting from the
 Acquisition and
 related expenses...   21.0
Earnings before
 interest and
 taxes..............    3.5
Total interest
 expense............    3.5
Earnings (loss)
 before income taxes
 and extraordinary
 item...............    (.1)
Net earnings
 (loss).............    (.1)
                      -----
                      -----
EBITDA..............    5.9
</TABLE>
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    The following management's discussion and analysis is based on the
historical and as adjusted statements of operation data set forth in the above
table.
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended April 29, 1995 (historical)
compared with Thirteen Weeks Ended
April 30, 1994 (adjusted)

    
    The Company's sales and other operating revenue for the first quarter of
fiscal 1995 were $1,219.6 million, a 10.0% increase over the first quarter of
fiscal 1994. Comparable drug store sales (stores open for one year or more)
increased 8.8% for the first quarter of fiscal 1995, compared to a 7.4% increase
for the first quarter of fiscal 1994. Sales benefited from significant increases
in prescription sales as well as by increases in front end sales from strong
Valentine and Easter selling seasons. Prescription sales for the first quarter
of fiscal 1995 were $647.7 million, a 17.0% increase over the first quarter of
fiscal 1994. In addition, front end sales increased to $569.5 million, a 3.1%
increase over the first quarter of fiscal 1994. Front end sales in the first
quarter of fiscal 1995 were positively affected primarily by increased sales of
non-prescription items in the health, greeting card, convenience food and
photofinishing categories.
    
 
   
    Prescription sales as a percentage of drug store sales and other operating 
revenue was approximately 53.1% for the first quarter of fiscal 1995 as 
compared with approximately 49.9% for the first quarter of fiscal 1994. The 
growth in prescription sales for the first quarter was primarily the result of 
increased third-party prescription sales and the Company's competitive cash 
pricing strategy. These strong sales were aided by a more severe cough, cold 
and flu season compared to the first quarter of fiscal 1994. Third-party 
prescription sales increased to approximately 68.9% of the Company's 
prescription sales for the first quarter of fiscal 1995 from approximately 
62.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 1994. The Company expects prescription 
sales to third-party payors, in terms of both dollar volume and as a 
percentage of total prescription sales, to continue to increase in fiscal 
1995 and for the foreseeable future. Third-party payors typically negotiate 
lower prescription prices than those on non third-party prescriptions, 
resulting in decreasing gross profit margins on the Company's prescription 
sales. However, contracts with third-party payors generally increase the 
volume of prescription sales and gross profit dollars. See "Business--The 
Drug Store Industry."
    
 
    Cost of sales and related expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 1995 were
$939.5 million, a 10.9% increase over the first quarter of fiscal 1994. As a
percentage of sales, cost of sales and related expenses were 77.0% compared to
76.4% for the first quarter of fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively. The increase
in cost of sales and related expenses as a percentage of sales resulted
primarily from the continued increase in third-party prescription sales with
typically lower gross profit margins than non third-party prescription sales.
The LIFO charge was $2.9 million compared to $2.5 million for the first quarter
of fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
    Operating and administrative expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 1995
were $220.6 million, a 4.8% increase over the first quarter of fiscal 1994. As a
percentage of sales, operating and administrative expenses decreased to 18.1%
for the first quarter of fiscal 1995 from 19.0% for the first quarter of fiscal
1994. The decrease in operating and administrative expenses as a percentage of
sales resulted primarily from operating efficiencies related to higher sales,
and cost controls which helped produce lower costs as a percentage of sales in
such expense categories as payroll, advertising and insurance. Additionally,
non-cash tax deductible amortization of intangibles included in operating and
administrative expenses for the first quarters of fiscal 1995 and 1994 were $7.8
million and $8.0 million, respectively, a decrease of 2.5%.
 
    As a result of the above, earnings before interest expense and taxes
increased 17.2% to $59.5 million, or 4.9% of sales, as compared to 4.6% of sales
for the same period of the prior year.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
    Total interest expense was $20.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal
1995, a decrease of 6.5% from the first quarter of fiscal 1994. The decrease was
due primarily to lower average borrowings in the first quarter of fiscal 1995
compared to the first quarter of fiscal 1994. The average interest rate on
borrowings in the first quarters of fiscal 1995 and 1994 were substantially the
same.
 
    Income taxes for the first quarters of fiscal 1995 and 1994 were $8.6
million and $1.5 million, respectively. The effective income tax rate of 22% in
the first quarter of fiscal 1995 was higher than in the first quarter of fiscal
1994 (5%). Income taxes represent alternative minimum and state income taxes for
the Company and reflect the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards.
 
    As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company had net earnings for the
first quarter of fiscal 1995 of $30.5 million, compared to $27.6 million for the
first quarter of fiscal 1994, an increase of $2.9 million or 10.8%.
 
  Fiscal Year 1994 (adjusted) compared with Fiscal Year 1993 (adjusted)
 
   
    The Company's sales and other operating revenue for fiscal 1994 were $4.5
billion, a 9.4% increase over fiscal 1993. Comparable drug store sales (stores
open for one year or more) increased 8.1% during fiscal 1994 compared to a 6.1%
increase in fiscal 1993. Sales benefited from significant increases in drug
store prescription sales and increases in front end sales. For fiscal 1994,
prescription sales were $2.2 billion, a 15.2% increase over fiscal 1993. In
addition, drug store front end sales increased to $2.2 billion, a 4.2% increase
over fiscal 1993.
    
 
   
    Prescription sales as a percentage of drug store sales and other operating 
revenue was 50.8% for fiscal 1994 compared with 48.3% for fiscal 1993. The 
growth in prescription sales was primarily the result of increased third-party 
prescription sales and the Company's competitive cash pricing strategy. These 
sales were strong despite a lower incidence of cough and cold/flu virus during 
the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 1994 compared to fiscal 1993. 
Third-party prescription sales represented 64.6% and 58.0% of the Company's 
prescription sales in fiscal 1994 and 1993, respectively.
    
 
    Cost of sales and related expenses in fiscal 1994 were $3.4 billion, a 10.2%
increase over fiscal 1993. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales and related
expenses were 76.6% and 76.0% for fiscal 1994 and 1993, respectively. The
increase in cost of sales and related expenses as a percentage of sales resulted
primarily from the continued increase in third-party prescription sales with
typically lower gross profit margins than non third-party prescription sales.
The LIFO charge was $10.8 million in fiscal 1994 compared to $8.5 million in
fiscal 1993.
 
    Operating and administrative expenses in fiscal 1994 were $875.1 million, a
5.5% increase over fiscal 1993. As a percentage of sales, operating and
administrative expenses were reduced to 19.5% for fiscal 1994 from 20.2% for
fiscal 1993. The decrease in operating and administrative expenses in fiscal
1994 as a percentage of sales resulted primarily from the economies of scale
related to the higher sales, and cost controls which helped produce lower costs
as a percentage of sales in such expense categories as payroll, insurance and
supplies. Additionally, non-cash tax deductible amortization of intangibles
included in operating and administrative expenses for fiscal 1994 and 1993 were
$31.9 million and $35.4 million, respectively, a decrease of 9.9%.
 
    In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1994, the Company decided to accelerate the
closing of approximately 90 geographically dispersed, under-performing stores
over the following twelve to eighteen months, and established a $49.0 million
reserve for future store closings. These closings are in addition to the
relatively small number of stores the Company closes in the normal course of
business. The $49.0 million reserve includes approximately $27.0 million for
lease settlements and obligations, approximately $4.0 million for severance and
other expenses directly related to the store closings, and approximately $18.0
million for the write-off of impaired assets which include inventory liquidation
and the write-off of intangible and fixed assets.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
    As a result of the above, earnings before interest expense and income taxes
increased 13.2% to $175.7 million, or 3.9% of sales, as compared to 3.8% of
sales for the same period of the prior year.
 
    Total interest expense was $93.7 million in fiscal 1994, a decrease of 17.2%
from fiscal 1993. The decrease was due primarily to the lower cost of debt to
the Company resulting from the 1993 Transactions and the Amendment which
provided improved pricing. In addition, the decrease in interest expense was due
to lower average borrowings in fiscal 1994, due primarily to repayments of
borrowings from net proceeds from the sale of Vision Group and Insta-Care
operations, partially offset by the numerous marketplace interest rate increases
during fiscal 1994. Amortization of original issue discount and deferred debt
expenses decreased to $5.9 million in fiscal 1994 from $7.2 million in fiscal
1993 resulting from the refinancing and early retirement of certain debt issues
in fiscal 1994 and 1993.
 
    Income tax expense was $4.1 million and $2.6 million in fiscal 1994 and
1993, respectively. Income tax expense in both fiscal years represents
alternative minimum tax and state income taxes for the Company, and reflects the
utilization of net operating loss carryforwards.
 
    As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company had earnings on an
adjusted basis before extraordinary items of $77.8 million in fiscal 1994
compared to $39.4 million in fiscal 1993, an increase of $38.4 million or 97.5%
and net income of $47.3 million in fiscal 1994 compared to a net loss of $5.0
million in fiscal 1993, a $52.3 million increase.
 
    The Company had extraordinary items of $30.5 million (net of tax benefit of
$1.6 million) and $44.4 million (net of tax benefit of $0.9 million) in fiscal
1994 and 1993, respectively. The extraordinary item in fiscal 1994 is primarily
from the write-off of deferred costs related to the Amendment of the Credit
Agreement, as well as from the early retirement of $50.0 million of the 11 1/8%
Debentures. The extraordinary item in fiscal 1993 is primarily from the
write-off of deferred costs from the early retirement of a portion of the 11
1/8% Debentures, all of the 13% Discount Debentures and the redemption of the 14
1/2% Preferred Stock.
 
  Fiscal Year 1993 (historical) compared with Fiscal Year 1992 (historical)
 
    The Company's competitive pricing and cost reduction programs were both
largely reflected in fiscal 1993. The Company's sales and other operating
revenue for fiscal 1993 were $4.191 billion, a 7.8% increase over fiscal 1992.
Comparable drug store sales increased 6.1% during fiscal 1993 compared to a 3.1%
increase in fiscal 1992. The increase in sales and other operating revenue was
due primarily to a $245 million increase in sales of prescription drugs.
 
   
    Prescription sales as a percentage of drug store sales and other operating 
revenue was approximately 48.3% for fiscal 1993 as compared with approximately 
45.4% for fiscal 1992. The growth in prescription sales was primarily the 
result of increased third-party prescription sales, the Company's competitive 
pricing program and a high incidence of cough and cold/flu virus during the 
first and fourth quarters of fiscal 1993. Third-party prescription sales 
represented approximately 58.0% and 49.6% of the Company's prescription sales 
in fiscal 1993 and 1992, respectively.
    
 
    The increase in comparable drug store sales was due primarily to the
increase in sales of prescription drugs resulting from sales related to new
third-party prescription plan contracts, the Company's competitive pricing
program, and a high incidence of cough and cold/flu virus during the first and
fourth quarters of fiscal 1993. In addition, comparable drug store sales growth
was positively affected by increased sales of non-prescription items in the
health and beauty, greeting card, convenience food and photofinishing categories
resulting from increased marketing emphasis and shelf space for these
categories, as well as increased sales of over-the-counter drugs because of the
high incidence of cough and cold/flu virus during the first and fourth quarters
of fiscal 1993. Total sales growth was positively affected by the growth in
comparable drug store sales, as well as the inclusion of 34 drug
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
stores acquired during the second half of fiscal 1992 and 19 drug stores
acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1993.
 
    Cost of sales and related expenses in fiscal 1993 were $3.175 billion, a
9.6% increase over fiscal 1992. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales and
related expenses were 75.8% and 74.5% for fiscal 1993 and 1992, respectively.
The competitive pricing strategy for non third-party prescription sales and the
continued increase in third-party prescription sales, which typically have lower
gross profit margins than non third-party prescription sales, partially offset
by a lower LIFO charge of $8.5 million ($15.0 million in fiscal 1992), were the
primary reasons for the increase in cost of sales and related expenses as a
percentage of sales in fiscal 1993.
 
    Operating and administrative expenses in fiscal 1993 were $858.0 million, a
0.3% increase over fiscal 1992. As a percentage of sales, operating and
administrative expenses were reduced to 20.5% in fiscal 1993 from 22.0% for
fiscal 1992 as a result of the higher sales in fiscal 1993 and lower costs as a
percentage of sales in such expense categories as payroll, advertising,
insurance and supplies as a result of the cost reduction program initiated in
the second half of fiscal 1992. The implementation of the cost reduction program
eliminated operating expenses of approximately $70.0 million in fiscal 1993, and
the Company estimates that $10.0 million of such savings was recognized in
fiscal 1992. Non-cash, tax deductible amortization of intangibles included in
operating and administrative expenses in fiscal 1993 and 1992 were $35.6 million
and $39.0 million, respectively, a decrease of 8.7%.
 
    As a result of the above, earnings before interest expense and income taxes
increased 16.1% to $157.2 million, or 3.8% of sales, as compared to 3.5% of
sales for the same period of the prior year.
 
    Total interest expense was $113.2 million in fiscal 1993, a decrease of
17.6% from fiscal 1992. The decrease was due primarily to lower interest rates
in the marketplace and lower cost of debt for the Company after the Refinancing
and the 9 1/4% Note Issuance and the consummation of the IPO on August 12, 1993.
 
    The income tax provision for fiscal 1993 and 1992 was $2.6 million and $2.9
million, respectively. The income tax provision for fiscal 1993 and 1992
represents alternative minimum tax and state income taxes.
 
    As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company had earnings before
extraordinary items in fiscal 1993 of $41.4 million, compared with a loss of
$4.9 million in fiscal 1992, and a net loss in fiscal 1993 of $2.9 million
compared with a net loss of $4.1 million in fiscal 1992.
 
    The Company had an extraordinary item of $44.4 million (net of an income tax
benefit of $0.9 million) in fiscal 1993, which was recognized as a result of the
early retirement of existing indebtedness and the redemption of the Company's 14
1/2% preferred stock in connection with the Refinancing, the IPO and the 9 1/4%
Note Issuance. In fiscal 1992, the Company had an extraordinary item of $0.8
million which represented the tax effect of the utilization of the Company's net
operating loss carryforward.
 
Quarterly Results and Seasonality
 
    The Company's sales and profits are higher during peak holiday periods and
from Christmas through Easter in selected geographic areas. Sales of
health-related products peak during seasonal outbreaks of cough and cold/flu
virus, typically during the winter and spring. Accordingly, sales and profits
are typically highest in the fourth quarter followed by the first quarter.
 
    The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly operating data
for each of fiscal 1994 and 1993 and for the first quarter of fiscal 1995. The
data presented include all adjustments, consisting
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
only of normal recurring adjustments, that management considers necessary for a
fair presentation of the data shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                           FISCAL 1995
                                           -----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                              FIRST
                                             QUARTER
                                           -----------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Sales and other operating revenue........  $ 1,219,594
Gross profit.............................      280,106
Net earnings (loss)......................       30,544
EBITDA...................................       79,052
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                      FISCAL 1994
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                              FIRST          SECOND       THIRD        FOURTH
                                             QUARTER        QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER       TOTAL
                                           -----------     ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Sales and other operating revenue........  $ 1,126,806(1)  $1,057,924   $1,061,704   $1,302,597   $4,549,031
Gross profit.............................      270,112        246,609      239,523      348,646    1,104,890
Net earnings (loss)......................       26,945          6,021      (26,015)      40,857       47,808
EBITDA...................................       70,544         49,795       44,147       94,127      258,613
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                      FISCAL 1993
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                              FIRST          SECOND       THIRD        FOURTH
                                             QUARTER        QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER       TOTAL
                                           -----------     ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Sales and other operating revenue........  $ 1,055,152     $  981,195   $  972,675   $1,181,517   $4,190,539
Gross profit.............................      261,823        238,523      227,769      287,049    1,015,164
Net earnings (loss)......................       17,820        (30,868)     (11,558)      21,665       (2,941)
EBITDA...................................       74,433         52,005       34,725       81,681      242,844
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) Does not reflect reclassification of sales to employees to conform to fiscal
    1995 financial statement presentation. As reclassified, sales and other
    operating revenue for this quarter would equal $1,136,195.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    At June 24, 1995, the Company had outstanding approximately $424.8 million
under the Term Loans, $91.0 million of Revolving Loans under the Credit
Agreement and $8.0 million of Bankers' Acceptances and had $162.4 million
available for Revolving Loan borrowing under the Credit Agreement (which is net
of $88.6 million of letters of credit). Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the
Company is required to make scheduled payments of the outstanding principal
amount of Term Loans in the following approximate amounts: $65.0 million in
fiscal 1995; $80.0 million in fiscal 1996; $80.0 million in fiscal 1997; $85.0
million in fiscal 1998; $95.0 million in fiscal 1999; and $85.0 million in
fiscal 2000. Prepayments made pursuant to the Credit Agreement are applied pro
rata among the remaining scheduled principal payments. The Credit Agreement
matures at the end of July 2000. At April 29, 1995, the Company had excess
availability under the revolving loan facility portion of the Credit Agreement
and accordingly was not required to treat the required amortization repayments
as current. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness--The Credit Agreement."
 
    On April 29, 1995 the Company had working capital of $340.5 million and a
current ratio of 1.7 to 1 compared to $280.3 million and 1.5 to 1 at January 28,
1995. Cash flow provided by operating activities increased $65.2 million to
$29.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 1995 compared to a cash deficit of
$36.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 1994. This increase was
principally due to the higher than normal cash payments to merchandise vendors
in the first quarter of fiscal 1994, resulting in the reduction of accounts
payable from an abnormally high balance at January 29, 1994 primarily from the
timing of vendor payment due dates, and offset partially by an increase in
receivables from third-party prescription sales in the first quarter of fiscal
1995.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    Net cash from investing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 1995 and
1994 used $15.0 million and provided $16.8 million, respectively. Uses of cash
were principally for capital expenditures of $15.6 million and $10.0 million for
fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively, for point-of-sale product scanning
equipment, additions to the Company's drug stores, and Express Photo units and
improvements to existing stores. In addition, in fiscal 1994, additions to
property, plant and equipment were for the installation of satellite
communication equipment. In the first quarter of fiscal 1994, a source of cash
to the Company from investing activities was provided by a partial payment for
the sale of the Vision Group operations. Capital improvements for fiscal 1995,
including those to be acquired under a deferred payment arrangement and through
operating leases and excluding those to be incurred upon completion of the
Florida Acquisition, are expected to total approximately $119.0 million. Funds
for the cash capital expenditures are expected to come from cash flow from
operating activities and available borrowings, if necessary.
 
    Pursuant to the Florida Acquisition, the Company will acquire the assets of
109 Rite Aid drug stores located in Florida for a cash purchase price of
approximately $75.0 million, which is subject to inventory adjustments. The
Company will acquire 37 Rite Aid leased locations, which will be operated as
Eckerd Drug stores, and the fixtures, inventory and prescription files of an
additional 72 Rite Aid locations that will be closed by Rite Aid, who will
remain obligated on the leases for such stores. The Company expects to liquidate
certain of the inventory and fixtures associated with the closed stores
immediately after the closing of the transaction. After giving effect to the
expected net liquidation proceeds and capital expenditures relating to the
Florida Acquisition, the Company currently estimates that its total net
investment for the Florida Acquisition will be approximately $65.0 million.
There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to liquidate
such inventory and fixtures or that, if the Company is able to effect such
liquidation, it will receive the estimated amount of proceeds.
 
    Financing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 1995 used $13.1
million. Uses of cash were primarily for the reduction of $34.7 million of bank
debit balances. Funds were provided by $21.5 million of borrowings under the
Credit Agreement. Financing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 1994
provided $18.5 million primarily from borrowings under the Credit Agreement of
$44.3 million to support working capital needs and for the reduction of $24.7
million of bank debit balances.
 
    On May 12, 1995, the Company redeemed $16.64 million aggregate principal
amount of 11 1/8% Debentures ($15.53 million accreted value) with the proceeds
of Revolving Loans.
 
    The Company anticipates that the combination of amortization of intangibles
and interest on debt will have a negative impact upon future earnings and, to a
lesser degree, cash flow from operating activities. The Company does not
believe, however, that the impact of such planned amortization and interest
expense upon earnings indicates a present or future impairment of liquidity.
Based upon the Company's ability to generate cash flow from operating
activities, the available unused portion of the revolving loan facility portion
under the Credit Agreement and other existing sources, the Company believes that
it will have the funds necessary to meet the principal and interest payments on
its debt as they become due and to operate and expand its business.
 
    The payment of dividends and other distributions by the Company is subject
to restrictions under certain of the financing agreements to which the Company
is a party, including the Credit Agreement and the 9 1/4% Notes. See
"Description of Certain Indebtedness." The Company does not intend to pay
dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
 
    The Company adopted SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" in the first
quarter of fiscal 1993. The adoption of SFAS 109 had no material effect on the
Company's results of operations.
 
    In December 1990, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
106, "Employer's Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions."
The implementation of SFAS No. 106
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
will not have any effect on the Company's results of operations because none of
the Company's employee welfare and benefit plans provides for postretirement
benefits.
 
TAX NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
 
   
    As of January 28, 1995, the Company estimates that it had NOL carryforwards
of approximately $218.0 million for U.S. federal income tax purposes. These
carryforwards, if not utilized to offset taxable income in future periods, will
expire in fiscal years 2002 to 2008. If the Company experiences an "ownership
change" within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), the Company's ability to use its NOL carryforwards
existing at the time of any such ownership change to offset its taxable income,
if any, generated in taxable periods after the ownership change would be subject
to an annual limitation described below. Although the IPO, the underwritten
public offering of Common Stock for the account of certain selling stockholders
of the Company which was consummated in May 1994 (the "Secondary Offering") and
related transactions did not cause an ownership change, and the Company does not
believe that the Offering will cause an ownership change, it is possible that
future events (such as transfers of the Common Stock by five-percent
shareholders (within the meaning of the Code) or stock issuances by the Company,
including issuances of stock upon the exercise of employee stock options)
could cause the Company to experience an ownership change. In that event, the
amount of NOL carryforwards which may be utilized on an annual basis (the
"Section 382 Limitation") would generally be equal to the product of the value
of all the outstanding stock of the Company immediately prior to the ownership
change (reduced by certain contributions to the Company's capital made in the
two years prior to the ownership change) and the "long-term tax-exempt rate"
(determined monthly and, for ownership changes occurring in the month of July
1995, 5.88%). If the Company experienced an ownership change at a time at which
the value of the Common Stock was equal to the closing price on July 12, 1995 of
$33.625 per share, the Section 382 Limitation would be approximately $59.0
million using the foregoing long-term tax-exempt rate, although the Company does
not believe that the foregoing limitation on the use of its NOLs would have a
significant effect on its U.S. federal income tax liability.
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
    The Company operates the Eckerd Drug store chain, which is one of the
largest drug store chains in the United States. At May 27, 1995, the Eckerd Drug
store chain consisted of 1,689 stores in 13 states located primarily in the
Sunbelt, including 550 stores in Florida and 481 stores in Texas. The Company's
stores are concentrated in 10 of the 12 metropolitan statistical areas in the
United States with the largest percentage growth in population from 1980 to
1990, and, according to industry sources, the Company ranks first or second in
drug store sales in 12 of the 14 major metropolitan markets in which it
operates.
 
THE DRUG STORE INDUSTRY
 
    Prescription and over-the-counter medications have traditionally been sold
by independent drug stores as well as conventional drug store chains, such as
Eckerd Drug stores, and purchased by consumers with cash or credit cards.
According to Drug Store News, drug store sales in 1994 increased 6.3% from 1993
to approximately $82.9 billion, 72% of which was represented by conventional
drug store chains, such as Eckerd Drug stores. Drug store prescription sales
increased 9.2% from 1993 to approximately $41.5 billion in 1994, which
represented 50% of total drug store sales and approximately 66.7% of total
retail prescription sales. The remaining retail prescription sales were
represented by mail order ($7.1 billion), mass merchandisers ($7.0 billion) and
food/drug combo stores ($6.6 billion). The drug store industry has recently
undergone significant changes as a result of the following important trends: (i)
the increase in third-party payments for prescription drugs, (ii) the
consolidation within the drug store industry, (iii) the aging of the United
States population and (iv) the increase in competition from non-traditional
retailers of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
 
    During the last several years, a growing percentage of prescription drug
volume throughout the industry has been accounted for by sales to customers who
are covered by third-party payment programs ("third-party sales"). According to
IMS-America, in 1994, third-party sales represented approximately 55.3% of total
prescription drug sales in the United States, more than three times what it had
been in 1986. In a typical third-party sale, the drug store has a contract with
a third-party payor, such as an insurance company, HMO, PPO, other managed care
provider, government agency or private employer, which agrees to pay for part or
all of a customer's eligible prescription purchases. Although these third-party
sales contracts often provide a high volume of prescription sales, such sales
typically generate lower gross margins than non third-party sales due
principally to the highly competitive nature of this business and recent efforts
by third-party payors to contain costs. Larger drug store chains, such as Eckerd
Drug stores, are better able to service the growing third-party segment than
independent drug stores and smaller chains as a result of the larger chains'
more sophisticated technology systems, larger number of stores and greater
penetration within their markets.
 
    As a result of the economies of scale from which larger drug store chains
benefit as well as the third-party payment trend, the number of independent drug
stores and smaller drug store chains has decreased as many of such retailers
have been acquired by larger drug store chains. This trend is expected to
continue because larger chains are better positioned to handle the increased
third-party sales, purchase inventory on more advantageous terms and achieve
other economies of scale with respect to their marketing, advertising,
distribution and other expenditures. The Company believes that the number of
independent drug stores and smaller drug store chains remaining in operation may
provide significant acquisition opportunities for larger drug store chains, such
as the Company.
 
    Strong demographic trends have also contributed to changes in the drug store
industry, as the group of persons over age 50 is the fastest growing segment of
the United States population. This trend has had, and is expected to continue to
have, a marked effect on the pharmacy business in the United States because
consumer prescription and over-the-counter drug usage generally increases with
age. In 1991, persons over age 50 represented approximately 26% of the
population, although they consumed
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
approximately 67% of all prescription drugs sold in the United States. This
segment is projected to increase to 29% of the population by the year 2000. The
average per capita prescription usage in the United States is approximately 6.5
prescriptions per year, which increases to approximately 7.9, 10.5 and 13.0
prescriptions filled per year for persons ages 50-59, 60-69 and over 70,
respectively. The Company's markets have large concentrations of, and are
continuing to experience significant growth in, the number of persons over age
65.
 
    In 1994, drug store chains and independent drug stores represented
approximately 37.3% and 29.4%, respectively, of all prescription sales in the
United States. In response to a number of factors, including the aging of the
United States population, mass merchants (including discounters and deep
discounters), supermarkets, combination food and drug stores, mail order
distributors, hospitals, HMOs and other managed care providers have entered the
prescription industry. Supermarkets, including combination food and drug stores,
and mass merchants each represented approximately 11% of all prescription sales
in the United States in 1994. Although the Company currently faces increased
competition from these retailers, industry studies show that consumers in the
over 65 age group tend to make purchases at traditional drug stores, such as
Eckerd Drug stores, and maintain strong store loyalty.
 
ECKERD DRUG STORES
 
    In 1992, the Company celebrated the 40th anniversary of the opening of the
first Eckerd Drug store. The Company has grown to its present size and developed
its leading position in the industry through both internal expansion and
acquisitions. As of May 27, 1995, the Company operated the number of Eckerd Drug
stores and Eckerd Express Photo centers indicated below in each of the following
states:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DRUG STORES
                                                         ECKERD     WITH ECKERD
                                                          DRUG     EXPRESS PHOTO
                                                         STORES       CENTERS
                                                         ------    -------------
<S>                                                      <C>       <C>
Florida...............................................     550          238
Texas.................................................     481          134
North Carolina........................................     181           46
Georgia...............................................     159           47
Louisiana.............................................      98           18
South Carolina........................................      79           13
Tennessee.............................................      33            1
New Jersey............................................      28            1
Mississippi...........................................      26        --
Oklahoma..............................................      26        --
Alabama...............................................      16            3
Delaware..............................................      11        --
Maryland..............................................       1        --
                                                         ------         ---
      Total...........................................   1,689          501
                                                         ------         ---
                                                         ------         ---
</TABLE>
 
    Over the past five years, the Company has implemented several initiatives
designed to increase the size and improve the quality and operating performance
of the Company's store base. Among such initiatives is the opening and
acquisition of new stores, the closure, divestiture or relocation of under-
performing stores and an extensive remodeling program. Since the beginning of
fiscal 1990, more than 300 Eckerd Drug stores have been opened or acquired
within the Company's existing markets, more than 200 under-performing stores
have been closed or divested, and more than 50% of the Company's remaining
stores have been remodeled. In addition, the Company has opened more than 300
Express Photo centers. The Company has also increased the degree to which
merchandise is tailored to specific
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
markets, instituted a chainwide shrinkage reduction program and made a
significant investment in its management information systems. As a result of,
among other things, these actions, aggregate sales have increased from $3.46
billion in fiscal 1990 to $4.55 billion in fiscal 1994.
 
