ALCO STANDARD CORP
S-1, 1995-12-04
PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 4, 1995
                                                      REGISTRATION NO.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                               ----------------
                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               ----------------
                           ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION
                               ----------------
          OHIO                    23-0334400                    5111
     (STATE OR OTHER           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER           (PRIMARY STANDARD
     JURISDICTION OF          IDENTIFICATION NO.)            INDUSTRIAL
    INCORPORATION OR                                     CLASSIFICATION CODE
      ORGANIZATION)                                            NUMBER)
                                 P.O. BOX 834
                       VALLEY FORGE, PENNSYLVANIA 19482
                                (610) 296-8000
                          J. KENNETH CRONEY, ESQUIRE
                           ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION
                      VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                                 P.O. BOX 834
                       VALLEY FORGE, PENNSYLVANIA 19482
                                (610) 296-8000
                                  COPIES TO:
                           RHONDA R. COHEN, ESQUIRE
                       BALLARD SPAHR ANDREWS & INGERSOLL
                        51ST FLOOR, 1735 MARKET STREET
                          PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103-7599
                               ----------------
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following. [X]
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              PROPOSED       PROPOSED
                                  AMOUNT      MAXIMUM         MAXIMUM      AMOUNT OF
     TITLES OF EACH CLASS         TO BE    OFFERING PRICE    AGGREGATE    REGISTRATION
OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED  REGISTERED   PER UNIT*    OFFERING PRICE*     FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>        <C>            <C>             <C>
  Common Stock, no par
   value(1)................     10,000,000    $45.8125     $458,125,000     $157,974
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*  Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee, which
   has been calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c), based on the average of the
   high and low prices of Alco common stock reported on the NYSE Composite
   Tape on November 28, 1995.
(1) Each share of Common Stock being registered hereunder includes a Preferred
    Share Purchase Right.
                               ----------------
  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>
 
                           ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
 
                  BETWEEN ITEMS OF FORM S-1 AND THE PROSPECTUS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 ITEM                                            LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
 ----                                            ----------------------
 <C>  <S>                               <C>
  1.  Forepart of the Registration
       Statement and Outside Front      
       Cover Page of Prospectus......   Front Cover Page
  2.  Inside Front and Outside Back
       Cover Pages of Prospectus.....   Inside Front Cover Page
  3.  Summary Information, Risk
       Factors and Ratio of Earnings    
       to Fixed Charges..............   Business 
  4.  Use of Proceeds................   Use of Proceeds
  5.  Determination of Offering         
       Price.........................   Not Applicable 
  6.  Dilution.......................   Not Applicable
  7.  Selling Security Holders.......   Not Applicable
  8.  Plan of Distribution...........   Front Cover Page; Plan of Distribution
  9.  Description of Securities to be   
       Registered....................   Description of Common Stock and
                                         Preferred Stock                
  10. Interests of Named Experts and    
       Counsel.......................   Not Applicable 
  11. Information with Respect to the   
       Registrant....................   Front Cover Page; Business; Quarterly  
                                         Data; Report of Independent Auditors; 
                                         Consolidated Financial Statements;    
                                         Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                                         Financial Condition and Results of    
                                         Operations; Corporate Financial       
                                         Summary; Management; Certain          
                                         Transactions; Executive Compensation   
  12. Disclosure of Commission
       Position on Indemnification      
       for Securities Act
       Liabilities...................   Not Applicable 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
PROSPECTUS
 
DECEMBER   , 1995
 
               [LOGO OF ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION APPEARS HERE]
 
                       10,000,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                                (NO PAR VALUE)
 
  This prospectus describes the offering by Alco Standard Corporation ("Alco"
or the "Company") of shares of its common stock in connection with
acquisitions of businesses and properties which Alco (including its
subsidiaries) may make from time to time. A maximum of 10,000,000 shares of
common stock may be sold pursuant to this prospectus. These shares will
ordinarily represent consideration paid upon the acquisition of businesses or
properties. The shares may also include shares to be delivered upon the
exercise or satisfaction of conversion or purchase rights which are created in
connection with acquisitions or which were previously created or assumed by
the companies whose businesses or properties were acquired by Alco.
 
  Shares offered hereby generally may be resold by the persons acquiring them
(including persons acquiring shares from Alco in acquisition transactions)
without further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, subject to
compliance with certain conditions. For further information on resales, see
"RESALES" in this prospectus.
 
  Shares of common stock of Alco are listed on the New York, Philadelphia and
Chicago Stock Exchanges. As of November 27, 1995, there were approximately
14,694 holders of record of Alco's common stock. The reported closing price of
the common stock of Alco on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on
November 27, 1995 was $46 1/8.
 
                               ----------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN AS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SALE OF ANY OF THE SECURITIES COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY ALCO. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR
ANY SALE OF THE SECURITIES COVERED HEREBY SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF ALCO
SINCE THE DATE HEREOF. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION MAY NOT
LAWFULLY BE MADE.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
BUSINESS..................................................................    3
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
 OPERATIONS...............................................................    7
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK...........................   13
MANAGEMENT................................................................   16
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION....................................................   21
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION......................................................   29
RESALES...................................................................   29
USE OF PROCEEDS...........................................................   29
LEGAL OPINIONS............................................................   30
EXPERTS...................................................................   30
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING.......................   30
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS............................................   31
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................   32
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................   37
CORPORATE FINANCIAL SUMMARY...............................................   51
SEGMENT DATA..............................................................   52
QUARTERLY DATA............................................................   54
</TABLE>
 
                               ----------------
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  Alco is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and in accordance therewith files reports and other information
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Reports, proxy statements and
other information filed by Alco with the Securities and Exchange Commission
can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by
the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at its
Regional Offices at Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York
10048. Copies can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. Reports, proxy statements and other information about Alco can also be
inspected at the New York, Philadelphia and Chicago Stock Exchanges (on which
Alco's common stock is listed).
 
  Alco has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-1
(together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the securities to
which this prospectus relates. This prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which
are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.
For further information with respect to Alco and such securities, reference is
made to the Registration Statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as
to the contents of any contract or any other document filed, or incorporated
by reference, as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, are qualified in
all respects by such reference.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
  Alco Standard Corporation ("Alco" or the "Company") markets and distributes
office equipment, paper and supply systems through two business segments--Alco
Office Products ("AOP") and Unisource ("Unisource"). In fiscal 1995, Alco had
annual revenues of approximately $9.9 billion. Alco was incorporated in Ohio
in 1952 and is the successor to a business incorporated under a similar name
in 1928. The term "Alco" generally includes Alco Standard Corporation and its
subsidiaries and divisions. The address of Alco's principal executive offices
is P.O. Box 834, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482 (telephone number: (610)
296-8000).
 
  Alco was founded and continues to operate as "The Corporate Partnership."
Under this entrepreneurial principle, Alco field executives maintain a high
degree of operating autonomy, which enhances the Company's ability to serve
and support its customers. The following describes Alco's two business
segments.
 
                             ALCO OFFICE PRODUCTS
 
  AOP sells, rents and leases photocopiers, fax machines and other automated
office equipment for use in both traditional and integrated office
environments. AOP also provides equipment service and supplies, equipment
financing and reprographic facilities management and specialized document
copying services.
 
  AOP has locations throughout the United States and Canada, and in Europe
(primarily in the United Kingdom). These companies comprise the largest
network of independent copier and office equipment dealers in North America
and in the United Kingdom, and represent the only independent distribution
network with national scope. AOP competes against numerous competitors over a
wide range of markets, competing on the basis of quality customer service,
price and product performance.
 
  AOP distributes the products of numerous manufacturers, including Canon,
Oce, Ricoh and Sharp, throughout forty-eight states, six Canadian provinces
and in Europe. Customers include large and small businesses, professional
firms and government agencies.
 
  During fiscal 1993, 1994 and 1995, AOP accounted for approximately 25%, 28%
and 29%, respectively, of Alco's consolidated revenues, and 50%, 55% and 53%,
respectively, of Alco's operating income (excluding Unisource restructuring
costs in 1993).
 
  During fiscal 1995, AOP acquired 102 office products companies in the United
States, Canada, and Europe, with an aggregate of over $578 million in
annualized revenues. In May 1995, AOP acquired CopyAmerica, the largest copy
center in the country, which specializes in on-demand manuals and other short-
run documents. AOP's European expansion during fiscal 1995 included the
acquisition of seven companies in the United Kingdom, the largest of which was
Southern Business Group (renamed A: Copy (UK) PLC), with annualized revenues
of approximately $86 million.
 
                                   UNISOURCE
 
  Unisource markets and distributes quality printing and imaging products for
office and reprographic use. Through its supply systems segment, Unisource
also distributes disposable paper and plastic products, packaging systems and
maintenance supplies.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  During fiscal 1993, 1994 and 1995 Unisource accounted for approximately 75%,
72%, and 71%, respectively, of Alco's consolidated revenues from continuing
operations, and 50%, 45% and 47%, respectively, of Alco's operating income
(excluding Unisource restructuring costs in 1993).
 
  Unisource focuses on five market segments: printing and publishing,
corporate imaging, general manufacturing, food processing and retail grocery.
Unisource combines its broad array of products with specialized customer
services and is implementing sophisticated information technology to tailor
solutions which lower the total cost of customers' procurement and improve the
efficiency of their operations. Unisource offers its customers coordinated
delivery of products, customized reporting and consolidated billing.
Unisource's national distribution capabilities allow it to respond quickly to
the customer's needs.
 
  Unisource has locations in forty-five states, every province of Canada and
in Mexico. Unisource's operations constitute the largest independent network
of paper distributors in the United States and Canada. Although substantial in
the aggregate, these operations compete separately in many different markets
against numerous competitors, including both independent distributors and
those owned by major paper manufacturers. Although its business is highly
competitive and its competitors numerous, Unisource believes that its
competitive position is strong. Unisource competes principally on the basis of
quality customer service, price and the range of products maintained in
inventory.
 
  In fiscal 1995, Unisource acquired twelve companies, primarily in supply
systems target markets, with $152 million in annualized revenues, including
four companies in Mexico.
 
                                  STOCK SPLIT
 
  On November 9, 1995, the Company effected a two-for-one split of its common
stock in the form of a stock dividend to shareholders of record on October 27,
1995. All common share and per share amounts reported by Alco in its
consolidated financial statements and in this prospectus have been adjusted to
give retroactive effect to the stock split.
 
                         UNISOURCE RESTRUCTURING PLAN
 
  In September 1993, the Company adopted a plan to restructure Unisource's
distribution network, which included the following: installation of a
customer-focused information system, redesigning of warehouse and
transportation management functions, regionalization of management and
administrative support functions and consolidation of service center
locations. As a result of the restructuring, the Company recorded a pretax
charge of $175 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1993. At September 30,
1995, the remaining restructuring reserve was approximately $39 million, which
management believes is adequate to complete the restructuring plan in fiscal
1997.
 
                         BOARD AND MANAGEMENT CHANGES
 
  In November 1995, John E. Stuart, who was appointed President and Chief
Executive Officer of Alco in August 1993, was named Chairman of the Board of
Directors, succeeding Ray B. Mundt. Mr. Mundt retired as an active employee of
Alco effective December 31, 1994 and will continue to serve as a member of the
Board.
 
  In August 1995, Kurt E. Dinkelacker (who had been serving as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Alco) was named President of Alco
Office Products. Mr. Dinkelacker will continue as an Executive Vice President
of Alco.
 
  In January 1995, William T. Leith was named President of Unisource and a
Vice President of Alco. Mr. Leith, who had been serving as Executive Vice
President for Unisource's U.S. Operations, now directs all of Unisource's
operations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  Among other executive changes during fiscal 1995, Yves Montmarquette was
named President of Unisource Canada, succeeding Raymond (Pike) Peterson,
Donald R. Smallwood was appointed President of Unisource Distribuidora, and
William M. Laughlin was named Vice President, Acquisitions of Unisource.
 
  In August 1995, Elisabeth H. Barrett was appointed Vice President--
Administrative Services of Alco.
 
  In August 1995, Barbara Barnes Haupfuhrer, a member of the Board since 1988,
was named Chairman of the Independent Directors. J. Mahlon Buck, Jr., who has
been a director since 1984, retires from the Board in January 1996.
 
                               EQUITY OFFERINGS
 
  In July 1995, Alco completed a public offering of 3,877,200 depositary
shares, each representing 1/100 of a share of Series BB conversion preferred
stock, and used the net proceeds of approximately $290 million to reduce
outstanding debt.
 
                                 DIVESTITURES
 
  In September, 1995, the Company sold its Central Products Company to
Spinnaker Industries, Inc. Central Products, which manufactures paper-based
carton sealing tapes, has annualized revenues of approximately $120 million.
 
                            SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS
 
  Products distributed by Alco are purchased from numerous domestic and
overseas suppliers. There has been no significant difficulty in obtaining
products from these suppliers. Supplier relationships are good and are
expected to continue. Neither AOP nor Unisource is dependent upon a single
customer, or a few customers, the loss of any one or more of which would have
a material adverse effect on Alco's business taken as a whole.
 
  Many of Alco's operations are required to carry significant amounts of
inventory to meet rapid delivery requirements of customers. At September 30,
1995, inventories accounted for approximately 35% of Alco's total current
assets.
 
                              PROPRIETARY MATTERS
 
  Alco has a number of patents, licenses and trademarks. Alco does not
believe, however, that any one patent, license or trademark is material to its
operations as a whole.
 
                           ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
 
  Environmental laws and liabilities relating to Alco's current businesses
(which are primarily distribution operations) have not had and are not
expected to have a material adverse effect upon Alco's capital expenditures,
earnings or competitive position. The Company has owned several manufacturing
and industrial businesses, all of which have been sold. Alco has retained
certain environmental liabilities relating to the pre-divestiture waste
disposal activities of these discontinued businesses at manufacturing or
landfill sites in the United States. As a result of several recent
environmental remediation claims and increased costs associated with existing
environmental remediation sites (primarily related to discontinued
manufacturing operations divested by the Company in 1991 and prior, no one of
which is material on an individual basis to the Company's operations taken as
a whole), the Company took a fourth quarter charge in fiscal 1995 to increase
its accrual for environmental remediation. The discontinued operations charge
was approximately $24 million ($17 million net of tax) or $.14 per share. The
adjustment reflects management's best estimate, based on information currently
available, of costs to be incurred in connection with all existing and
probable environmental liabilities relating to discontinued operations (which
currently relate to eighteen different sites). Since most environmental claims
are paid over a period of years, the impact on annual cash flow is expected to
be minimal. While it is not possible to estimate what expenditures may be
required in order for Alco to comply with environmental laws or discharge
environmental liabilities in the future, Alco does not expect that
expenditures for environmental claims will have a material adverse effect on
it or its operations taken as a whole.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                   EMPLOYEES
 
  At September 30, 1995, Alco had approximately 36,500 employees.
 