    In fiscal 1994, the Company opened or acquired 39 drug stores, relocated 16
drug stores and closed 22 drug stores. In addition, in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 1994, the Company decided to accelerate the closing of approximately 90
geographically dispersed, under-performing stores during the period from fiscal
1995 through mid-1996, and established a $49.0 million reserve for future store
closings. As of June 24, 1995, the Company had closed 65 of such stores since
the end of the first quarter of 1995. These closings are in addition to the
relatively small number of stores the Company closes in the normal course of
business. See "--Business Strategy--Store Base Strategy."
 
    Pursuant to the Florida Acquisition, the Company will acquire 37 Rite Aid
leased locations, which will be operated as Eckerd Drug stores, and the
fixtures, inventory and prescription files of an additional 72 Rite Aid
locations. As a result of the Florida Acquisition, the Company intends to close
approximately 6 Eckerd Drug stores, which closings will occur in fiscal 1995.
 
    The following table summarizes the number of Eckerd Drug stores operated by
the Company and the sales on an aggregate and per store basis for the last five
years.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            THIRTEEN WEEKS
                                ENDED                                 FISCAL YEARS
                              APRIL 29,      --------------------------------------------------------------
                                 1995           1994         1993         1992         1991         1990
                            --------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                         <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Number of Eckerd Drug
  stores at beginning of
  period..................         1,735          1,718        1,696        1,675        1,673        1,630
Stores opened or
  acquired................             3             39           52           50           22          139(1)
Stores sold or closed.....           (11)           (22)         (30)         (29)         (20)         (96)(2)
                            --------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Number of Eckerd Drug
  stores at end of period.         1,727          1,735        1,718        1,696        1,675        1,673
                            --------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                            --------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Number with Express Photo
  centers.................           495            481          413          378          321          258
Sales of Eckerd Drug
  stores..................    $1,217,464     $4,396,440   $4,014,094   $3,722,523   $3,594,037   $3,330,062
Average annual sales per
  Eckerd Drug store.......       NA          $    2,561   $    2,365   $    2,222   $    2,142   $    2,036
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) Includes 96 stores acquired by, and managed on behalf of, EH II (two of
    which were closed in fiscal year 1991). Excludes 127 stores acquired by EH
    II that were liquidated or sold.
 
(2) Includes 14 Eckerd Drug stores closed as of a result of the acquisition of
    drug stores by EH II.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    The Company's business strategy is focused on maintaining a strong pharmacy
and health-related business because of management's belief regarding the growth
prospects of this business. The Company will continue to implement this strategy
by:
 
        . maintaining a high level of customer service and convenience;
 
        . providing competitive prices on its merchandise, including prices on
    prescription drugs to non third-party customers in order to enhance its
    market share and long-term competitive position;
 
        . maintaining an aggressive marketing program to third-party payors,
    such as insurance companies, HMOs, PPOs, other managed care providers,
    government agencies and private employers;
 
        . continuing its commitment to control costs;
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
        . improving store productivity and profitability by reallocating
    nonpharmacy shelf space to certain products, such as health and beauty aids
    and greeting cards, and adding food marts, all of which have higher sales
    and gross profit growth potential than other products and which the Company
    believes increase customer traffic;
 
        . expanding the number of stores primarily within the Company's existing
    market areas, both through internal expansion and acquisitions and improving
    the Company's store base by relocating and renovating certain stores and
    closing under-performing stores; and
 
        . continuing to invest in information systems to improve customer
    service, reduce operating costs, provide information needed to support
    management decisions and enhance the Company's competitive position with
    third-party payors.
 
  Customer Service and Convenience
 
    The Company believes that customer service and convenience are critical in
positioning itself as the alternative to mass merchandisers, supermarkets and
other large format retailing channels. The Company will continue to emphasize
service and convenience through pharmacy support services, store location and
design, merchandising programs and operating hours geared to the needs of the
particular market.
 
    The Company offers a high level of professional pharmacy service, which the
Company believes provides added value to its customers. The Company provides the
"Rx Advisor," a personalized easy-to-read publication, to each prescription drug
customer, which advises the customer of the specific dosages, contraindications
and side effects of his or her prescription medicine.
 
    The Company will continue to remodel and reset its stores to provide modern,
well-identified stores, which are easily accessible to customers and will seek
to open new stores in easily accessible high traffic locations. The Company also
tailors its merchandising to provide the product mix and selection to best serve
the customers of each particular store, including beach, tourist, business and
other target groups. The Company typically provides several conveniently
located, modern stores in a community. The Company's stores range in size from
8,200 to 10,800 square feet and are located primarily in neighborhood strip
centers or free standing locations. Such stores are typically open every day of
the year except Christmas, with some open until midnight or 24 hours a day.
 
    Other customer service advantages include comfortable pharmacy waiting
areas, free health-related programs, screenings (e.g., blood pressure tests) and
drive-through pharmacy windows in most new drug stores. In addition, the Company
is continually testing new customer service features.
 
  Competitive Pricing
 
    While the Company believes that it competes primarily on the basis of
customer service and convenience, price is also an important factor. The
Company's policy is to price its prescription drug products more competitively
than most other traditional drug stores in its markets. The Company believes
that this policy has enhanced its competitive position with drug stores and
other shopping formats. See "Risk Factors--Competition" and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition--General--Competitive Pricing."
 
  Marketing to Third-Party Payors
 
    The Company believes that the number and concentration of Eckerd Drug stores
within existing markets, the Company's experience and reputation in the drug
store industry and its computerized pharmacy system gives the Company advantages
when compared to independent drug stores, small drug store chains and mass
merchandisers in competing for the increasing amount of third-party sales.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
    Third-party prescription sales, which are an integral part of the Company's
drug store business, accounted for approximately 68.9%, 64.6%, 58.0%, 49.6%,
43.1% and 36.0% of the Company's prescription sales in the first quarter of
fiscal 1995, fiscal 1994, fiscal 1993, fiscal 1992, fiscal 1991 and fiscal 1990,
respectively. The Company currently has contracts with approximately 500
third-party payors, 45 of which designate the Company as the exclusive provider
of pharmacy services. The third-party payor contracts provide for direct billing
to the third-party payor rather than the customer. The Company believes that
these third-party sales contracts provide the opportunity for increased volume
of prescription sales; however, such sales have lower gross margins than non
third-party prescription sales. See "Risk Factors--Prescription Drug Sales and
Future Regulation." The Company intends to continue to market itself
aggressively with all types of third-party payors, including insurance
companies, HMOs, PPOs, other managed care providers, government agencies and
private employers.
 
   
    The Company has devoted substantial resources to this marketing effort over
the last five fiscal years. For example, Eckerd Health Services, a joint venture
formed by the Company, is developing and offering pharmacy benefit management
services to third-party payors. Eckerd Health Services provides its expertise
in, among other things, data analysis and healthcare services, to third-party
payors and presents such third-party payors with operational cost savings
opportunities. The Company also provides mail order delivery of its prescription
drugs to third-party payors. In addition, the Company's computer systems provide
on-line adjudication, which permits the Company and the third-party payor to
determine electronically, at the time of sale, eligibility of the customer,
coverage of the prescription and pricing and co-payment requirement, if any, and
automatically bills the respective plan. On-line adjudication reduces losses
from rejected claims and eliminates a portion of the Company's paperwork for
billing and collection of receivables and costs associated therewith. The
Company believes that such systems are essential to service the increasing
volume of third-party sales. During the past five years, the Company has reduced
the average number of days that receivables from third-party sales were
outstanding from 48 days at the end of fiscal 1990 to 21 days during fiscal 
1994 while increasing third-party sales by 187% during the same period.
    
 
  Cost Controls
 
    The Company's continued commitment to control costs and maintain its
competitive position in the marketplace focuses on decreasing expenses without
decreasing the level of services provided in its stores. Store staffing remains
at historical levels in order to maintain a high level of customer service. The
Company continues to actively evaluate and pursue additional cost savings which
can be obtained without affecting the Company's customer service, quality or
sales growth potential. There can be no assurance, however, that any additional
cost reductions will be realized. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition--General--Cost Reduction Program."
 
  Improved Productivity and Profitability of Nonpharmacy Merchandise
 
    The Company is continually seeking to improve store productivity and
profitability by monitoring and adjusting the mix and selection of its
nonpharmacy merchandise categories and items within each category to emphasize
merchandise that has higher sales and gross profit growth potential. Among the
over 27,000 nonpharmacy SKUs (as defined herein) typically offered in one of the
Company's stores, the Company concentrates on products that it considers
especially appropriate for a health-focused convenience-based drug store and
which the Company believes will increase customer traffic. Although these
categories may shift over time based upon consumer needs and other trends, the
Company is currently emphasizing health and beauty aids, greeting cards and the
photo finishing business. To implement its reorganization of nonpharmacy
merchandise, the Company reallocated nonpharmacy shelf space within all of its
stores, resulting in, among other things, substantially increased store space
devoted to greeting cards, increased emphasis on health and beauty aids, and the
introduction of convenience food mart sections in over 550 selected locations,
with plans to add 400 in fiscal 1995 (100 of which were introduced in the first
quarter of fiscal 1995). In addition, store configurations have been altered to
promote increased store traffic and more closely conform to customer
preferences, as
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
indicated in market studies conducted by the Company, including tailoring of
specific stores offerings to specific markets where appropriate.
 
  Store Base Strategy
 
    The Company intends to continue to increase the size and improve the quality
and operating performance of its store base through (i) internal expansion and
acquisitions of smaller drug store chains and independent drug stores, (ii)
relocation and renovation of existing stores and (iii) closing under-performing
stores.
 
    The Company intends to continue to expand its business through both internal
expansion and acquisitions of smaller drug store chains and independent drug
stores. Although the Company currently plans to expand Eckerd Drug stores within
the Company's existing markets, the Company also considers strategic
acquisitions in other markets. In addition to its store acquisition program, the
Company pursues the acquisition of prescription files from other pharmacies in
the Company's existing markets. Once acquired, the prescription files are
transferred to an existing Eckerd Drug store, increasing the prescription sales
volume in that store.
 
    In determining the areas in which to open or acquire drug stores, the
Company evaluates a number of demographic considerations, including the size,
growth pattern and per capita income of the population, as well as the
competitive environment and the accessibility of a proposed site to the customer
and to the Company's warehouse and distribution facilities. The Company also
continually reviews these factors and the performance of individual stores in
determining whether to close or relocate certain stores.
 
   
    The Company's goal is to open at least 40 new drug stores in fiscal 1995 and
50 new drug stores per year thereafter through fiscal 1999 (excluding
acquisitions and relocations). The cash costs associated with opening a drug
store are estimated to be approximately $490,000, which includes initial cash
inventory costs of approximately $260,000. The Company intends to use cash flow
from operations to finance the cash costs of this growth, although borrowings
may also be available to finance such growth. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition-- Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
    
 
   
    In fiscal 1995, the Company plans to relocate approximately 40 of its
existing stores, mainly from strip shopping centers to new free-standing
locations, and thereafter expects that the number of stores to be relocated per
year will be increased. In addition, the Company plans to completely remodel 80
of its stores and to perform minor renovations on 400 of its other stores in
fiscal 1995. The cash costs associated with a relocation or complete renovation
of an existing store are estimated to be approximately $170,000 and $150,000,
respectively (not including approximately $35,000 related to the costs of
installing scanning and satellite communications equipment, if necessary).
    
 
    The Company also expects to close approximately 10-20 under-performing drug
stores per year in fiscal 1995 and thereafter through fiscal 1999 in order to
improve the quality of the Company's store base. As a result of the Company's
decision in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1994 to accelerate the closing of
approximately 90 under-performing stores, the number of stores to be closed may
decrease in the future.
 
    In addition, the Company currently intends to continue to expand its
one-hour photo finishing business, with a goal of adding approximately 270 new
Express Photo centers by 1999. The Company believes that its long standing
reputation for high quality photo finishing programs and its advertising and
marketing programs which emphasize the Company's experience and reinforce its
image as a quality photo finisher have enabled the Company to develop and expand
its Express Photo center operations. The Company believes that its photo
finishing operations provide further opportunities for growth in its drug store
business due to both the direct contribution to sales from photo finishing and
the significant additional store traffic from such operations, which is
important in generating sales of other products. The Company selects locations
for Express Photo centers based upon the demographics of the market and intends
to concentrate Express Photo center expansion by market to enable the Company to
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
benefit from advertising and other operating synergies. The costs associated
with opening each Eckerd Express Photo center are estimated to be approximately
$100,000 and are expected to be largely financed through operating leases or
arrangements such as the IFS Sale and Leaseback.
 
  Information and Technology
 
    The Company intends to continue to invest in information systems to improve
customer service, reduce operating costs, provide information needed to support
management decisions and enhance the Company's competitive position with
third-party payors. The Company's Comp-U-Care System, installed in each pharmacy
location, provides support for the pharmacy and assists pharmacists in their
prescription processing activities, which in turn enhances the pharmacy's
ability to service customers. The system's daily transfer of information between
headquarters and each of the in-store pharmacy terminals allows central
monitoring of prescription sales activity by store and item, centralized billing
of third-party sales and daily updates to the stores' data files. The
Comp-U-Care System performs on-line adjudication of customer and claim
eligibility and reimbursement for the majority of the third-party payment plans
in which the Company participates. Because on-line adjudication reduces losses
from rejected claims and eliminates a portion of the Company's paperwork for
billing and collection of receivables and costs associated therewith, the
Company believes that it is essential to servicing the increasing volume of
third-party sales. See "--Business Strategy--Marketing to Third-Party Payors."
 
    The Company is in the process of implementing a four-year pharmacy systems
enhancement plan designed to provide additional support to pharmacists, meet the
increasing complexity of third-party programs and enhance the Company's
competitive position through advanced technology. As part of this plan, the
Company is currently developing its advanced Comp-U-Care 2000 System, which is
scheduled to be introduced in Eckerd Drug stores in the second half of fiscal
1995 and to be completely implemented by the summer of 1996. The Comp-U-Care
2000 System will improve speed and productivity in the pharmacy, decrease
customer wait time and enhance functionality, including expanded drug
utilization reviews. The Company expects that the Comp-U-Care 2000 system will
permit the transfer of information, such as prescription files, directly from
one drug store to another thereby further improving customer service by enabling
customers to fill and refill prescriptions at any Eckerd Drug store.
 
    During fiscal 1994, the Company installed a satellite communications
network, enhanced the point-of-sale reporting system and upgraded the
merchandise buying system. The Company believes that the satellite
communications system will facilitate implementation of its pharmacy systems
enhancement plan.
 
    As of June 24, 1995 the Company had point-of-sale product scanning equipment
in approximately 800 stores and by the end of fiscal 1995, expects to have
scanning installed in over 1,100 stores, which stores represent approximately
75% of the Company's total front-end sales. The Company has a goal of
implementing scanning throughout the chain by the fall of 1996. Scanning is a
system which inputs point-of-sale information by reading the universal product
code of merchandise sold with either a hand held or slot scanner to capture
information on each specific item of product, including variations in size and
color (a stock-keeping unit or "SKU"), sales data and pricing information. The
Company has developed computer systems that use the information generated from
scanning to analyze sales, gross profit, inventory levels and direct product
profitability by category, department and operating region and, in certain
instances, SKU. Such information identifies early trends in sales by SKU, gross
profit performance and inventory position and is also a source for measuring
inventory shrinkage performances. The Company has been expanding scanning to its
higher volume stores in order to maximize benefits and recover the related
expenses more efficiently. Scanning systems will provide more and better
merchant and store level information to facilitate inventory management,
automatic re-ordering, product sales and gross profit analysis and inventory
shrinkage control. The Company believes that broader use of scanning throughout
the chain will improve customer service by decreasing customer check-out time
and improving adherence to advertised sale or promotional prices. The Company
believes the direct benefits of scanning will be sufficient to offset the
related expense.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    The Company is expanding its use of electronic data interchange ("EDI")
systems with certain of its major suppliers. EDI allows for the paperless
ordering of products with immediate confirmation from the vendor on price,
delivery terms and amount of goods ordered. The Company is also experimenting
with automatic replenishment buying in connection with its warehouse and
distribution systems, which includes the computer generation of purchase orders
for certain vendors. The Company installed the merchandise receiving component
of its new warehouse management system in the Atlanta, Georgia distribution
facility and expects the entire system to be installed in Atlanta by the spring
of 1996 and in all of its distribution facilities by the end of fiscal 1996.
These systems should also allow the Company to reduce lead time on orders and
improve cash flow by reducing the amount of inventory required to be kept on
hand. EDI will be expanded as the Company expands its scanning system.
 
    In 1993, the Company and Integrated Systems Solutions Corporation ("ISSC"),
a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM, entered into a Systems Operations Service
Agreement pursuant to which the Company and ISSC are developing a state of the
art information systems operation to include pharmacy and point-of-sale systems
for the Company's drug stores. Under the agreement, ISSC manages the Company's
entire information systems operation and is responsible for providing technology
services to the Company, which results in, among other things, improved
productivity and significant hardware savings to the Company. ISSC is in the
process of implementing scanning, the Comp-U-Care 2000 System, and the warehouse
management system. The Systems Operations Services Agreement has a 10-year term,
and the total payments to be made by the Company thereunder are currently
expected to be between $320.0 million and $440.0 million over such term,
depending on optional services utilized. The Company believes that this
arrangement has and will continue to enable the Company to further improve
customer service, replace the Company's existing systems, reduce operating costs
and capital expenditures for hardware, obtain information needed to support
management decisions on an improved basis and increase the Company's focus on
its core business.
 
    The Company is also developing or purchasing software with applications in
the human resources area, which would more accurately monitor personnel
performance and attendance and assist management in making personnel scheduling
decisions in an effort to increase productivity and reduce operating costs. In
addition, the Company is purchasing or developing software to expand the
merchandise and store information data base systems to enable the Company to
more efficiently manage its business and to start the initial roll out of the
warehouse management system to provide improved control and management of
inventory and personnel. Such software is expected to be implemented in fiscal
1995.
 
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
  Pharmacy
 
   
    The primary focus of Eckerd Drug stores is the sale of prescription and
over-the-counter drugs. During fiscal 1994, the Company filled more than 89
million prescriptions, and sales of prescription and over-the-counter drugs
generated approximately 61.1% of the Company's drug store sales and other
operating revenue. During the period from fiscal 1990 through fiscal 1994, the
Company's dollar volume of sales of prescription drugs increased at a compound
annual growth rate of 12.4% and during the first quarter of fiscal 1995, the
dollar volume of sales of prescription drugs increased by 17.0% as compared to
the first quarter of fiscal 1994.
    
 
    The Company seeks to position pharmacists as health-care professionals who
build relationships with their customers. Over the years, marketing and
advertising campaigns have been focused on reinforcing the professionalism of
the Company's pharmacists and positioning them as a key factor to high quality
pharmacy service. The Company has also instituted several health-related
programs such as health screenings, education and outreach programs, and
customer relationship programs. The Company provides the "Rx Advisor," a
personalized easy-to-read publication, to each prescription drug
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
customer, which advises the customer of the specific dosages, contraindications
and side effects of his or her prescription medicine.
 
    Eckerd Drug store pharmacy departments are modern, clean and clearly
identified by attractive signs. The pharmacy areas in many of the Company's
newer and remodeled stores provide a consultation area and a waiting area with
comfortable seating, informational brochures and free blood pressure testing.
The pharmacy areas are designed to be conducive to customer service and
counseling by the pharmacists. See "--Business Strategy--Customer Service and
Convenience."
 
    The Company believes that it is well positioned to take advantage of certain
demographic trends, including the aging of the United States population. The
Company's stores are concentrated in 10 of the 12 metropolitan statistical areas
in the United States with the largest percentage growth in population from 1980
to 1990. In addition, approximately 60% of the Company's drug stores are located
in Florida and Texas, two of the top three states experiencing the greatest
influx of persons over age 65. According to industry studies, persons over age
65 purchase twice as many prescription drugs and 50% more over-the-counter drugs
than the national average. The Company also believes that it is capable of
meeting the needs of the increasing volume of third-party prescription sales and
is aggressively marketing itself to third-party payors. See "Risk
Factors--Prescription Drug Sales and Future Regulation" and "-- Business
Strategy--Marketing to Third-Party Payors."
 
    The Company believes that new prescription drugs and drug therapies provide
an opportunity for increased demand for prescription drugs. In addition, the
Food and Drug Administration is approving an increasing number of prescription
products for sale over the counter. Prescription drugs which are approved for
over-the-counter distribution have historically shown significantly increased
sales.
 
  Nonpharmacy Merchandise
 
    Eckerd Drug stores sell a wide variety of nonpharmacy merchandise, including
over-the-counter drugs, health and beauty aids, greeting cards and numerous
other convenience products. Eckerd-brand products, which are attractively priced
and provide higher margins than similar national brand products, represent a
growing segment of products offered by Eckerd Drug stores. Sales of private
label products accounted for $198.7 million of the Company's sales in fiscal
1994.
 
    Health. Eckerd Drug stores offer a broad assortment of popular national
brands as well as private label over-the-counter drugs and other products
related to dental care, foot care, vitamins and nutritional supplements,
feminine hygiene, family planning and baby care. Eckerd Drug stores provide a
helpful environment in which consumers can obtain product information from
professional pharmacists, knowledgeable sales associates and store managers or
from literature available throughout the store.
 
    Beauty. Eckerd Drug stores offer an assortment of popular brand name
cosmetics, fragrances and other beauty products. Management believes that Eckerd
Drug stores provide the customer with a convenient format in which to purchase
the lines of beauty products offered in its stores. Skin care products are an
increasingly important component of the beauty category due to the aging
population and growing concern about the effects of the environment on the skin.
The Company has recently completed an expansion which devoted more shelf space
to this product category.
 
    Greeting Cards. The greeting card department in Eckerd Drug stores offers a
wide selection of contemporary and traditional cards, gift wrap, bows and
novelties. The Company believes that the locations of its stores together with
the wide selection offered by Eckerd Drug stores enable customers to satisfy
their card and gift needs more conveniently than at traditional card stores. The
Company has recently increased the space devoted to its greeting card department
because of the profitability of such merchandise and because the Company
believes that the demand for such merchandise will increase traffic in its
stores.
 

                                       40
<PAGE>
    Convenience Products. This merchandise category consists of an assortment of
items, including candy, food, tobacco products, books and magazines, household
products, seasonal merchandise and toys. These items are carefully positioned to
provide optimum convenience to the customer with easy access in the front part
of the store. The Company also seeks to serve its customers' needs by
specifically tailoring items in this category to meet the needs of its customers
in specific store locations, including the introduction of a food mart section
offering convenience food items such as staple grocery shelf items, staple and
chilled beverages, snack foods and specialty items, in approximately 550
locations. For example, souvenirs and select summer products are offered in
beach and tourist locations while convenience food is stressed in urban areas
and malls. The Company plans to add food mart sections to an additional 400
stores in fiscal 1995.
 
  Photo Finishing
 
    Another significant focus of Eckerd Drug stores is photo finishing. The
Company offers overnight photo finishing services in all Eckerd Drug stores and
operates Eckerd Express Photo centers, which are one-hour photo processing
mini-labs, in 501 Eckerd Drug stores as of May 27, 1995. Sales from photo
finishing accounted for approximately 4.9% of the Company's drug store sales in
fiscal 1994 and were the second largest component of drug store profit. The
Company believes that its photo finishing operations provide further
opportunities for growth in its drug store business because of the direct
contribution to sales from photo finishing and the significant additional store
traffic from such operations, which is important in generating sales of other
products. Photo finishing generates store traffic because it generally requires
two trips to a store--one visit to drop off the roll of film and one visit to
pick up the developed pictures.
 
    The Company is among the top three vertically integrated retail photo
finishers in the United States and the Company believes that it is a leading
source of photo finishing in all of the major markets in which it operates. The
Company processed over 28 million rolls of film in fiscal 1994 in its own photo
labs and has several well known branded processing programs, including System
2(R) (two prints for the price of one), Ultralab 35(R) (larger size, higher
quality prints) and Express Print 60(R) (one-hour processing). The Company
believes that its branded processing programs, which emphasize quality and
service, have helped position the Company as a leader in photo finishing. The
Company currently intends to continue to expand its one-hour photo finishing
business, with a goal of adding approximately 270 new Express Photo centers by
1999.
 
    The Company's photo departments also offer camera and photo accessories,
small electronics, batteries and audio and video tapes. The entire photo
department, including photo finishing, represented approximately 9.2% of the
Company's total drug store sales in fiscal 1994.
 
STORE OPERATIONS
 
    Eckerd Drug stores are located and designed to maximize customer service and
convenience and are situated in areas of high customer traffic, typically in
neighborhood shopping centers with strong supermarket co-tenants or in
strategically located free-standing stores. Eckerd Drug stores are designed to
facilitate customer movement and feature well-stocked shelves, clearly
identified aisles and well-lit interiors to maximize product visibility.
Pharmacy departments are generally located near the back of the store to
maximize customer exposure to the store. The stores are equipped with modern
fixtures and equipment and most of them range in size from 8,200 to 10,800
square feet. About 85% of the floor space is selling area, with the remainder
used for storeroom and office space.
 
    To enhance productivity per square foot and maintain consistent
merchandising, the Company utilizes centrally prepared formats for the display
and stocking of products in the Company's stores, while continuing to allow some
flexibility to store managers to modify the merchandise assortment based upon
the Company's program of tailoring merchandise offerings to the markets in which
the stores operate.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
    The typical Eckerd Drug store is open every day of the year except
Christmas, with store hours geared to the needs of the specific markets. A
select number of strategically located stores stay open until midnight or 24
hours a day.
 
    Eckerd Drug stores are currently grouped under six operating regions located
in or near Orlando and Deerfield Beach, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte,
North Carolina; and Dallas and Houston, Texas. Each operating region is headed
by a vice president who supervises the various districts comprising the region.
Within each district, there are managers who are responsible for the drug stores
in their districts and regularly visit their stores to assure quality of service
and merchandising. District pharmacy managers supervise the pharmacy operations
in the drug stores. Each drug store is individually supervised by a manager who
receives training in the Company's merchandise offerings, customer service and
management strategy.
 
    The Company has implemented various initiatives designed to reduce shrinkage
expense, which was approximately 2.2% for fiscal 1994 compared to an
industry-wide average (calculated using the same accounting method as the
Company) of approximately 2.8% during the same time period. These initiatives
include training and awareness programs, tailored audit programs for district
managers, hiring of internal auditors and loss prevention specialists, and
computerized exception reporting for, among other things, customer refunds,
voids and cash overages and shortages from daily register check-outs.
 
PURCHASING AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    Merchandising, buying and supplier payments are generally centralized at
Company headquarters to assure consistency of marketing approach and efficiency
in supplier relations. The Company has implemented an enhanced electronic buying
system to improve inventory management and gross profit by enabling the Company
to take better advantage of quantity discounts and forward buying opportunities,
which the Company believes will lower the average cost of inventory.
Additionally, it is anticipated that this buying system and its improved
forecasting ability will improve service levels to the stores and will reduce
average inventory required in the Company's distribution centers.
 
    Approximately 85% of store merchandise is purchased centrally and
distributed, principally by Company-operated trucks, through the Company's five
centrally located distribution facilities located in or near Orlando, Florida;
Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Dallas and Houston, Texas. The
remainder of store merchandise, some of which is purchased at the store level,
is distributed directly to the stores.
 
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
 
    A combination of newspaper advertising and TV and radio spot commercials is
carried on throughout the year to promote sales. During the fiscal year ended
January 28, 1995, these advertising expenses totaled approximately 0.5% of the
Company's sales. The Company's concentration of stores within its markets
enables it to achieve economies of scale in its advertising and marketing
expenditures and also enables the Company to negotiate favorable rates for
advertising time and print production. From the time of the Acquisition through
fiscal 1994, the Company reduced its advertising expense as a percentage of
sales by more than 70%. In addition, the Company has derived additional cost
savings through a rationalization of its advertising expenditures. As part of
the cost reduction program, certain advertising expenditures related to the
Company's overall corporate image were reduced in favor of advertising efforts
such as newspaper circulars. This change in advertising strategy has resulted in
increased financial support from the Company's vendors and a more direct impact
on sales. The Company believes that its current level of advertising
expenditures is appropriate to support its existing marketing strategies.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
    The Company's communications and marketing programs are based upon an
ongoing commitment to consumer research. Through regular telephone surveys in
all major markets, exit interviews in its stores, and studies of various
consumer groups, the Company is able to monitor changes in customer attitudes
and shopping habits and adjust its marketing strategies accordingly.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The Company's retail drug stores operate in a highly competitive industry.
The Company's drug stores compete primarily on the basis of customer service,
convenience of location and store design, price and product mix and selection.
 
    In addition to traditional competition from independent drug stores and
other drug store chains, the Company faces competition from mass merchants
(including discounters and deep discounters), supermarkets, combination food and
drug stores, mail order distributors, hospitals and HMOs. These other formats
have experienced significant growth in their market share of the prescription
and over-the-counter drug business. Many of the Company's competitors have
greater financial resources than the Company. See "Risk Factors--Competition"
and "--The Drug Store Industry."
 
    The Company's Express Photo centers compete with a variety of photo
processors including other mini-labs, retail stores and photo specialty stores,
primarily on the basis of quality of processing, quality and speed of service
and value.
 
REGULATION
 
    All of the Company's pharmacists and its stores are required to be licensed
by the appropriate state boards of pharmacy. The Company's drug stores and its
distribution centers are also registered with the Federal Drug Enforcement
Administration. Most of the stores sell beer and wine and are subject to various
state and local liquor licensing requirements. By virtue of these license and
registration requirements, the Company is obligated to observe certain rules and
regulations, and a violation of such rules and regulations could result in a
suspension or revocation of the licenses or registrations.
 
    The Company has a number of third-party payor contracts pursuant to which
the Company is a provider of prescription drugs. "Freedom of choice" state
statutes, pursuant to which all pharmacies would be entitled to be a provider
under such a contract, have been enacted in certain states, including Alabama,
Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee and
Texas, and may be enacted in others. Although such statutes may adversely affect
certain of the Company's third-party contracts, they may also provide the
Company with opportunities regarding additional third-party contracts.
 
    The Clinton Administration has stated that health care reform is one of its
top priorities. A health care reform plan by President Clinton as well as a
number of competing health care reform proposals were introduced in Congress in
1994. The Company cannot predict whether any federal health care reform
legislation will eventually be passed, and if so, the impact thereof on the
Company's financial position or results of operations. Health care reform, if
implemented, could adversely affect the pricing of prescription drugs or the
amount of reimbursement from governmental agencies and third-party payors, and
consequently could be adverse to the Company. However, to the extent health care
reform expands the number of persons receiving health care benefits covering the
purchase of prescription drugs, it may also result in increased purchases of
such drugs and could thereby have a favorable impact on both the Company and the
retail drug industry in general. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that
any such future legislation or any similar legislation adopted by any states in
which the Company operates will not adversely affect the Company or the retail
drug store industry generally.
 
    In 1990, Congress enacted the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
("OBRA 1990"), which includes a requirement that states implement pharmaceutical
drug use review programs for
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
Medicaid beneficiaries receiving covered out-patient prescription drugs. The
OBRA 1990 legislation states that pharmacists must offer to discuss with each
Medicaid patient "common, severe side or adverse effects or interactions and
therapeutic contraindications that may be encountered, including their avoidance
and the action required if they occur." In order to ensure reimbursement of
out-patient prescription drugs under Medicaid, states were required, pursuant to
the OBRA 1990 legislation, to implement drug use review programs by January 1,
1993. In all states where the Company operates (except South Carolina), the
State Pharmacy Practices Acts have expanded the OBRA requirements to include all
patients receiving prescriptions in a retail setting. Pharmacists now have a
duty to warn the purchaser of a prescription drug if the warning could reduce or
negate the adverse effects of the use of such drug.
 
    In 1993, the state of Florida enacted health care legislation that is
applicable to state employees, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and
Medicaid recipients. The legislation, which began to be implemented in 1994,
created 11 health care purchasing cooperatives, which will accept bids from
health care providers to provide goods and services to the cooperatives'
members. The Company expects to provide prescription drugs to the cooperatives
through its existing managed health care clients. However, the Company is unable
to predict whether its efforts will be successful or whether the Florida
legislation will have an adverse impact on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of May 27, 1995, the Company had approximately 42,700 employees, of which
22,400 were full-time employees. The Company believes that overall employee
relations are good. None of the Company's employees are represented by unions.
 
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND TRADENAMES
 
    No patent, trademark, license, franchise or concession is considered to be
of material importance to the business of the Company other than the trade names
under which the Company operates its retail businesses, including the Eckerd
name. The Company also holds servicemarks for its photo finishing products,
private label products and information systems.
 
PROPERTIES
 
    The Company conducts substantially all of its retail businesses from stores
located in leased premises. Substantially all of these leases will expire within
the next twenty-five years. In the normal course of business, however, it is
expected that leases will be renewed or replaced by leases on other properties.
Most of the Company's store leases provide for a fixed minimum rental together
with a percentage rental based on sales.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
    The material office and distribution center properties owned or leased by
the Company at June 30, 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     APPROXIMATE     OWNED OR
    LOCATION                                                         SQUARE FEET      LEASED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------   -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>
Largo, Florida....................................................     488,000      Owned(1)
Charlotte, North Carolina.........................................     587,000      Owned
Garland, Texas....................................................     270,000      Owned
Conroe, Texas.....................................................     345,000      Owned
Orlando, Florida..................................................     587,000      Leased(2)
Newnan, Georgia...................................................     244,000      Owned(3)
Hammond, Louisiana................................................     185,000      Owned(3)(4)
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 
(1) Includes the Company headquarters.
 
(2) In January 1993, the Company assumed a lease for an office and distribution
    facility of approximately 587,000 square feet (lease expires 2005).
 
(3) Construction was financed pursuant to revenue bond issues. Because these
    properties are currently leased subject to nominal purchase options with
    development authorities which the Company anticipates it will exercise, they
    are listed as owned by the Company.
 
(4) The Company closed the Hammond distribution center and subleased the former
    Hammond, Louisiana office and distribution center.
 
    The Company considers that all property owned or leased is well maintained
and in good condition.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    In the ordinary course of its business, the Company and its subsidiaries are
parties to various legal actions which the Company believes are routine in
nature and incidental to the operation of the business of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The Company believes that the outcome of the proceedings to which
the Company and its subsidiaries currently are parties will not have a material
adverse effect upon its operations or financial condition.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The name, age and office or principal occupation of the executive officers
and directors of the Company and certain information relating to their business
experience are set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    NAME                                     AGE                    POSITION
- ------------------------------------------   ---   ------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>   <C>
Stewart Turley............................   60    Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                                     Executive Officer
Francis A. Newman.........................   46    Director, President and Chief Operating
                                                     Officer
John W. Boyle.............................   66    Director
Dr. James T. Doluisio.....................   59    Director
Donald F. Dunn............................   69    Director
Albert J. Fitzgibbons, III................   49    Director
Lewis W. Lehr.............................   74    Director
Alexis P. Michas..........................   37    Director
Rupinder S. Sidhu.........................   39    Director
James M. Santo............................   53    Executive Vice President/Administration
                                                     and Secretary
Samuel G. Wright..........................   44    Executive Vice President/Chief Financial
                                                     Officer
Kenneth L. Flynn..........................   50    Senior Vice President/Store Operations
Edward W. Kelly...........................   49    Senior Vice President/Merchandising
Richard R. Powis..........................   47    Senior Vice President/Pharmacy
Robert D. Boos............................   55    Vice President
Martin W. Gladysz.........................   43    Vice President/Treasurer
Robert E. Lewis...........................   34    Vice President/General Counsel and
                                                     Assistant Secretary
</TABLE>
 
    Mr. Turley is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, positions he has held since 1986. He served as President of the Company
from 1986 until July 1993. He joined Old Eckerd in 1966 and has served as Senior
Vice President (1971-1974) and President and Chief Executive Officer (1974-1975)
prior to being elected to Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer. He is also a director of Barnett Banks, Inc., Sprint Corporation and
Springs Industries, Inc.
 
    Mr. Newman is President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of the
Company, positions he has held since July 6, 1993. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Newman served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of F&M
Distributors, Inc. ("F&M"), a drug store chain, since 1986. F&M filed bankruptcy
under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in December 1994. Prior to
joining F&M, he was the Executive Vice President of Household Merchandising, a
retail firm, from 1984 to 1985 and the Senior Vice President of Merchandising
for F.W. Woolworth, a retail firm, from 1980 to 1984. Mr. Newman is also a
director of FabriCenters of America, a retail firm.
 
    Mr. Boyle retired as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer
of the Company on December 31, 1994, positions he had held since February 1993.
He served as a consultant to the Company during the month of January 1995. Prior
to being Vice Chairman, he was Senior Vice President/Finance and Administration
of the Company, a position he held for more than five years. He joined Old
Eckerd as Senior Vice President/Finance and Administration in 1983. Prior to
joining Old Eckerd, Mr. Boyle served as Vice Chairman of the Board (1978-1980)
and, thereafter, as Chairman of the Board (1980-1983) of May Department Store
Co., St. Louis, Missouri. He was a director of Old Eckerd between 1983 and 1986.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    Dr. Doluisio has been Dean of the College of Pharmacy, University of Texas,
Austin, Texas since 1973. Dr. Doluisio has served as chairman of the American
Pharmaceutical Association, the American Association of College of Pharmacy
Council of Deans, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and as
a trustee of the United States Pharmacopeia. He is also a director of COR
Therapeutics, Inc.
 
    Mr. Dunn is retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Maas Brothers/Jordan Marsh, a division of Allied Stores Corporation, New York,
New York. In his 39-year career with Allied Stores, starting as an executive
trainee, Mr. Dunn held numerous management positions including that of executive
group manager of Allied Stores for Jordan Marsh and Maas Brothers in Florida,
Cain-Sloan in Tennessee and Joske's in Texas. Mr. Dunn is also a director of
Tech Data Corporation and Younkers, Inc.
 
    Mr. Fitzgibbons has been a director of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners since
1988. He has been a director of Stonington Partners, Inc. ("Stonington
Partners") since August 1993; a Partner of Stonington Partners since November
1993; a partner of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners from 1993 to July 1994; an
Executive Vice President of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners from 1988 to 1993; a
Senior Vice President of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners from 1987 to 1988; a
Managing Director of the Investment Banking Division of ML & Co. from 1978 to
July 1994; and Vice President of Merrill Lynch from 1974 to 1988. He is also a
director of Amstar Corporation, Borg-Warner Security Corporation, Borg-Warner
Automotive, Inc. and United Artists Theatre Circuit, Inc.
 
    Mr. Lehr is former Chairman of the Board of 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota.
In his 39-year career with 3M Company, starting as an engineer, Mr. Lehr held
numerous management positions and from 1980 to March 1986, when he retired, was
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He also serves as a director
of Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation and various IDS Funds.
 
    Mr. Michas has been a director of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners since 1989.
He has been a Partner of Stonington Partners since November 1993; a director of
Stonington Partners since August 1993; a partner of Merrill Lynch Capital
Partners from 1993 to July 1994; a Senior Vice President of Merrill Lynch
Capital Partners from 1989 to 1993; a Vice President of Merrill Lynch Capital
Partners from 1987 to 1989; a Managing Director of the Investment Banking
Division of ML & Co. from 1991 to July 1994; a Director of the Investment
Banking Division of ML & Co. from 1990 to 1991; and a Vice President of the
Investment Banking Division of ML & Co. from 1987 to 1989. He is also a director
of Amstar Corporation, Borg-Warner Security Corporation, Borg-Warner Automotive,
Inc., Blue Bird Corporation, Pathmark Stores, Inc. and Supermarkets General
Holding Corporation.
 
    Mr. Sidhu has been a director of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners since 1988.
He has been a Special Limited Partner of Stonington Partners since August 1993;
a partner of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners from 1993 to July 1994; a Senior
Vice President of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners from 1987 to July 1994; a Vice
President of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners from 1985 to 1987; a Managing
Director of the Investment Banking Division of ML & Co. from 1989 to 1993; and a
Director of the Investment Banking Division of ML & Co. from 1987 to 1989. He is
also a director of Clinton Mills, Inc., First-USA, Inc., and Wherehouse
Entertainment, Inc.
 
    Mr. Santo was appointed Executive Vice President/Administration in May,
1995. Prior thereto he was appointed Senior Vice President/Administration in
February 1993 and was also Vice President/Legal Affairs of the Company, a
position he had held for more than the five years prior to 1993. In addition,
Mr. Santo was appointed Secretary of the Company effective January 1, 1992.
 
    Mr. Wright was appointed Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of
the Company in May 1995. Prior thereto he was appointed Senior Vice
President/Chief Financial Officer in February 1995 and was also Senior Vice
President/Finance from February 1993 until February 1995 and Vice
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
President and Controller of the Company from September 1988 until February 1993.
Mr. Wright became Vice President of the Company in June 1986. In addition, Mr.
Wright had served as Vice President of Finance of Eckerd Drug Company, formerly
Old Eckerd's principal subsidiary ("Eckerd Drug Company"), since May 1985.
 
    Mr. Flynn was appointed Senior Vice President/Store Operations of the
Company in December 1994. Prior to joining the Company, he was Executive Vice
President with the Thrifty/Payless drug chain in Portland, Oregon from August
1993. Prior to joining Thrifty/Payless in August 1993, Mr. Flynn was employed by
Lucky Stores, Inc. for over 30 years, most recently as Senior Vice
President/Store Operations.
 
    Mr. Kelly was appointed Senior Vice President/Merchandising in February
1993. Prior thereto he had served as Vice President of Merchandising of Eckerd
Drug Company for more than the preceding five years.
 
    Mr. Powis was appointed Senior Vice President/Pharmacy in April 1995. Prior
to joining the Company, he was Senior Vice President Pharmacy Services for the
American Association of Retired Persons ("AARP") from September 1994. Prior to
joining AARP, Mr. Powis was employed for over 19 years by Hooks SupeRx, Inc.,
most recently as Senior Vice President Pharmacy Services.
 
    Mr. Boos was appointed Vice President of the Company in April 1991. In
addition, Mr. Boos had been Vice President of Real Estate and Development of
Eckerd Drug Company since August 1985. Mr. Boos joined Eckerd Drug Company in
1982.
 
    Mr. Gladysz was appointed Vice President/Treasurer of the Company in May
1994. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gladysz was Executive Vice
President/Treasurer for Fortune Bancorp, a Florida banking organization, a
position he held for more than the five years prior to 1994.
 
    Mr. Lewis was appointed Vice President/General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary of the Company in August 1994. He was a shareholder in the law firm of
Shackleford, Farrior, Stallings & Evans, P.A. in Tampa, Florida, from January
1992 to August 1994 and was an associate at that firm for more than five years
prior thereto.
 
    Messrs. Turley, Boyle, Doluisio, Dunn, Fitzgibbons and Lehr have been
directors of the Company since May 1986. Mr. Sidhu became a director of the
Company in April 1988, Mr. Michas became a director of the Company in April
1990, and Mr. Newman became a director in July 1993.
 
    The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes serving
staggered three-year terms. The terms of office of Messrs. Fitzgibbons, Turley
and Lehr will expire on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders of the
Company (the "Annual Meeting") in 1996, the terms of office of Messrs. Boyle,
Doluisio and Sidhu will expire on the date of the Annual Meeting in 1997 and the
terms of office of Messrs. Michas, Dunn and Newman will expire on the date of
the Annual Meeting in 1998.
 
    Messrs. Doluisio, Dunn and Lehr serve as members of the Audit Committee,
Messrs. Fitzgibbons, Dunn and Lehr serve as members of the Executive
Compensation and Stock Option Committee, and Messrs. Turley, Dunn and
Fitzgibbons serve as members of the Executive Committee, of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
 
    Messrs. Fitzgibbons, Sidhu and Michas are employees of Stonington Partners
and serve on the Board of Directors of the Company as representatives of the
Merrill Lynch Investors. In August 1993, Messrs. Fitzgibbons, Sidhu and Michas,
together with other colleagues from Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, founded
Stonington Partners. In July 1994, Messrs. Fitzgibbons, Sidhu and Michas left
the employment of Merrill Lynch, although each has continued as a director of
Merrill Lynch Capital
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
Partners and the other companies in which certain affiliates of Merrill Lynch
have equity investments and for which they were serving as a director in July
1994 (such other companies, the "Merrill Lynch Affiliates"). In this connection,
each of Messrs. Fitzgibbons, Sidhu and Michas entered into a consulting
agreement with Merrill Lynch Capital Partners which provides, among other
things, for his continued availability to serve on the Board of Directors of the
Company and the respective boards of directors of the Merrill Lynch Affiliates
for which he was serving as a director in July 1994 until requested to resign by
Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, and for his compensation (directly or
indirectly) by Merrill Lynch Capital Partners for serving in such director
capacities and for other consulting services.
 
    Officers of the Company serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Officers are elected for a one-year term by the Board of Directors at its annual
meeting. There is no family relationship between any of the aforementioned
officers or directors of the Company.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
   
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock as of May 27, 1995 by (i) each of the directors of
the Company, (ii) each of the named executive officers of the Company, (iii)
each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of approximately
five percent or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) all of the Company's
directors and executive officers as a group and (v) by each Selling Stockholder.
Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that the beneficial owner has
sole voting and investment power over such shares. The following table treats
the 43,045 shares of Common Stock held by the Management Investors and other
employees of the Company and subject to certain restrictions (the "Management
Restricted Stock") as issued and outstanding. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Management Restricted Stock." The table does not reflect the Merrill
Lynch Distribution or the possible sale of additional shares by the Company and
the Merrill Lynch Investors if the Underwriters' over-allotment options are
exercised in full.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        OWNERSHIP PRIOR TO                           OWNERSHIP AFTER
                                           THE OFFERING                                THE OFFERING
                                    --------------------------                  --------------------------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>
                                     SHARES OF                      SHARES       SHARES OF
                                    COMMON STOCK    PERCENTAGE    TO BE SOLD    COMMON STOCK    PERCENTAGE
                                    ------------    ----------    ----------    ------------    ----------
 
Merrill Lynch Investors(1).......    11,761,951        36.59       2,000,000      9,761,951(2)     28.18(2)
 
AIM Management Group Inc.(3).....     1,923,400         5.98          --          1,923,400         5.55
 
Stewart Turley(4)................       523,723         1.63          --            523,723         1.51
 
Francis A. Newman(5).............        53,350        *              --             53,350        *
 
John W. Boyle(6).................       164,505        *              --            164,505        *
 
Dr. James T. Doluisio(7).........         6,937        *              --              6,937        *
 
Donald F. Dunn(8)................        13,217        *              --             13,217        *
 
Albert J. Fitzgibbons,
III(9)(10).......................         4,717        *              --              4,717        *
 
Lewis W. Lehr(11)................         9,017        *              --              9,017        *
 
Alexis P. Michas(9)(12)..........         4,675        *              --              4,675        *
 
Rupinder S. Sidhu(9)(13).........        20,263        *              --             20,263        *
 
Robert L. Myers(14)..............        61,633        *              --             61,633        *
 
James M. Santo(15)...............        98,053        *              --             98,053        *
 
Samuel G. Wright(16).............        62,754        *              --             62,754        *
 
All directors and executive
  officers as a group (18
persons)(17)(18).................     1,102,991         3.41          --          1,102,991         3.17
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
  * Less than one percent
 
 (1) As of May 27, 1995 shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Merrill
     Lynch Investors were owned of record as follows: 750,811 shares by Merrill
     Lynch Capital Corporation, 7,728,005 shares by Merrill Lynch Capital
     Appreciation Partnership No. II, L.P., 196,600 shares by ML Offshore LBO
     Partnership No. II, 203,673 shares by ML Employees LBO Partnership No. I,
     L.P., 69,704 shares by Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1986, 1,193,674 shares by
     Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation Partnership No. B-IX, L.P., 699,195
     shares by ML Offshore LBO Partnership No. B-IX, 18,930 shares by MLCP
     Associates L.P. No. II., 105,491 shares by Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1989,
     650,877 shares by ML IBK Positions, Inc., 36,657 shares by Merchant Banking
     L.P. No. IV, 15,491 shares by ML Oklahoma Venture Partners, Limited
     Partnership and 92,843 shares by ML Venture Partners II, L.P. The address
     for the Merrill Lynch Investors and
 
                                         (Footnotes continued on following page)
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
(Footnotes continued from preceding page)
     each of the aforementioned record holders is c/o Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,
     Merrill Lynch World Headquarters, North Tower, New York, New York 10281.
 
   
 (2) After the Merrill Lynch Distribution, the Merrill Lynch Investors will
     beneficially own 9,609,754 shares of Common Stock, which would represent
     approximately 27.74% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding after the
     Offering.
    
 
   
 (3) AIM Management Group Inc. has shared voting and investment power over such
     shares. The address for AIM Management Group Inc. is 11 Greenway Plaza,
     Suite 1919, Houston, Texas 77046. The foregoing information is based on a
     Form 13F dated March 31, 1995.
    
 
   
 (4) Total does not reflect the 45,334 shares of Common Stock transferred by Mr.
     Turley to certain family members. Mr. Turley disclaims beneficial ownership
     of such shares. Total includes 16,000 shares transferred by Mr. Turley to
     The Stewart Turley Foundation, Inc. Mr. Turley disclaims beneficial
     ownership of such shares. Total includes options covering 44,421 shares of
     Common Stock which are exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days
     thereafter. Includes 9,360 shares of Management Restricted Stock which vest
     upon the occurrence of Restricted Stock Events but does not reflect the
     2,217 shares of Management Restricted Stock transferred by Mr. Turley to
     certain family members. Mr. Turley disclaims beneficial ownership of such
     shares.
    
 
   
 (5) Total includes options covering 50,000 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter.
    
 
   
 (6) Total does not reflect 127,393 shares of Common Stock transferred to
     certain irrevocable trusts established by Mr. Boyle. Mr. Boyle disclaims
     beneficial ownership of such shares. Total includes options covering 40,800
     shares of Common Stock which are exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within
     60 days thereafter. Total does not reflect 5,144 shares of Management
     Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of Restricted Stock Events
     transferred by Mr. Boyle to certain family members.
    
 
   
 (7) Total includes options covering 3,334 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter. Includes 92
     shares of Management Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of
     Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
   
 (8) Total includes options covering 3,334 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter. Includes 92
     shares of Management Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of
     Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
   
 (9) Messrs. Fitzgibbons, Michas and Sidhu are directors of the Company and
     Merrill Lynch Capital Partners. Until July 1994 they were officers of
     Merrill Lynch Capital Partners and employees of ML & Co. Each disclaims
     beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the
     Merrill Lynch Investors. The business address for Messrs. Fitzgibbons,
     Michas and Sidhu is c/o Stonington Partners, 767 Fifth Avenue, 48th Floor,
     New York, NY 10153.
    
 
   
(10) Total includes options covering 3,334 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter. Total includes
     92 shares of Management Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of
     Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
   
(11) Total includes options covering 3,334 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter. Total includes
     92 shares of Management Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of
     Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
   
(12) Total includes options covering 4,675 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter, including
     options covering 98 shares of Common Stock which vest upon the occurrence
     of Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
   
(13) Total includes options covering 4,717 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter, including
     options covering 92 shares of Common Stock which vest upon the occurrence
     of Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
                                         (Footnotes continued on following page)
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
(Footnotes continued from preceding page)
   
(14) Total includes options covering 6,500 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter. Includes 1,229
     shares of Management Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of
     Restricted Stock Events. Mr. Myers resigned as Senior Vice
     President/Pharmacy of the Company on May 26, 1995.
    
 
   
(15) Total includes options covering 9,100 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter. Includes 2,004
     shares of Management Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of
     Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
   
(16) Total includes options covering 9,100 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter. Includes 1,930
     shares of Management Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of
     Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
   
(17) The total number of all directors and executive officers as a group
     includes Robert L. Myers, the former Senior Vice President/Pharmacy, who
     resigned from his position on May 26, 1995.
    
 
   
(18) Total includes options covering 193,049 shares of Common Stock which are
     exercisable as of May 27, 1995 or within 60 days thereafter, including
     options covering 190 shares of Common Stock which vest upon the occurrence
     of Restricted Stock Events. Total includes 16,614 shares of Management
     Restricted Stock which vest upon the occurrence of Restricted Stock Events.
    
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
 
    The following summaries of the principal terms of certain outstanding
indebtedness of the Company do not purport to be complete and are subject to the
detailed provisions of, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the
respective financing agreements, copies of which have been filed or incorporated
by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
is a part and to which exhibits reference is hereby made. Whenever particular
provisions of such documents are referred to, such provisions are incorporated
by reference as a part of the statements made, and the statements are qualified
in their entirety by such reference.
 
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
    The Company is party to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 14, 1993 as
amended and restated as of August 3, 1994 (the "Credit Agreement") with the
financial institutions party thereto (the "Lenders"), Chemical Bank, a New York
banking corporation ("Chemical Bank"), NationsBank of Florida, N.A., a national
banking association, as managing agents for the Lenders (in such capacity, each
a "Managing Agent") and as swingline lenders (in such capacity, each a
"Swingline Lender"), and Chemical Bank as administrative agent for the Lenders,
the Swingline Lenders and the fronting banks with respect to letters of credit
("Letters of Credit") and bankers' acceptances ("Bankers' Acceptances") issued
in connection with the Credit Agreement.
 
    The Lenders extended credit (i) on a term basis in an aggregate principal
amount not to exceed $500.0 million (the "Term Loans") and (ii) on a revolving
basis at any time and from time to time prior to July 29, 2000, in an aggregate
principal amount outstanding not in excess of $350.0 million (the "Revolving
Loans") of which up to (a) $30.0 million of such amount is available as
swingline loans (the "Swingline Loans") and (b) $155.0 million of such amount is
available as Letters of Credit and Bankers' Acceptances. At June 24, 1995, the
Company had approximately $424.8 million outstanding under the Term Loans, $91.0
million outstanding under the Revolving Loans and $8.0 million of Bankers'
Acceptances and had unused and available borrowing commitments under the
Revolving Loans of $162.4 million (which is net of $88.6 million of letters of
credit). The term of the Credit Agreement expires on July 29, 2000.
 
    The Company uses the proceeds of Revolving Loan borrowings from time to time
for general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The proceeds
of Swingline Loans are also used for general corporate purposes of the Company
and its subsidiaries. Letters of Credit and Bankers' Acceptances are used to
support obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary
course of business.
 
    The obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement are
unconditionally guaranteed by each of the active subsidiaries of the Company
(each, a "Guarantor"). The Company and certain of the Guarantors have in
addition pledged capital stock of the Guarantors, and all borrowings under the
Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien on all accounts, accounts
receivable, equipment, inventory, proceeds, intellectual property, and certain
other property of the Company and first priority mortgages on two distribution
centers of the Company located in Texas and the Company's headquarters located
in Florida.
 
    The Term Loans and the Revolving Loans bear interest at a rate per annum
equal to, at the Company's option, (i) the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") (defined
in the Credit Agreement as the highest of (a) the prime rate, (b) the federal
funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1%, and (c) the base CD rate plus 1%) or (ii)
the Adjusted LIBO rate ("LIBOR") (defined in the Credit Agreement as the product
of (a) LIBOR in effect for the applicable interest period and (b) statutory
reserves) plus, in each case, the applicable LIBOR or ABR spread (the "Interest
Spread"), as the case may be. The Interest Spread is
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
determined by reference to the ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization (the "Ratio"). If the Ratio is (w) less
than or equal to 2.5 ("Level I Ratio"), the Interest Spread is 0% on ABR loans
and 3/4 of 1% on LIBOR loans, (x) less than or equal to 3.0 but greater than 2.5
("Level II Ratio"), the Interest Spread is 0% on ABR loans and 1% on LIBOR
loans, (y) less than or equal to 3.5 but greater than 3.0 ("Level III Ratio"),
the Interest Spread is 1/4 of 1% on ABR loans and 1 and 1/4% on LIBOR loans, and
(z) greater than 3.5 ("Level IV Ratio"), the Interest Spread is 1/2 of 1% on ABR
loans and 1 and 1/2% on LIBOR loans. Interest is computed on the basis of actual
number of days elapsed over a 360-day year except when the rate is determined by
reference to the prime rate, in which case it is computed on the basis of actual
number of days elapsed over a 365- or 366-day year. The Swingline Loans bear
interest at the rate applicable to ABR Revolving Loans.
 