                              FOREIGN OPERATIONS
 
  Alco's operations in Canada distribute paper, industrial supplies and
packaging products, and distribute and service office equipment. Alco's
European operations distribute and service office equipment. In June 1995,
Erskine Limited, a U.K. subsidiary of Alco, purchased all of the outstanding
shares of Southern Business Group PLC (SBG) and changed SBG's name to A:Copy
(UK) PLC ("A:Copy"). A:Copy has annualized revenues of approximately $86
million, and sells, leases, services and remanufactures copiers and other
office equipment in Southern England. In September 1995, AOP further expanded
its presence in the United Kingdom by acquiring Copymore PLC, an office
equipment distributor with approximately $52 million in annualized revenues.
Unisource expanded into Mexico during fiscal 1995, acquiring four new
companies with 18 locations.
 
  Revenues from exports during the last three fiscal years were not
significant. There are additional risks attendant to foreign operations, such
as possible currency fluctuations and unsettled political conditions.
 
                                  PROPERTIES
 
  At September 30, 1995, Alco owned or leased facilities in fifty states, nine
Canadian provinces, in Europe and in Mexico. These properties occupy a total
of approximately 23 million square feet of which approximately 7 million
square feet are owned and the balance are leased under lease agreements with
various expiration dates. Alco believes that none of its properties is
materially important to its operations as a whole, and believes that its
facilities are suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used.
 
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  During 1995, Alco agreed to pay $10 million to settle a claim by a former
subsidiary which had asserted that Alco was liable to it for certain employee
liabilities. This amount was primarily charged against existing reserves for
discontinued operations. The Company paid $5 million during 1995 with the
remaining $5 million to be paid over the next four years.
 
  Alco does not believe that the outcome of lawsuits or other legal
proceedings to which it is a party will materially affect Alco or its
operations as a whole.
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
FINANCIAL REVIEW
 
ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
  The discussion of the results of operations for the three years ended
September 30, 1995 reviews the continuing operations of Alco as contained in
the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--1995
 
  Revenues and income before taxes by segment for fiscal years ended September
30, 1995 andSeptember 30, 1994 and the percentage change for 1995 versus 1994
were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 REVENUES            INCOME BEFORE TAXES
                          ------------------------ ---------------------------
                           1995    1994   % CHANGE  1995     1994     % CHANGE
                          ------  ------  -------- ------   -------   --------
                                      (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
Alco Office Products..... $2,912  $2,240    30.0%  $251.8   $ 199.4     26.3%
Unisource
  United States..........  6,183   5,108    21.0    184.1     148.8     23.7
  Canada.................    804     649    23.9     41.0      13.5    203.7
                          ------  ------           ------   -------
    Total Unisource......  6,987   5,757    21.4    225.1     162.3     38.7
                          ------  ------           ------   -------
Operating................  9,899   7,997    23.8    476.9     361.7     31.8
Unconsolidated affili-
 ate.....................                                    (117.2)
Eliminations and
 nonallocated............     (7)     (1)          (117.0)*   (87.7)*
                          ------  ------           ------   -------
                          $9,892  $7,996    23.7   $359.9   $ 156.8
                          ======  ======           ======   =======
</TABLE>
- --------
* Includes interest costs and net corporate expenses.
 
FISCAL 1995 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1994
 
  The Company increased revenues $1.9 billion to $9.9 billion in fiscal 1995
from $8 billion in fiscal 1994. Income before taxes increased from $156.8
million in fiscal 1994 to $359.9 million in fiscal 1995. Earnings per share
increased from $.55 to $1.67. Earnings per share from continuing operations in
fiscal 1995 were $1.81, a 26.6% increase over $1.43 per share in 1994,
excluding the loss on the sale of IMM Office Systems (IMMOS).
 
  Alco Office Products (AOP) generated $672 million in increased revenues of
which $387 million is related to AOP's base companies, while $68 million
relates to fiscal 1994 acquisitions and $217 million to current-year
acquisitions. Internal growth in AOP's base companies continues to be across
all revenue segments but primarily in equipment sales, outsourcing and
supplies. Revenues from Unisource's US operations increased $1.1 billion, of
which $74 million relates to current- and prior-year acquisitions. Unisource's
Canadian operations increased revenues $155 million, which is net of a
negative impact of approximately $12 million relating to foreign currency rate
fluctuations. Increased revenue at Unisource is primarily related to
substantial price increases experienced in the paper industry during fiscal
1995, as well as sales volume increases.
 
  AOP's operating income increase of $52.4 million includes $6.1 million from
fiscal 1994 acquisitions and $20.2 million from current-year acquisitions. The
remaining $26.1 million increase from its base companies is primarily the
result of higher operating contributions from the equipment, outsourcing and
supply areas of AOP's businesses, along with increased operating income
relating to its leasing activities through Alco Capital Resource, Inc. (Alco
Capital), net of transformation program costs. Operating margins were 8.6% in
1995 compared to 8.9% in 1994. Excluding costs related to the AOP
transformation program, the operating margin for 1995 was 9.0%.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
  Operating income for Unisource's US operations increased $35.3 million. This
increase includes $3.9 million contributed by current- and prior-year
acquisitions. The remaining $31.4 million is from base companies, reflecting
the impact of price and volume increases along with the net benefits realized
from its restructuring program. Operating income for the Canadian paper
operations increased $27.5 million primarily as a result of price increases
and growth in the fine paper distribution business and restructuring benefits.
Unisource's operating margins increased to 3.2% in fiscal 1995, from 2.8% in
the prior year.
 
  The Company's foreign operations of AOP and Unisource generated $1.1 billion
in revenues for fiscal 1995 compared with $843 million for the same period of
the prior fiscal year. The Canadian paper distribution business represents
$155 million or 62% of the total increase. The increase also includes $78
million from AOP's European operations and $17 million from AOP's Canadian
operations. Operating income from foreign operations was $69 million for 1995,
up $40 million from the prior year primarily as a result of the increase in
operating income of the Canadian paper distribution business. In fiscal 1994,
the Company recorded a total pretax loss of $117.2 million from its investment
in IMMOS.
 
  In September 1995, the Company divested Central Products Company for $80
million in cash and notes and recorded a continuing operations pretax gain of
approximately $4 million on the sale. Also included in the Company's
continuing operations, and related to Central Products Company, are fiscal
1995 revenues of approximately $120 million and net income of $2.7 million.
 
  Interest expense increased $12 million from the comparable period in fiscal
1994, as a result of higher interest rates and borrowing levels during the
year to fund acquisitions and working capital requirements, offset by the
effect of the debt reductions resulting from the Company's conversion
preferred stock offering in July 1995. The increase in income from continuing
operations before taxes of $203.1 million consists of $85.9 million relating
to the combined effect of improved operations from base companies and earnings
contributed by acquisitions, net of increased interest costs and other
corporate items and the $117.2 million loss on the investment in IMMOS
recorded in 1994. The effective income tax rate for the current period is
39.1%. The effective tax rate for 1994 was 55%; however, excluding the IMMOS
loss, the effective rate was 39.1%. Fiscal 1995 weighted average shares were
5.1 million shares greater than the 107.5 million shares for fiscal 1994,
primarily the result of issuance of shares for acquisitions.
 
  The Company has owned several manufacturing and industrial businesses, all
of which have been sold. Alco has retained certain environmental liabilities
relating to the pre-divestiture waste disposal activities of these
discontinued businesses at manufacturing or landfill sites in the United
States. As a result of several recent environmental remediation claims and
increased costs associated with existing environmental remediation sites
(primarily related to discontinued manufacturing operations divested by the
Company in 1991 and prior, no one of which is material on an individual basis
to the Company's operations taken as a whole), the Company took a fourth
quarter charge in fiscal 1995 to increase its accrual for environmental
remediation. The discontinued operations charge was approximately $24 million
($17 million net of tax) or $.14 per share. The adjustment reflects
management's best estimate, based on information currently available, of costs
to be incurred in connection with all existing and probable environmental
liabilities relating to discontinued operations (which currently relate to
eighteen different sites). Since most environmental claims are paid over a
period of years, the impact on annual cash flow is expected to be minimal.
While it is not possible to estimate what expenditures may be required in
order for Alco to comply with environmental laws or discharge environmental
liabilities in the future. Alco does not expect that expenditures for
environmental claims will have a material adverse effect on it or its
operations taken as a whole.
 
  The major components of the Unisource restructuring plan are proceeding as
planned. Unisource management has reduced the pace at which certain changes
are being made in order to better control the transformation process, thereby
affecting the pace of planned headcount reductions and the timing of
originally anticipated net benefits. Unisource expects to achieve the full
benefit of the projected $100 million net annual benefits resulting from the
completion of the restructuring in fiscal 1997. The restructuring reserve
atSeptember 30, 1995 is $39.3 million, which management believes is adequate
to complete the restructuring plan.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  AOP has initiated a three-year transformation program to change its
organization into a more cohesive and efficient network by building a uniform
information technology system and implementing best practices for critically
important management functions throughout the AOP companies. The initiative
will include the exploration of new vendor alliances, the establishment of a
national identity for the group and a targeted national accounts program.
 
  The Company was in arbitration with a former subsidiary, which had asserted
that the Company was liable for certain employee liabilities. During the
second quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company agreed to pay $10 million to the
former subsidiary to settle this claim, which primarily has been charged
against existing reserves for discontinued operations. The Company paid $5
million during the second quarter with the remaining $5 million to be paid
over the next four years.
 
  In fiscal 1996, the Company plans to early adopt Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." The effect on earnings of
this accounting change is expected to be immaterial.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--1994
 
  Revenues and income before taxes by segment for fiscal years ended September
30, 1994 andSeptember 30, 1993 and the percentage change for 1994 versus 1993
were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                REVENUES            INCOME BEFORE TAXES
                         ------------------------ ----------------------------
                          1994    1993   % CHANGE  1994      1993     % CHANGE
                         ------  ------  -------- -------   -------   --------
                                      (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Alco Office Products.... $2,240  $1,586    41.2%  $ 199.4   $ 138.8     43.7%
Unisource
  United States.........  5,108   4,174    22.4     148.8     118.7     25.4
  Canada................    649     690    (5.9)     13.5      18.3    (26.2)
  Restructuring costs...                                     (175.0)
                         ------  ------           -------   -------
    Total Unisource.....  5,757   4,864    18.4     162.3     (38.0)
                         ------  ------           -------   -------
Operating...............  7,997   6,450    24.0     361.7     100.8
Unconsolidated
 affiliate..............                           (117.2)     (2.5)
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........     (1)     (5)            (87.7)*   (73.7)*
                         ------  ------           -------   -------
                         $7,996  $6,445    24.1   $ 156.8   $  24.6
                         ======  ======           =======   =======
</TABLE>
- --------
* Includes interest costs and net corporate expenses.
 
FISCAL 1994 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 1993
 
  The Company's revenues for fiscal 1994 were $8 billion, an increase of $1.5
billion over fiscal 1993 revenues of $6.5 billion. Income before taxes from
operations increased to $361.7 million from $100.8 million in fiscal 1993,
which included a restructuring charge of $175 million related to the Unisource
operations. Earnings per share from continuing operations for fiscal 1994 were
$.55 compared to $(.02) for fiscal 1993 which included a loss of $1.19 per
share resulting from the Unisource restructuring charge. Earnings per share
excluding the loss on the sale of the investment in IMMOS in fiscal 1994 and
the effect of the restructuring charge in fiscal 1993 were $1.43 and $1.17,
respectively.
 
  AOP generated $654 million in increased revenues, of which $288 million
relates to fiscal 1993 acquisitions and $134 million to fiscal 1994
acquisitions. The remaining $232 million increase reflects continued internal
growth in all revenue areas of AOP's base companies, particularly in its
equipment, service and outsourcing businesses. The $934 million increase in
revenues from Unisource's US operations includes $764 million from
acquisitions (primarily Butler Paper) and $170 million of internal growth from
its base companies. The $41
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
million revenue decrease in the Unisource Canadian paper businesses is
primarily attributable to a 5.9% decrease in the average foreign exchange
rate.
 
  AOP's operating income increase of $60.6 million includes $16.4 million from
prior-year acquisitions and $10.2 million from current-year acquisitions. The
remaining $34 million increase reflects continued internal growth from its
base companies, which is primarily the result of higher operating
contributions from the service, supply and outsourcing areas of AOP's
businesses, along with increased operating income related to its leasing
activities through Alco Capital. Operating income from Unisource's US paper
operations increased $30.1 million. This increase represents a contribution of
$17.6 million from prior-year acquisitions and $12.5 million from its base
companies. The internal growth is attributable to improved gross margins and
expense reductions realized in the last half of the fiscal year offset
primarily by lower comparable margins experienced in the first half of the
year. The Canadian paper distribution business decrease in operating income of
$4.8 million is the result of the carryover of certain incremental merger
costs related to the Canadian merger plan implemented in fiscal 1993, gross
margin erosion in the first half of the fiscal year and the effects of the
declining foreign exchange rates.
 
  Geographically, revenues from the Company's paper and office products
operations outside the U.S. were $843 million for fiscal 1994 compared to $800
million for the prior fiscal year. The increase reflects $77 million from the
European operations of Erskine acquired in fiscal 1993 along with $7 million
from AOP internal growth, offset by a decrease of $41 million from the
Canadian paper distribution business. Operating income from foreign operations
was $29.1 million for fiscal 1994, an increase of $1.8 million from the prior
year, the result of increased AOP foreign operations, offset by the decrease
in operating income of the Canadian paper distribution business.
 