    Interest on ABR borrowings are payable quarterly. Interest on LIBOR
borrowings are payable at the end of the relevant interest period (one, two,
three or six-month periods, except that with respect to six-month periods,
interest shall be payable every three months). The Company pays the Lenders a
commitment fee on the undrawn amount of the revolving facilities determined by
reference to the Ratio. If the Company has achieved a (x) Level I Ratio, the
commitment fee is 1/4 of 1%; (y) Level II Ratio or Level III Ratio, the
commitment fee is 3/8 of 1%; or (z) Level IV Ratio, the commitment fee is 1/2 of
1%. The Company also pays Letter of Credit fees and Bankers' Acceptance fees,
and has paid commitment and other fees to the Managing Agents and the Lenders.
 
    Principal of the Term Loans will be amortized on the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              DATE                   AMOUNT
- --------------------------------   -----------
<S>                                <C>
July 29, 1995...................   $ 9,547,000
October 28, 1995................     9,547,000
February 3, 1996................    33,413,000
April 27, 1996..................    14,320,000
August 3, 1996..................    14,320,000
November 2, 1996................    14,320,000
February 1, 1997................    33,413,000
May 3, 1997.....................    14,320,000
August 2, 1997..................    14,320,000
November 1, 1997................    14,320,000
January 31, 1998................    38,187,000
 
<CAPTION>
              DATE                   AMOUNT
- --------------------------------   -----------
<S>                                <C>
May 2, 1998.....................   $14,320,000
August 1, 1998..................    14,320,000
October 31, 1998................    14,320,000
January 30, 1999................    47,733,000
May 1, 1999.....................    14,320,000
July 31, 1999...................    14,320,000
October 30, 1999................    14,320,000
January 29, 2000................    52,507,000
April 29, 2000..................    14,320,000
July 29, 2000...................    14,320,000
</TABLE>
 
    The Company is required to prepay borrowings under the Credit Agreement with
(i) in any fiscal year, the excess of (a) the aggregate net proceeds of
dispositions of assets of the Company and its subsidiaries over (b) $6.0
million, (ii) in any fiscal year, the net proceeds of any incurrence of debt
(other than indebtedness permitted under the Credit Agreement), and (iii) 50% of
the excess of (a) net proceeds of any equity issuance over (b) the amount of
such proceeds applied to redeem or repurchase the 11 1/8% Debentures. Mandatory
prepayments are to be applied (i) first, pro rata against remaining scheduled
installments of principal due in respect of Term Loans and (ii) second, to
prepay Swingline Loans and then other Revolving Loans.
 
    The Company has the right to prepay any borrowings under the Credit
Agreement in whole or in part at any time. Optional prepayments of Term Loans
are to be applied (i) first, in the order of maturity of the scheduled
installments of principal due on the repayment dates occurring during the
twelve-month period beginning on the date of such prepayment and (ii) second,
pro rata against the remaining scheduled installments of principal due in
respect of Term Loans.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
   
    The Credit Agreement contains various restrictive covenants prohibiting the
Company and its subsidiaries from (subject to certain exceptions), (i) incurring
or permitting to exist any indebtedness, other than, among other things, (a)
certain indebtedness specified existing on the date the Company restated the
Credit Agreement, (b) indebtedness that consists of purchase money indebtedness
or capital lease obligations and is either (x) incurred by the Company in the
ordinary course of business to finance capital expenditures or (y) exists with
respect to an acquired entity if such indebtedness exists at the time of
acquisition; provided, that indebtedness described in (x) and (y) shall not
exceed $10.0 million in any fiscal year and indebtedness described in (x) must
be incurred within 90 days after the making of the capital expenditure financed
thereby, (c) certain deferred purchase price obligations in an amount not to
exceed $5.0 million, (d) reimbursement obligations in limited amounts, (e)
certain intercompany indebtedness, (f) indebtedness in respect of interest rate
protection agreements, (g) the 11 1/8% Debentures, (h) the 9 1/4% Notes, (i)
subordinated indebtedness incurred solely to redeem the 11 1/8% Debentures or
the 9 1/4% Notes in whole at an interest rate more favorable than that in effect
under the 11 1/8% Debentures or the 9 1/4% Notes, as the case may be, and on
terms no less favorable to the Company than those in effect under the 11 1/8%
Debentures or the 9 1/4% Notes, and (j) obligations of the Company and certain
subsidiaries under various stock or option purchase agreements; (ii) incurring
or permitting to exist any liens, other than, among other things, (a) certain
specified liens existing on the date the Company restated the Credit Agreement,
(b) liens existing on property or assets prior to the acquisition thereof by the
Company, (c) purchase money security interests in real property, improvements
thereto or equipment, and (d) liens on consigned goods; (iii) entering into sale
and leaseback transactions other than those specified in the Credit Agreement;
(iv) making investments, loans or advances in excess of $7.0 million in the
aggregate at any time outstanding, other than, among others, the acquisitions of
entities engaged in one or more lines of business substantially similar to those
engaged in on the date the Credit Agreement was restated, not to exceed $50.0
million in any instance or $100.0 million in any fiscal year (subject, in the
case of any such acquisition exceeding $15.0 million, to certain pro forma
financial ratio compliance tests); (v) merger, consolidation, sale of all or any
substantial part of any asset or any capital stock of a subsidiary, or
acquisitions (including leases of all or any substantial part of the assets of
any entity), except for, among other things, (a) the sale of inventory in the
ordinary course of business, (b) the sale of accounts receivable on an ongoing
basis; provided that the purchaser of such receivables may at no time invest
more than $75.0 million, (c) the sale or other disposal of certain specified
real estate, and (d) the sale of $35.0 million of assets, provided that sales
not exceed $10.0 million in any twelve-month period; (vi) declaring or paying
dividends or distributions, except for, among other things, purchases or
redemptions of stock in connection with certain existing management subscription
agreements; (vii) engaging in any transaction with any affiliate other than,
subject to limited exceptions, on arms-length terms; (viii) engaging in business
activities not reasonably related to their current business activities; (ix)
subject to limited exceptions, prepaying or redeeming indebtedness; (x)
amending, waiving, modifying or terminating certain documents, including, among
others, their respective charter documents and the terms of material
indebtedness of the Company, unless such amendment, waiver, modification or
termination is not adverse to the Lenders; and (xi) maintaining a bank account
with a financial institution other than a Lender, except as expressly specified.
The Company obtained the consent of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement to
permit the Company to consummate the Florida Acquisition and to apply the net
proceeds from the Offering and Revolving Loan borrowings as described in "Use of
Proceeds."
    
 
    The Credit Agreement requires the Company to satisfy certain financial
covenants, including, among other things, on a quarterly basis, with respect to
the four immediately preceding quarters: (i) the Ratio; (ii) interest coverage
ratio; and (iii) fixed charge coverage.
 
    "Events of Default" under the Credit Agreement include (i) default in the
payment when due of any principal payable on the loans under the Credit
Agreement; (ii) default in the payment of any interest, fees or other amounts
payable under the Credit Agreement for a period of three business days; (iii)
the failure to comply with any covenant, condition or agreement contained in the
Credit Agreement
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
or related loan documents; (iv) the failure to pay any principal or interest due
in respect to any indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of $3.0 million
(after giving effect to any applicable grace period); (v) the commencement of a
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar action by or against the Company
or any subsidiary; (vi) one or more judgments in an aggregate amount in excess
of $250,000 (to the extent not covered by insurance) rendered against the
Company or any subsidiary which shall remain undischarged for a period of 10
consecutive days; (vii) certain events under the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1975; and (viii) a change in control ("Change in Control") which
shall occur, if, among other things, (a) any person or group other than Merrill
Lynch Capital Partners and its affiliates shall own shares representing more
than 30% of the ordinary voting power of the Company, and (b) certain specified
changes in the composition of the board of directors of the Company occur.
 
THE 9 1/4% NOTES
 
    The 9 1/4% Notes are senior subordinated obligations of the Company,
subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt of the
Company. The 9 1/4% Notes are senior to the 11 1/8% Debentures. The 9 1/4% Notes
are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at specified
redemption prices, and upon a Change in Control. The 9 1/4% Notes bear interest
at 9 1/4% per annum and mature on February 15, 2004.
 
    The indenture pursuant to which the 9 1/4% Notes were issued (the "9 1/4%
Notes Indenture") contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict
(i) the incurrence of additional indebtedness by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries (as defined in the 9 1/4% Notes Indenture), (ii) the payment of
dividends on, and redemptions of, capital stock of the Company and the making of
other restricted payments, (iii) the incurrence of restrictions on the ability
of Restricted Subsidiaries to pay dividends or other payments to the Company,
(iv) the incurrence of liens, (v) transactions with affiliates, (vi) the use of
proceeds from the disposition of certain assets of the Company or the sale of
the stock of Restricted Subsidiaries, (vii) the issuance of certain guarantees
and pledges by Restricted Subsidiaries, (viii) the issuance and sale of capital
stock by Restricted Subsidiaries, (ix) the incurrence of other senior
subordinated indebtedness and (x) the ability of the Company to engage in
certain mergers or consolidations or to transfer all or substantially all of its
assets to another person.
 
    Upon a Change in Control, (i) the Company will have the option to redeem the
9 1/4% Notes and (ii) subject to certain conditions, the Company will be
required to make an offer to purchase each holder's 9 1/4% Notes at 101% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. In
addition, the Company will, under certain circumstances, be obligated to make an
offer to purchase 9 1/4% Notes in the event of Asset Sales (as defined in the 9
1/4% Notes Indenture). The Credit Agreement, however, prohibits the Company from
optionally redeeming the 9 1/4% Notes.
 
THE 11 1/8% DEBENTURES
 
    The 11 1/8% Debentures are subordinated to all existing and future senior
debt of the Company, and are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole
and in part, at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to the date
of redemption. Interest on the 11 1/8% Debentures accrues and is payable at the
rate of 11 1/8% per annum. The final maturity date of the 11 1/8% Debentures is
May 1, 2001. As of May 27, 1995 the accreted value of the 11 1/8% Debentures
outstanding was approximately $73.6 million. The Company intends to redeem all
of the outstanding 11 1/8% Debentures with a portion of the net proceeds from
the Offering and Revolving Loans under the Credit Agreement. See "Use of
Proceeds."
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS
 
    The Company has issued and outstanding $18.25 million in Variable Rate
Demand Industrial Development Revenue Refunding Bonds including $8.25 million
due March 1, 2009 and $10.0 million due May 1, 2013. The variable rate demand
industrial development revenue refunding bonds currently have an interest rate
which is a daily rate established by J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. and is
indicative of current bid-side yields of high grade tax-exempt securities. At
the Company's option, and under certain conditions, the interest rate may be
changed to a monthly rate or a fixed rate. The bonds are secured by the related
buildings, leases and letters of credit and are guaranteed obligations of the
Company. The reimbursement agreement relating to the letters of credit
incorporates the restrictive covenants and limitations of the Credit Agreement.
 
THE IFS SALE AND LEASEBACK
 
    On June 15, 1993, the Company entered into the IFS Sale and Leaseback, which
is an agreement for a sale and leaseback of certain assets related to its photo
processing business. The Company has sold certain photo processing equipment to
Imaging Financial Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for approximately
$35.0 million, and entered into a five-year lease with respect to such
equipment. At the end of the five years, the Company may renew the agreement or
terminate the lease and return the equipment.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
    The following summary is subject to the detailed provisions of, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Restated By-laws, copies of which have been incorporated by
reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is
a part. The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 100 million
shares of Common Stock and 20 million shares of preferred stock, par value $.01
per share.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    The Company's authorized common stock consists of 100 million shares of
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (of which 3,518,728 shares are Non-Voting
Common Stock (Series I), par value $.01 per share). As of May 27, 1995, there
were 32,143,900 shares of Common Stock outstanding and employee stock options
outstanding to purchase an aggregate of 1,673,455 shares of Common Stock (of
which options to purchase an aggregate of 346,988 shares of Common Stock were
exercisable). In addition, 1,806,627 shares of Common Stock were reserved for
issuance pursuant to the Company's 1993 and 1995 Stock Option and Incentive
Plans. Subject to certain conditions, shares of Common Stock held by any
Regulated Banking Stockholder (as defined in the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation) may be converted into the same number of shares of Non-Voting
Common Stock and shares of Non-Voting Common Stock held by any holder may be
converted into the same number of shares of Common Stock.
 
  Voting Rights
 
    Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote in
elections of directors and all other matters submitted to a vote of
stockholders. The Common Stock does not have cumulative voting rights, which
means that holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Stock voting for the
election of directors can elect all directors then being elected. Each share of
Non-Voting Common Stock does not entitle the holder thereof to any vote on
matters on which the holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote, except on any
amendment, repeal or modification of any provision of the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation which adversely affect the rights of the holders of
Non-Voting Common Stock or as otherwise required by law.
 
  Dividends
 
    Subject to the rights of any preferred stock which may be issued by the
Board of Directors, each share of Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock has
an equal and ratable right to receive dividends to be paid from the Company's
assets legally available therefor when, as and if declared by the Board of
Directors. The terms of the Company's outstanding indebtedness restrict the
declaration and payment of dividends on the Common Stock.
 
  Liquidation
 
    In the event of the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company,
the holders of Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock are entitled to share
equally and ratably in the assets available for distribution after payments are
made to the Company's creditors and to the holders of any preferred stock of the
Company that may be outstanding at the time.
 
  Other
 
    The holders of shares of Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock have no
preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights and are not liable for
further call or assessment. All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are
fully paid and nonassessable.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
  Registrar and Transfer Agent
 
    Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services acts as Registrar and Transfer Agent
for the Common Stock.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
    The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
Company may issue up to 20 million shares of preferred stock and the Board of
Directors of the Company is authorized, without further stockholder action, to
divide any or all shares of authorized preferred stock into series and to fix
and determine the designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereon, of any series so established, including voting powers,
dividend rights, liquidation preferences, redemption rights and conversion
privileges. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Board of Directors of the
Company has not authorized any series of preferred stock and there are no plans,
agreements or understandings for the issuance of any shares of preferred stock.
 
MANAGEMENT RESTRICTED STOCK
 
    As of May 27, 1995, the Management Investors held 31,598 shares of Common
Stock subject to certain restrictions (the "Management Restricted Stock"). The
Management Restricted Stock will vest automatically on July 31, 1998 provided
that the holder thereof is then employed by the Company. The Management
Restricted Stock may vest earlier upon the achievement by the Company of certain
levels of performance as indicated by the market price of the Common Stock
during the 12-month period ended July 31, 1996 (such date or event upon which
the Management Restricted Stock may vest is referred to as a "Restricted Stock
Event"). On October 27, 1994, 62,874 shares of Management Restricted Stock held
by the Management Investors vested pursuant to the occurrence of a Restricted
Stock Event.
 
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
 
    Certain provisions of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
and Restated By-laws could make more difficult non-negotiated acquisitions of
the Company. The Board of Directors believes that these provisions will help to
assure the continuity and stability of the Board of Directors and the business
strategies and policies of the Company as determined by the Board of Directors.
These provisions could have the effect, however, of discouraging a third party
from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the
Company even though such an attempt might be beneficial to the Company and its
stockholders.
 
    Pursuant to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board
of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes serving staggered
three-year terms. Directors can be removed from office only for cause and only
by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding
shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in an election of directors.
Vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the remaining
directors and not by the stockholders.
 
    The Restated Certificate of Incorporation also provides that any action
required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company may be
effected only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and prohibits
stockholder action by written consent in lieu of a meeting. The Company's
Restated By-laws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called
only by the chairman, the president or the secretary of the Company and must be
called by any such officer at the request in writing of the Board of Directors.
Stockholders may call a special meeting if the holders of not less than 50% of
all votes entitled to be cast at a special meeting send a written demand to the
Company's Secretary.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
    The Restated By-laws establish an advance notice procedure for the
nomination, other than by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, of
candidates for election as directors as well as for other stockholder proposals
to be considered at annual meetings of stockholders. In general, notice of
intent to nominate a director or raise business at such meetings must be
received by the Company not less than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the
anniversary of the previous year's annual meeting, and must contain certain
specified information concerning the person to be nominated or the matters to be
brought before the meeting and concerning the stockholder submitting the
proposal.
 
    The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Restated By-laws, copies of
which have been incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus constitutes a part.
 
LIMITATIONS ON DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
 
    The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that, to the
fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
(the "DGCL"), directors of the Company shall not be personally liable to the
Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as
a director. Section 102(7) of the DGCL, however, states that such a provision
may not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, relating to unlawful
dividends, distributions or the repurchase or redemption of stock or (iv) for
any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.
 
    The Company's Restated By-laws provide that the Company shall indemnify and
hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, any person against
expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened,
pending or completed legal proceedings in which such person is involved by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the Company (or serving in any such capacity with another business organization
at the request of the Company) if he acted in good faith and in a manner that he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he had no
reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. If the legal
proceeding, however, is by or in the right of the Company, such director,
officer, employee or agent may not be indemnified in respect of any claim, issue
or matter as to which he shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company
unless a court determines otherwise.
 
    The Company has entered into agreements to indemnify its directors and
officers in addition to the indemnification provided for in the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation. These agreements, among other things, indemnify
the Company's directors and officers for certain expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by such person in any
action or proceeding, including any action by or in the right of the Company, on
account of services as a director or officer of the Company or as a director or
officer of any subsidiary of the Company, or as a director or officer of any
other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at the request
of the Company.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
    Pursuant to a registration rights agreement, as amended, among the Company,
the Merrill Lynch Investors, the Management Investors and the other stockholders
of the Company who held shares immediately prior to the IPO (the "Registration
Rights Agreement"), holders of at least 25% of the Common Stock have the right
to demand registration under the Securities Act of their shares of Common Stock.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Company will be required, at its expense, to
register such shares and to include in the registration on request all other
shares owned by parties to the
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
Registration Rights Agreement (or their permitted transferees) who notify the
Company of their request. In addition, in the event the Company proposes to
register any of its equity securities under the Securities Act, each party to
the Registration Rights Agreement (or its permitted transferee) has the
incidental right, subject to certain exceptions, to have the shares of the
Common Stock then owned by it included in such registration. The Company has
agreed that, in the event of any registration of securities owned by a party to
the Registration Rights Agreement (or permitted transferee) in accordance with
the provisions thereof, it will indemnify such person, and certain related
persons, against liabilities incurred in connection with such registration,
including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
 
    The registration rights of the existing stockholders are subject to certain
limitations intended to prevent undue interference with the Company's ability to
distribute securities, including, without limitation, the provisions that (i)
demand registration rights may not be exercised within six months after the
effective date of the Company's most recent registration statement (other than
registration on Form S-4 or S-8) and (ii) the 1% Holders will not offer for
public sale any shares owned by them during the seven days before or 120 days
after the effective date of any registration statement filed pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement.
 
    The Company has included the shares of Common Stock to be sold by the
Selling Stockholders in the Offering pursuant to the exercise by such Selling
Stockholders of their incidental registration rights under the Registration
Rights Agreement.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement (the
"Purchase Agreement") among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and each of
the underwriters named below (the "Underwriters"), the Company and the Selling
Stockholders severally have agreed to sell to each of the Underwriters, and each
of the Underwriters severally has agreed to purchase from the Company and the
Selling Stockholders, the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite
its name below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           NUMBER OF
           UNDERWRITERS                                                     SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------   ---------
<S>                                                                        <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
           Incorporated.................................................
CS First Boston Corporation.............................................
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.......................................
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.........................................
                                                                           ---------
           Total........................................................   4,500,000
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"), CS
First Boston Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Raymond James &
Associates, Inc. are acting as representatives (the "Representatives") of the
several Underwriters.
 
    In the Purchase Agreement, the several Underwriters have agreed, subject to
the terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all of the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby if any of such shares are purchased. Under certain
circumstances, the commitments of the non-defaulting Underwriters may be
increased.
 
    The Underwriters have advised the Company that they propose initially to
offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus, and to certain dealers at such price less a
concession not in excess of $         per share. The Underwriters may allow, and
such dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $         per share to
certain other dealers. After the Offering, the public offering price, concession
and discount may be changed.
 
   
    The Company and certain of the Merrill Lynch Investors have each granted the
Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this
Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of an additional 175,000 shares and
500,000 shares, respectively, to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public
offering price set forth on the cover page hereof, less the underwriting
discount. The Underwriters may exercise these options only to cover
over-allotments, if any, made on the sale of the shares offered hereby. To the
extent that the Underwriters exercise these options, each Underwriter will be
obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase the number of shares
proportionate to such Underwriter's initial amount reflected in the foregoing
table.
    
 
    For information regarding the ownership by the Merrill Lynch Investors of
Common Stock and the representation of affiliates of ML & Co. on the Board of
Directors of the Company, see "Management" and "Principal and Selling
Stockholders."
 
   
    The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "ECK." Because the
Company is an affiliate of Merrill Lynch, one of the underwriters, the Offering
is being conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of Schedule E to
the By-Laws of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. In
accordance with Schedule E, no NASD member participating in the distribution is
permitted to confirm sales to accounts over which it exercises discretionary
authority without prior specific written consent. In addition, under the rules
of the NYSE, Merrill Lynch is precluded from issuing research reports that make
recommendations with respect to the Common Stock for so long as the Company is
an affiliate of Merrill Lynch.
    
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
   
    Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, each 1% Holder has agreed,
for a period beginning seven days before, and ending 120 days after, the
effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part,
not to effect any public sale or distribution, including any sale pursuant to
Rule 144 under the Securities Act, of Common Stock or any securities convertible
into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, or any rights or warrants
to acquire Common Stock, subject to certain exceptions, without the prior 
written consent of the Representatives of the Underwriters. See "Risk 
Factors-- Shares Eligible for Future Sale." Approximately 36.8% of the shares 
of Common Stock outstanding upon consummation of the Offering will be subject 
to such lock-up agreements. In addition, certain of the Merrill Lynch 
Investors that are limited partnerships will be distributing an aggregate of 
152,197 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Distribution. As 
a condition to receiving shares of Common Stock in the Merrill Lynch 
Distribution, such limited partners have agreed to be bound by the same 
lock-up provision as the 1% Holders for a period of 120 days after the 
effective date of the Registration Statement. The Merrill Lynch Distribution
is expected to occur as soon as practicable after 120 days from the effective
date of the Registration Statement, or on such earlier date consented to by the
Representatives of the Underwriters. In addition, each of the Company and the
executive officers and directors of the Company will agree, for a period of 90
days after the effective date of the Registration Statement, not to sell or
otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into
or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, or any rights or warrants to
acquire Common Stock, subject to certain exceptions, without the prior written
consent of the Representatives of the Underwriters.
    
 
    The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters and their controlling persons against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to
contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to make in respect
thereof.
 
    Merrill Lynch, an affiliate of the Merrill Lynch Investors, acted as one of
the representatives of the underwriters in the Secondary Offering and received
underwriting commissions and related fees of approximately $809,200. In
addition, Merrill Lynch received fees of approximately $1.4 million in
connection with the financial advisory services rendered to the Company in
connection with the Insta-Care Sale. In addition to Merrill Lynch, certain of
the Underwriters acted as representatives of the Underwriters in the Secondary
Offering and, from time to time, perform investment banking and other financial
services for the Company.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
    Certain legal matters with respect to the Common Stock will be passed upon
for the Company by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, New York, New York and
Robert E. Lewis, Esq., Vice President/General Counsel of the Company. Certain
legal matters will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Shearman & Sterling,
New York, New York. Certain partners of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom are
investors in the Company. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Shearman &
Sterling occasionally act as counsel to ML & Co. and its affiliates, including
the Merrill Lynch Investors, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
occasionally acts as counsel to the other Underwriters.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements and schedules of the Company and
subsidiaries as of January 28, 1995 and January 29, 1994, and for the years
ended January 28, 1995, January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and February 1, 1992,
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K405 for the period ended
January 28, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference, have been incorporated by
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
reference in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants, included or incorporated by reference herein, and
upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    With respect to the unaudited interim financial information of Eckerd
Corporation and subsidiaries for the periods ended April 29, 1995 and April 30,
1994, incorporated by reference herein, the independent certified public
accountants have reported that they applied limited procedures in accordance
with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their
separate report included in the Eckerd Corporation and subsidiaries' quarterly
report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 29, 1995, and incorporated by
reference herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an
opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their report on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. The accountants are not
subject to the liability provisions of section 11 of the Securities Act for
their report on the unaudited interim financial information because that report
is not a "report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or
certified by the accountants within the meaning of sections 7 and 11 of the
Securities Act.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports and other information filed by the
Company with the Commission, may be inspected at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and should also be available for inspection and
copying at the regional offices of the Commission located at Seven World Trade
Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048; and at Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material may
also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Additionally,
such reports and other information concerning the Company are available for
inspection at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange located at 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005, on which the Common Stock is listed, and at
the offices of the American Stock Exchange located at 86 Trinity Place, New
York, New York 10006, on which the 11 1/8% Debentures are listed.
 
    This Prospectus constitutes a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3
filed by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act. This
Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the Registration
Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and to the
exhibits relating thereto for further information with respect to the Company
and the Common Stock offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning
the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each
instance, reference is made to such copy filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission. Each such statement is
qualified in its entirety by such reference. The Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto may be inspected without charge at the office of the Commission
at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies
thereof may be obtained from the Commission at prescribed rates.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
 
    The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission (File No.
1-4844) pursuant to the Exchange Act, are incorporated herein by reference and
made a part hereof:
 
        1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K405 for the fiscal year ended
    January 28, 1995.
 
        2. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
    April 29, 1995.
 
    All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby shall
be deemed to be incorporated in this Prospectus by reference and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
 
    The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, on the written or oral request of any such person,
a copy of any and all of the documents incorporated herein by reference (other
than exhibits unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated herein by
reference). Requests for such copies should be directed to the Treasurer, Eckerd
Corporation, 8333 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo, Florida 34647 or by telephone at
(813) 399-6000.
 
    Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this 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 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 Prospectus.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN
OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING
BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS OR THE UNDERWRITERS.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY, THE COMMON STOCK IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE OR TO ANY PERSON TO
WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATIONS THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET
FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                              -------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         PAGE
                                         ----
 
<S>                                      <C>
Prospectus Summary....................     3
 
Risk Factors..........................     8
 
Use of Proceeds.......................    12

Capitalization........................    13

Price Range of Common Stock and
  Dividend Policy.....................    14
 
The Company...........................    15
 
Selected Historical Financial Data....    18
 
Pro Forma Financial Data..............    20
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Results of Operations and
  Financial Condition.................    22

Business..............................    32
 
Management............................    46

Principal and Selling Stockholders....    50
 
Description of Certain Indebtedness...    53
 
Description of Capital Stock..........    58
 
Underwriting..........................    62
 
Legal Matters.........................    63
 
Experts...............................    63

Available Information.................    64
 
Incorporation of Certain Information
  by Reference........................    65
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                4,500,000 SHARES

                          ["ECKERD CORPORATION" LOGO]

                                  COMMON STOCK

                             ----------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                             ----------------------

                               MERRILL LYNCH & CO.

                                 CS FIRST BOSTON

                               MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                                   INCORPORATED

                         RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.


                                     , 1995

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The following table sets forth the various expenses expected to be incurred
in connection with the distribution of the securities being registered, other
than the underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the amounts shown are
estimates except for the Securities and Exchange Commission and National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fees.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission filing fee....................   $56,212
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fee......    16,802
Blue sky fees and expenses (including counsel fees)..............    12,500
New York Stock Exchange listing fees.............................    10,035
Costs of printing and engraving..................................    55,000
Legal fees and expenses..........................................   350,000
Accounting fees and expenses.....................................    20,000
Miscellaneous....................................................    29,451
                                                                    -------
Total............................................................  $550,000
                                                                    =======
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
* To be filed by amendment.
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits a
corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of
the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for
payments of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions, or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. The Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains such a
provision.
 