  The 49.9% investment in IMMOS in October 1992 marked the entry of the
Company into the European market, and it was to serve as a base for further
expansion in Europe. The venture agreement provided the Company with the
option of acquiring the remaining shares of IMMOS over a three-year period
beginning in 1996 if IMMOS achieved certain operating goals. However, the
capital structure and organizational complexities of IMMOS, exacerbated by the
distressed European economy and operational differences among the venture
partners, had prevented IMMOS from progressing toward those goals. As a
result, in September 1994, the Company sold its 49.9% interest in IMMOS for
cash plus a passive interest in any subsequent sale of IMMOS for five years.
The Company retains no ongoing liability in the joint venture and the parties
exchanged complete mutual releases for past actions. In addition, the Company
was relieved of the covenant not to compete in Europe contained in the joint
venture agreement, although the parties will not compete with each other for a
period expiring on December 31, 1995. As part of the transaction, the Company
acquired profitable operations in Denmark and France and retained limited
operations in Germany. The Company recognized a loss on the sale of its
interest in IMMOS in the quarter ended June 30, 1994, and recorded a pretax
loss of $115.3 million ($95.1 million, net of tax) equating to a loss per
share of $.87 for the quarter ($.88 for fiscal 1994). This charge represents
the write-off of the Company's investment in IMMOS plus certain transactional
costs less cash proceeds from the sale together with related tax benefits. For
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994, the Company recorded a total pretax
loss of $117.2 million from its investment in an unconsolidated affiliate.
This includes a pretax loss of $115.3 million relating to the sale previously
discussed and a $1.9 million operating loss on its investment through March
31, 1994.
 
  Interest expense increased by $3.6 million from fiscal 1993, a result of
higher interest rates and borrowing levels during the year. Income before
taxes from continuing operations increased by $132.2 million, which reflects
the net effect of the $115.3 million loss on the sale of IMMOS in fiscal 1994
and the $175 million charge for restructuring costs in fiscal 1993. Income
before taxes from continuing operations also includes improved operating
results from base companies and earnings contributed by current- and prior-
year acquisitions net of increased interest costs and other corporate items.
The effective income tax rate for fiscal 1994 was 55% com-pared to 69% in
fiscal 1993. The effective income tax rate for fiscal 1994, excluding the
effect of the sale of IMMOS, was 39.1% compared with 39.6% in fiscal 1993,
excluding the effect of the restructuring costs. Fiscal
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
1994 weighted average shares were 12.7 million shares greater than the 94.8
million shares for fiscal 1993, primarily the result of a public offering of
common stock in December 1993.
 
  During the first quarter of fiscal 1994, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" and Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes"; the individual
and combined effect on earnings of these accounting changes was immaterial.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
 
  Debt, excluding finance subsidiaries, was $632 million at September 30,
1995, an increase of $187 million from the Company's debt balance at September
30, 1994 of $445 million. This increase in borrowing levels was primarily to
satisfy the Company's working capital and acquisition requirements, net of the
proceeds from the July 1995 conversion preferred stock offering described
below. On December 1, 1994, the Company entered into a credit agreement under
which it may borrow up to $500 million. The Company may also borrow up to $100
million under another credit agreement. At September 30, 1995, short-term
borrowings supported by these two facilities totaled $252.5 million, leaving
$347.5 million unused and available. Debt as a percentage of capitalization
was 25.3%, while the current ratio was 1.6 to 1. In July 1995, Moody's
Investor Services upgraded the Company's debt rating to A3, from Baa1. At the
end of fiscal 1995, the Company's commitments for capital expenditures were
approximately $23 million, all of which are expected to be expended during
fiscal 1996.
 
  In July 1995, the Company completed a public offering of approximately 3.9
million depositary shares, each representing 1/100 of a share of Series BB
Conversion Preferred Stock. The Series BB Preferred Stock carries a dividend
yield of 6.5% and automatically converts into the Company's common stock on
October 1, 1998, unless previously converted at the option of the holder. The
purpose of the offering is to fund the Company's ongoing acquisition program.
Net proceeds of approximately $290 million were used to repay short-term
borrowings incurred to fund working capital requirements and acquisitions.
 
  The Company recorded a pretax charge of approximately $24 million for
environmental claims associated with discontinued manufacturing operations
during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995. Since most environmental claims are
paid over a period of years, the impact on annual cash flow is expected to be
minimal.
 
  The Company's change in cash from operating activities during fiscal 1995
primarily relates to working capital requirements. Unisource's working capital
primarily reflects the effects of substantial price increases experienced in
the paper business along with the increased sales volume. Changes in AOP's
working capital primarily relate to inventory from growth in the business
along with supplier price increases.
 
  The Company estimates that total cash expenditures in connection with the
Unisource restructuring plan will amount to $143 million, of which
approximately $112 million has been spent to date, with the $31 million
balance anticipated to be paid in fiscal 1996 and early fiscal 1997. Effective
January 1, 1994, Unisource entered into a ten-year agreement with ISSC for
$300 million, to provide the information technology system to be implemented
as part of the restructuring plan. At September 30, 1995, the remaining
commitment under the agreement is $217 million. The foregoing commitments are
anticipated to be funded from Unisource's operating cash flow.
 
  Finance subsidiaries debt grew by $352.7 million from September 30, 1994, a
result of increased leasing activity. On June 30, 1995, Alco Capital increased
the amount available to be offered under its medium term note program by $1
billion or the equivalent thereof in foreign currency, of which $898 million
is unused and available. The program allows Alco Capital to offer to the
public from time to time medium term notes having an aggregate initial
offering price not exceeding the total program amount. These notes are offered
at varying maturities of nine months or more from their dates of issue and may
be subject to redemption at the option of Alco Capital or repayment at the
option of the holder, in whole or in part, prior to the maturity date in
conjunction with meeting specified provisions. Interest rates are determined
based on market conditions at the
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
time of issuance. As of September 30, 1995, $602 million of medium term notes
bearing a weighted average interest rate of 7.0% were outstanding.
 
  In addition, Alco Capital entered into an agreement in September 1994 to
sell under an asset securitization program, an undivided ownership interest in
$125 million of eligible direct financing lease receivables. The agreement,
which expires in September 1996, contains limited recourse provisions that
require Alco Capital to assign an additional undivided interest in leases to
cover any potential losses to the purchaser due to uncollectible leases. As
collections reduce previously sold interests, new lease receivables can be
sold up to $125 million. During fiscal 1995, Alco Capital sold $67 million in
direct financing leases, replacing those leases liquidated and leaving the
total amount of contracts sold unchanged at $125 million.
 
  The Company believes that its operating cash flow together with unused lines
of credit and other financing arrangements will be sufficient to finance
current operating requirements including capital expenditures, acquisitions
and restructuring and transformation programs.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Company is currently authorized to issue 150,000,000 shares of Common
Stock and 2,135,878 shares of Serial Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock"). On
January 25, 1996, Alco's shareholders are expected to approve an increase in
the authorized number of common shares from 150,000,000 to 300,000,000. Both
classes are without par value. The Common Stock is subject to the express
terms of the Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to
time in one or more series, without stockholder approval, with such
designations, preferences and relative rights, and qualifications,
limitations, or restrictions thereof as shall be adopted by the Board of
Directors. Two series of Preferred Stock are currently outstanding.
 
DIVIDEND RIGHTS
 
  Common Stock. Dividends and other distributions of assets may be made with
respect to the Common Stock from time to time by the Board of Directors within
the limits and from the sources permitted by law after payment or provision
for payment of all accrued and unpaid dividends (which are cumulative) on the
Preferred Stock, so long as there is no default in any sinking fund provisions
for the Preferred Stock.
 
  Preferred Stock. The outstanding Preferred Stock is entitled to payment of
annual per share dividends as follows: Series AA, $237.50 ($2.375 per
Depositary Share) through January 2, 1996 and $325.00 ($3.25 per Depositary
Share) thereafter; and Series BB, $504.00 ($5.04 per Depositary Share).
 
  So long as any shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company may
not (a) declare or pay any dividends (other than dividends payable in Common
Stock or other shares of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Stock) to
holders of Common Stock or shares of the Company of any other class ranking on
a parity with or junior to the Preferred Stock, or (b) make any distributions
of assets (directly or indirectly, by purchase, redemption or otherwise) to
the holders of Common Stock or shares of the Company of any other class
ranking on a parity with or junior to the Preferred Stock (except in the case
of shares purchased in compromise of claims, or to prevent loss on doubtful
debts and except in the case of shares purchased out of the proceeds of the
sale of Common Stock or other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Stock
received by the Company, subsequent to January 1, 1968):
 
    (a) Unless all accrued and unpaid dividends on shares of Preferred Stock,
  including the full dividends for the then quarterly dividend period, shall
  have been paid or declared and funds sufficient for payment thereof set
  apart; and
 
    (b) Unless there shall be no arrearages with respect to redemption of
  shares of Preferred Stock from any sinking fund provided therefor.
 
  No dividends may be paid upon or declared or set apart for any of the
Preferred Stock for any quarterly dividend period unless at the same time a
like proportionate dividend for the same quarterly dividend period, ratably in
proportion to the respective annual dividend rates fixed therefor, shall be
paid upon or declared or set apart for all Preferred Stock of all series then
issued and outstanding and entitled to receive such dividend.
 
PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
 
  Common Stock. The holders of Common Stock do not have any preemptive right
to purchase or have offered to them for purchase any shares or other
securities of the Company.
 
  Preferred Stock. The only preemptive right of holders of Preferred Stock is
to participate in certain distributions, if any were to be made by the
Company, to holders of Common Stock of options or rights to acquire Common
Stock, or of evidences of the Company's debt or assets (other than cash).
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS
 
  In February 1988, the Company declared and paid a dividend distribution of
one right for each outstanding share of Common Stock. The Rights become
exercisable ten days (or such later date, not beyond thirty days, as is fixed
by the Board of Directors) after the earlier of: (a) public announcement that
an individual or group has acquired or obtained the right to acquire 20% or
more of the Company's Common Stock or (b) an individual or group commences or
announces an intention to commence a tender or exchange offer that could
result in the acquisition of 30% or more of such securities (the "Separation
Date"). When exercisable, each Right entitles the holder to purchase one one-
hundredth of a share of Alco's Series 12 Preferred Stock for $75 (the
"Exercise Price"), subject to adjustment. Further, if any person or group
owning 20% or more of Alco's outstanding Common Stock (a) engages in certain
self-dealing practices with the Company, or (b) causes the Company to forego
or reduce quarterly dividends or take an action which would result in a more
than 2% increase in the other entity's proportionate share of the Company's
outstanding shares; or if any person or group acquires 30% or more of the
Company's outstanding stock, each Right would entitle the holder thereof to
acquire for the Exercise Price shares of Common Stock having a market value
equal to twice the Right's exercise price.
 
  If the Company were acquired in a merger or other business combination, or
if more than 50% of its earning power or assets were sold in one transaction
or a series of transactions, each Right would entitle the holder thereof to
purchase shares of the acquiring company's common stock having a market value
equal to twice the Right's exercise price. The Rights that are or were held by
a person or group owning 20% or more of Alco's outstanding voting securities
become void if such person or group engages in an event which entitles holders
of the Rights to purchase Common Stock or common stock of the acquiring
company having a market value equal to twice the Right's exercise price.
 
  The Rights, which expire on February 10, 1998, are non-voting and may be
redeemed by Alco at a price of $.05 per Right any time prior to ten days after
public announcement that a person has acquired 20% or more of the Company's
outstanding voting securities. Until the Separation Date, the Rights are
transferable with and only with the Common Stock.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
  Common Stock. Subject to certain voting rights of holders of the Preferred
Stock to vote in certain circumstances and with respect to certain matters as
a class, the holders of the Common Stock currently have full voting rights
upon all matters presented for shareholder action. Shareholders do not have
the right to cumulate votes in electing directors.
 
  Preferred Stock. The holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to one vote per
share, and except as otherwise provided by specific provisions of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation or by Ohio law, to vote on all matters
together with the holders of Common Stock as one class. The holders of
Preferred Stock are not entitled to cumulate votes in electing directors. The
Articles of Incorporation of Alco provide that in the event of default in the
payment, in whole or in part, of six quarterly dividends on the Preferred
Stock, whether or not consecutive, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock
will be entitled to elect two directors of the Company, to serve in addition
to the directors otherwise elected. Such right to elect additional directors
is in lieu of the other rights of the holders of Preferred Stock to vote for
directors, and will remain in effect until no quarterly dividend is in
default. It is also provided that the vote or written consent of at least two-
thirds of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock voting as a class is
necessary to effect (i) any amendment or repeal of any of the provisions of
the Articles of Incorporation or the Code of Regulations of Alco which affects
the voting powers, rights, privileges or preferences of the holders of the
Preferred Stock, (ii) the authorization or issue of any stock, or any security
convertible into any stock, ranking prior to the Preferred Stock, (iii) the
purchase or redemption of less than all the Preferred Stock then outstanding
(except in accordance with a stock purchase offer made to all holders of
Preferred Stock) when any dividends or sinking fund obligations on the
Preferred Stock are in arrears, or (iv) the sale, lease or conveyance by Alco
of all or substantially all of its property or business, its voluntary
liquidation or dissolution, or its consolidation with or merger into any other
corporation, unless the resulting
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
corporation will have no shares authorized or outstanding ranking prior to or
on a parity with the Preferred Stock except the same number with the same
rights and preferences as those of the Company authorized and outstanding
immediately preceding such consolidation or merger, and unless each holder of
Preferred Stock immediately prior thereto receives the same number of shares,
with the same rights and preferences, of the resulting corporation. It is
further provided that the vote or written consent of two-thirds of the holders
of shares of any series is necessary to amend the Articles of Incorporation or
Code of Regulations of the Company in such a way as to affect adversely and
particularly the preferences, rights, powers or privileges of such series. No
such vote or consent of the holders of Preferred Stock or any series thereof
is required if provision has been made for the redemption of all of the
Preferred Stock (or any series thereof). In addition, the Company may not
create additional classes of stock or increase the authorized number of shares
of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Preferred Stock with respect,
in each case, to the payment of dividends and amounts upon liquidation,
dissolution and winding up without the vote or written consent of at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock voting as a class.
 
REDEMPTION PROVISIONS AND SINKING FUND
 
  Common Stock. The Common Stock is not redeemable.
 
  Preferred Stock. The directors are empowered to determine any redemption
rights and price of each series of the Preferred Stock.
 