    Under Article VIII of the Registrant's Restated By-Laws as currently in
effect, as well as under Article SEVENTH of the Registrant's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, each person who is or was a director or officer of
the Registrant, or who serves or served any other enterprise or organization at
the request of the Registrant, shall be indemnified by the Registrant to the
full extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
    Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a
corporation may indemnify any person who, by reason of the fact that such person
is or was a director or officer of such corporation, is made (or threatened to
be made) a party to an action other than one brought by or on behalf of the
corporation, against reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines and settlement payments, if such person acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
such corporation and, in criminal actions, in addition, had no reasonable cause
to believe his conduct was unlawful. In the case of actions on behalf of the
corporation, indemnification may extend only to reasonable expenses (including
attorneys' fees) and only if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, provided that no such indemnification is permitted in respect of
any claim as to which such person is adjudged liable to such corporation except
to the extent that a court otherwise provides. To the extent that such person
has been successful in defending any action (even one on behalf of the
corporation), he is entitled to indemnification for reasonable expenses
(including attorneys' fees).
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
    The indemnification provided for by the Delaware General Corporation Law is
not exclusive of any other rights of indemnification, and a corporation may
maintain insurance against liabilities for which indemnification is not
expressly provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Registrant has
entered into agreements to indemnify its directors and officers in addition to
the indemnification provided for in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
These agreements, among other things, indemnify the Registrant's directors and
officers for certain expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
settlement amounts incurred by such person in any action or proceeding,
including any action by or in the right of the Registrant, on account of
services as a director or officer of the Registrant or as a director or officer
of any subsidiary of the Registrant, or as a director or officer of any other
company or enterprise to which the person provides services at the request of
the Registrant.
 
    The Registrant maintains a liability insurance policy providing coverage for
its directors and officers in an amount up to an aggregate limit of $10,000,000
per policy year.
 
    The designees of the Merrill Lynch Investors who serve on the Company's
board of directors also have certain rights to indemnification by ML & Co. and
the Merrill Lynch Investors for liabilities incurred in connection with actions
taken by them in their capacity as directors of the Company.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    (a) Exhibits:
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>          <S>   <C>
  1.1        --    Form of Purchase Agreement among the Registrant, the Selling Stockholders and
                   the Underwriters.
 +3.1(i)     --    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by
                   reference to Exhibit 3.1(i) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of the
                   Registrant (No. 33-50223)).
 +3.1(ii)    --    Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to
                   Exhibit 3.2(ii) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of the Registrant
                   (No. 33-50223)).
 +4.1        --    Form of certificate for the Registrant's Common Stock, par value $.01 per
                   share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement
                   on Form S-2 of the Registrant (No. 33-64906)).
 +4.2        --    Credit Agreement dated as of June 14, 1993, as amended and restated as of
                   August 3, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 10-Q of
                   the Registrant dated July 30, 1994 (File No. 1-4844)).
 +4.3        --    Indenture dated as of November 1, 1993 between the Registrant and State
                   Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as
                   Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.01 and 4.02 of the Form 8-K
                   of the Registrant dated October 26, 1993 (File No. 1-4844)).
 +4.4        --    Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986 by and between the Company and Mellon Bank,
                   N.A. as trustee, relating to the 11 1/8% Subordinated Debentures due 2001
                   (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
                   Eckerd Holdings, Inc. (No. 33-4576)).
  5.1        --    Opinion and consent of Robert E. Lewis, Esq.
 15.1        --    Letter of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP dated July 27, 1995 re Unaudited Interim
                   Financial Information.
 23.1        --    Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP dated July 27, 1995.
 23.2        --    Consent of Robert E. Lewis, Esq. as to the validity of the Common Stock being
                   registered (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).
+24.1        --    Power of Attorney (included in signature pages hereto).

<FN>
- ------------
+ Previously filed.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
    1. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
        (a) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
    the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
    Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
    prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
    497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
    Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
        (b) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
    Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
    be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
    offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
    deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    2. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    3. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant
of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to
the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Largo, State of Florida on July 27,
1995.
    
 
                                          ECKERD CORPORATION
 
                                          By         /s/ SAMUEL G. WRIGHT
                                             ...................................
 
                                                      Samuel G. Wright
                                               Executive Vice President/Chief
                                                     Financial Officer
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               SIGNATURE                             TITLES                     DATE
- ----------------------------------------  ----------------------------   ------------------
<S>                                       <C>                            <C>
        /s/ STEWART TURLEY                Chairman of the Board and           July 27, 1995
 ........................................    Chief Executive Officer
            Stewart Turley
 
      /s/ FRANCIS A. NEWMAN               President, Chief Operating          July 27, 1995
 ........................................    Officer and Director
          Francis A. Newman
 
                   *                      Director                            July 27, 1995
 ........................................
            John W. Boyle
 
       /s/ SAMUEL G. WRIGHT               Executive Vice President/           July 27, 1995
 ........................................    Chief Financial Officer
           Samuel G. Wright
 
                   *                      Director                            July 27, 1995
 ........................................
           James T. Doluisio
 
                   *                      Director                            July 27, 1995
 ........................................
            Donald F. Dunn
 
                   *                      Director                            July 27, 1995
 ........................................
         Albert J. Fitzgibbons, III
 
                   *                      Director                            July 27, 1995
 ........................................
            Lewis W. Lehr
 
                   *                      Director                            July 27, 1995
 ........................................
           Rupinder S. Sidhu
 
                   *                      Director                            July 27, 1995
 ........................................
            Alexis P. Michas
 
*By       /s/ ROBERT E. LEWIS
    ....................................
            Robert E. Lewis
            Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                            DESCRIPTION
- ----------         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>   <C>
  1.1        --    Form of Purchase Agreement among the Registrant, the Selling Stockholders and
                   the Underwriters.
 +3.1(i)     --    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by
                   reference to Exhibit 3.1(i) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of the
                   Registrant (No. 33-50223)).
 +3.1(ii)    --    Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to
                   Exhibit 3.2(ii) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of the Registrant
                   (No. 33-50223)).
 +4.1        --    Form of certificate for the Registrant's Common Stock, par value $.01 per
                   share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement
                   on Form S-2 of the Registrant (No. 33-64906)).
 +4.2        --    Credit Agreement dated as of June 14, 1993, as amended and restated as of
                   August 3, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 10-Q of
                   the Registrant dated July 30, 1994 (File No. 1-4844)).
 +4.3        --    Indenture dated as of November 1, 1993 between the Registrant and State
                   Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as
                   Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.01 and 4.02 of the Form 8-K
                   of the Registrant dated October 26, 1993 (File No. 1-4844)).
 +4.4        --    Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986 by and between the Company and Mellon Bank,
                   N.A. as trustee, relating to the 11 1/8% Subordinated Debentures due 2001
                   (incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
                   Eckerd Holdings, Inc. (No. 33-4576)).
  5.1        --    Opinion and consent of Robert E. Lewis, Esq.
 15.1        --    Letter of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP dated July 27, 1995 re Unaudited Interim
                   Financial Information.
 23.1        --    Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP dated July 27, 1995.
 23.2        --    Consent of Robert E. Lewis, Esq. as to the validity of the Common Stock being
                   registered (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).
+24.1        --    Power of Attorney (included in signature pages hereto).
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 
   
+ Previously filed.
    












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








                        Eckerd Corporation
                     (a Delaware corporation)


                 4,500,000 Shares of Common Stock




                        PURCHASE AGREEMENT











Dated: July __, 1995


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


<PAGE>

                        ECKERD CORPORATION
                     (a Delaware corporation)
                 4,500,000 Shares of Common Stock
                    Par Value $ 0.01 Per Share


                        PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                                        July __, 1995


MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
       Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
CS First Boston Corporation
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
     As Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o Merrill Lynch & Co.
         Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Merrill Lynch World Headquarters
North Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York  10281-1201


Ladies and Gentlemen:

          Eckerd Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), proposes to issue and sell to the underwriters named
in Schedule A (the "Underwriters"), for whom you are acting as
representatives (the "Representatives"), 2,500,000 authorized but
unissued shares of Common Stock of the Company, par value $ 0.01
per share (shares of which class of stock of the Company are
hereinafter referred to as "Common Stock"), and the stockholders
named in Schedule B (the "Selling Stockholders") propose to sell
severally an aggregate of 2,000,000 outstanding shares of Common
Stock, as set forth in the appropriate column on Schedule B, to
the Underwriters.  Such shares of Common Stock, aggregating
4,500,000 shares, are to be sold to each Underwriter, acting
severally and not jointly, in such amounts as are set forth in
Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter.  The Company
and certain of the Selling Stockholders also grant to the
Underwriters, severally and not jointly, the options described in
Section 2 to purchase all or any part of 675,000 additional
shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments.  The aforesaid
4,500,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Initial Shares"), together
with all or any part of the 675,000 additional shares of Common
Stock subject to the options described in Section 2 (the "Option
Shares"), are collectively herein called the "Shares".  The


<PAGE>

                                2

Shares are more fully described in the Prospectus referred to
below.

          You have advised us that you and the other
Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, desire to
purchase the Shares and that you have been authorized by the
other Underwriters to execute this Agreement and the Price
Determination Agreement referred to below on their behalf.

          The price to the public per share and the purchase
price per share for the Shares shall be agreed upon by the
Company, the Selling Stockholders and the Representatives, acting
on behalf of the several Underwriters, and such agreement shall
be set forth in a separate written instrument substantially in
the form of Exhibit A hereto (the "Price Determination
Agreement").  The Price Determination Agreement may take the form
of an exchange of any standard form of written telecommunication
between the Company, the Selling Stockholders and the
Representatives and shall specify such applicable information as
is indicated in Exhibit A hereto.  The offering of the Shares
will be governed by this Agreement, as supplemented by the Price
Determination Agreement.  From and after the date of the
execution and delivery of the Price Determination Agreement, this
Agreement shall be deemed to incorporate, and all references
herein to "this Agreement" shall be deemed to include, the Price
Determination Agreement.

          The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a registration
statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-60887) covering the
registration of the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"), including the related preliminary
prospectus, or prospectuses, and either (A) has prepared and
proposes to file, prior to the effective date of such
registration statement, an amendment to such registration
statement, including a final prospectus or (B) if the Company has
elected to rely upon Rule 430A ("Rule 430A") of the rules and
regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act (the "1933 Act
Regulations"), will prepare and file a prospectus, in accordance
with the provisions of Rule 430A and Rule 424(b) ("Rule 424(b)")
of the 1933 Act Regulations, promptly after execution and
delivery of the Price Determination Agreement.  Additionally, if
the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 434 ("Rule 434") of the
1933 Act Regulations, the Company will prepare and file a term
sheet (a "Term Sheet") in accordance with the provisions of Rule
434 and Rule 424(b), promptly after execution and delivery of the
Price Determination Agreement.  The information, if any, included
in such prospectus that was omitted from the prospectus included
in such registration statement at the time it becomes effective
but that is deemed, (i) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A,


<PAGE>

                                3

to be part of such registration statement at the time it becomes
effective is referred to herein as the "Rule 430A Information",
and (ii) pursuant to paragraph (d) of Rule 434, to be part of
such registration statement at the time it becomes effective is
referred to herein as the "Rule 434 Information".  Each
prospectus used before the time such registration statement
becomes effective, and any prospectus that omits the Rule 430A
Information or the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, that is
used after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and
delivery of the Price Determination Agreement, is herein called a
"preliminary prospectus".  Such registration statement, including
the exhibits thereto and the documents incorporated by reference
therein pursuant to Item 12 ("Item 12") of Form S-3 under the
1933 Act, as amended, and Rule 412 of the 1933 Act Regulations
("Rule 412") at the time it becomes effective and including, if
applicable, the Rule 430A Information or the Rule 434
Information, is herein called the "Original Registration
Statement."  Any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule
462(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations is herein referred to as the
"Rule 462(b) Registration Statement," and the Original
Registration Statement and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement
are herein referred to collectively as the "Registration
Statement."  The prospectus, including the documents incorporated
by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 and Rule 412, included
in the Original Registration Statement at the time it becomes
effective is herein called the "Prospectus", except that, (i) if
the final prospectus first furnished to the Underwriters after
the execution of the Price Determination Agreement for use in
connection with the offering of the Shares differs from the
prospectus included in the Original Registration Statement at the
time it becomes effective (whether or not such prospectus is
required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)), the term
"Prospectus" shall refer to the final Prospectus first furnished
to the Underwriters for such use, and (ii) if Rule 434 is relied
upon, the term "Prospectus" shall refer to the preliminary
prospectus last furnished to the Underwriters in connection with
the offering of the Shares, together with the Term Sheet.

          The Company and the Selling Stockholders understand
that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the
Shares as soon as you deem advisable after the Registration
Statement becomes effective and the Price Determination Agreement
has been executed and delivered.

          Section 1.  Representations and Warranties.  (a)  The
                      ------------------------------
Company represents and warrants to and agrees with each of the
Underwriters that:

          (i)  The Company meets the requirements for use of
     Form S-3 under the 1933 Act and when the Registration


<PAGE>

                                4

     Statement shall become effective and at all times subsequent
     thereto up to the Closing Time referred to below (and, if
     any Option Shares are purchased, at the Date of Delivery
     referred to below), (A) the Registration Statement and any
     amendments and supplements thereto will comply in all
     material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and
     the 1933 Act Regulations; (B) neither the Registration
     Statement nor any amendment or supplement thereto will
     contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
     state a material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
     (C) neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement
     thereto will include an untrue statement of a material fact
     or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make
     the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading; and (D) if Rule
     434 is relied upon, the Prospectus shall not be "materially
     different", as such term is used in Rule 434, from the
     prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the
     time it becomes effective; except that this representation
     and warranty does not apply to statements or omissions made
     in reliance upon and in conformity with information
     furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any
     Underwriter through you expressly for use in the
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus.

          (ii) The documents incorporated by reference in the
     Prospectus pursuant to Item 12 and Rule 412, at the time
     they were filed with the Commission, complied in all
     material respects with the requirements of the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and the
     rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (the
     "1934 Act Regulations") and, when read together and with,
     and as modified or superseded by, the other information in
     the Prospectus, at the time the Registration Statement
     becomes effective and at all times subsequent thereto up to
     the Closing Time (and, if any Option Shares are purchased,
     at the Date of Delivery), will not contain an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit 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.

          (iii)      KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, who are reporting
     upon the audited financial statements included or
     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, are
     independent public accountants as required by the 1933 Act
     and the 1933 Act Regulations.


<PAGE>

                                5

          (iv) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed
     and delivered by the Company.

          (v)  The consolidated financial statements of the
     Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) included or
     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
     present fairly the consolidated financial position of the
     Company and its Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and
     the consolidated results of operations and the consolidated
     cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the
     periods specified, respectively.  Such financial statements
     have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
     accounting principles applied on a consistent basis
     throughout the periods involved.  The financial statement
     schedules included in the Registration Statement present
     fairly the information required to be stated therein.  The
     selected financial data included or incorporated by
     reference in the Prospectus present fairly the information
     shown therein and have been compiled on a basis consistent
     with that of the audited consolidated financial statements
     included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
     Statement.  The pro forma financial statements and other pro
     forma financial information included in the Prospectus
     present fairly the information shown therein, have been
     prepared in accordance with the Commission's rules and
     guidelines with respect to pro forma financial statements,
     have been properly compiled on the pro forma bases described
     therein, and, in the opinion of the Company, the assumptions
     used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the
     adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to
     the transactions or circumstances referred to therein.

          (vi) The Company has been duly organized and is
     subsisting as a corporation and in good standing under the
     laws of the State of Delaware with corporate power and
     corporate authority under such laws to own, lease and
     operate its properties and conduct its business as described
     in the Prospectus; and the Company is duly qualified to
     transact business as a foreign corporation and is in good
     standing in each other jurisdiction in which it owns or
     leases property of a nature, or transacts business of a
     type, that would make such qualification necessary, except
     to the extent that the failure to so qualify or be in good
     standing would not have a material adverse effect on the
     condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business
     affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
     Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise ("Material
     Adverse Effect") and except for jurisdictions that do not
     recognize the legal concepts of good standing or
     qualification.


<PAGE>

                                6

          (vii)     The Company's only subsidiaries are listed in
     Schedule C attached hereto (each such corporation is
     referred to herein as a "Subsidiary" and, collectively, the
     "Subsidiaries"). Each Subsidiary has been duly organized and
     is subsisting as a corporation and in good standing under
     the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation with
     corporate power and corporate authority under such laws to
     own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its
     business, except to the extent that the failure to be in
     good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect and
     except for jurisdictions that do not recognize the legal
     concept of good standing; and each Subsidiary is duly
     qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation and
     is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which it
     owns or leases property of a nature, or transacts business
     of a type, that would make such qualification necessary,
     except to the extent that the failure to so qualify or be in
     good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect and
     except for jurisdictions that do not recognize the legal
     concepts of good standing or qualification.  Except as set
     forth in Schedule C, all of the outstanding shares of
     capital stock of each Subsidiary have been duly authorized
     and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and
     are owned by the Company, directly or through a Subsidiary,
     free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest,
     charge, claim, equity or encumbrance of any kind except for
     the pledge of the capital stock of each Subsidiary under the
     Credit Agreement (as defined in the Prospectus) and the
     related pledge agreement (referred to in the Credit
     Agreement).

          (viii)    (a) the Company had at the date indicated a
     duly authorized, issued and outstanding capitalization as
     set forth in the Prospectus under the heading
     "Capitalization"; and (b) the Shares will conform to the
     description thereof contained or incorporated by reference
     in the Prospectus and such description conforms to the
     rights set forth in the instruments defining the same.

          (ix) The Shares to be sold by the Company have been
     duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance
     with this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
     non-assessable; no holder thereof will be subject to
     personal liability solely by reason of being such a holder;
     such Shares are not subject to the preemptive rights of any
     stockholder of the Company; and the issuance and sale of the
     Shares have been duly authorized by requisite corporate
     action on the part of the Company.



<PAGE>

                                7

          (x)  The Shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders
     have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully
     paid and non-assessable; and no holder thereof is or will be
     subject to personal liability solely by reason of being such
     a holder.

          (xi) All of the other outstanding shares of capital
     stock of the Company have been duly authorized and validly
     issued and will have been fully paid and non-assessable; no
     holder thereof is or will be subject to personal liability
     by reason of being such a holder; and none of the
     outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been
     issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any
     stockholder of the Company.

          (xii)     Since the respective dates as of which
     information is given in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein or
     contemplated thereby, there has not been (A) any material
     adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
     earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the
     Company and the Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise,
     whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business,
     (B) any transaction entered into by the Company or any
     Subsidiary, other than in the ordinary course of business,
     that is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries,
     considered as one enterprise, or (C) any dividend or
     distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the
     Company on its capital stock.

          (xiii)    Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in
     default in the performance or observance of any obligation,
     agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract,
     indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other
     agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which
     it may be bound or to which any of its properties may be
     subject, except for such defaults that would not have a
     Material Adverse Effect.  The execution and delivery of this
     Agreement by the Company, the issuance and delivery of the
     Shares, the consummation by the Company of the transactions
     contemplated in this Agreement and in the Registration
     Statement and compliance by the Company with the terms of
     this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary
     corporate action on the part of the Company and do not and
     will, at the Closing Time, not result in any violation of
     the charter or by-laws of the Company or any Subsidiary, as
     in effect at the Closing Time, and do not and will, at the
     Closing Time, not conflict with, or result in a breach of
     any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default
     under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien,


<PAGE>

                                8

     charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the
     Company or any Subsidiary (except for such conflicts,
     breaches or defaults or liens, charges or encumbrances that
     would not have a  Material Adverse Effect) under (A) any
     contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease
     or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any
     Subsidiary is a party or by which it may be bound or to
     which any of its properties may be subject or (B) any
     existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order
     or decree of any government, governmental instrumentality or
     court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the
     Company or any Subsidiary or any of their respective
     properties.

          (xiv)     No authorization, approval, consent or
     license of any government,    governmental instrumentality
     or court, domestic or foreign (other than under the 1933 Act
     and 1933 Act Regulations, the securities or Blue Sky laws of
     the various states, the securities laws of foreign
     jurisdictions and the rules and regulations of the National
     Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD")), is
     required for the valid authorization, issuance, sale and
     delivery of the Shares and compliance by the Company with
     the terms of this Agreement [, except such as have been
     obtained].

          (xv) Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there is no
     action, suit or proceeding before or by any government,
     governmental instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign,
     now pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
     against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary that is
     required to be disclosed in the Prospectus or that could
     reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse
     Effect, or that could reasonably be expected to materially
     and adversely affect the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated in this Agreement; the aggregate of all pending
     legal or governmental proceedings that are not described in
     the Prospectus to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a
     party or which affect any of their respective properties,
     including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the
     business of the Company or any Subsidiary, would not
     reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xvi)     There are no contracts or documents of a
     character required to be described in the Registration
     Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to
     the Registration Statement that are not described and filed
     as required.


<PAGE>

                                9

          (xvii)    Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has
     good and marketable title to all properties and assets
     described in the Prospectus as owned by it, free and clear
     of all liens, charges or encumbrances, except such as
     (A) are described in the Prospectus or (B) could not have a
     Material Adverse Effect; all of the leases and subleases
     material to the business of the Company and the
     Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise, and under which
     the Company or any Subsidiary holds properties described in
     the Prospectus, are in full force and effect, and neither
     the Company nor any Subsidiary has any notice of any
     material claim of any sort that has been asserted by anyone
     adverse to the rights of the Company or any Subsidiary under
     any of the leases or subleases mentioned above, or affecting
     or questioning the rights of such corporation to the
     continued possession of the leased or subleased premises
     under any such lease or sublease, except for such claims
     that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect.

          (xviii)   Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries
     owns, possesses or has obtained all material governmental
     licenses, permits, certificates, consents, orders, approvals
     and other authorizations necessary to own or lease, as the
     case may be, and to operate its properties and to carry on
     its business as presently conducted, and neither the Company
     nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings
     relating to revocation or modification of any such licenses,
     permits, certificates, consents, orders, approvals or
     authorizations, except for such licenses, permits,
     certificates, consents, orders, approvals or other
     authorizations that would not have a Material Adverse
     Effect.

          (xix)     Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries owns
     or possesses, or can acquire on reasonable terms, adequate
     patents, patent licenses, trademarks, service marks and
     trade names necessary to carry on its business as presently
     conducted, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has
     received any notice of infringement of or conflict with
     asserted rights of others with respect to any patents,
     patent licenses, trademarks, service marks or trade names
     that in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a
     Material Adverse Effect.

          (xx) To the best knowledge of the Company, no labor
     problem exists with its employees or with employees of the
     Subsidiaries or is imminent that could reasonably be
     expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and the Company,
     without any independent investigation, is not aware of any


<PAGE>

                                10

     existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of
     any of its or the Subsidiaries' principal suppliers,
     contractors or customers that could reasonably be expected
     to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xxi)     The Company has not taken and will not take,
     directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or that
     might be reasonably expected to, cause or result in
     stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common
     Stock.

          (xxii)    Except as disclosed in the Registration
     Statement and except as would not individually or in the
     aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
     Effect (A) the Company and the Subsidiaries are each in
     compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, (B) the
     Company and the Subsidiaries have all permits,
     authorizations and approvals required under any applicable
     Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their
     requirements, (C) to the Company's knowledge, there are no
     pending or threatened Environmental Claims against the
     Company or any of the Subsidiaries, and (D) under applicable
     law, there are no circumstances with respect to any property
     or operations of the Company or the Subsidiaries that are
     reasonably likely to form the basis of an Environmental
     Claim against the Company or the Subsidiaries.

          For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms
     shall have the following meanings:  "Environmental Law"
     means any United States (or other applicable jurisdiction's)
     federal, state, local or municipal statute, law, rule,
     regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law
     and any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof
     including any judicial or administrative order, consent
     decree or judgment, relating to the environment, health,
     safety or any chemical, material or substance, exposure to
     which is prohibited, limited or regulated by any
     governmental authority.  "Environmental Claims" means any
     and all administrative, regulatory or judicial actions,
     suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of
     noncompliance or violation, investigations or proceedings
     relating in any way to any Environmental Law.

          (xxiii)   All United States federal income tax returns
     of the Company and the Subsidiaries required by law to be
     filed have been filed and all taxes shown on such returns or
     otherwise assessed which are due and payable have been paid,
     except tax assessments against which appeals have been or
     will be promptly taken and as to which adequate reserves
     have been provided. All other tax returns of the Company and


<PAGE>

                                11

     the Subsidiaries required to be filed pursuant to applicable
     foreign, state, local or other law have been filed, except
     insofar as the failure to file such returns could not
     reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,
     and all taxes shown on such returns that have been filed or
     otherwise assessed which are due and payable have been paid,
     except for such taxes, if any, as are being contested, in
     good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been
     provided in accordance with generally accepted accounting
     principles. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books
     of the Company and the Subsidiaries in respect of any income
     and corporate franchise tax liability for any years not
     finally determined or with respect to which the applicable
     statute of limitations has not expired are believed to be
     adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments for
     additional income or corporate franchise tax for any years
     not finally determined, except to the extent of any
     inadequacy that could not have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xxiv)    Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has
     fulfilled its obligations, if any, under the minimum funding
     standards of Section 302 of the Employee Retirement Income
     Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and the
     regulations and published interpretations thereunder with
     respect to each "pension plan" (as defined in ERISA and such
     regulations and published interpretations) in which
     employees of the Company or such Subsidiary are eligible to
     participate and each such plan is in compliance in all
     material respects with the presently applicable provisions
     of ERISA and such regulations and published interpretations
     (except for such failure to so comply that would not have,
     singularly or in the aggregate with all other such failures
     to comply, a Material Adverse Effect), and has not incurred
     any unpaid liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
     Corporation (other than for the payment of premiums in the
     ordinary course) or to any such plan under Title IV of
     ERISA.

          (xxv)     The Shares have been approved for listing on
     the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

          (b)  Each of the Selling Stockholders severally
represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of the
Underwriters as follows:

          (i)  When the Registration Statement shall become
     effective, and at all times subsequent thereto up to the
     Closing Time (and, if any Option Shares are purchased, at
     the Date of Delivery), (A) neither the Registration
     Statement nor any amendment or supplement thereto will


<PAGE>

                                12

     contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
     state a material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary in order to make the statements therein not
     misleading; and (B) neither the Prospectus nor any amendment
     or supplement thereto will include an untrue statement of a
     material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in
     order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
     circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
     provided, however, that, as to each Selling Stockholder, the
     --------  -------
     representations and warranties contained in this subsection
     (i) apply only to statements or omissions made in reliance
     upon and in conformity with information which is furnished
     in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Selling
     Stockholder expressly for use in the Registration Statement
     or the Prospectus (a copy of all such statements shall have
     been previously delivered to you).

          (ii) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed
     and delivered by such Selling Stockholder.

          (iii)     No authorization, approval, consent or
     license of any government, governmental instrumentality or
     court, domestic or foreign (other than under the 1933 Act
     and the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states,
     the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions and the rules
     and regulations of the NASD), is required for the
     consummation by such Selling Stockholder of the transactions
     contemplated in this Agreement, including, without
     limitation, the sale and delivery of the Shares, except such
     as have been obtained.

          (iv) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and
     the consummation by such Selling Stockholder of the
     transactions contemplated in this Agreement will not, at the
     Closing Time (a) result in a breach by such Selling
     Stockholder of, or constitute a default by such Selling
     Stockholder under, any material agreement or instrument or
     any decree, judgment or order to which such Selling
     Stockholder is a party or by which such Selling Stockholder
     is bound or the properties of such Selling Stockholder are
     subject or (b) violate (A) any provision of the certificate
     of incorporation, by-law, partnership agreement or
     comparable governing documents of such Selling Stockholder
     or (B) any law, rule or regulation applicable to such
     Selling Stockholder or to which its properties are subject
     (other than for the securities or Blue Sky laws of the
     various states and the rules and regulations of the NASD and
     assuming compliance with the federal securities laws and the
     securities laws of foreign jurisdictions by the other
     parties hereto).