  The Series AA Preferred Stock and the Depositary Shares representing such
stock are not redeemable prior to January 9, 1996. On and after January 9,
1996 and until January 9, 2000, the Series AA Preferred Stock will be
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, for such number
of shares of Common Stock as are issuable at a conversion price of $22.32 per
share of Common Stock (equivalent to an approximate conversion rate of 2.2402
shares of Common Stock for each Depositary Share), subject to adjustment in
certain circumstances. The Company may exercise this option only if for 20
trading days within any period of 30 consecutive trading days, including the
last trading day of such 30 trading day period, the closing price of the
Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") exceeds $29.02, subject
to adjustment in certain circumstances. Subject to the market price of the
Common Stock, Alco intends to exercise its option to redeem all of the Series
AA Preferred Stock as soon as practicable after January 9, 1996. On and after
January 9, 2000 (if the option to redeem is not previously exercised by Alco)
the Series AA Preferred Stock will be redeemable, in whole or in part at the
option of the Company, for cash at a redemption price equivalent to $50.00 per
Depositary Share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Series AA Preferred
Stock is not entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund.
 
  The Series BB Preferred Stock and the Depositary Shares representing such
stock are not redeemable.
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
  Common Stock. The Common Stock is not convertible into any other security.
 
  Preferred Stock. The directors are empowered to determine whether the shares
of any series of the Preferred Stock will be convertible into Common Stock,
and, if so, the conversion price or prices and the other terms or provisions
of such rights. Series AA is convertible at any time prior to the close of
business on the redemption date thereof at a conversion price of $22.32 per
share of Common Stock (equivalent to an approximate conversion rate of 2.2402
shares of Common Stock per Depositary Share). Series BB preferred shares are
convertible at the option of the holder until October 1, 1998, at which time
each share will automatically convert to a number of shares of Common Stock
determined by an exchange rate which will vary based on the market price of
the Common Stock at that time, and which will range from 1.6393 to 2.0 shares
of Common Stock per Depositary Share. The conversion rights with respect to
the outstanding Preferred Stock are subject to proportionate adjustment if
Alco combines or splits the outstanding shares of Common Stock or pays a
dividend in Common Stock. Shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
outstanding stock options are similarly subject to proportionate adjustment in
such events. Shares of Preferred Stock which have been converted must be
retired and may not be reissued.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
 
  Common Stock. The holders of Common Stock are entitled pro rata to the
assets of Alco in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, subject
to the rights of creditors and the rights of the holders of the Preferred
Stock to receive certain per share amounts plus accrued unpaid dividends.
 
  Preferred Stock. In the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, the
holders of the outstanding Preferred Stock are entitled to receive the
following per share amounts plus accrued and unpaid dividends: Series AA,
$5,000.00 ($50.00 per Depositary Share); and Series BB, $7,737.50 ($77.375 per
Depositary Share). At September 30, 1995, the preference upon liquidation of
the shares of Preferred Stock of Series AA and Series BB aggregated
$501,248,000. After provision for the liquidation preference of Preferred
Stock at September 30, 1995, the portion of shareholders' equity applicable to
Common Stock was $1,367,000,000. In the opinion of counsel for Alco, there are
no restrictions upon the payment of dividends or other distributions out of
surplus solely by reason of the excess of the liquidation preference over the
carrying value of the Preferred Stock, and there are no remedies available to
security holders before or after the payment of any dividend or distribution
solely because such dividend may reduce surplus to an amount less than the
amount of such excess. The Preferred Stock has priority over the Common Stock
on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up to the extent of the liquidation
price plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. The directors have authority in
establishing any series to determine the liquidation price for each series in
the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
 
LIABILITY FOR ASSESSMENT
 
  Outstanding shares of the common and serial preferred stock, including the
shares of stock to be sold by the Selling Shareholders hereunder, are fully
paid and non-assessable.
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
  The following is a list of Alco's directors and executive officers, their
ages and their positions for the last five years. Unless otherwise noted, such
positions are with Alco or its subsidiaries.
 
                               ----------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                NAME                AGE    POSITION (AND YEAR ELECTED OR YEARS SERVED)
                ----                ---    -------------------------------------------
 <C>                                <C> <S>
 Elisabeth H. Barrett.............   50 Vice President--Administrative Services (1995-
                                        Present); Director--Administrative Services
                                        (1994-1995); Director--Corporate MIS/HR (1992-
                                        1993)
 O. Gordon Brewer, Jr. ...........   59 Vice President--Finance (1986-Present)
 J. Mahlon Buck, Jr. .............   70 Director of Alco since 1984; Chairman and
                                        President, TDH Capital Corporation (1977-
                                        Present) (also a trustee of The Vanguard Real
                                        Estate Funds Nos. I and II, Main Line Health,
                                        Inc. and The Bryn Mawr Hospital)
 Kathleen M. Burns................   43 Vice President (1994-Present) and Treasurer
                                        (1989-Present); Assistant Treasurer (1987-1989)
 J. Kenneth Croney................   53 Vice President (1983-Present), General Counsel
                                        (1994-Present) and Secretary (1983-Present)
 Paul J. Darling, II..............   57 Director of Alco since 1994; Chairman, President
                                        and Chief Executive Officer, Corey Steel Company
                                        (1984-Present) (also a director of Liberty
                                        Mutual Insurance Company, Liberty Mutual Fire
                                        Insurance Company and Liberty Financial
                                        Companies, Inc.)
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                NAME                AGE    POSITION (AND YEAR ELECTED OR YEARS SERVED)
                ----                ---    -------------------------------------------
 <C>                                <C> <S>
 Stephen K. Deay..................   48 Vice President--Tax (1993-Present); Director--
                                        Taxes (1989-1993)
 Michael J. Dillon................   42 Vice President (1994-Present) and Controller
                                        (1993-Present); Group Controller, Alco Office
                                        Products (1991-1993); Associate Audit Director
                                        (1991); Senior Audit Manager (1987-1991)
 Kurt E. Dinkelacker..............   42 Group President--Alco Office Products (1995-
                                        Present) and Executive Vice President (1993-
                                        Present); Chief Financial Officer (1993-1995);
                                        Executive Vice President--Finance, Alco Office
                                        Products (1989-1991); Group Controller, Alco
                                        Office Products (1987-1989)
 William F. Drake, Jr. ...........   63 Director of Alco since 1969; Attorney and
                                        Partner, Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads
                                        (1984-Present); Vice Chairman (1984-Present)
                                        (also a director of Nocopi Technologies, Inc.)
 James J. Forese..................   60 Director of Alco since 1994; General Manager,
                                        IBM Customer Financing, and Chairman, IBM Credit
                                        Corporation (1993-Present); IBM Vice President,
                                        Finance (1990-1993); IBM Vice President and
                                        Group Executive (1988-1990) (also a director of
                                        Lexmark International, Inc., IBM Latin America,
                                        American Management Systems, Inc. and NUI
                                        Corporation)
 Frederick S. Hammer..............   59 Director of Alco since 1986; A director of
                                        United Student Aid Group, Inc., Tri-Arc
                                        Financial Services and National Media
                                        Corporation; Partner, Inter-Atlantic Capital
                                        Partners, Inc. (1994-Present); Chairman, Chief
                                        Executive Officer and a director, Mutual of
                                        America Capital Management Corporation (1993-
                                        1994); President, SEI Asset Management Services
                                        Group (1989-1993); Mazur Fellow, The Wharton
                                        School, University of Pennsylvania (1989-1990)
 Barbara Barnes Hauptfuhrer.......   67 Director of Alco since 1988; A director of The
                                        Vanguard Group of Investment Companies and of
                                        each of the mutual funds in the Group, The Great
                                        Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co., Inc., Knight-
                                        Ridder, Inc., Massachusetts Mutual Life
                                        Insurance Co. and Raytheon Company
 William T. Leith.................   48 Group President--Unisource and Vice President
                                        (1995-Present); Executive Vice President--
                                        Unisource; U.S. Operations (1994-1995);
                                        President--PCA Central (1991-1994)
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                NAME                AGE    POSITION (AND YEAR ELECTED OR YEARS SERVED)
                ----                ---    -------------------------------------------
 <C>                                <C> <S>
 Dana G. Mead.....................   59 Director of Alco since 1994; Chairman and Chief
                                        Executive Officer (1994-Present), President and
                                        Chief Operating Officer (1992-1994) and a
                                        director (1992-Present), Tenneco, Inc.; Chairman
                                        (1992-Present), Case Corporation; Chairman
                                        (1995-Present) and a director, National
                                        Association of Manufacturers; Executive Vice
                                        President (1989-1992), Senior Vice President
                                        (1986-1989), International Paper Company (also a
                                        director of National Westminster Bancorp,
                                        Cummins Engine Company, Inc. and Baker Hughes
                                        Incorporated)
 Hugh G. Moulton..................   62 Executive Vice President (1992-Present); General
                                        Counsel (1979-1994); Senior Vice President--
                                        Administration (1983-1992)
 Ray B. Mundt.....................   67 Director of Alco since 1971; Chairman (1986-
                                        1995); Chief Executive Officer (1980-1993);
                                        President (1974-1988) (also a director of
                                        Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Liberty Mutual
                                        Fire Insurance Company, Liberty Financial
                                        Companies, Inc., Nocopi Technologies, Inc.,
                                        CoreStates Bank, N.A., and Clark Equipment
                                        Company)
 Paul C. O'Neill..................   69 Director of Alco since 1978; Private investor;
                                        Chairman, Ovington Securities Ltd. (1989-1991)
 Rogelio G. Sada..................   60 Director of Alco since 1980; Private investor;
                                        Mayor, San Pedro, N.L., Mexico (1992-1994);
                                        Director, International Advisory Board of
                                        Security Pacific National Bank (1980-1991);
                                        Director General, VITRO, a glass and glass-
                                        related products manufacturer in Mexico (1972-
                                        1985)
 James W. Stratton................   59 Director of Alco since 1988; President, Stratton
                                        Management Company (1972-Present); Chairman
                                        (1993-Present) and a director, Stratton Small-
                                        Cap Yield Fund; Chairman (1981-Present) and a
                                        director, Stratton Monthly Dividend Shares;
                                        Chairman (1972-Present) and a director, Stratton
                                        Growth Fund (also a director of UGI Corporation,
                                        Gilbert Associates and Teleflex)
 John E. Stuart...................   51 Chairman (1995-Present); President and Chief
                                        Executive Officer (1993-Present); Vice President
                                        (1989-1993); Group President, Alco Office
                                        Products (1985-1993)
 Charles Tilden ..................   42 Vice President--Corporate Affairs (1994-
                                        Present); Vice President--Communications,
                                        Gencorp (1988-1994)
</TABLE>
 
  All directors hold office until the election of successors by the
shareholders of Alco. All executive officers hold office at the pleasure of
the board of directors of Alco. Except for Mr. Buck, who is retiring this
year, all current directors will stand for reelection as directors at the 1996
Annual Meeting.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP
 
  As of November 24, 1995, shares of common stock of Alco were beneficially
owned (as determined by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
although in certain cases the persons may disclaim beneficial ownership) by
the current directors, by each of the individuals named in the Summary
Compensation Table (on page 25) and by all current directors and executive
officers of Alco as a group, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
                               -----------------------------------------------
                                 SOLE VOTING       SHARED VOTING    ACQUIRABLE
                                     AND              AND/OR          WITHIN
                               INVESTMENT POWER INVESTMENT POWER(1) 60 DAYS(2)
                               ---------------- ------------------- ----------
   <S>                         <C>              <C>                 <C>
   J. Mahlon Buck, Jr. .......      42,635                  0         36,642
   J. Kenneth Croney..........      28,554             10,741         33,116
   Paul J. Darling, II........         286                  0          4,638
   William F. Drake, Jr.......     161,197                  0          1,026
   Kurt E. Dinkelacker........      12,870              5,660         58,090
   James J. Forese............       6,290                  0          4,638
   Frederick S. Hammer........      12,283                  0         20,470
   Barbara Barnes
    Hauptfuhrer...............       3,557                  0         26,562
   James E. Head..............      28,566              7,728         57,528
   William T. Leith...........      18,262              3,299         22,887
   Dana G. Mead...............         270                  0          4,640
   Hugh G. Moulton............      51,000             39,863         80,608
   Ray B. Mundt...............     287,878             50,468          5,898
   Paul C. O'Neill............      77,474             24,000          2,648
   Rogelio G. Sada............      12,738                  0         31,422
   James W. Stratton..........       4,028                  0          7,564
   John E. Stuart.............     112,238              7,007        320,913
   All current directors and
    executive officers as a
    group.....................     966,210            199,888        784,788
</TABLE>
  --------
  (1) Includes all shares held under Alco's Retirement Savings Plan and,
      where applicable, shares owned by spouses or minor children.
  (2) Represents shares which may be acquired within 60 days of November 24,
      1995 through the exercise of stock options or vesting under Alco's
      Partners' Stock Purchase Plan.
 
  As of November 27, 1995, for each of the individuals named above, the
percentage of common stock beneficially owned was less than 1%. The percentage
of common stock beneficially owned by all current directors and executive
officers as a group was approximately 1.7%. As of November 27, 1995, no person
beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of
Alco, nor did any director, nominee or executive officer of Alco own any
shares of preferred stock of Alco. As of November 27, 1995, Alco employees,
through direct ownership or employee benefit plans, owned approximately 15% of
the outstanding shares of common stock of Alco.
 
  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, all reports required to be
filed by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of
Alco's directors and officers to reflect changes in beneficial ownership of
Alco's securities were timely filed.
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; MEETINGS
 
  There are four standing committees of the Board of Directors, including the
Audit Committee and the Human Resources Committee. Between meetings of the
Board of Directors, its powers may be exercised by the Executive Committee,
Human Resources Committee and Investment Committee, and they, as well as the
Board of Directors, sometimes act by unanimous written consent.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
  The Audit Committee (Messrs. Buck, Darling, Sada, and Stratton) met four
times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995. Its functions are to
review the report of Alco's independent auditors relating to their audit of
the financial statements of Alco, to review and discuss internal financial
controls with both the independent auditors and internal auditors, and to
direct that special studies relating to the adequacy of financial controls and
accounting procedures be made from time to time as the Committee deems
desirable.
 
  The Human Resources Committee (Mrs. Hauptfuhrer and Messrs. Buck, Darling,
Hammer, Mead and Sada) met six times during the fiscal year. It is responsible
for reviewing and evaluating persons who are suggested as nominees for
election as members of the Board of Directors, and for making recommendations
to the Board of Directors concerning such nominees. The Human Resources
Committee is also responsible for setting policies regarding executive
compensation and for determining the salaries and other compensation of
each of the executive officers of Alco. The Committee also has all of the
powers and exercises all of the duties of the Board of Directors as described
in Alco's stock option, stock purchase, deferred compensation and other
similar plans.
 
  During the fiscal year, the Board of Directors met six times. Each director
attended at least 75% of the total number of the meetings of the Board of
Directors and the meetings of all committees on which he or she served, except
Mr. Mead, who attended 69% of such meetings.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                            EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  Alco's executive compensation program is administered by the Human Resources
Committee of the Board of Directors, which has responsibility for all aspects
of the compensation program for the executive officers of Alco. The Human
Resources Committee (the "Committee") is comprised of six directors, none of
whom is an employee of Alco and each of whom qualifies as a disinterested
person for the purpose of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and an outside director for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code (the "Code").
 
  The Committee's primary objective is to establish and administer programs
which attract and retain key executives, and to align their compensation with
Alco's performance, business strategies and growth in shareholder value. To
this end, the Committee has established and the Board of Directors has
endorsed an executive compensation philosophy which includes the following
elements:
 
  --A "pay-for-performance" orientation under which compensation reflects
corporate, business unit and individual performance;
 
  --An emphasis on stock incentives to closely align the interest of
executives with the long-term interests of shareholders;
 
  --An emphasis on total compensation under which base salaries are generally
set at or near competitive levels but which motivates and rewards executives
with total compensation, including incentive programs, at or above competitive
levels if corporate or individual performance is superior;
 
  --An appropriate balance of short and long-term compensation which
facilitates retention of talented executives, rewards long-term strategic
planning, and encourages Alco stock ownership; and
 
  --Recognition that as an executive's level of responsibility increases, a
greater portion of the total compensation opportunity should be based on stock
and other performance incentives and less on salary and benefits.
 
  As a matter of policy, the Committee recommends that its executive
compensation plans be structured so that payments under such plans will be
excluded from compensation subject to the $1,000,000 deduction limit of
Section 162(m) of the Code.
 
  The primary components of Alco's executive compensation program are (a) base
salaries; (b) annual cash bonus opportunities; and (c) long term incentive
opportunities.
 
BASE SALARIES
 
  Base salaries for executive officers are reviewed annually and are subject
to adjustment on the basis of individual, corporate, and business unit
performance, as well as competitive, inflationary and internal equity
considerations. Base salaries generally are fixed at or near the 50th
percentile of predicted executive salaries paid by comparable companies based
upon survey data compiled by Alco's compensation consultant. The Committee
does not consider the market for determining the compensation of Alco's
executives to be limited to the companies included in the industry performance
graph on page 4. The companies considered to be comparable to Alco for
compensation purposes include a broad cross-section of companies which are
representative of industry generally.
 
  In setting the $850,000 base salary of Mr. Stuart as Chief Executive Officer
(for fiscal 1995), the Committee evaluated the factors described above which
are used for setting compensation generally, as well as Mr. Stuart's strong
record and leadership abilities as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Alco during fiscal 1994, including growth in Alco's revenues of 24% and growth
in Alco's operating income of 31% in fiscal 1994 compared with fiscal 1993.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
ANNUAL BONUS
 
  Annual bonus payments to executive officers are awarded pursuant to the Alco
Standard Corporation Annual Bonus Plan, and are based on corporate or business
unit performance compared to the targets established for the year. These
annual bonus payments are in amounts equal to a percentage of base salary.
They generally range from 0% for threshold, 30-50% for target, and 60-100% for
maximum performance. For the individuals named in the Summary Compensation
Table, annual bonus potential (as a percentage of base salary) is 0% for
threshold, 45%-50% for target and 90%-100% for maximum performance. For
performance between threshold and maximum levels, bonus awards are prorated on
a straight line basis. For corporate officers, targets for fiscal 1995 were
based upon growth in "economic value per share," a concept which measures
growth in economic value under a financial model which Alco utilizes. As used
in this model, "economic value" reflects the results of the performance
factors and investment variables which are within management's control. It
disregards macro-economic factors such as interest rates and taxes which also
affect market prices for Alco's stock. As a result, changes in "economic value
per share" may not be accompanied by corresponding increases or decreases in
stock prices over the measurement period. For fiscal 1995, the annual bonus
plan for corporate officers was based on increases in economic value per share
over this value at the end of fiscal 1994. The threshold, target and maximum
increases were fixed at 15%, 18% and 20%, respectively. For fiscal 1995, Alco
achieved growth in economic value per share of 27.3% over this value at the
end of fiscal 1994. Because of this performance, Messrs. Stuart, Dinkelacker,
Moulton and Croney received bonuses at the maximum level.
 
  For officers of Unisource, annual bonus targets were based on increases in
operating income and growth in Unisource's "economic value" compared to
targets established for the year (determined by applying the same financial
model Alco utilizes to determine "economic value per share"). For fiscal 1995,
Unisource achieved operating income of $225 million compared to a $210 million
target, and achieved growth in economic value of 19% compared to a 17% target.
Because of this performance, Mr. Leith received a bonus at the maximum level.
For officers of AOP, annual bonus targets for fiscal 1995 were based on
increases in operating income and operating cash flow compared to the targets
established for the year. For fiscal 1995, AOP achieved operating income of
$251.8 million compared to a $237.7 million target, and operating cash flow of
$274.7 million compared to a $220.6 million target. Because of this
performance, Mr. Head received a bonus at the maximum level.
 
LONG TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
 
 LTIP Awards
 
  The Alco Standard Corporation Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan ("LTIP")
is intended to align the long-term interests of Alco's executives with those
of Alco's shareholders. The LTIP motivates and rewards growth in shareholder
value by granting to eligible executives awards which vest only if certain
performance criteria are met. For corporate officers, the LTIP is based on
total shareholder return (stock price appreciation and dividends) compared
with the total shareholder return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index
(the "S&P 500"). Awards granted under the LTIP for corporate officers will not
vest unless growth in Alco's shareholder value exceeds the S&P 500 total
shareholder return over the plan period. Total shareholder return is measured
over successive three-year periods (with a new three-year period beginning
every fiscal year) and awards, if vested, will be paid at the end of each such
three-year period. The LTIP payout is dependent upon achievement of
performance targets, ranging from 0 (in the case of performance at or below
threshold) to 100% of the participant's base salary at the beginning of the
plan period (for maximum performance). For performance between threshold and
maximum, the payout will be prorated on a straight-line basis.
 
  For the three-year plan period ending September 30, 1995, LTIP awards, to
the extent vested, were paid in shares of Alco common stock, with the maximum
number of shares determined by dividing an amount not exceeding 100% of the
participant's base salary at the beginning of the plan period by the price of
Alco common stock on September 30, 1992.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  In November 1995, the Committee evaluated whether the corporation and
respective business groups had met the criteria for payment of LTIP awards for
the 1993-1995 plan period. For corporate officers, the September 30, 1995
value of a $100 investment made on September 30, 1992 in the S&P 500 (with
dividends reinvested) was compared to the value of a similar investment in
Alco common stock. In order for corporate officers to earn a maximum award,
the value of the Alco common stock investment must have exceeded the value of
the S&P investment at the end of the period by 20%. In fact, the Alco common
stock investment exceeded the S&P 500 investment by 67.7%. For group officers,
performance targets were based on compound growth in the economic value and
cash flow of the relevant business unit as determined under Alco's shareholder
value model ("Total Shareholder Return" or "TSR"). The TSR targets for the
1993-1995 plan period were 12.87% for threshold performance, 15.42% for target
performance and 17.86% for maximum performance. AOP achieved a three year TSR
of 27.82% and Unisource achieved a three-year TSR of 13.58%. Because of the
corporate and AOP performance during the 1993-1995 plan period, Messrs.
Stuart, Dinkelacker, Moulton, Croney and Head received LTIP payouts at the
maximum levels. Mr. Leith's award was based two-thirds on Unisource's Central
Region, which achieved a three-year TSR of 17.95% and one-third on Unisource,
which achieved a three-year TSR of 13.58%. Therefore, Mr. Leith received an
LTIP payout of 68.8% of the maximum level.
 
 Stock Options
 
  Stock options are granted under the corporation's stock option plans as a
reward for past performance and as motivation for future performance which
maximizes shareholder value. Stock options are generally granted for ten-year
terms and vest over a five-year employment period. The exercise price of these
stock options is the fair market value of Alco stock on the date of grant.
 
  In fiscal 1995, Mr. Leith's receipt of an option to purchase 50,000 shares
reflected his promotion to the position of Vice President, and Mr. Croney's
receipt of an option to purchase 10,000 shares reflected his promotion to
General Counsel of Alco during fiscal 1994. The option grants took into
consideration outstanding awards and were at the fair market value on the
dates of the grants.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table provides a summary of all compensation for the five most
highly compensated officers of Alco (and one additional former officer) during
the fiscal years ended September 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993:
 
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                       ANNUAL COMPENSATION         LONG TERM COMPENSATION
                       --------------------  ----------------------------------
                                             AWARDS(2)
                                             ----------
      NAME                                              ALL OTHER
      AND                                    SECURITIES  COMPEN-
   PRINCIPAL    FISCAL                       UNDERLYING  SATION       LTIP
  POSITION(1)    YEAR  SALARY($)  BONUS($)    OPTIONS    ($)(3)   PAYOUTS($)(4)
  -----------   ------ ---------- ---------  ---------- --------- -------------
  <S>           <C>    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
  John E. Stu-   1995     850,000   850,000         0    253,427     826,821
   art           1994     700,000   700,000   500,000    177,642           0
   Chairman,     1993     393,750   350,000     1,000    100,533           0
   President
   and
   Chief Exec-
   utive Offi-
   cer
  Kurt E.
   Dinkelacker   1995     350,000   350,000         0    102,980     354,340
   Executive     1994     300,000   300,000   100,000     74,806           0
   Vice Presi-   1993     168,750   150,000         0     42,066           0
   dent and
   Alco Office
   Products
   Group Pres-
   ident
  Hugh G.        1995     312,000   312,000         0    137,029     708,680
   Moulton       1994     300,000   300,000         0     78,136           0
   Executive     1993     300,000         0    40,000     34,097           0
   Vice Presi-
   dent
  J. Kenneth     1995     245,000   220,500    10,000     56,178     347,306
   Croney        1994     222,000   176,000         0     35,762           0
   Vice          1993     210,000         0         0     13,945           0
   President,
   General
   Counsel and
   Secretary
  William T.     1995     383,333   479,167    50,000    117,831     448,412
   Leith         1994     288,003   266,656    50,000     69,246           0
   Vice Presi-   1993     274,257    50,312         0     23,768           0
   dent and
   Unisource
   Group
   President
  James E.       1995     325,000   325,000         0     82,121     366,205
   Head          1994     300,000   300,000   100,000     80,954           0
   Former Vice   1993     167,083   177,535         0     46,098           0
   President
   and
   Alco Office
   Products
   Group Pres-
   ident
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) In August 1995, Mr. Dinkelacker, who had been serving as Chief Financial
    Officer and Executive Vice President of Alco, was named Group President of
    AOP. In January 1995, Mr. Leith, who had been serving as Executive Vice
    President of Unisource's U.S. operations (and who had previously served as
    President of the Central Region of Unisource), became Group President of
    Unisource and a vice president of Alco. In March 1995, Mr. Head resigned
    his position as Group President of AOP. For fiscal 1995, Mr. Head was paid
    the amounts set forth above. In consideration of his consulting services
    and covenant not to compete, Mr. Head will receive payments through 1998
    totalling $690,625. Subject to the requirement that AOP achieve its LTIP
    performance goals for the relevant plan periods, Mr. Head is also eligible
    to receive cash LTIP payouts equivalent to a maximum of 9,090 shares of
    Alco common stock (valued at 9/30/96) in 1996 and a maximum of 3,488
    shares of Alco common stock (valued at 9/30/97) in 1997.
(2) Does not include LTIP awards, which will only vest if certain performance
    goals are met. LTIP awards made during fiscal 1995 are included in the
    LTIP Awards Table on page 10.
(3) Includes the value of shares of Alco common stock purchased with matching
    company contributions under Alco's stock purchase plans, calculated as of
    the date of purchase, as follows: John E. Stuart--$247,967 (1995),
    $176,356 (1994) and $99,703 (1993); Kurt E. Dinkelacker--$101,761 (1995),
    $74,528 (1994) and
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
   $41,884 (1993); Hugh G. Moulton--$92,447 (1995), $69,374 (1994) and $27,367
   (1993); J. Kenneth Croney--$51,784 (1995), $32,591 (1994) and $11,865
   (1993); William T. Leith--$115,337 (1995), $67,446 (1994) and $22,588
   (1993); James E. Head--$82,121 (1995), $80,954 (1994) and $46,098 (1993).
   The remaining amounts represent above-market interest earned on deferred
   compensation.
(4) There were no LTIP payouts in fiscal 1994 or 1993. The LTIP payouts for the
    1993-1995 plan period were distributed in October 1995 in the form of
    shares of Alco common stock. The values above are based on the fair market
    value of Alco common stock on September 30, 1995, the last day of the plan
    period.
 