<PAGE>

                                13

          (v)  Such Selling Stockholder will, at the Closing Time
     and, if any Option Shares are purchased, on the Date of
     Delivery, be the sole registered holder of the Shares to be
     sold by such Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement,
     free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest,
     charge, claim, equity or encumbrance of any kind, other than
     pursuant to this Agreement; such Selling Stockholder has
     full right, power and authority to sell, transfer and
     deliver such Shares pursuant to this Agreement; and, upon
     delivery of such Shares and payment of the purchase price
     therefor as contemplated in this Agreement, each of the
     Underwriters will receive all of such Selling Stockholder's
     interest in its ratable share of the Shares purchased by it
     from such Selling Stockholder, free and clear of any pledge,
     lien, security interest, charge, claim, equity or
     encumbrance of any kind.

          (vi) Such Selling Stockholder has not taken and will
     not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or
     that might be reasonably expected to, cause or result in
     stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common
     Stock; and such Selling Stockholder has not distributed and
     will not distribute any prospectus or other offering
     material in connection with the offering and sale of the
     Shares other than any preliminary prospectus filed with the
     Commission or the Prospectus or other material permitted by
     the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations.

          (vii)     Such Selling Stockholder is duly organized
     and subsisting and in good standing under the laws of its
     jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, as the case
     may be, with all necessary power and authority to (A) enter
     into and perform this Agreement and (B) sell and deliver the
     Shares to the Underwriters in accordance with this
     Agreement.

          (c)  Any certificate signed by any officer of the
Company or any Subsidiary and delivered to you or to counsel for
the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by
the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters covered
thereby; and any certificate signed by or on behalf of the
Selling Stockholders as such and delivered to you or to counsel
for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and
warranty by the Selling Stockholders to each Underwriter as to
the matters covered thereby.

          Section 2.  Sale and Delivery to the Underwriters;
                      --------------------------------------
Closing.  (a)  On the basis of the representations and warranties
- -------
herein contained, and after consultation with you as to the
maximum number of Shares that may be sold in the offering at the


<PAGE>

                                14

price set forth in the Price Determination Agreement, and subject
to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company and
each Selling Stockholder agree, severally and not jointly, to
sell to each Underwriter, and each Underwriter agrees, severally
and not jointly, to purchase from the Company and each Selling
Stockholder, at the purchase price per share for the Initial
Shares to be agreed upon by the Company, the Selling Stockholders
and by the Representatives in accordance with Section 2(b) or
2(c), and set forth in the Price Determination Agreement, (i) in
the case of the Company, the number of Initial Shares that bears
the same relation to the total number of Initial Shares to be
sold by the Company as the number of Initial Shares set forth
opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule A bears to the
total number of Initial Shares (such proportion is hereinafter
referred to as such Underwriter's "underwriting obligation
proportion") and (ii) in the case of each Selling Stockholder,
the underwriting obligation proportion of such Underwriter of the
aggregate number of Initial Shares as are proposed to be sold by
such Selling Stockholder and set forth opposite such Selling
Stockholder's name in the appropriate column on Schedule B,
subject, in each case, to such adjustments as you, in your
discretion, shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of
fractional shares.  If the Company elects to rely on Rule 430A,
Schedules A and B may be attached to the Price Determination
Agreement.

          (b)  If the Company has elected not to rely upon
Rule 430A, the price to the public per share for the Initial
Shares and the purchase price per share for the Initial Shares to
be paid by the several Underwriters shall be agreed upon and set
forth in the Price Determination Agreement, dated the date
hereof, and an amendment to the Original Registration Statement
containing such per share price information will be filed before
the Original Registration Statement becomes effective.

          (c)  If the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A,
the price to the public per share for the Initial Shares and the
purchase price per share for the Initial Shares to be paid by the
several Underwriters shall be agreed upon and set forth in the
Price Determination Agreement.  In the event that the Price
Determination Agreement has not been executed by the close of
business on the fourteenth business day following the later of
the date on which the Original Registration Statement and any
Rule 462(b) Registration Statement becomes effective, this
Agreement shall terminate forthwith, without liability of any
party to any other party except that Sections 7, 8 and 9 shall
remain in effect.

          (d)  In addition, on the basis of the representations
and warranties herein contained, and subject to the terms and


<PAGE>

                                15

conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby grants an option
to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, to purchase up to
an additional 175,000 Option Shares and certain of the Selling
Stockholders hereby grant an option to the Underwriters,
severally and not jointly, to purchase up to the additional
number of Option Shares set forth opposite such Selling
Stockholder's name in the appropriate column of Schedule B, or
500,000 shares in the aggregate, in each case, at the same
purchase price per share as shall be applicable to the Initial
Shares.  The options hereby granted will expire 30 days after the
later of the date upon which the Original Registration Statement
and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement becomes effective or,
if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A, the date of
the Price Determination Agreement, and may be exercised, in whole
or in part (but not more than once), only for the purpose of
covering over-allotments that may be made in connection with the
offering and distribution of the Initial Shares upon notice by
you to the Company and the Selling Stockholders setting forth the
aggregate number of Option Shares as to which the several
Underwriters are exercising the options, and the time and date of
payment and delivery thereof.  Such time and date of delivery
(the "Date of Delivery") shall be determined by you but shall not
be later than seven full business days after the exercise of such
options, nor in any event prior to the Closing Time.  If the
options are exercised as to only a portion of the Option Shares,
the Company and certain of the Selling Stockholders will sell
their pro rata portion of the Option Shares to be purchased by
the Underwriters.  If the options are exercised as to all or any
portion of the Option Shares, the Option Shares as to which the
options are exercised shall be purchased by the Underwriters,
severally and not jointly, in their respective underwriting
obligation proportions (except as otherwise provided in the Price
Determination Agreement), subject to such adjustments as you, in
your discretion, shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases
of fractional shares.

          (e)  Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of
certificates for, the Initial Shares shall be made at the offices
of Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York
10022, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the
Company, the Selling Stockholders and you, at 10:00 A.M. either
(i) on the third full business day after the later of the
effective date of the Original Registration Statement and any
Rule 462(b) Registration Statement (or if pricing of the Shares
occurs after 4:30 P.M. Eastern time, on the fourth full business
day thereafter), or (ii) if the Company has elected to rely upon
Rule 430A, on the third full business day after execution of the
Price Determination Agreement (or, if pricing of the Shares
occurs after 4:30 P.M. Eastern time, on the fourth full business
day thereafter) (unless, in either case, postponed pursuant to


<PAGE>

                                16

Section 11 or 12), or at such other time not more than ten full
business days thereafter as you, the Company and the Selling
Stockholders shall determine (such date and time of payment and
delivery being herein called the "Closing Time").  In addition,
in the event that any or all of the Option Shares are purchased
by the Underwriters, payment of the purchase price for, and
delivery of certificates for, such Option Shares shall be made at
the offices of Shearman & Sterling set forth above, or at such
other place as the Company, the Selling Stockholders and you
shall determine, on the Date of Delivery as specified in the
notice from you to the Company.  Payment shall be made to the
Company and to each of the Selling Stockholders by certified or
official bank check or checks in New York Clearing House funds
payable to the order of the Company and to each of the Selling
Stockholders against delivery to you for the respective accounts
of the several Underwriters of certificates for the Shares to be
purchased by them.

          (f)  Certificates for the Initial Shares and Option
Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters shall be in such
denominations and registered in such names as you may request in
writing at least one full business day before the Closing Time or
the Date of Delivery, as the case may be.  The certificates for
the Initial Shares and Option Shares will be made available in
New York City for examination and packaging by you not later than
10:00 A.M. on the business day prior to the Closing Time or the
Date of Delivery, as the case may be.

          (g)  It is understood that each Underwriter has
authorized you, for its account, to accept delivery of, receipt
for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Shares that
it has agreed to purchase.  You, individually and not as
Representatives, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment
of the purchase price for the Initial Shares, or Option Shares,
to be purchased by any Underwriter whose check or checks shall
not have been received by the Closing Time or the Date of
Delivery, as the case may be.

          Section 3.  Certain Covenants of the Company.  The
                      --------------------------------
Company covenants with each Underwriter as follows:

          (a)  The Company will use its best efforts to cause the
     Registration Statement to become effective and, if the
     Company elects to rely upon Rule 430A and subject to
     Section 3(b) hereof, will comply with the requirements of
     Rule 430A and will notify you immediately, and confirm the
     notice in writing, if requested, (i) when the Registration
     Statement, or any post-effective amendment to the
     Registration Statement, shall have become effective, or any
     supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus shall


<PAGE>

                                17

     have been filed, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from
     the Commission, (iii) of any request by the Commission to
     amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the
     Prospectus or for additional information and (iv) of the
     issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
     effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any order
     preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary
     prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the
     Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the
     institution or threatening of any proceedings for any of
     such purposes.  The Company will use every reasonable effort
     to prevent the issuance of any such stop order or of any
     order preventing or suspending such use and, if any such
     order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the
     earliest possible moment.

          (b)  The Company will not at any time file or make any
     amendment to the Registration Statement (including any
     filing under Rule 462(b)), file a Term Sheet or file or make
     any amendment or supplement (i) if the Company has not
     elected to rely upon Rule 430A, to the Prospectus (including
     the documents incorporated by reference into the Prospectus)
     or (ii) if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A,
     to either the prospectus included in the Original
     Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective or
     to the Prospectus (including documents incorporated by
     reference into such prospectuses or to the Prospectus
     pursuant to Item 12 and Rule 412), of which you shall not
     have previously been advised and furnished a copy, or to
     which you or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably
     object.

          (c)  The Company has furnished or will furnish to you
     as many signed copies of the Registration Statement as
     originally filed and of all amendments thereto, whether
     filed before or after the Registration Statement becomes
     effective, copies of all exhibits and documents filed
     therewith (including documents incorporated by reference
     into the Prospectus pursuant to Item 12 and Rule 412) and
     signed copies of all consents and certificates of experts,
     as you may reasonably request and has furnished or will
     furnish to you, for each other Underwriter, one conformed
     copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and
     of each amendment thereto (including documents incorporated
     by reference into the Prospectus but without exhibits).

          (d)  The Company will deliver to each Underwriter,
     without charge, from time to time until the later of the
     effective date of the Original Registration Statement any
     any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement (or, if the Company


<PAGE>

                                18

     has elected to rely upon Rule 430A, until the date of the
     Price Determination Agreement), as many copies of each
     preliminary prospectus as such Underwriter may reasonably
     request, and the Company hereby consents to the use of such
     copies for purposes permitted by the 1933 Act.  The Company
     will deliver to each Underwriter, without charge, as soon as
     the Registration Statement shall have become effective (or,
     if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A, as soon
     as practicable on or after the date of the Price
     Determination Agreement) and thereafter from time to time as
     requested during the period when the Prospectus is required
     to be delivered under the 1933 Act, such number of copies of
     the Prospectus (as supplemented or amended) as such
     Underwriter may reasonably request.

          (e)  The Company will comply to the best of its ability
     with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and the 1934
     Act and the 1934 Act Regulations so as to permit the
     completion of the distribution of the Shares as contemplated
     in this Agreement and in the Prospectus.  If at any time
     when a prospectus is required by the 1933 Act to be
     delivered in connection with sales of the Shares any event
     shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is
     necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters or
     counsel for the Company, to amend the Registration Statement
     or amend or supplement the Prospectus in order that the
     Prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a
     material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in
     order to make the statements therein not misleading in the
     light of the circumstances existing at the time it is
     delivered to a purchaser, or if it shall be necessary, in
     the opinion of either such counsel, at any such time to
     amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the
     Prospectus in order to comply with the requirements of the
     1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations, the Company will
     promptly prepare and file with the Commission, subject to
     Section 3(b) hereof, such amendment or supplement as may be
     necessary to correct such untrue statement or omission or to
     make the Registration Statement or the Prospectus comply
     with such requirements.

          (f)  The Company will use its best efforts, in
     cooperation with the Underwriters, to qualify the Shares for
     offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of
     such states and other jurisdictions as you may designate and
     to maintain such qualifications in effect for a period of
     not less than one year from the later of the effective date
     of the Original Registration Statement any any Rule 462(b)
     Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company
                             --------  -------
     shall not be obligated to file any general consent to


<PAGE>

                                19

     service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or
     as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is
     not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect
     of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not
     otherwise so subject.  The Company will file such statements
     and reports as may be required by the laws of each
     jurisdiction in which the Shares have been qualified as
     above provided.

          (g)  The Company will make generally available to its
     security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than
     45 days after the close of the period covered thereby, an
     earnings statement of the Company (in form complying with
     the provisions of Rule 158 of the 1933 Act Regulations),
     covering a period of 12 months beginning after the later of
     the effective date of the Original Registration Statement
     any any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement and covering a
     period of 12 months beginning after the effective date of
     any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement
     but not later than the first day of the Company's fiscal
     quarter next following such respective effective dates.

          (h)  The Company will use the net proceeds received by
     it from the sale of the Shares in the manner specified in
     the Prospectus under the caption "Use of Proceeds".

          (i)  The Company, during the period when the Prospectus
     is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, will file
     promptly all documents required to be filed with the
     Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 14 of the 1934 Act
     subsequent to the time the Registration Statement becomes
     effective.

          (j)  For a period of five years after the Closing Time,
     the Company will furnish to you and, upon request, to each
     Underwriter, copies of all annual reports, quarterly reports
     and current reports filed with the Commission on Forms 10-K,
     10-Q and 8-K, or such other similar forms as may be
     designated by the Commission, and such other documents,
     reports and information as shall be furnished by the Company
     to its stockholders or security holders generally available.

          (k)  For a period of 90 days from the date hereof, the
     Company will not, without the prior written consent of
     Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith
     Incorporated, on behalf of the Underwriters, directly or
     indirectly, sell, offer to sell, grant any option for the
     sale of, or otherwise dispose of, any Common Stock or
     securities convertible into Common Stock, other than to the
     Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement and other than


<PAGE>

                                20

     pursuant to employee benefit plans and dividend reinvestment
     plans that (i) are existing on the date hereof and (ii) are
     described in the Prospectus.

          (l)  If the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A,
     it will take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain
     promptly whether the form of prospectus transmitted for
     filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the
     Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will
     promptly file such prospectus.

          (m)  If the Company has elected to rely on Rule 434, it
     will comply with the requirements of Rule 434, and the
     Prospectus will not be "materially different," as such term
     is used in Rule 434, from the prospectus included in the
     Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective.

          (n)  If the Company elects to rely upon Rule 462(b),
     the Company shall both file a Rule 462(b) Registration
     Statement with the Commission in compliance with Rule 462(b)
     and pay the applicable fees in accordance with Rule 111 of
     the 1933 Act Regulations by the earlier of (i) 10:00 P.M.
     Eastern time on the date of the Price Determination
     Agreement and (ii) the time confirmations are sent or given,
     as specified by Rule 462(b)(2).

          (o)  The Company has complied and will comply with all
     the provisions of Florida H.B. 1771, codified as
     Section 517.075 of the Florida statutes, and all regulations
     promulgated thereunder relating to issuers doing business in
     Cuba.

          Section 4.  Payment of Expenses.  The Company will pay
                      -------------------
and bear all costs and expenses incident to the performance of
the obligations of the Company and of the Selling Stockholders
under this Agreement, including (a) the preparation, printing and
filing of the Registration Statement (including financial
statements and exhibits), as originally filed and as amended, the
preliminary prospectuses and the Prospectus and any amendments or
supplements thereto, and the cost of furnishing copies thereof to
the Underwriters, (b) the preparation, printing and distribution
of this Agreement (including the Price Determination Agreement),
the Shares and the Blue Sky Survey, (c) the delivery of the
Shares to the Underwriters, (d) the fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Company and for the Selling Stockholders and
accountants for the Company and (e) the qualification of the
Shares under the applicable securities laws in accordance with
Section 3(f) and any filing for review of the offering with the
NASD, including filing fees and fees and disbursements of counsel
for the Underwriters in connection therewith and in connection


<PAGE>

                                21

with the Blue Sky Survey; provided, however, that the Selling
                          --------  -------
Stockholders will be responsible for any stock transfer taxes
payable upon the sale of the Shares to the Underwriters.

          If this Agreement is terminated by you in accordance
with the provisions of Section 5, 10(a)(i) or 12, the Company
shall reimburse the Underwriters for all their out-of-pocket
expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Underwriters.

          Section 5.  Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations.
                      ---------------------------------------
In addition to the execution and delivery of the Price
Determination Agreement, the obligations of the several
Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares that they have
respectively agreed to purchase hereunder (including any Option
Shares as to which the option granted in Section 2 has been
exercised and the Date of Delivery determined by you is the same
as the Closing Time) are subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Company and the Selling
Stockholders contained herein (including those contained in the
Price Determination Agreement) or in certificates of any officer
of the Company or any Subsidiary or certificates by or on behalf
of the Selling Stockholders delivered pursuant to the provisions
hereof, to the performance by the Company and the Selling
Stockholders of their obligations hereunder, and to the following
further conditions:

          (a)  The Original Registration Statement shall have
     become effective not later than 5:30 P.M. on the date of
     this Agreement or, with your consent, at a later time and
     date not later, however, than 5:30 P.M. on the first
     business day following the date hereof and if the Company
     has elected to rely upon Rule 462(b), the Rule 462(b)
     Registration Statement shall have become effective not later
     than the earlier of (i) 10:00 P.M. Eastern time on the date
     of the Price Determination Agreement, and (ii) the time
     confirmations are sent or given, as specified by Rule
     462(b)(2), or, with respect to the Original Registration
     Statement, at such later time or on such later date as you
     may agree to in writing with the approval of a majority in
     interest of the several Underwriters; and at the Closing
     Time no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
     Registration Statement shall have been issued under the
     1933 Act and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been
     instituted or shall be pending or, to your knowledge or the
     knowledge of the Company, shall be contemplated by the
     Commission, and any request on the part of the Commission
     for additional information shall have been complied with to
     the reasonable satisfaction of counsel for the Underwriters.
     If the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A,


<PAGE>

                                22

     prospectuses containing the Rule 430A Information shall have
     been filed with the Commission in accordance with
     Rule 424(b) (or a post-effective amendment providing such
     information shall have been filed and declared effective in
     accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A).  If the
     Company has elected to rely upon Rule 434, a Term Sheet,
     which together with the preliminary prospectus last
     furnished to the Underwriters in connection with the
     offering of the Shares shall not be "materially different,"
     as such term is used in Rule 434, from the prospectus
     included in the Original Registration Statement at the time
     it becomes effective, shall have been filed with the
     Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b).

          (b)  At the Closing Time, you shall have received a
     signed opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom,
     special counsel for the Company, dated as of the Closing
     Time, together with signed or reproduced copies of such
     opinion for each of the other Underwriters, in form and
     substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the
     Underwriters, to the effect that:

               (i)  Each of the Company and Eckerd Holdings II,
          Inc. has been duly organized and is subsisting as a
          corporation and in good standing under the laws of the
          State of Delaware with corporate power and corporate
          authority under such laws to own, lease and operate its
          properties and conduct its business as described in the
          Prospectus.

               (ii) The Shares to be sold by the Company pursuant
          to the provisions of this Agreement have been duly
          authorized and, when certificates therefor have been
          duly executed, delivered and paid for in accordance
          with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly
          issued, fully paid and non-assessable; no holder
          thereof is or will be subject to personal liability by
          reason of being such a holder; and such Shares are not
          subject to the preemptive rights of any stockholder of
          the Company and the issuance and sale of the Shares
          have been duly authorized by requisite corporate action
          on the part of the Company.

               (iii)     The Shares conform in all material
          respects as to legal          matters to the
          description thereof in the Prospectus under the caption
          "Description of Capital Stock".

               (iv) This Agreement has been duly authorized,
          executed and delivered by the Company.


<PAGE>

                                23

               (v)  No authorization, approval, consent or
          license of any government, governmental instrumentality
          or court (other than under the 1933 Act and 1933 Act
          Regulations, the securities or Blue Sky laws of the
          various states, and the rules and regulations of the
          NASD as to which such counsel need express no opinion),
          is required under the general corporate laws of the
          State of Delaware, the laws of the State of New York or
          the laws of the United States, in each case, that in
          such counsel's experience are normally applicable to
          the transactions of the type provided for by this
          Agreement, except such as have been obtained.

               (vi) Such counsel does not know of any statutes or
          regulations, or any pending or threatened legal or
          governmental proceedings, required to be described in
          the Prospectus that are not described as required, nor
          of any contracts or documents of a character required
          to be described or referred to in the Registration
          Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits
          to the Registration Statement that are not described,
          referred to or filed as required.

               (vii)     The statements made in the Prospectus
          under the caption "Description of Capital Stock", to
          the extent that they constitute matters of law or legal
          conclusions, have been reviewed by such counsel and
          fairly summarize the information required to be
          disclosed therein in all material respects.

               (viii)    The execution and delivery of this
          Agreement, the issuance, sale and delivery of the
          Shares to be sold by the Company and the sale and
          delivery of the Shares to be sold by the Selling
          Stockholders and compliance by the Company with the
          terms of this Agreement do not and will not, as of the
          date of the Closing Time, result in any violation of
          the charter or by-laws of the Company or any Subsidiary
          as in effect at the Closing Time, and do not and will
          not, as of the date of the Closing Time, conflict with,
          or result in a breach of any of the terms or provisions
          of, or constitute a default under, or result in the
          creation or imposition of any lien, charge or
          encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company
          or any Subsidiary under (A) any contract, indenture,
          mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or any other
          agreement or instrument filed or incorporated by
          reference as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
          (except for such conflicts, breaches or defaults or
          liens, charges or encumbrances that would not have a


<PAGE>

                                24

          Material Adverse Effect), (B) the general corporate
          laws of the State of Delaware, the laws of the State of
          New York or the laws of the United States, in each
          case, that in such counsel's experience are normally
          applicable to the transactions of the type provided for
          by this Agreement (other than the 1933 Act and 1933 Act
          Regulations and the securities or Blue Sky laws of the
          various states and the rules and regulations of the
          NASD as to which such counsel need express no opinion),
          or (C) any judgment, order or decree listed on a
          schedule to such opinion (which the Company has advised
          such counsel are the only  judgments, orders or decrees
          of any government, governmental instrumentality or
          court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over
          the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their
          respective properties, by which the Company or any
          Subsidiary is bound).  Such counsel need express no
          opinion, however, as to whether or not the execution
          and delivery of this Agreement, the issuance, sale and
          delivery of the Shares to be sold by the Company, the
          consummation by the Company of the transactions
          contemplated in this Agreement and in the Registration
          Statement and compliance by the Company with the terms
          of this Agreement will constitute a violation of or a
          default under any covenant, restriction or provision
          with respect to financial ratios or tests or any aspect
          of the financial condition or results of operations of
          the Company.

               (ix) Such counsel has been advised by the staff of
          the Commission that the Original Registration Statement
          became effective under the 1933 Act on the date of this
          Agreement and the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement,
          if any, became effective under the 1933 Act no later
          than the date of the Price Determination Agreement; any
          required filing of the Prospectus or any supplement
          thereto pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made in the
          manner and within the time period required by
          Rule 424(b); and, to the best knowledge of such
          counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of
          the Registration Statement has been issued and no
          proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or
          are pending or are contemplated under the 1933 Act.

               (x)  The Registration Statement (including the
          Rule 430A Information and Rule 434 Information, if
          applicable) and the Prospectus, including the documents
          incorporated by reference therein, and each amendment
          or supplement thereto (except for the financial
          statements and other financial or statistical data


<PAGE>

                                25

          included or incorporated by reference therein or
          omitted therefrom, as to which such counsel need
          express no opinion), as of their respective effective
          or issue dates, appear on their face to have been
          appropriately responsive in all material respects to
          the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act
          Regulations, although such counsel need not pass upon,
          and need not assume any responsibility for, the
          accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements
          contained in the Registration Statement or the
          Prospectus, except as otherwise specifically referred
          to in paragraph (viii) above.

          Such opinion shall be to such further effect that, in
     connection with the preparation of the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus, such counsel has participated
     in conferences with officers and representatives of the
     Company, in-house counsel for the Company, representatives
     of the independent accountants of the Company, the
     Underwriters and counsel for the Underwriters at which the
     contents of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
     and related matters were discussed, and although such
     counsel is not passing upon, and does not assume any
     responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness or fairness
     of the statements contained in the Registration Statement or
     the Prospectus and has made no independent check or
     verification thereof except as otherwise specifically
     referred to in paragraph (vii) above, on the basis of the
     foregoing, no facts have come to the attention of such
     counsel that have led them to believe (A) that the
     Registration Statement (including the Rule 430A Information
     and Rule 434 Information, if applicable) or any amendment
     thereto (except for the financial statements, financial
     statement schedules and other financial or statistical data
     included or incorporated by reference therein or omitted
     therefrom, as to which such counsel need express no
     opinion), at the time the Registration Statement or any such
     amendment became effective, contained an untrue statement of
     a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
     to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
     therein not misleading or (B) that the Prospectus or any
     amendment or supplement thereto (except for the financial
     statements, financial statement schedules and other
     financial or statistical data included or incorporated by
     reference therein or omitted therefrom, as to which such
     counsel need express no opinion), as of its date and at the
     Closing Time, contained or contains an untrue statement of a
     material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact
     necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the



<PAGE>

                                26

     light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
     misleading.

          Such opinion shall be to such further effect with
     respect to other legal matters relating to this Agreement
     and the sale of the Shares by the Company pursuant to this
     Agreement as counsel for the Underwriters may reasonably
     request.  In giving such opinion, such counsel may rely, as
     to all matters governed by the laws of jurisdictions other
     than the law of the State of New York, the federal law of
     the United States and the corporate law of the State of
     Delaware, upon opinions of other counsel, who shall be
     counsel reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the
     Underwriters, in which case the opinion shall also be
     addressed to the Underwriters and state that such other
     counsel believes you and they are entitled to so rely.  Such
     counsel may also state that, insofar as such opinion
     involves factual matters, they have relied, to the extent
     they deem proper, upon certificates of officers of the
     Company and the Subsidiaries and on certificates of public
     officials.

          (c)  At the Closing Time, you shall have received a
     signed opinion of Robert E. Lewis, Esq., Vice
     President/General Counsel for the Company, dated as of the
     Closing Time, together with signed or reproduced copies of
     such opinion for each of the other Underwriters, in form and
     substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the
     Underwriters, to the effect that:

               (i)  The Company is duly qualified to transact
          business as a foreign corporation and is in good
          standing in each other jurisdiction in which it owns or
          leases property of a nature, or transacts business of a
          type, that would make such qualification necessary,
          except to the extent that such failure to so qualify or
          be in good standing would not have a Material Adverse
          Effect and except for jurisdictions that do not
          recognize the legal concepts of good standing or
          qualification.

               (ii) Each Subsidiary has been duly organized and
          is subsisting as a corporation, and is in good standing
          under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation
          with corporate power and corporate authority under such
          laws to own, lease and operate its properties and
          conduct its business as described in the Prospectus,
          except to the extent that such failure to so qualify or
          be in good standing would not have a Material Adverse



<PAGE>

                                27

          Effect and except for jurisdictions not recognizing the
          legal concept of good standing.

               (iii)     Each Subsidiary is duly qualified to
          transact business as a foreign corporation and is in
          good standing in each other jurisdiction in which it
          owns or leases property of a nature, or transacts
          business of a type, that would make such qualification
          necessary, except to the extent that such failure to so
          qualify or be in good standing would not have a
          Material Adverse Effect and except for jurisdictions
          not recognizing the legal concepts of good standing or
          qualification.

               (iv) All of the outstanding shares of capital
          stock of the Company have been duly authorized and
          validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable;
          no holder thereof is or will be subject to personal
          liability solely by reason of being such a holder; and
          none of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the
          Company was issued in violation of the preemptive
          rights of any stockholder of the Company.

               (v)  Such counsel does not know of any statutes or
          regulations, or any pending or threatened legal or
          governmental proceedings, required to be described in
          the Prospectus that are not described as required, nor
          of any contracts or documents of a character required
          to be described or referred to in the Registration
          Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits
          to the Registration Statement that are not described,
          referred to or filed as required.

               (vi) To the knowledge of such counsel the
          descriptions in the Prospectus of the statutes,
          regulations, legal or governmental proceedings,
          contracts and other documents therein described fairly
          summarize the information required to be shown.