OPTION GRANTS
 
  The following table shows option grants to the six individuals named in the
Summary Compensation Table during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995:
 
                      OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     % OF TOTAL
                          NUMBER      OPTIONS
                       OF SECURITIES GRANTED TO EXERCISE               GRANT
                        UNDERLYING   EMPLOYEES  OR BASE                 DATE
                          OPTIONS    IN FISCAL   PRICE   EXPIRATION   PRESENT
         NAME           GRANTED (#)   YEAR (%)   ($/SH)     DATE    VALUE ($)(2)
         ----          ------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ------------
  <S>                  <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
  John E. Stuart.....       --           --        --        --          --
  Kurt E.
   Dinkelacker.......       --           --        --        --          --
  Hugh G. Moulton....       --           --        --        --          --
  J. Kenneth Croney..     10,000        1.3      28.81    11/10/04     73,900
  William T. Leith...     50,000        6.6      32.75     1/26/05    438,250
  James E. Head......       --           --        --        --          --
</TABLE>
(1) All stock options were granted at an exercise price equal to fair market
    value of Alco common stock on date of grant, and become exercisable 20% per
    year from the date of grant.
(2) The present value of the option grant to Mr. Croney was calculated using
    Black-Scholes option valuation methodology, based on the following
    assumptions: (a) ten-year option term; (b) becomes exercisable 20% per year
    from date of grant; (c) 7.96% expected risk-free rate of return; (d) 16.42%
    expected volatility; and (e) 1.74% expected dividend yield. The present
    value of the option grant to Mr. Leith was also calculated using the Black-
    Scholes option valuation methodology, based upon the following assumptions:
    (a) ten-year option term; (b) becomes exercisable 20% per year from date of
    grant; (c) 7.78% expected risk-free rate of return; (d) 17.34% expected
    volatility; and (e) 1.53% expected dividend yield.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
OPTION EXERCISES
 
  The following table shows option exercises for each of the six individuals
named in the Summary Compensation Table for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1995:
 
                AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                           AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NUMBER OF    NUMBER OF    VALUE OF
                                             SECURITIES   SECURITIES   UNEXERCISED   VALUE OF
                                             UNDERLYING   UNDERLYING     IN-THE-    UNEXERCISED
                            SHARES           UNEXERCISED  UNEXERCISED     MONEY    IN-THE-MONEY
                           ACQUIRED          OPTIONS AT   OPTIONS AT   OPTIONS AT   OPTIONS AT
                              ON     VALUE     FY-END       FY-END       FY-END       FY-END
                           EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
            NAME             (#)      ($)        (#)          (#)        ($)/(1)      ($)/(1)
            ----           -------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
  <S>                      <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
  John E. Stuart..........   9,280  $151,200   232,200      419,320    $5,512,328   $7,662,110
  Kurt E. Dinkelacker.....  14,900  287,831     34,480       87,320       742,665    1,625,885
  Hugh G. Moulton.........    --       --       66,680       36,120     1,750,303      917,985
  J. Kenneth Croney.......    --       --       36,000       16,520     1,042,450      309,610
  William T. Leith........    --       --       19,600       94,500       365,350    1,055,288
  James E. Head...........    --       --       46,400       86,100     1,084,825    1,592,988
</TABLE>
(1) Value of unexercised options equals fair market value of Alco common stock
    as of September 30, 1995, less exercise price, multiplied by the number of
    shares underlying the stock options.
 
LONG TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
 
  The following table shows the LTIP awards granted to each of the named
individuals under the Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan during the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1995 and the number of shares of Alco common stock
which will become issuable after fiscal 1997 upon attainment of threshold,
target and maximum performance levels:
 
             LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS--AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         PERFORMANCE       ESTIMATED FUTURE
                           NUMBER OF      OR OTHER        PAYOUTS (SHARES OF
                         SHARES, UNITS  PERIOD UNTIL     COMMON STOCK) (#)(2)
                           OR OTHER     MATURATION OR    --------------------
     NAME                RIGHTS (#)(1)     PAYOUT      THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM
     ----                ------------- --------------- --------- ------ -------
  <S>                    <C>           <C>             <C>       <C>    <C>
  John E. Stuart........    27,364     10/1/94-9/30/97     0     13,682 27,364
  Kurt E. Dinkelacker...    11,268     10/1/94-9/30/97     0      5,634 11,268
  Hugh G. Moulton.......    10,044     10/1/94-9/30/97     0      5,022 10,044
  J. Kenneth Croney.....     7,888     10/1/94-9/30/97     0      3,944  7,888
  William T. Leith......    11,268     10/1/94-9/30/97     0      5,634 11,268
  James E. Head(3)......     3,488     10/1/94-9/30/97     0      1,744  3,488
</TABLE>
(1) Represents the number of stock awards granted, which, if vested, will
    entitle the participant to receive shares of common stock.
(2) Represents the number of shares of common stock which will be received
    upon attainment of threshold, target and maximum performance. For
    performance between threshold and maximum, the number of shares to be
    received will be prorated on a straight-line basis.
(3) Reflects a reduced award based upon services performed by Mr. Head prior
    to his resignation as an executive officer in March 1995. Any LTIP payouts
    to Mr. Head will be in the form of cash based on the fair market value (on
    the last day of the plan period) of the number of shares earned.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
PENSION PLAN AND SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLANS
 
  Certain executive officers of Alco (including Messrs. Stuart, Dinkelacker,
Moulton, Croney, Leith and Head) are participants in a pension plan (the
"pension plan") for salaried employees which provides to eligible retired
employees at age 65 annual pension benefits equal to the number of years of
credited service multiplied by 1% of average annual compensation earned during
the three consecutive years within the employee's last ten years of
participation in the pension plan which yield the highest average. All pension
plan costs are paid by Alco and the pension plan and benefits are funded on an
actuarial basis. The years of credited service as of September 30, 1995 for
the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table were: John E. Stuart--
9.9 years; Kurt E. Dinkelacker--10.3 years; Hugh G. Moulton--24.9 years; J.
Kenneth Croney--21.3 years; William T. Leith--3.6 years; and James E. Head--
5.0 years. In addition, Mr Leith has earned a past service benefit from his
former company (which was acquired by Alco in 1990) which entitles him to
receive a single life annuity of $1,738 per month beginning at age 65.
 
  Alco also has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). Coverage
under the SERP is limited to participants in the Alco pension plan who are not
commissioned sales employees and whose benefits under the pension plan are
limited because of (a) restrictions imposed by the Code on the amount of
benefits which may be paid from a tax-qualified plan, (b) restrictions imposed
by the Code on the amount of an employee's compensation that may be taken into
account in calculating benefits to be paid from a tax-qualified plan, or (c)
any reductions in the amount of compensation taken into account under the
pension plan because of an employee's participation in certain deferred
compensation plans sponsored by Alco or one of its subsidiaries. The SERP
provides for a supplement to the annual pension paid under the pension plan to
participants who attain early or normal retirement under the pension plan or
who suffer a total and permanent disability while employed by Alco or one of
its subsidiaries and to the pre-retirement death benefits payable under the
pension plan on behalf of such participants who die with a vested interest in
the pension plan. The amount of the supplement will be the difference, if any,
between the pension or pre-retirement death benefit paid under the pension
plan and that which would otherwise have been payable but for the restrictions
imposed by the Code and any reduction in the participant's compensation for
purposes of the pension plan because of his participation in certain deferred
compensation plans of Alco or one of its subsidiaries. The maximum amount of
annual compensation upon which such supplement may be based is $500,000 per
participant.
 
  The following table shows estimated annual retirement benefits that would be
payable to participants under Alco's pension plan and, if applicable, the
SERP, upon normal retirement at age 65 under various assumptions as to final
average annual compensation and years of credited service and on the
assumption that benefits will be paid in the form of a single life annuity.
The benefits are not subject to any deduction for Social Security benefits.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              YEARS OF CREDITED SERVICE
   FINAL AVERAGE                     -------------------------------------------
   COMPENSATION                         5       10       20       30       35
   -------------                     ------- -------- -------- -------- --------
   <S>                               <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
   $200,000......................... $10,000 $ 20,000 $ 40,000 $ 60,000 $ 70,000
    250,000.........................  12,500   25,000   50,000   75,000   87,500
    300,000.........................  15,000   30,000   60,000   90,000  105,000
    400,000.........................  20,000   40,000   80,000  120,000  140,000
    500,000 or above................  25,000   50,000  100,000  150,000  175,000
</TABLE>
 
  Covered compensation under the pension plan and SERP of each of the named
individuals includes salary and bonus as set forth in the Summary Compensation
Table.
 
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
 
  All independent directors are entitled to receive fees of $25,000 per year
for service on the Board of Directors and committees thereof, and attendance
fees of $1,000 for each board and committee meeting attended. Committee
members also receive $3,000 per committee per year and committee chairmen
receive $3,000 per
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
chairmanship per year. In addition, independent directors who serve as
trustees for Alco's employee benefit plans receive $3,000 per year for
services rendered to the plans, $3,000 per year for trustee chairmanship, and
attendance fees of $1,000 for each trustees' meeting attended. In addition,
Mrs. Hauptfuhrer, who has been a member of the Board since 1988, is entitled
to receive $25,000 per year for her services as Chairman of the Independent
Directors. In this newly created position, Mrs. Hauptfuhrer coordinates an
annual evaluation of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and holds
periodic meetings of the independent directors.
 
  Certain directors have elected to receive a portion of their directors' fees
(excluding attendance fees) in the form of options to purchase Alco common
stock, pursuant to the terms of Alco's 1989 Directors' Stock Option Plan,
which enables directors of Alco to receive all or a portion of their
directors' fees in the form of options to purchase Alco common stock at
exercise prices equal to 75% of the fair market value on the date such options
are granted. The Directors' Plan provides for an automatic annual grant of
stock options to each director who has filed with Alco an election to receive
such options in lieu of all or a portion of his or her board, committee and
trustee fees. The options are exercisable for twenty years (except in the case
of death), but generally may not be exercised prior to the twelve-month
anniversary of the date of grant.
 
  In addition to the above amounts, each independent director receives an
annual grant of options to purchase 800 shares of Alco common stock pursuant
to the 1993 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Options are granted
at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Alco common stock on
the date of grant. Options are immediately exercisable and remain exercisable
for a period of ten years from the date of grant.
 
  Independent directors who complete at least five full years of service as a
director and who are not otherwise entitled to receive a pension benefit from
Alco are entitled to receive a monthly retirement benefit after retiring from
Alco's Board of Directors. Payment of such benefit begins upon the later of
the director's 70th birthday or his or her separation from service on the
Board of Directors. The amount of such monthly benefit is equal to one-twelfth
of the annual retainer in effect for such director (excluding committee fees,
chairmanship fees, trustee fees and attendance fees) immediately preceding his
or her separation from service on the Board of Directors. Payment of the
monthly retirement benefit ceases upon the director's death.
 
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
  Alco has adopted a loan program which encourages persons designated as
"partners" to purchase and retain Alco stock. It offers to make loans to
partners with the requirement that the loan be secured by the borrower's
pledge of Alco stock having a value at the time of the loan of not less than
twice the amount of the loan. The loans are payable upon demand and bear
interest at an annual rate of 6%. As of November 27, 1995, loans were
outstanding to 37 partners in an aggregate amount of approximately $4.5
million. From October 1, 1994 to November 27, 1995, the indebtedness of the
following individuals and groups under the loan program was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               LARGEST AMOUNT OUTSTANDING AMOUNT OUTSTANDING AT
         NAME OR GROUP              DURING PERIOD($)      NOVEMBER 27, 1995($)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                          <C>                        <C>
  John E. Stuart..............           713,000                  713,000
  Kurt E. Dinkelacker.........           233,000                  233,000
  Hugh G. Moulton.............           530,000                  300,000
  J. Kenneth Croney...........           269,000                  229,000
  William T. Leith............           224,000                  224,000
  James E. Head...............           180,000                        0
  All current directors and
   executive officers
   as a group.................         2,649,000                2,199,000
</TABLE>
 
 
  Mr. Drake, who serves as Vice Chairman and a director of Alco, is a partner
in the Philadelphia law firm of Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, which
rendered legal services to Alco and its subsidiaries during the 1995 fiscal
year, and is expected to continue performing legal services during fiscal
1996.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  Shares of common stock will be offered in connection with Alco's (or a
subsidiary's) acquisition of businesses and properties from time to time. A
maximum of 10,000,000 shares of common stock may be sold pursuant to this
prospectus. These shares will ordinarily represent consideration paid directly
upon the acquisition of businesses or properties. The shares may also include
shares to be delivered upon the exercise or satisfaction of conversion or
purchase rights which are created in connection with acquisitions or which
were previously created or assumed by the companies whose businesses or
properties were acquired by Alco (or a subsidiary).
 
                                    RESALES
 
  Shares offered hereby may generally be resold by the persons acquiring them
without further registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"),
unless such persons are "affiliates" or "underwriters" within the meaning of
the Act.
 
  Any person receiving shares offered hereby who is an "affiliate" of Alco may
be subject to certain limitations on resale. An "affiliate" is a person who
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is
controlled by, or is under common control with the Company. In the absence of
a special relationship between Alco and a person who receives shares from Alco
in an acquisition transaction (such as election of such person to Alco's board
of directors or ownership by such person of a significant percentage of Alco's
outstanding common stock), such a person generally would not be considered an
"affiliate" of Alco within the meaning of the Act. Therefore, the limitations
on resale applicable to affiliates would not apply to such person.
 
  Any person receiving shares offered hereby who is an "underwriter" of Alco
may also be subject to certain limitations upon resale. An "underwriter"
includes a person who purchases Alco shares with a view to the distribution of
such shares. Although an "underwriter" may otherwise be subject to certain
resale limitations, if such person complies with the "safe harbor" provisions
of Rule 145(d), he or she may freely resell shares so long as certain
conditions are met. For example, a person who receives common shares from Alco
in a typical acquisition transaction is deemed to be an "underwriter" as
defined by the Act, but such person is generally free to sell such shares at
any time by complying with Rule 145(d), which requires that the amount of
common shares which may be sold by such person in any three-month period may
not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of the Alco common shares outstanding as
shown by the most recent report or statement published by Alco, or (ii) the
average weekly trading volume in Alco common shares reported on the Composite
Tape during the four calendar weeks preceding the order to sell. Such sales
must also be made in "brokers' transactions," which are ordinary sales through
a broker acting as agent without special commission arrangements or selling
efforts.
 
  In order for affiliates or underwriters not protected by Rule 145(d) to
resell shares offered hereby, Alco would have to agree 1) to provide an
opinion to the effect that an exemption applies to such resale, 2) to amend
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part to permit such
resales, or 3) to file a new registration statement which includes the shares
proposed to be resold. Unless a written agreement obligates Alco to do so,
there is no assurance that it will agree to provide such opinion, amendment or
registration.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The proceeds of the sale of shares offered hereby, to the extent such
proceeds consist of the assets of acquired businesses, will be added to the
assets of Alco. Cash proceeds, if any, will be added to the general funds of
Alco and may be used for general corporate purposes, including capital
expenditures and working capital requirements.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
                                LEGAL OPINIONS
 
  Legal matters in connection with the stock offered hereby have been, or
prior to issue or delivery will be, passed upon by Ballard Spahr Andrews &
Ingersoll.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Alco Standard Corporation at
September 30, 1995 and 1994, and for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 1995, appearing in this prospectus and Registration
Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set
forth in their reports thereon appearing elsewhere herein and in the
Registration Statement, and are included in reliance upon such reports given
upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
              MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
  The management of Alco Standard Corporation is responsible for the
preparation and presentation of the financial statements and related financial
information included in this annual report. The financial statements include
amounts that are based on management's best estimates and judgements. These
statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied and have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors.
 
  Management is also responsible for maintaining systems of internal
accounting controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance as to
the integrity of the financial records and the protection of corporate assets.
Alco Standard Corporation supports an active program of auditing to monitor
the proper functioning of its systems. The reports issued by the Alco Audit
Department, as well as comment letters from Ernst & Young LLP, are reviewed
regularly by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed
of four directors who are not employees of the Company. The Audit Committee
meets periodically with Ernst & Young LLP, the Alco Audit Department and
management to review audit scope, timing and results.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Alco Standard Corporation
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Alco
Standard Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1995 and 1994, and
the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders'
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
September 30, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of Alco Standard Corporation and subsidiaries at September 30, 1995 and 1994,
and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1995, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 17, 1995,
except for the stock
split described in note
1, as to which the date
is November 9, 1995
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
                   ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
      FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1995        1994        1993
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
REVENUES
  Net sales............................... $9,794,186  $7,925,784  $6,387,078
  Dividends, interest and other income....      4,621       3,537       6,332
  Finance subsidiaries (note 12)..........     93,019      66,731      51,149
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                            9,891,826   7,996,052   6,444,559
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
  Cost of goods sold......................  7,326,721   5,884,819   4,799,757
  Selling and administrative..............  2,109,148   1,765,483   1,378,814
  Interest................................     55,838      43,802      40,189
  Finance subsidiaries interest (note
   12)....................................     40,216      27,978      23,662
  Restructuring costs (note 15)...........                            175,000
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                            9,531,923   7,722,082   6,417,422
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
LOSS FROM UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE (note
 4).......................................               (117,158)     (2,538)
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE
 TAXES....................................    359,903     156,812      24,599
TAXES ON INCOME (note 7)..................    140,630      86,203      16,984
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS.........    219,273      70,609       7,615
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of
 taxes (note 2)...........................    (16,541)                 (7,515)
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
NET INCOME................................    202,732      70,609         100
PREFERRED DIVIDENDS (note 6)..............     15,209      11,572       9,571
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON
 SHAREHOLDERS............................. $  187,523  $   59,037  $   (9,471)
                                           ==========  ==========  ==========
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (note 1)
  Continuing operations................... $     1.81  $      .55  $     (.02)
  Discontinued operations.................       (.14)                   (.08)
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                           $     1.67  $      .55  $     (.10)
                                           ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
                   ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                      SEPTEMBER 30 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995       1994
                                                          ---------- ----------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
                         ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash................................................... $   90,106 $   53,369
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
   accounts:
  1995--$48,628; 1994--$29,428 (note 13).................  1,175,699    915,495
  Inventories (note 1)...................................    747,895    609,974
  Prepaid expenses and deferred taxes....................    146,867    131,638
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total current assets.................................  2,160,567  1,710,476
                                                          ---------- ----------
OTHER INVESTMENTS AND LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES..............     56,086     68,472
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost (note 5)
  Land...................................................     30,717     29,308
  Buildings and improvements.............................    225,011    213,037
  Machinery and equipment................................    489,507    411,377
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                             745,235    653,722
  Less accumulated depreciation..........................    375,285    299,775
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                             369,950    353,947
                                                          ---------- ----------
OTHER ASSETS
  Goodwill (note 1)......................................  1,058,214    747,629
  Miscellaneous..........................................    109,436     59,331
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                           1,167,650    806,960
                                                          ---------- ----------
FINANCE SUBSIDIARIES ASSETS (note 12)....................    983,322    562,403
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                          $4,737,575 $3,502,258
                                                          ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
                   ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                      SEPTEMBER 30 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995        1994
                                                        ----------  ----------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
         LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Current portion of long-term debt.................... $   26,319  $   12,299
  Notes payable (note 5)...............................    280,832      91,999
  Trade accounts payable...............................    501,316     500,166
  Accrued salaries, wages and commissions..............    115,874      96,987
  Deferred revenues....................................    172,900     134,485
  Restructuring costs (note 15)........................     33,302      56,971
  Other accrued expenses...............................    259,534     164,023
                                                        ----------  ----------
    Total current liabilities..........................  1,390,077   1,056,930
                                                        ----------  ----------
LONG-TERM DEBT (note 5)................................    325,314     340,771
DEFERRED TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
  Deferred taxes.......................................     96,082      32,192
  Restructuring costs (note 15)........................      6,000      50,000
  Other long-term liabilities..........................    178,782     156,511
                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                           280,864     238,703
                                                        ----------  ----------
FINANCE SUBSIDIARIES LIABILITIES (note 12).............    872,783     498,710
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (note 6)
  Series AA convertible preferred stock, no par value:
   4,025,000 depositary shares issued and outstanding..    201,924     199,912
  Series BB conversion preferred stock, no par value:
   3,877,200 depositary shares issued and outstanding..    290,152
  Common stock, no par value: authorized 150,000,000
   shares;
   issued 1995--112,182,000 shares; 1994--109,044,000
   shares..............................................    637,414     551,215
  Retained earnings....................................    765,309     642,634
  Foreign currency translation adjustment..............    (21,536)    (22,550)
  Cost of common shares in treasury: 1995--118,000
   shares;
   1994--148,000 shares................................     (4,726)     (4,067)
                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                         1,868,537   1,367,144
                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                        $4,737,575  $3,502,258
                                                        ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
                   ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
      FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                1995               1994              1993
                          -----------------  -----------------  ----------------
                          SHARES   AMOUNTS   SHARES   AMOUNTS   SHARES  AMOUNTS
                          -------  --------  -------  --------  ------  --------
<S>                       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>
SERIES AA CONVERTIBLE
 PREFERRED STOCK
  Balance, beginning of
   year.................    4,025  $199,912    4,025  $197,900
  Issued in public
   offering.............                                         4,025  $196,335
  Dividend accretion....              2,012              2,012             1,565
                          -------  --------  -------  --------  ------  --------
  Balance, end of year..    4,025  $201,924    4,025  $199,912   4,025  $197,900
                          =======  ========  =======  ========  ======  ========
SERIES BB CONVERSION
 PREFERRED STOCK
  Issued in public
   offering.............    3,877  $290,152
                          -------  --------
  Balance, end of year..    3,877  $290,152
                          =======  ========
COMMON STOCK
  Balance, beginning of
   year.................  109,044  $551,215   97,544  $259,031  97,544  $257,069
  Issued in public
   offering.............                      11,500   293,500
  Mergers, acquisitions
   and other............    3,138    81,478             (4,104)
  Tax benefit relating
   to stock plans.......              4,721              2,788             1,962
                          -------  --------  -------  --------  ------  --------
  Balance, end of year..  112,182  $637,414  109,044  $551,215  97,544  $259,031
                          =======  ========  =======  ========  ======  ========
RETAINED EARNINGS
  Balance, beginning of
   year.................           $642,634           $651,373          $699,015
  Net income............            202,732             70,609               100
  Cash dividends
   declared:
    Series AA preferred
     stock, per share:
     1995--$2.875;
     1994--$2.875;
     1993--$2.236.......            (11,572)           (11,572)           (9,571)
    Series BB preferred
     stock, per share:
     1995--$.938........             (3,637)
    Common stock, per
     share: 1995--$.52;
     1994--$.50; 1993--
     $.48...............            (57,267)           (52,222)          (44,858)
    Pooled companies,
     prior to merger....             (1,259)            (2,408)
  Credits (charges) from
   issuance of treasury
   shares and other.....             (6,322)           (13,146)            6,687
                                   --------           --------          --------
  Balance, end of year..           $765,309           $642,634          $651,373
                                   ========           ========          ========
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
 ADJUSTMENT
  Balance, beginning of
   year.................           $(22,550)          $(23,640)         $ (6,622)
  Translation
   adjustment...........              1,014             (1,347)          (17,018)
  Sale of investment in
   unconsolidated
   affiliate............                                 2,437
                                   --------           --------          --------
  Balance, end of year..           $(21,536)          $(22,550)         $(23,640)
                                   ========           ========          ========
COST OF COMMON SHARES IN
 TREASURY
  Balance, beginning of
   year.................      148  $ (4,067)   3,616  $(64,048)  5,646  $(89,099)
  Purchases.............    2,783   (91,430)   1,774   (47,733)  1,512   (32,389)
  Reissued for
    Exercise of
     options............     (544)   16,652     (908)   18,027    (810)   13,063
    Sales to employee
     stock plans........   (2,267)   74,067   (2,344)   47,799  (2,500)   40,564
    Mergers,
     acquisitions and
     other..............       (2)       52   (1,990)   41,888    (232)    3,813
                          -------  --------  -------  --------  ------  --------
  Balance, end of year..      118  $ (4,726)     148  $ (4,067)  3,616  $(64,048)
                          =======  ========  =======  ========  ======  ========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
                   ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1995       1994       1993
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income....................................  $ 202,732  $  70,609  $     100
Additions (deductions) to reconcile net income
 to net cash provided by operating activities
 Depreciation.................................     75,765     70,037     57,272
 Amortization.................................     33,959     26,791     22,137
 Provision for losses on accounts receivable..     21,900     19,668     19,702
 Provision (benefit) for deferred income
  taxes.......................................     68,298     22,487    (55,042)
 Change in deferred liabilities...............     32,513      2,816     15,232
 Restructuring costs..........................    (60,364)   (46,588)   169,939
 Loss on sale of
 Investment in unconsolidated affiliate.......               115,265
 Alco Diversified Services....................                            9,841
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 Decrease (increase) in
  Accounts receivable.........................   (193,717)   (74,369)   (72,064)
  Inventories.................................   (111,933)     3,154    (52,877)
  Prepaid expenses............................    (10,407)   (17,873)    (5,083)
 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable,
  deferred revenues, and accrued expenses.....     59,979     79,855    (52,563)
 Miscellaneous................................     (3,808)       364    (13,267)
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Net cash provided.............................    114,917    272,216     43,327
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale (net of cash retained) of
 Investment in unconsolidated affiliate.......                 8,226
 Alco Diversified Services....................                           69,836
Cost of companies acquired, net of cash
 acquired.....................................   (299,840)   (46,705)  (439,447)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment..     25,926     24,833     21,769
Expenditures for property and equipment.......    (99,234)  (107,969)   (83,789)
Payments received on long-term receivables....      6,837      9,251      5,369
Purchases of miscellaneous assets.............    (51,445)    (7,973)   (10,702)
Finance subsidiaries receivables--Additions...   (696,217)  (408,412)  (278,503)
Finance subsidiaries receivables--
 Collections..................................    247,798    210,969    166,274
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Net cash used.................................   (866,175)  (317,780)  (549,193)
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from
 Issuance of long-term debt...................     42,813     20,835    319,338
 Issuance of Series BB conversion preferred
  stock, net..................................    290,152
 Issuance of common stock, net................               293,500
 Issuance of Series AA convertible preferred
  stock, net..................................                          196,335
 Option exercises and sale of treasury
  shares......................................     91,848     69,914     62,284
 Sale of finance subsidiaries lease
  receivables.................................     66,677    125,000
 Life insurance borrowings....................      3,342     31,055
Issuance (repayment) of short-term borrowings,
 net..........................................    158,569    (68,278)   163,563
Proceeds (repayments) of accounts receivable
 sold.........................................     10,741     14,985     (3,440)
Long-term debt repayments.....................    (66,956)  (369,238)  (241,827)
Finance subsidiaries debt--Issuance...........    534,717    248,098    228,307
Finance subsidiaries debt--Repayments.........   (182,014)  (196,308)  (124,201)
Dividends paid................................    (70,464)   (59,392)   (49,995)
Purchase of treasury shares...................    (91,430)   (47,733)   (32,389)
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Net cash provided.............................    787,995     62,438    517,975
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
NET INCREASE IN CASH..........................     36,737     16,874     12,109
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR.....................     53,369     36,495     24,386
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH AT END OF YEAR...........................  $  90,106  $  53,369  $  36,495
                                                =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alco Standard
Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the Company). Significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Revenues are recorded at the time of shipment of products or performance of
services. Revenues from service contracts are recognized in earnings over the
term of the contract. The present values of payments due under sales-type
lease contracts are recorded as revenues and cost of goods sold is charged
with the book value of the equipment at the time of shipment. Future interest
income is deferred and recognized over the related lease term.
 
 Inventories
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and consist of
finished goods available for sale. The Company uses the LIFO method of
determining cost for approximately 60% of its inventories and the FIFO method
for the balance. If the FIFO method of accounting had been used for all
inventories, these balances would have been $92,590,000 higher at September
30, 1995 and $36,877,000 higher at September 30, 1994.
 
 Goodwill
 
  Substantially all goodwill (excess of cost of acquired companies over
equity) is amortized over 40 years by the straight-line method. The
recoverability of goodwill is evaluated at the operating unit level by an
analysis of operating results and consideration of other significant events or
changes in the business environment. If an operating unit has current
operating losses and based upon projections there is a likelihood that such
operating losses will continue, the Company will evaluate whether impairment
exists on the basis of undiscounted expected future cash flows from operations
before interest for the remaining amortization period. If impairment exists,
the carrying amount of the goodwill is reduced by the estimated shortfall of
cash flows.
 
 Depreciation
 
  Properties and equipment are depreciated over their useful lives by the
straight-line method.
 
 Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
  Earnings (loss) per share are based on 112,520,000 weighted average shares
in 1995, 107,458,000 shares in 1994 and 94,792,000 shares in 1993, and include
the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, principally stock options.
 
 Reclassifications
 
  Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the
current-year presentation.
 
 Foreign Currency Translation
 
  All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into US
dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are
translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the fiscal year. The
resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of shareholders'
equity.
 
 Accounting Changes
 
  During fiscal 1994, the Company changed its methods of accounting for income
taxes and retiree healthcare benefits. The cumulative effect of adopting each
of these new accounting methods was immaterial.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Pending Accounting Change
 
  In March 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of,"
which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in
operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets'
carrying amount. Statement 121 also addresses the accounting for long-lived
assets that are expected to be disposed of. The Company will adopt Statement
121 in the first quarter of fiscal 1996 and, based on current circumstances,
does not believe the effect of adoption will be material.
 