               (vii)     Such counsel does not know of any
          default that exists in the performance or observance of
          any material obligation, agreement, covenant or
          condition contained in any contract, indenture, loan
          agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument
          that is described or referred to in the Registration
          Statement or the Prospectus or filed as an exhibit to
          the Registration Statement, except for such defaults
          that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.




<PAGE>

                                28

               (viii)    The execution and delivery of this
          Agreement, the issuance, sale and delivery of the
          Shares to be sold by the Company and the sale and
          delivery of the Shares to be sold by the Selling
          Stockholders and compliance by the Company with the
          terms of this Agreement do not and will not result in
          any violation of the charter or by-laws of the Company
          or any Subsidiary, and do not and will not conflict
          with, or result in a breach of any of the terms or
          provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result
          in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or
          encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company
          or any Subsidiary under (A) any indenture, mortgage or
          loan agreement, or any other agreement or instrument
          known to such counsel, to which the Company or any
          Subsidiary is a party or by which it may be bound or to
          which any of its properties may be subject (except for
          such conflicts, breaches or defaults or liens, charges
          or encumbrances that would not have a Material Adverse
          Effect) and (B) any judgment, order or decree of any
          government, governmental instrumentality or court,
          domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the
          Company or any Subsidiary or any of its properties,
          except for such conflicts, breaches or defaults or
          liens, charges or encumbrances that would not have a
          Material Adverse Effect.  Such counsel need express no
          opinion, however, as to whether or not the execution
          and delivery of this Agreement, the issuance and sale
          of the Shares to be sold by the Company and compliance
          by the Company with the terms of this Agreement will
          constitute a violation of or a default under any
          covenant, restriction or provision with respect to
          financial ratios or tests or any aspect of the
          financial condition or results of operations of the
          Company.

               (ix) The authorized, issued and outstanding
          capital stock of the Company is as set forth in the
          Prospectus under the heading "Capitalization".

               (x)   Except as set forth in Schedule C attached
          hereto, all of the outstanding shares of capital stock
          of each Subsidiary have been duly authorized and
          validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable;
          all of such shares are owned by the Company, directly
          or through one or more Subsidiaries, free and clear of
          any pledge, lien, security interest, charge, claim,
          equity or encumbrance of any kind except for the Credit
          Agreement and the Pledge Agreement; no holder thereof
          is subject to personal liability by reason of being


<PAGE>

                                29

          such a holder and none of such shares was issued in
          violation of the preemptive rights of any stockholder
          of the Subsidiaries.

               (xi) To the knowledge of such counsel, the
          execution and delivery of this Agreement, the issuance,
          sale and delivery of the Shares to be sold by the
          Company and the sale and delivery of the Shares to be
          sold by the Selling Stockholders and compliance by the
          Company with the terms of this Agreement do not and
          will not result in any conflict with, constitute a
          default under or result in the creation or imposition
          of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or
          assets of the Company or any Subsidiary under any
          existing applicable law, rule or regulation (other than
          under the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various
          states, the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions
          and the rules and regulations of the NASD as to which
          such counsel need express no opinion).

               (xii)     The documents incorporated by reference
          in the Prospectus (except for the financial statements,
          financial statement schedules and other financial or
          statistical data included therein or omitted therefrom,
          as to which such counsel need express no opinion and
          except to the extent that any statement therein is
          modified or superseded in the Prospectus or by a
          subsequent document incorporated by reference therein),
          as of the dates they were filed with the Commission,
          appear on their face to have been appropriately
          responsive in all material respects to the requirements
          of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations, although
          such counsel need not pass upon, and need not assume
          any responsibility for, the accuracy, completeness or
          fairness of the statements contained in the
          Registration Statement or the Prospectus, except as
          otherwise specifically referred to in paragraph (ix)
          above..

          Such opinion shall be to such further effect that in
     connection with the preparation of the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus such counsel has participated
     in conferences with officers and representatives of the
     Company, special counsel for the Company, representatives of
     the independent accountants of the Company, the Underwriters
     and counsel for the Underwriters at which the contents of
     the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and related
     matters were discussed, and although such counsel is not
     passing upon, and does not assume any responsibility for,
     the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements


<PAGE>

                                30

     contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
     and has made no independent check or verification thereof
     except as otherwise specifically referred to in
     paragraph (ix), on the basis of the foregoing, no facts have
     come to the attention of such counsel that have led him to
     believe (A) that the Registration Statement (including the
     Rule 430A Information and Rule 434 Information, if
     applicable) or any amendment thereto (except for the
     financial statements, financial statement schedules and
     other financial or statistical data included or incorporated
     by reference therein or omitted therefrom, as to which such
     counsel need express no opinion), at the time the
     Registration Statement or any such amendment became
     effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact
     or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
     misleading or (B) that the Prospectus or any amendment or
     supplement thereto (except for the financial statements,
     financial statement schedules and other financial or
     statistical data included or incorporated by reference
     therein or omitted therefrom, as to which such counsel need
     express no opinion), as of its date and at the Closing Time,
     included or includes an untrue statement of a material fact
     or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in
     order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
     circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

          Such opinion shall be to such further effect with
     respect to other legal matters relating to this Agreement
     and the sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement as
     counsel for the Underwriters may reasonably request.  In
     giving such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to all
     matters governed by the laws of jurisdictions other than the
     law of the State of Florida, the federal law of the United
     States and the corporate law of the State of Delaware, upon
     opinions of other counsel, who shall be counsel reasonably
     satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, in which case
     the opinions shall also be addressed to the Underwriters and
     state that such other counsel believes you and they are
     entitled to so rely.  Such counsel may also state that,
     insofar as such opinion involves factual matters, he has
     relied, to the extent he deems proper, upon certificates of
     officers of the Company and the Subsidiaries and
     certificates of public officials.  Such counsel may also
     state that such counsel is qualified to practice law in the
     State of Florida and does not purport to be an expert on any
     law other than the laws of the State of Florida and the
     Federal laws of the United States and that, insofar as such
     opinion relates to the general corporate law of the State of
     Delaware, that such counsel has made such investigation of


<PAGE>

                                31

     such law as he has deemed necessary as a basis for such
     opinion.

          (d)  At the Closing Time you shall have received a
     signed opinion of the attorneys listed on Schedule D
     attached hereto for the Selling Stockholders specified
     opposite such attorney's name, each dated as of the Closing
     Time, together with signed or reproduced copies of such
     opinion for each of the other Underwriters, in form and
     substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the
     Underwriters, each, with respect to the Selling Stockholders
     that such counsel represents, to the effect that:

               (i)  The execution, delivery and performance of
          this Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by
          the Selling Stockholders.

               (ii) No authorization, approval, consent or
          license of any government, governmental instrumentality
          or court is required under the laws of the United
          States or the state of New York (other than under the
          1933 Act, under Blue Sky or state securities law or the
          securities laws of foreign jurisdictions) for the
          consummation by the Selling Stockholders of the
          transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

               (iii)     The execution and delivery of this
          Agreement by the Selling Stockholders and the
          compliance by the Selling Stockholders with the terms
          thereof does not conflict with or result in a violation
          of (a) the certificate of incorporation, the by-laws,
          the partnership agreement or similar governing document
          of any of the Selling Stockholders or (b) any existing
          applicable law, rule or regulation (other than under
          the 1933 Act, under Blue Sky or state securities law or
          the securities laws of foreign jurisdictions or the
          rules and regulations of the NASD) or any judgment,
          order or decree known to such counsel of any
          government, governmental instrumentality or court,
          domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the
          Selling Stockholders.

               (iv) The Selling Stockholders, as the case may be,
          have been organized and are subsisting in good standing
          as corporations or partnerships under the laws of the
          jurisdiction of their incorporation or organization
          with all necessary power and authority under such laws
          to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.




<PAGE>

                                32

               (v)  Assuming that each of the Underwriters
          acquires the certificates representing the Shares to be
          sold by the Selling Stockholders in good faith and
          without notice of any adverse claims, as defined in
          Section 8-302 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in
          effect in the State of New York (the "UCC"), upon
          delivery of the certificates representing such Shares
          to the person designated by the Underwriters in the
          State of New York, registered in the name of the
          Underwriters, endorsed to the Underwriters, or endorsed
          in blank, the Underwriters will acquire all of the
          Selling Stockholders' rights in the certificates
          representing such Shares free of any adverse claims
          (within the meaning of Section 8-302 of the UCC).

          Such opinion shall be to such further effect that, such
     counsel has examined (a) the stock records (or a certified
     copy of such stock records) of the Company as of the date
     immediately preceding the Closing Time (the "Stock Record"),
     as maintained by the Company's Registrar and Transfer Agent
     (the "Registrar") and a certificate of the Registrar dated
     the Closing Time (the "Registrar's Certificate") to the
     effect that, with respect to the Selling Stockholders, there
     has been no changes to the Stock Record, and (b)
     certificates representing the Shares to be sold by the
     Selling Stockholders pursuant to this Agreement (the "Share
     Certificates") and that, based solely on such counsel's
     examination of the Stock Record, the Registrar's Certificate
     and the Share Certificates, except as described in such
     counsel's opinion, each Selling Stockholder is the sole
     registered owner of such Selling Stockholder's Share
     Certificates.


          Such opinion shall be to such further effect with
     respect to other legal matters relating to this Agreement
     and the sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement as
     counsel for the Underwriters may reasonably request.  In
     giving such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to all
     matters governed by the laws of jurisdictions other than the
     law of the State of New York, the federal law of the United
     States and the corporate law of the State of Delaware, upon
     opinions of other counsel, who shall be counsel reasonably
     satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, in which case
     the opinion shall also be addressed to the Underwriters and
     state that such other counsel believes you and they are
     entitled to so rely.  Such counsel may also state that,
     insofar as such opinion involves factual matters, they have
     relied, to the extent they deem proper, upon certificates of
     officers of the Company and the Subsidiaries, certificates


<PAGE>

                                33

     of officers or partners, as the case may be, of the such
     Selling Stockholders and on certificates of public
     officials.

          (e)  At the Closing Time, you shall have received the
     favorable opinion of Shearman & Sterling, counsel for the
     Underwriters, dated as of the Closing Time, together with
     signed or reproduced copies of such opinion for each of the
     other Underwriters, to the effect that the opinions
     delivered pursuant to Sections 5(b), 5(c) and 5(d) appear on
     their face to be appropriately responsive to the
     requirements of this Agreement except, specifying the same,
     to the extent waived by you, and with respect to the
     incorporation and legal existence of the Company, the
     Shares, this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the
     Prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference and such
     other related matters as you may require.  In giving such
     opinion such counsel may rely, as to all matters governed by
     the laws of jurisdictions other than the law of the State of
     New York, the federal law of the United States and the
     General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, upon the
     opinions of counsel satisfactory to you.  Such counsel may
     also state that, insofar as such opinion involves factual
     matters, they have relied, to the extent they deem proper,
     upon certificates of officers of the Company and the
     Subsidiaries and certificates of public officials; provided
     that such certificates have been delivered to the
     Underwriters.

          (f)  At the Closing Time, (i) the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus, as they may then be amended or
     supplemented, shall conform to the requirements of the 1933
     Act and the 1933 Act Regulations, the Company shall have
     complied in all material respects with Rule 430A (if it
     shall have elected to rely thereon) and Rule 434 (if it
     shall have elected to rely thereon) and neither the
     Registration Statement nor the Prospectus, as they may then
     be amended or supplemented, shall contain an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
     fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus, in light
     of the circumstances under which they were made) not
     misleading, (ii) there shall not have been, since the
     respective dates as of which information is given in the
     Registration Statement, any material adverse change in the
     condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business
     affairs or business prospects of the Company and the
     Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise, whether or not
     arising in the ordinary course of business, (iii) no action,
     suit or proceeding shall be pending or, to the knowledge of


<PAGE>

                                34

     the Company, threatened against the Company or any
     Subsidiary that would be required to be set forth in the
     Prospectus other than as set forth therein and no
     proceedings shall be pending or, to the knowledge of the
     Company, threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary
     before or by any government, governmental instrumentality or
     court, domestic or foreign, that could reasonably be
     expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect other than
     as set forth in the Prospectus, (iv) the Company shall have
     complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions
     set forth in this Agreement on its part to be performed or
     satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time and (v) the other
     representations and warranties of the Company set forth in
     Section 1(a) shall be accurate as though expressly made at
     and as of the Closing Time.  At the Closing Time, you shall
     have received a certificate of the President or a Vice
     President, and the Treasurer or the Executive Vice
     President/Chief Financial Officer, of the Company (each in
     their capacity as an officer of the Company and not as an
     individual), dated as of the Closing Time, to such effect.

          (g)  At the Closing Time, the representations and
     warranties of each Selling Stockholder set forth in
     Section 1(b) shall be accurate as though expressly made at
     and as of the Closing Time.  At the Closing Time, you shall
     have received a certificate of or on behalf of each Selling
     Stockholder, dated as of the Closing Time, to such effect
     with respect to such Selling Stockholder and a certificate
     of or on behalf of each Selling Stockholder certifying as to
     the accuracy and completeness of the attached certificate of
     incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreement or other
     comparable governing document and resolutions of the board
     of directors regarding the sale and delivery of the Shares
     and the authorization, execution and delivery of this
     Agreement.

          (h)  At the time that this Agreement is executed, you
     shall have received from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP a letter,
     dated such date, in form and substance reasonably
     satisfactory to you, together with signed or reproduced
     copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters,
     confirming that they are independent public accountants with
     respect to the Company within the meaning of the 1933 Act
     and the applicable published 1933 Act Regulations, and
     stating in effect that:

               (i)  in their opinion, the audited financial
          statements and the related financial statement
          schedules included or incorporated by reference in the
          Registration Statement and the Prospectus comply as to


<PAGE>

                                35

          form in all material respects with the applicable
          accounting requirements of the 1933 Act and the
          published rules and regulations thereunder;

               (ii) on the basis of procedures (but not an
          examination in accordance with generally accepted
          auditing standards) consisting of a reading of the
          latest available unaudited interim consolidated
          financial statements of the Company for the three-month
          periods ended April 29, 1995 and April 30, 1994
          included or incorporated by reference in the
          Registration Statement and the Prospectus (the "10-Q
          Financials"), a reading of the minutes of all meetings
          of the stockholders and directors of the Company and
          the Subsidiaries and each Committee of the Company's
          Board of Directors and of each Subsidiary's Board of
          Directors since January 28, 1995, inquiries of certain
          officials of the Company and the Subsidiaries
          responsible for financial and accounting matters, and
          such other inquiries and procedures as may be specified
          in such letter, nothing came to their attention that
          caused them to believe that:

                    (A)  the 10-Q Financials incorporated by
               reference in the Registration Statement and the
               Prospectus do not comply as to form in all
               material respects with the applicable accounting
               requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act
               Regulations applicable to unaudited financial
               statements included in Form 10-Q or any material
               modifications should be made to the 10-Q
               Financials incorporated by reference in the
               Registration Statement and the Prospectus for them
               to be in conformity with generally accepted
               accounting principles;

                    (B)  at June 24, 1995 and at a specified date
               not more than five days prior to the date of this
               Agreement, there was any change in the capital
               stock of the Company and the Subsidiaries or any
               decrease in the consolidated net current assets or
               stockholders' equity of the Company and the
               Subsidiaries or any increase in the long-term debt
               of the Company and the Subsidiaries, in each case
               as compared with amounts shown in the latest
               combined balance sheet included in the
               Registration Statement, except in each case for
               changes, decreases or increases that the
               Registration Statement discloses have occurred or
               may occur or;


<PAGE>

                                36

                    (C)  for the period from January 28, 1995 to
               April 30, 1995 and for the period from April 30,
               1995 to a specified date not more than five days
               prior to the date of this Agreement, there was any
               decrease in consolidated net sales, total or per
               share amounts of income before extraordinary items
               or of net income in each case as compared with the
               comparable period in the preceding year, except in
               each case for any decreases that the Registration
               Statement discloses have occurred or may occur;

               (iii)     based upon the procedures set forth in
          clause (ii) above and a reading of the Selected
          Financial Data included in the Registration Statement,
          nothing has come to their attention that gives them
          reason to believe that the Selected Financial Data
          included in the Registration Statement do not comply as
          to form in all material respects with the applicable
          accounting requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933
          Act Regulations, or that the information set forth
          therein is not fairly stated in relation to the
          financial statements from which it was derived;

               (iv) they are unable to and do not express any
          opinion on the Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of
          Operations Data (the "Pro Forma Statement") included in
          the Registration Statement or on the pro forma
          adjustments applied to the historical amounts included
          in the Pro Forma Statement; however, for purposes of
          such letter they have:

                    (A)  read the Pro Forma Statement;

                    (B)  made inquiries of certain officials of
               the Company who have responsibility for financial
               and accounting matters about the basis for their
               determination of the pro forma adjustments and
               whether the Pro Forma Statement above complies in
               form in all material respects with the applicable
               accounting requirements of Rule 11-02 of
               Regulation S-X; and

                    (C)  proved the arithmetic accuracy of the
               application of the pro forma adjustments to the
               historical amounts in the Pro Forma Statement; and

          on the basis of such procedures, and such other
          inquiries and procedures as may be specified in such
          letter, nothing came to their attention that caused
          them to believe that the Pro Forma Statement included


<PAGE>

                                37

          in the Registration Statement does not comply as to
          form in all material respects with the applicable
          requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X and that
          the pro forma adjustments have not been properly
          applied to the historical amounts in the compilation of
          that statement; and

               (v)  in addition to the procedures referred to in
          clause (ii) above, they have performed other specified
          procedures, not constituting an audit, with respect to
          certain amounts, percentages, numerical data and
          financial information appearing in the Registration
          Statement, which have previously been specified by you
          and which shall be specified in such letter, and have
          compared certain of such items with, and have found
          such items to be in agreement with, the accounting and
          financial records of the Company.

          (i)  At the Closing Time, you shall have received from
     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP a letter, in form and substance
     reasonably satisfactory to you and dated as of the Closing
     Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made
     in the letter furnished pursuant to Section 5(h), except
     that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more
     than five days prior to the Closing Time.

          (j)  At the Closing Time, counsel for the Underwriters
     shall have been furnished with all such documents,
     certificates and opinions as they may request for the
     purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale
     of the Shares as contemplated in this Agreement and the
     matters referred to in Section 5(g) and in order to evidence
     the accuracy and completeness of any of the representations,
     warranties or statements of the Company and the Selling
     Stockholders, the performance of any of the covenants of the
     Company, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions herein
     contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company and the
     Selling Stockholders at or prior to the Closing Time in
     connection with the authorization, issuance and sale of the
     Shares as contemplated in this Agreement shall be
     satisfactory in form and substance to you and to counsel for
     the Underwriters.

          (k)  The "lock-up" letters which are substantially in
     the form of Exhibit B attached hereto from (a) each
     executive officer or director of the Company and (b) each
     Selling Stockholder have been delivered to you on or before
     the date hereof.



<PAGE>

                                38

          If any of the conditions specified in this Section 5
shall not have been fulfilled when and as required by this
Agreement, this Agreement may be terminated by you on notice to
the Company and any of the Attorneys-in-Fact on behalf of the
Selling Stockholders at any time at or prior to the Closing Time,
and such termination shall be without liability of any party to
any other party, except as provided in Section 4.
Notwithstanding any such termination, the provisions of
Sections 7 and 8 herein shall remain in effect.

          Section 6.  Conditions to Purchase of Option Shares.
                      ---------------------------------------
In the event that the Underwriters exercise their option granted
in Section 2 hereof to purchase all or any of the Option Shares
and the Date of Delivery determined by you pursuant to Section 2
hereof is later than the Closing Time, the obligations of the
several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Option Shares
that they shall have respectively agreed to purchase pursuant to
this Agreement are subject to the accuracy of the representations
and warranties of the Company and the Selling Stockholders herein
contained, to the performance by the Company and the Selling
Stockholders of their obligations hereunder and to the following
further conditions:

          (a)  The Registration Statement shall remain effective
     at the Date of Delivery, and, at the Date of Delivery, no
     stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
     Statement shall have been issued under the 1933 Act and no
     proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted or
     shall be pending or, to your knowledge or the knowledge of
     the Company, shall be contemplated by the Commission, and
     any request on the part of the Commission for additional
     information shall have been complied with to the
     satisfaction of counsel for the Underwriters.

          (b)  At the Date of Delivery, the provisions of
     Sections 5(f)(i) through 5(f)(v) shall have been complied
     with at and as of the Date of Delivery and, at the Date of
     Delivery, you shall have received a certificate of the
     President or a Vice President, and the Treasurer or the
     Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, of the
     Company (each in their capacity as an officer of the Company
     and not as an individual), dated as of the Date of Delivery,
     to such effect.

          (c)  At the Date of Delivery, you shall have received
     the favorable opinions of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
     Flom, special counsel for the Company, Robert E. Lewis,
     Esq., Vice President/General Counsel for the Company, and
     the attorneys listed on Schedule D attached hereto for the
     Selling Stockholders, together with signed or reproduced


<PAGE>

                                39

     copies of such opinions for each of the other Underwriters,
     in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
     to counsel for the Underwriters, dated as of the Date of
     Delivery, relating to the Option Shares and otherwise to the
     same effect as the opinions required by Section 5(b), 5(c)
     or 5(d), respectively.

          (d)  At the Date of Delivery, you shall have received
     the favorable opinion of Shearman & Sterling, counsel for
     the Underwriters, dated as of the Date of Delivery, relating
     to the Option Shares and otherwise to the same effect as the
     opinion required by Section 5(f).

          (e)  At the Date of Delivery, you shall have received a
     letter from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, in form and substance
     reasonably satisfactory to you and dated as of the Date of
     Delivery, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements
     made in the letter furnished pursuant to Section 5(h),
     except that the specified date referred to shall be a date
     not more than five days prior to the Date of Delivery.

          (f)  At the Date of Delivery, you shall have received
     from each of the Selling Stockholders (or on their behalf)
     certificates substantially in the form of the certificates
     furnished to you pursuant to Section 5(g), except that such
     certificates shall be as of the Date of Delivery.

          (g)    At the Date of Delivery, counsel for the
     Underwriters shall have been furnished with all such
     documents, certificates and opinions as they may reasonably
     request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the
     sale of the Option Shares as contemplated in this Agreement
     and the matters referred to in Section 6(d) and in order to
     evidence the accuracy and completeness of any of the
     representations, warranties or statements of the Company or
     the Selling Stockholders, the performance of any of the
     covenants of the Company, or the fulfillment of any of the
     conditions herein contained; and all proceedings taken by
     the Company and the Selling Stockholders at or prior to the
     Date of Delivery in connection with the sale of the Option
     Shares as contemplated in this Agreement shall be
     satisfactory in form and substance to you and to counsel for
     the Underwriters.

          (h)  At the Date of Delivery, the representations and
     warranties of each Selling Stockholder set forth in
     Section 1(b) hereof shall be accurate as though expressly
     made at and as of the Date of Delivery.




<PAGE>

                                40

          Section 7.  Indemnification.  (a)  The Company agrees
                      ---------------
to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and each person,
if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of
Section 15 of the 1933 Act to the extent and in the manner set
forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) below.  In addition, each
Selling Stockholder, severally and not jointly (but only with
respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue
statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement (or
any amendment thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with
written information furnished by such Selling Stockholder
expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment
thereto) or any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any
amendment or supplement thereto), a copy of which written
information shall have been previously delivered to you), agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and each person,
if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of
Section 15 of the 1933 Act as follows:

          (i)  against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage
     and expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of an
     untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
     fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any
     amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and
     the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, and all documents
     incorporated therein by reference, or the omission or
     alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be
     stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
     not misleading or arising out of an untrue statement or
     alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in any
     preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment
     or supplement thereto) or the omission or alleged omission
     therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the
     statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
     which they were made, not misleading, or if Rule 434 is
     used, if the Prospectus is "materially different", as such
     term is used in Rule 434, from the prospectus included in
     the Original Registration Statement at the time it becomes
     effective;

          (ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage
     and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the
     aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or
     investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or
     body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever
     based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any
     such alleged untrue statement or omission, if such
     settlement is effected with the written consent of the
     Company and the Selling Stockholders; and




<PAGE>

                                41

          (iii)     against any and all expense whatsoever, as
     incurred (including, subject to Section 7(c) hereof,
     reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by you),
     reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending
     against any litigation, or investigation or proceeding by
     any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or
     any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or
     omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission,
     to the extent that any such expense is not paid under
     subparagraph (i) or (ii) above;

provided, however, that this indemnity agreement does not apply
- --------  -------
to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent
arising out of an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity
with written information furnished to the Company by any
Underwriter through you expressly for use in the Registration
Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A
Information and the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, or any
preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or
supplement thereto); provided further that the foregoing
                     -------- -------
indemnification with respect to any preliminary prospectus shall
not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter (or any person
controlling such Underwriter) from whom the person asserting any
such losses, claims, damages or liabilities purchased any of the
Shares if a copy of the Prospectus (as then amended or
supplemented if the Company shall furnished any amendments or
supplements thereto) was not sent or given by or on behalf of
such Underwriter to such person, if such is required by law, at
or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such Shares
to such person and if the Prospectus (as so amended or
supplemented) would have cured the defect giving rise to such
loss, claim, damage or liability; and provided further that the
                                      -------- -------
liability of a Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Section 7 is
limited to the amount of the net proceeds of the offering of the
Shares (after deducting the underwriting discount, but before
deducting expenses) received by such Selling Stockholder.

          Insofar as this indemnity agreement may permit
indemnification for liabilities under the 1933 Act of any person
who is a partner of a Underwriter or who controls an Underwriter
within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act and who, at the
date of this Agreement, is a director or officer of the Company
or controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the
1933 Act, such indemnity agreement is subject to the undertaking
of the Company in the Registration Statement under Item 17
thereof.

          (b)  Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Company, its directors, each of its officers


<PAGE>

                                42

who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any,
who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the
1933 Act and each Selling Stockholder and each person, if any,
who controls any Selling Stockholder within the meaning of
Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any and all loss, liability,
claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity agreement in
Section 7(a), as incurred, but only with respect to untrue
statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or
omissions, made in the Registration Statement (or any amendment
thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434
Information, if applicable, or any preliminary prospectus or the
Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by such Underwriter through you expressly for use in the
Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the
Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434 Information, if
applicable, or such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or
any amendment or supplement thereto).

          (c)  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless,
to the extent permitted by law, each Selling Stockholder, its
directors and officers or general and limited partners (and the
directors and officers thereof), and each other person, if any,
who controls such Selling Stockholder within the meaning of the
Securities Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages or
liabilities, joint or several, and expenses (including any
amounts paid in any settlement effected with the Company's
consent) to which such Selling Stockholder, any such director or
officer or general or limited partner or controlling person may
become subject under the Securities Act, common law or otherwise,
insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
actions or proceedings in respect thereof) arise out of or are
based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or
any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and
the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, and all documents
incorporated therein by reference, or the omission or alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact contained in any preliminary prospectus,
together with the documents incorporated by reference therein (as
amended or supplemented if the Company shall have filed with the
Commission any amendment thereof or supplement thereto), if used
prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement, or
contained in the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the
Company shall have filed with the Commission any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in


<PAGE>

                                43

the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading or (iii) any violation by the Company of any federal,
state or common law rule or regulation applicable to the Company
and relating to action required of or inaction by the Company in
connection with the offering, and the Company will reimburse each
such Selling Stockholder and each such director, officer, general
or limited partner, and controlling person for any legal or any
other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection
with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, liability,
action or proceeding; provided, that the Company shall not be
                      --------
liable to such Selling Stockholder or any such director, officer,
general or limited partner or controlling person in any such case
to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability (or
action or proceeding in respect thereof) or expense arises out of
or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
or omission or alleged omission made in such Registration
Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto), including the
Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434 Information, if
applicable, or in any such preliminary prospectus or the
Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder or any such
director, officer, general or limited partner or controlling
person, specifically stating that it is for use in the
preparation thereof.

          (d)  Each Selling Stockholder agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent as set
forth in Section 7(c)) the Company and its directors and officers
and each person controlling the Company within the meaning of the
Securities Act and all other Selling Stockholders and their
directors, officers, general and limited partners and respective
controlling persons with respect to any statement or alleged
statement in or omission or alleged omission from the
Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto),
including the Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434 Information,
if applicable, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or
any amendment or supplement thereto), if such statement or
alleged statement or omission or alleged omission was made in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to the Company or its representatives by or on behalf
of the undersigned specifically stating that it is for use in the
preparation of the Registration Statement (or any amendment or
supplement thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and the
Rule 434 Information, if applicable, preliminary prospectus or
the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or a
document incorporated by reference into any of the foregoing;
provided, however, that the liability of each Selling Stockholder
- --------  -------
pursuant to this Section 7(d) is limited to the proceeds received
by such Selling Stockholder from the sale of the Shares in the


<PAGE>

                                44

offering to which this indemnity relates.  Such indemnity shall
remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation
made by or on behalf of the Company or any of the other Selling
Stockholders or any of its respective directors, officers,
general or limited partners or controlling persons and shall
survive the transfer of the Shares by each Selling Stockholder.

          (e)  Each indemnified party shall give prompt notice to
each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in
respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure
to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any
liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this
indemnity agreement.  An indemnifying party may participate at
its own expense in the defense of such action.  In no event shall
the indemnifying party or parties be liable for the fees and
expenses of more than one counsel for all indemnified parties in
connection with any one action or separate but similar or related
actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general
allegations or circumstances.  If it so elects within a
reasonable time after receipt of such notice, an indemnifying
party, jointly with any other indemnifying parties receiving such
notice, may assume the defense of such action with counsel chosen
by it and approved by the indemnified parties defendant in such
action, unless such indemnified parties reasonably object to such
assumption on the ground that there may be legal defenses
available to them which are different from or are in addition to
those available to such indemnifying party.  If an indemnifying
party assumes the defense of such action, the indemnifying
parties shall not be liable for any fees and expenses of counsel
for the indemnified parties incurred thereafter in connection
with such action.

          Section 8.  Contribution.  In order to provide for just
                      ------------
and equitable contribution in circumstances under which the
indemnity provided for in Section 7 is for any reason held to be
unenforceable by the indemnified parties although applicable in
accordance with its terms, the Company, the Selling Stockholders
and the Underwriters shall contribute to the aggregate losses,
liabilities, claims, damages and expenses of the nature
contemplated by such indemnity incurred by the Company, the
Selling Stockholders and one or more of the Underwriters, as
incurred, in such proportions that (a) the Underwriters are
responsible for that portion represented by the percentage that
the underwriting discount appearing on the cover page of the
Prospectus, or, if Rule 434 is used, the corresponding location
on the Term Sheet, bears to the offering price appearing thereon
and (b) the Company and the Selling Stockholders are severally
responsible for the balance on the same basis as each of them
would have been obligated to provide indemnification pursuant to
Section 7; provided, however, that no person guilty of fraudulent
           --------  -------


<PAGE>

                                45

misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who
was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  For
purposes of this Section, each person, if any, who controls an
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act
shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter,
and each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who
signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who
controls the Company or a Selling Stockholder within the meaning
of Section 15 of the 1933 Act shall have the same rights to
contribution as the Company or a Selling Stockholder, as the case
may be.

          Section 9.  Representations, Warranties and Agreements
                      ------------------------------------------
to Survive Delivery.  The representations, warranties,
- -------------------
indemnities, agreements and other statements of the Selling
Stockholders and the Company or its officers set forth in or made
pursuant to this Agreement will remain operative and in full
force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on
behalf of the Selling Stockholders, the Company, any Underwriter
or any person who controls a Selling Stockholder, the Company or
any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act
and will survive delivery of and payment for the Shares.

          Section 10.  Termination of Agreement.  (a)  You may
                       ------------------------
terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company and each of
the Selling Stockholders, at any time at or prior to the Closing
Time (i) if there has been, since the respective dates as of
which information is given in the Registration Statement, any
material adverse change in the condition (financial or
otherwise), earnings, business affairs or business prospects of
the Company and the Subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise,
whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, or
(ii) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the
financial markets in the United States or any outbreak of
hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis the
effect of which on the financial markets of the United States is
such as to make it, in your reasonable judgment, impracticable to
market the Shares or enforce contracts for the sale of the Shares
or (iii) if trading in any securities of the Company has been
suspended by the Commission or the New York Stock Exchange, or if
trading generally on either the American Stock Exchange or the
New York Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market has
been suspended, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have
been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been
required, by such exchanges or by order of the Commission or the
New York Stock Exchange or any other governmental authority or
(iv) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either federal,
Florida or New York authorities.



<PAGE>

                                46

          (b)  If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this
Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party
to any other party, except to the extent provided in Section 4.
Notwithstanding any such termination, the provisions of
Sections 7 and 8 shall remain in effect.

          (c)  This Agreement may also terminate pursuant to the
provisions of Section 2, with the effect stated in such Section.

          Section 11.  Default by One or More of the
                       -----------------------------
Underwriters.  If one or more of the Underwriters shall fail at
- ------------
the Closing Time to purchase the Initial Shares that it or they
are obligated to purchase pursuant to this Agreement (the
"Defaulted Shares"), you shall have the right, within 24 hours
thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the
non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to
purchase all, but not less than all, of the Defaulted Shares in
such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms set forth
in this Agreement; if, however, you have not completed such
arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:

          (a)  if the number of Defaulted Shares does not exceed
     10% of the total number of Initial Shares, the
     non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated to purchase
     the full amount thereof in the proportions that their
     respective Initial Share underwriting obligation proportions
     bear to the underwriting obligation proportion of all
     non-defaulting Underwriters, or

          (b)  if the number of Defaulted Shares exceeds 10% of
     the total number of Initial Shares, this Agreement shall
     terminate without liability on the part of any
     non-defaulting Underwriter.

          No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve
any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of its
default.

          In the event of any such default that does not result
in a termination of this Agreement, either you or the Company
shall have the right to postpone the Closing Time for a period
not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required changes
in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or in any other
documents or arrangements.  As used herein, the term
"Underwriter" includes any person substituted for an Underwriter
under this Section 11.

          Section 12.  Default by a Selling Stockholder.  If any
                      ---------------------------------
Selling Stockholder shall fail at the Closing Time to sell and
deliver the number of Initial Shares that such Selling


<PAGE>

                                47

Stockholder is obligated to sell, then the Underwriters may, at
your option, by notice from you to the Company and each of the
Selling Stockholders, either (a) terminate this Agreement without
any liability on the part of any non-defaulting party except to
the extent provided in Section 4 and except that the provisions
of Sections 7 and 8 shall remain in effect or (b) elect to
purchase the Initial Shares that the remaining Selling
Stockholders have agreed to sell pursuant to this Agreement.

          In the event of a default under this Section that does
not result in the termination of this Agreement, either you or
the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Time for
a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required
changes in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or in any
other documents or arrangements.

          No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve
any Selling Stockholder so defaulting from liability, if any, in
respect of such default.

          Section 13.  Notices.  All notices and other
                       -------
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to have been duly given if delivered, mailed or
transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication.  Notices
to you or the Underwriters shall be directed to you, c/o Karen
Harris, Vice President, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated at Merrill Lynch World Headquarters, North Tower,
World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281; notices to the
Company shall be directed to it at 8333 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo,
Florida, 34647, Attention:  Robert E. Lewis, Esq., Vice
President/General Counsel with copies to Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom, 919 Third Avenue, New York, New York  10022,
Attention:  Stacy J. Kanter, Esq.; notices to the Selling
Stockholders shall be directed to James V. Caruso, Merrill Lynch
& Co., Merrill Lynch World Headquarters, South Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, New York 10080; a copy of all notices
to any Selling Stockholder shall be provided to Shearman &
Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022,
Attention: Rohan Weerasinghe.

          Section 14.  Parties.  This Agreement is made solely
                       -------
for the benefit of the several Underwriters, the Company and the
Selling Stockholders and, to the extent expressed, any person who
controls the Company, any Selling Stockholder or any of the
Underwriters within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act,
and the directors of the Company, its officers who have signed
the Registration Statement, and their respective executors,
administrators, successors and assigns and, subject to the
provisions of Section 11, no other person shall acquire or have
any right under or by virtue of this Agreement.  The term


<PAGE>

                                48

"successors and assigns" shall not include any purchaser, as such
purchaser, from any of the several Underwriters of the Shares.
All of the obligations of the Underwriters hereunder are several
and not joint.

          Section 15.  Representation of Underwriters.  You will
                       ------------------------------
act for the several Underwriters in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and any action under
or in respect of this Agreement taken by you as Representatives
will be binding upon all Underwriters.

          Section 16.  Governing Law and Time.  This Agreement
                       ----------------------
shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
Specified times of the day refer to New York City time.

          Section 17.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be
                       ------------
executed in one or more counterparts and when a counterpart has
been executed by each party, all such counterparts taken together
shall constitute one and the same agreement.


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































<PAGE>

          If the foregoing is in accordance with your
understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us a
counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument will become a
binding agreement among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and
the several Underwriters in accordance with its terms.


                              Very truly yours,

                              ECKERD CORPORATION


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


                              On behalf of the Selling
                              Stockholders named in Schedule B in
                              the capacity as set forth in
                              Schedule E


                              By
                                ---------------------------------
                                 Name: James V. Caruso


Confirmed and accepted as of
     the date first above written:

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
        Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
CS FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.

By:  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                      Incorporated

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

For themselves and as Representatives of the
- --------------------------------------------
other Underwriters named in Schedule A.
- ---------------------------------------


<PAGE>

                            SCHEDULE A



                                         Number of
         Underwriters                 Initial Shares
         ------------                 --------------

 Merrill Lynch, Pierce,Fenner & Smith       635,000
            Incorporated

 CS First Boston Corporation                635,000

 Morgan Stanley & Co.                       635,000
 Incorporated

 Raymond James & Associates,                635,000
 Inc.



 Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.                    80,000

 Alex. Brown & Sons                          80,000
 Incorporated

 Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.                   80,000

 Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette                80,000
 Securities Corporation

 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.                   80,000

 Goldman, Sachs & Co.                        80,000

 Lehman Brothers Inc.                        80,000

 Montgomery Securities                       80,000

 NatWest Securities Limited                  80,000

 PaineWebber Incorporated                    80,000

 The Robinson-Humphrey Company,              80,000
 Inc.

 Salomon Brothers Inc.                       80,000

 Schroder Wertheim & Co.                     80,000
 Incorporated

 UBS Securities Inc.                         80,000

 Paribas Corporation                         80,000



<PAGE>

                                51

 The Chicago Dearborn                        80,000
 Company



 Advest, Inc.                                40,000

 William Blair & Company                     40,000

 J.C. Bradford & Co.                         40,000

 Cowen & Company                             40,000

 Gruntal & Co., Incorporated                 40,000

 Howard, Weil, Labouisse, Friedrichs         40,000
           Incorporated

 Interstate/Johnson Lane                     40,000
 Corporation

 Janney Montgomery Scott                     40,000
 Inc.

 Edward D. Jones & Co.                       40,000

 Kemper Securities, Inc.                     40,000

 Legg Mason Wood Walker,                     40,000
            Incorporated

 McDonald & Company                          40,000
 Securities, Inc.

 Morgan Keegan & Company,                    40,000
 Inc.

 Principal Financial                         40,000
 Securities, Inc.
 Rauscher Pierce Refsnes,                    40,000
 Inc.

 Muriel Siebert & Co., Inc.                  40,000

 Wheat, First Securities, Inc.               40,000
                                          ---------

 TOTAL                                    4,500,000


<PAGE>

                            SCHEDULE B

                                       Number of    Number of
                                       Initial        Option
        Selling Stockholder             Shares         Shares
        -------------------            -------        -------

 Merrill Lynch Capital               1,254,444
 Appreciation Partnership   No.
 II, L.P.

 ML Offshore LBO Partnership No.        31,913
 II

 Merrill Lynch Capital                 193,762
 Appreciation Partnership   No.
 B-IX, L.P.

 ML Offshore LBO Partnership No.       113,496
 B-IX

 ML IBK Positions, Inc.                105,653

 Merrill Lynch Capital                 121,875
 Corporation

 ML Employee LBO Partnership No.        33,061
 I, L.P.

 MLCP Associates L.P., No. II            3,073

 Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1986         11,315

 Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1989         17,124

 Merchant Banking L.P. No. IV            5,950

 ML Venture Partners, II L.P.           92,843

 ML Oklahoma Venture Partners           15,491
 Limited Partnership


<PAGE>



                             SCHEDULE C


                     List of the Subsidiaries
                     ------------------------


Clorwood Distributors, Inc., a Florida corporation.
Eckerd Consumer Products, Inc., a Florida corporation.
Eckerd Corporation of Florida, Inc.
Eckerd Fleet, Inc., a Florida corporation.
Eckerd Holdings II, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Eckerd's Westbank, Inc., a Louisiana corporation.
Eckerd Tobacco Company, Inc., a Florida corporation.
E.I.T., Inc.,  a  Florida corporation.
Life Care Medical Products, Inc. (5l% owned)
P.C.V., Inc., a Florida corporation.
E.T.B., Inc., a Texas corporation (49% owned)




<PAGE>

                            SCHEDULE D

Attorney            Selling Stockholder

Marcia L. Tu, Esq.     -  ML IBK Positions, Inc.
                       -  Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation
                          Partnership No. II, L.P.
                       -  ML Offshore LBO Partnership No. II
                       -  ML Employees LBO Partnership No. I,
                          L.P.
                       -  MLCP Associates L.P. No. II
                       -  ML Offshore LBO Partnership No. B-IX
                       -  Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation
                          Partnership No. B-IX, L.P.
                       -  ML Oklahoma Venture Partners Limited
                          Partnership
                       -  ML Venture Partners II, L.P.

Margaret E. Nelson,    -  Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1986
  Esq.                 -  Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1989

David Dick, Esq.       -  Merchant Banking L.P. No. IV

Jim Rossi, Esq.        -  Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation



<PAGE>

                            SCHEDULE E

Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation Appreciation Partnership No. II, L.P.
By:  Merrill Lynch LBO Partners, No.I, L.P., General Partner
By:  Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc., General Partner

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

ML Offshore LBO Partnership No. II
By:  Merrill Lynch LBO Partners, No.I, L.P., General Partner
By:  Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc., General Partner

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation Partnership No. B-IX, L.P.
By:  Merrill Lynch LBO Partners No. B-II, L.P., General Partner
By:  Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc., General Partner

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

ML Offshore LBO Partnership No. B-IX
By:  Merrill Lynch LBO Partners, No. B-II, L.P., General Partner
By:  Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc., General Partner

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

ML IBK Positions, Inc.

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

ML Employee LBO Partnership No. I, L.P.

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

MLCP Associates L.P. No. II
By:  Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc., General Partner

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1986
By:  KECALP Inc., General Partner

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1989
By:  KECALP Inc., General Partner

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

Merchant Banking L.P. No. IV
By:  Merrill Lynch MBP Inc., General Partner

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

ML Venture Partners, II L.P.
By:  MLVP II Co., L.P., Managing General Partner
By:  Merrill Lynch Venture Capital Inc.

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

ML Oklahoma Venture Partners Limited Partnership
By:  ML OK Co., Limited Partnership, Managing General Partner
By:  Merrill Lynch Venture Capital Inc.

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Vice President

Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation

By:       James V. Caruso
Title:    Attorney-in-Fact

<PAGE>



                                                        EXHIBIT A


<PAGE>

                        Eckerd Corporation
                     (a Delaware corporation)

                 4,500,000 Shares of Common Stock



                  PRICE DETERMINATION AGREEMENT


                                                    July __, 1995



MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
     Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
CS First Boston Corporation
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o Merrill Lynch & Co.
         Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Merrill Lynch World Headquarters
North Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York  10281-1201


Ladies and Gentlemen:

          Reference is made to the Purchase Agreement dated July
__,1995 (the "Purchase Agreement") among Eckerd Corporation (the
"Company"), the Selling Stockholders named in Schedule B thereto
or hereto (the "Selling Stockholders") and the several
Underwriters named in Schedule A thereto or hereto (the
"Underwriters"), for whom Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, CS First Boston Corporation,
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Raymond James & Associates,
Inc. are acting as representatives (the "Representatives").  The
Purchase Agreement provides for the purchase by the Underwriters
from the Company and the Selling Stockholders, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth therein, of an aggregate of
4,500,000 shares (the "Initial Shares") of the Company's common
stock, par value $ 0.01 per share.  This Agreement is the Price
Determination Agreement referred to in the Purchase Agreement.
Terms not defined herein are used herein as defined in the
Purchase Agreement.

          Pursuant to Section 2 of the Purchase Agreement, the
undersigned agree with the Representatives as follows:



<PAGE>

                                2

          1. The price to public per share for the Initial Shares
          shall be $_________.

          2. The purchase price per share for the Initial Shares
to be paid by the several Underwriters shall be
$                , representing an amount equal to the price set
 ----------------
forth above, less $______per share.

          The Company represents and warrants to each of the
Underwriters that the representations and warranties of the
Company set forth in Section 1(a) of the Purchase Agreement are
accurate as though expressly made at and as of the date hereof.

          Additionally, if the Company elects to rely on Rule
462(b), the Company represents and warrants to each of the
Underwriters that:

     (a)  the Company has filed a Rule 462(b) Registration
          Statement in compliance with and that is effective upon
          filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) and has received
          confirmation of its receipt; and

     (b)  the Company has given irrevocable instructions for
          transmission of the applicable filing fee in connection
          with the filing of the Rule 462(b) Registration
          Statement, in compliance with Rule 111 of the 1933 Act
          Regulations or the Commission has received payment of
          such filing fee.

          Each Selling Stockholder represents and warrants to
each of the Underwriters that the representations and warranties
of such Selling Stockholder set forth in Section 1(b) of the
Purchase Agreement are accurate as though expressly made at and
as of the date hereof.

          As contemplated by Section 2 of the Purchase Agreement,
attached as Schedule A is a completed list of the several
Underwriters and as Schedule B is a completed list of the Selling
Stockholders, which shall be a part of this Agreement and the
Purchase Agreement.

          This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of New York.


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


<PAGE>

                                3

          If the foregoing is in accordance with the
understanding of the Representatives of the agreement between the
Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Stockholders, please
sign and return to the Company and the Selling Stockholders a
counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument along with all
counterparts and together with the Purchase Agreement shall be a
binding agreement between the Underwriters, the Company and the
Selling Stockholders in accordance with its terms and the terms
of the Purchase Agreement.

                              Very truly yours,

                              ECKERD CORPORATION


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


                              On behalf of the Selling
                              Stockholders named in Schedule B in
                              the capacity as set forth in
                              Schedule E


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








<PAGE>

                                4


Confirmed and accepted as of
     the date first above written:

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
   Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
CS FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.

By:  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                      Incorporated


By
  -----------------------------------------
     Name:
     Title:
                Investment Banking Group

For themselves and as Representatives of the
- --------------------------------------------
other Underwriters named in Schedule A
- --------------------------------------




<PAGE>

                                                        Exhibit B



<PAGE>

                     LOCK-UP LETTER AGREEMENT
                     ------------------------




                          July __, 1995


Merrill Lynch & Co.
   Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
CS First Boston Corporation
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
    As Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o Merrill Lynch & Co.
     Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Merrill Lynch World Headquarters
North Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York  10281-1201


Dear Sirs:

    The undersigned stockholder of Eckerd Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), understands that a
Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") will be executed
by the Company, the Selling Stockholders named therein (the
"Selling Stockholders") and Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, CS First Boston
Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Raymond
James & Associates, Inc., as representatives (the
"Representatives") of the several underwriters named therein
(the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Company and the
Selling Stockholders will sell to the Underwriters 2,500,000
and 2,000,000 shares of the Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company, respectively, and
up to 175,000 and 500,000 additional shares of Common Stock
pursuant to options granted by the Company and certain of the
Selling Stockholders, respectively, solely to cover
over-allotments as set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

    The undersigned is a party to that certain Registrations
Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement"), dated
as of April 30, 1986 and amended by the First Amendment
thereto dated as of November 21, 1990, by and among the
Company and the stockholders named therein.  This Lock-Up
Letter Agreement is being entered into in accordance with
Section 7(a) of the Registration Rights Agreement at the
request of the Underwriters.


<PAGE>

                               2

    The undersigned also understands that the Company has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No.
33-60887, the "Registration Statement") in connection with the
public offering (the "Offering") of shares of its Common
Stock.

    In consideration of the Underwriters' agreement to
purchase the Common Stock and undertake the Offering, and for
other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees not to directly or
indirectly effect any public sale or distribution, including
any sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, of any shares of Common Stock (including,
without limitation, shares of Common Stock which may be deemed
to be beneficially owned by such stockholder in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Commission and shares of
Common Stock which may be issued upon exercise of any option
or warrant) or any securities convertible or exchangeable for
shares of Common Stock for a period commencing 7 days prior to
the date the Registration Statement is declared effective by
the Commission (the "Effective Date") and ending 120 days
after the Effective Date, other than the Shares sold to the
Underwriters pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and shares of
Common Stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.  The
undersigned understands that the Company expects the Effective
Date to occur as early as July 27, 1995.  The undersigned
understands that the Effective Date may, however, be earlier
or later than July 27, 1995.

    In addition, the undersigned agrees that the undersigned
will, promptly following the execution of this Lock-Up Letter
Agreement and in any event prior to the execution of the
Purchase Agreement, (i) with respect to any shares of Common
Stock for which the undersigned is the record holder, cause
the transfer agent for the Company to note stop transfer
instructions with respect to such shares of Common Stock on
the transfer books and records of the Company and (ii) with
respect to any shares of Common Stock for which the
undersigned is the beneficial holder but not the record holder
(other than the shares of Common Stock owned of record by
persons or entities that are not affiliates of the undersigned
and shares of Common Stock which may be issued upon exercise
of any option or warrant), cause the record holder of such
shares to cause the transfer agent for the Company to note
stop transfer instructions with respect to such shares of
Common Stock on the transfer books and records of the Company.



<PAGE>

                               3

    The undersigned understands that the Company, the Selling
Stockholders and the Underwriters will proceed with the
Offering in reliance on this Lock-Up Letter Agreement.

    The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the
undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this
Lock-Up Letter Agreement and that, upon request, the
undersigned will execute any additional documents necessary or
desirable in connection with the enforcement hereof.  Any
obligations of the undersigned shall be binding upon the
successors and assigns of the undersigned.

    This Lock-Up Letter Agreement has been entered into on the
date first written above.

                                   Very truly yours,




                                   ----------------------------
                                   Name of Stockholder



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

















                                                     ["ECKERD CORPORATION" LOGO]

                                                              July 27, 1995

Eckerd Corporation
8333 Bryan Dairy Road
Largo, FL 34647

Ladies and Gentlemen:

       I am Vice President/General Counsel of Eckerd Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"). I am providing the opinions set forth herein in
connection with the preparation of a registration statement on Form S-3
(No. 33-60887) (the "Registration Statement"), which was filed by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on July 6, 1995.

   
       The Registration Statement relates to the registration by the Company
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of 5,175,000 shares
of Common Stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"),
and the sale of (i) 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock by the Company (the
"Primary Firm Shares"), (ii) up to 175,000 shares of Common Stock subject to
an option given to the Underwriters (as defined below) by the Company solely
to cover over-allotments, if necessary (the "Primary Option Shares" and
together with the Primary Firm Shares, the "Primary Shares"); (iii) 2,000,000
shares of Common Stock (the "Secondary Firm Shares") by certain stockholders
of the Company (the "Selling Stockholders"); and (iv) up to 500,000 shares of
Common Stock subject to an option given to the Underwriters by the Selling
Stockholders solely to cover over-allotments, if necessary (the "Secondary
Option Shares" and together with the Secondary Firm Shares and any additional 
shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders which are registered in a 
registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Rules and 
Regulations under the Act, the "Secondary Shares"; the Primary Shares and the 
Secondary Shares are collectively referred to herein as the "Shares"), to the
public through a syndicate of underwriters in a firm commitment public offering 
pursuant to a Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") in the form filed 
herewith as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement, to be entered into by 
and among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and Merrill Lynch & Co., CS 
First Boston Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated and Raymond James 
& Associates, Inc., acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several 
Underwriters named therein (the "Underwriters").
    

        This opinion is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of
Item 601 (b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act.

<PAGE>

Page 2

July 26, 1995


        In connection with this opinion, I have examined originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of (i) the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission on July 6, 1995 and Amendment No. 1
thereto to be filed with the Commission on the date hereof under the Act;
(ii) the form of the Purchase Agreement; (iii) the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, as in effect as of the respective issue dates of
the Secondary Shares and as of the date hereof, (iv) the Company's Amended and
Restated By-laws, as in effect as of the respective issue dates of the
Secondary Shares and as of the date hereof, (v) the resolutions of the Board
of Directors of the Company relating to among other things, the issuance of
the Primary Shares and the Secondary Shares and the registration of the Shares
under the Act; (vi) the form of a specimen certificate representing the
Shares; and (vii) such other documents as I have deemed necessary or
appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth below. I have also examined
originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of
such records of the company and such agreements, certificates of public
officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company
and others, and such other documents, certificates and records as I have
deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth herein.

         In my examination, I have assumed the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to me as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to me as certified or photostatic copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In making my
examination of documents executed by parties other than the Company, I have
assumed that such parties had the power, corporate or other, to enter into and
perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization
by all requisite action, corporate or other, and the execution and delivery by
such parties of such documents and the validity and binding effect thereof. As
to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein which were not
independently established or verified, I have relied upon oral or written
statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the
Company and others.

         I am admitted to practice law in the State of Florida and I do not
purport to be an expert on any law other than the laws of the State of Florida
and the laws of the United States of America. Insofar as the opinions
contained herein relate to the general corporate law of the State of Delaware,
I have made such investigation of such laws as I have deemed necessary as a
basis for such opinions.

<PAGE>

Page 3

July 27, 1995


        Based upon the subject to the foregoing and assuming (i) the Pricing
Committee of the Board of Directors approves the price at which the Primary
Shares are sold to the Underwriters pursuant to the Purchase Agreement,
(ii) the conformity of the certificates representing the Shares to the form of
the specimen thereof examined by me and the due execution and delivery of such
certificates, and (iii) that the Company has received the full consideration
for the Secondary Shares, I am of the opinion that:

         1.  The issuance and sale of the Primary Shares have been duly
authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Company and
when (i) the Purchase Agreement has been duly executed by the parties thereto
and (ii) the Primary Shares are issued, delivered and paid for in accordance
with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Primary Shares will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

         2.  The Secondary Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.

         I hereby consent to the use of my name in the Registration Statement
under the caption "Legal Matters" and to the filing of this opinion as an
Exhibit to the Registration Statement. I further consent to the incorporation
of this opinion by reference as an exhibit to any registration statement
relating to the offering which is filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Rules
and Regulations under the Act and to the use of my name under the caption
"Legal Matters" in the prospectus included in or incorporated by reference in
any such registration statement. In giving such consent, I do not admit that
I came within the category of persons whose consent is required under 
Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   /s/ Robert E. Lewis

                                   Robert E. Lewis, Esquire
                                   Vice President/General Counsel
                                   Eckerd Corporation







                                                               EXHIBIT 15.1





Eckerd Corporation
8333 Bryan Dairy Road
Largo, Florida 34647

Gentlemen:

Re: Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on
    Form S-3 of Eckerd Corporation

With respect to the subject registration statement, we acknowledge our
awareness of the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
June 10, 1995 related to our review of interim financial information.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"), such
report is not considered a part of a registration statement prepared or
certified by an accountant or a report prepared or certified by an
accountant within the meaning of sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

Very truly yours,


/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



Tampa, Florida
July 27, 1995







                                                               EXHIBIT 23.1







                  CONSENT OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


The Board of Directors:
Eckerd Corporation and Subsidiaries:

We consent to the use of our audit report dated March 20, 1995 on the
consolidated financial statements of Eckerd Corporation and Subsidiaries
included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K 405 as of January 28, 1995 and
January 29, 1994, and the fiscal years ended January 28, 1995, January 29,
1994 and January 30, 1993, incorporated by reference into the Prospectus
(the "Prospectus"), which forms a part of Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 of the Company originally filed on the
date hereof, and to the reference to this firm under the heading "Experts"
in the Prospectus.

Our report refers to a change in accounting policy related to the timing of
the recognition of closed store obligations.




/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



Tampa, Florida
July 27, 1995







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