 Interest Rate Swap Agreements
 
  The Company has entered into several interest rate swap agreements as a
means of managing its interest rate exposure. These agreements have the effect
of converting certain of the Company's variable rate obligations to fixed rate
obligations. Net amounts paid or received are reflected as adjustments to
interest expense.
 
 Stock Split
 
  All common shares and per share amounts have been adjusted to give
retroactive effect to a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a
stock dividend distributed on November 9, 1995 to holders of record on October
27, 1995.
 
2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DIVESTITURES
 
  The Company has owned several manufacturing and industrial businesses, all
of which have been sold. There are currently environmental remediation claims
pending for manufacturing or landfill sites in the United States that relate
to these discontinued operations. As a result of several recent environmental
remediation claims, and increased estimated costs associated with existing
environmental remediation sites, primarily related to discontinued
manufacturing operations divested by the Company in 1991 and prior, the
Company took a fourth quarter charge in fiscal 1995 to increase its
liabilities for environmental remediation. The discontinued operations charge
was $23,630,000 ($16,541,000 net of tax) or $.14 per share. The adjustment
reflects management's best estimate, based on information currently available,
of costs to be incurred for existing and probable environmental claims of
discontinued operations.
 
  In July 1993, the Company completed the sale of the Alco Diversified
Services (ADS) assets of approximately $102,000,000 to an investor group for
$84,000,000 in cash and notes. Accordingly, ADS results for fiscal 1993 are
reported in the accompanying Statements of Income as discontinued operations.
In fiscal 1993, ADS had revenues of $153,063,000, an operating loss of
$3,946,000, a loss on disposal of $9,841,000, and tax benefits of $6,272,000,
resulting in a net loss from discontinued operations of $7,515,000.
 
  In September 1995, the Company divested Central Products Company for
$80,000,000 in cash and notes, and recorded a continuing operations pretax
gain of approximately $4,000,000 on the sale. Also included in the Company's
continuing operations and related to Central Products Company are fiscal 1995
revenues of $120,219,000 and net income from operations of $2,668,000.
 
  During 1995, the Company agreed to pay $10,000,000 to settle a claim by a
former subsidiary, which had asserted that the Company was liable for certain
employee liabilities. This amount has been primarily charged against existing
reserves for discontinued operations. The Company paid $5,000,000 during 1995
with the remaining $5,000,000 to be paid over the next four years.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
3. ACQUISITIONS
 
  In June 1995, Erskine Limited, a U.K. subsidiary of the Company, purchased
all of the outstanding shares of Southern Business Group PLC (renamed A:Copy
(UK) PLC on October 1, 1995), for approximately $133,800,000. A:Copy (UK)
sells, leases, services and remanufactures copiers and other office equipment
in Southern England. Total assets acquired were $163,359,000, which includes
goodwill of $119,556,000. In addition, 111 other acquisitions were made in
fiscal 1995 for an aggregate purchase price of $266,773,000 in cash, notes and
stock. Total assets related to these 111 acquisitions were $368,836,000,
including goodwill of $244,668,000. The Company also issued 675,106 common
shares for two acquisitions accounted for as poolings-of-interests and their
results of operations were included from the beginning of the fiscal year.
$4,998,000 of additional cash was paid and capitalized in fiscal 1995 relating
to prior-years' acquisitions.
 
  In fiscal 1994, the Company issued 1,397,350 common shares from treasury for
three acquisitions accounted for as poolings-of-interests and their results of
operations were included from the beginning of the fiscal year. Also during
fiscal 1994, 47 other acquisitions were made for an aggregate purchase price
of $62,009,000 in cash, notes and stock. Total assets related to these 47
acquisitions were $111,099,000, including goodwill of $55,165,000. An
additional $4,900,000 was paid and capitalized in fiscal 1994 relating to
prior-years' acquisitions.
 
  In June 1993, the Company acquired over 90% of the outstanding shares of
Erskine House Group PLC (Erskine), a United States and European distributor of
office products, and the remaining outstanding shares were acquired during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1993. The purchase price was approximately
$103,000,000, plus the assumption of approximately $101,000,000 of debt and
redeemable preferred stock. Total assets acquired were $278,975,000, including
goodwill of $180,408,000.
 
  In July 1993, the Company acquired the paper distribution businesses of
Butler Paper Company for a purchase price of $140,000,000. Total assets
acquired were $277,843,000 and negative goodwill (excess of acquired equity
over cost) of approximately $37,157,000 was allocated to fixed assets.
 
  During fiscal 1993, 21 other acquisitions were made for an aggregate
purchase price of $50,606,000 in cash and stock. Total assets acquired were
$68,878,000 including goodwill of $30,645,000. An additional $30,236,000 was
paid and capitalized in 1993 relating to prior-years' acquisitions.
 
  All acquisitions, unless otherwise noted, are included in results of
operations from their dates of acquisition.
 
  Had the purchase acquisitions been made at the beginning of the fiscal year
prior to their acquisition and the poolings been made on October 1, 1992, pro
forma results from continuing operations would have been:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1995        1994       1993
                                              ----------- ---------- ----------
                                               FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                                              ---------------------------------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                            DATA)
<S>                                           <C>         <C>        <C>
Revenues..................................... $10,294,905 $8,753,729 $7,754,354
Income from continuing operations............     256,452    122,244     25,636
Earnings per share........................... $      1.98 $      .81 $      .13
</TABLE>
 
  The pro forma results assume that $290,000,000 of the purchase price of 1995
acquisitions was funded by the proceeds from issuance of Series BB conversion
preferred stock, while $285,000,000 of the total purchase price of 1994 and
1993 acquisitions was funded by the proceeds from issuance of common stock in
December 1993 and $201,250,000 of the purchase price of 1993 acquisitions was
funded by the proceeds from issuance of the Series AA convertible preferred
stock.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
4. LOSS FROM UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE
 
  In October 1992, the Company purchased a 49.9% interest in IMM Office
Systems GmbH (IMMOS), a European distributor of office products, for
$122,500,000 in cash, which included goodwill of $107,478,000. In September
1994, the Company completed the sale of this investment for cash plus a
passive interest in any subsequent sale of IMMOS for five years. The Company
retains no ongoing liability in the joint venture and the parties exchanged
complete mutual releases for past actions. In addition, the Company was
relieved of the covenant not to compete in Europe contained in the joint
venture agreement, although the parties will not compete with each other for a
period expiring on December 31, 1995. As part of the transaction, the Company
acquired profitable operations in Denmark and France and retained limited
operations in Germany. The Company recognized a loss on the sale of its
investment in IMMOS in the quarter ended June 30, 1994, recording a pretax
loss of $115,300,000 ($95,100,000, net of tax) equating to a loss per share of
$.87 in the quarter ended June 30, 1994 and $.88 for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1994. This loss represents the write-off of the Company's
investment in IMMOS, plus certain transactional costs less the cash proceeds
from the sale together with related tax benefits. In addition, the Company
recorded losses totaling $1,900,000, which represent the Company's share of
IMMOS operating losses for the first half of fiscal 1994.
 
5. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  Notes payable consisted of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                          -----------------
                                                            1995     1994
                                                          -------- --------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                    <C>      <C>     
   Notes payable to banks at average interest rate:
     1995--6.8%; 1994--5.5%.............................  $279,496 $ 91,419
   Other notes payable at average interest rate:
     1995--7.2%; 1994--7.1%.............................     1,336      580
                                                          -------- --------
                                                          $280,832 $ 91,999
                                                          ======== ========
 
  Long-term debt consisted of:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                          -----------------
                                                            1995     1994
                                                          -------- --------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                    <C>      <C>      
   Bond issue at interest rate of 8 7/8% due 2001.......  $150,000 $150,000
   Private placement debt at average interest rate:
     1995--8.3%; 1994--8.2%; due 1998...................    50,000   70,000
   Notes payable to insurance company at average
    interest rate of 9.7% due
     1997-2005..........................................    60,000   60,000
   Industrial revenue bonds at average interest rate:
     1995--5.1%; 1994--8.4%; due 1996-2001..............    10,328   10,537
   Sundry notes, bonds and mortgages at average interest
    rate of 7.5% due
     1996-2005..........................................    51,893   38,341
   Present value of capital lease obligations (gross
    amount:
     1995--$45,894; 1994--$40,928)......................    29,412   24,192
                                                          -------- --------
                                                           351,633  353,070
   Less current maturities..............................    26,319   12,299
                                                          -------- --------
   Long-term debt.......................................  $325,314 $340,771
                                                          ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  Long-term debt matures in fiscal years: 1996--$26,319,000; 1997--
$17,507,000; 1998--$59,432,000; 1999--$7,791,000; 2000--$5,139,000; 2001-
2005--$235,445,000.
 
  On December 1, 1994, the Company entered into a credit agreement with 14
banks under which it may borrow up to $500,000,000. The agreement has two
parts: $150,000,000 is available for 364 days subject to annual renewal for
successive 364-day periods through December 1, 1999; the other $350,000,000
terminates on December 1, 1999. Facility fees of 8 basis points per annum on
the 364-day portion and 10 basis points per annum on the five-year portion are
charged for these commitments. The agreement provides that loans may be made
under either domestic or Eurocurrency notes at rates computed under a
selection of rate formulas including prime or Eurocurrency rates.
 
  The Company may also borrow up to $100,000,000 or the Canadian dollar
equivalent under its amended April 1993 credit agreement with four banks. The
agreement has two parts: $50,000,000 is available for 364 days, subject to
annual renewal through April 19, 1996; the other $50,000,000 is available
through April 21, 1996. Facility fees of 8 basis points per annum on the 364-
day portion and 10 basis points per annum for the three-year portion are
charged for these commitments. Loans under the agreement may be made under a
selection of rate formulas including prime, the Eurodollar rate in the United
States or Canada, or the Canadian Bankers Acceptance rate.
 
  At September 30, 1995, short-term borrowings supported by the combined lines
of credit totaled $252,496,000 leaving $347,504,000 unused and available.
 
  The Company has entered into an agreement to borrow $55,000,000 in November
1995 with an interest rate of 7.15% maturing in November 2005. The proceeds
will be used to repay short-term notes payable.
 
  The Company is in compliance with all covenants, including financial, for
all loan agreements. The industrial revenue bonds, capital lease obligations
and mortgages are secured by property and equipment that had a net book value
of $31,978,000 at September 30, 1995.
 
  Interest paid, including finance subsidiaries, approximated $87,000,000,
$72,000,000 and $63,500,000 for fiscals 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
6. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  On July 25, 1995, the Company sold 3,877,200 depositary shares, each
representing 1/100th of a share of Series BB conversion preferred stock, for
$77.375 per depositary share totaling $299,998,350, and used the net proceeds
to reduce debt. Dividends are cumulative at $5.04 per year per depositary
share. This series of preferred stock has one vote per share (equivalent to
1/100 vote per depositary share) and has a liquidation preference of $77.375
per depositary share plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends.
Prior to October 1, 1998, each depositary share is convertible at the option
of the holder into 1.6393 shares of common stock of the Company. On October 1,
1998, unless previously converted at the option of the holder, each of the
outstanding depositary shares will automatically convert into a number of
shares of common stock of the Company equal to (a) 1.6393 shares of common
stock per depositary share if the current market price of the Company's common
stock is greater than or equal to $47.20 per share, (b) between 1.6393 and two
shares, equivalent to the current market price of the common stock if the
stock price is between $47.20 and $38.6875, and (c) two shares of common stock
per depositary share if the current market price of the Company's common stock
is at or below $38.6875 per share. The current market price to be used in the
conversion calculation will be the average closing price per share of common
stock of the Company on the twenty trading days immediately prior to, but not
including, October 1, 1998. At September 30, 1995, 7,754,400 shares of common
stock were reserved for conversion of the Series BB conversion preferred
stock.
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  In December 1993, the Company issued 11,500,000 shares of common stock in a
public offering. The net proceeds from the offering of $293,500,000 were used
for repayment of debt. Income and earnings per share from continuing
operations for fiscal 1993 would have been $13,288,000 and $.03, respectively,
if the offering had occurred on October 1, 1992. Income from continuing
operations for fiscal 1994 would have been $71,896,000 and earnings per share
would have been unchanged if the offering had occurred on October 1, 1993.
 
  On December 22, 1992, the Company sold 4,025,000 depositary shares, each
representing 1/100th of a share of Series AA convertible preferred stock at
$50.00 per depositary share totaling $201,250,000, and used the net proceeds
to reduce debt. Dividends are cumulative at $2.375 per year per depositary
share through January 2, 1996 and $3.25 per depositary share per year
thereafter. The dividend is accrued on a straight-line basis ($2.875 per
depositary share) and accretion for the difference between the accrued and
cash dividend amounting to $5,589,000 at September 30, 1995 has been credited
to Series AA convertible preferred stock. This series of preferred stock has
one vote per share (equivalent to 1/100 vote per depositary share) and is
convertible at a rate of 2.2402 shares of the Company's common stock per
depositary share at any time. The Series AA convertible preferred stock,
unless previously converted into common stock, is redeemable by issuance of
common stock at the Company's option at the rate of 2.2402 shares of common
stock per depositary share (with certain limitations) on or after January 9,
1996 through January 9, 2000. On or after January 9, 2000, this series of
preferred stock is redeemable at the Company's option at $50.00 per depositary
share. Upon liquidation, the Series AA convertible preferred stock has
preference equivalent to $50.00 per depositary share plus an amount equal to
accrued and unpaid dividends. At September 30, 1995, 9,016,806 shares of
common stock were reserved for conversion of the Series AA convertible
preferred stock.
 
  Employee stock options are granted at the market price at dates of grant and
expire in ten years. The proceeds of options exercised are credited to
shareholders' equity. There are no charges or credits to income in connection
with these options. A 1989 plan for the Company's directors enables
participants to receive their annual directors' fees in the form of options to
purchase shares of common stock at a discount. The discount is equivalent to
the annual directors' fees and is charged to expense.
 
  Changes in common shares under option were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    DIRECTORS                    EMPLOYEES
                            --------------------------- -----------------------------
                            SHARES   OPTION PRICE RANGE  SHARES    OPTION PRICE RANGE
                            -------  ------------------ ---------  ------------------
   <S>                      <C>      <C>                <C>        <C>
   September 30, 1992...... 173,366   $ 9.78 to $14.34  4,511,194   $ 8.06 to $19.13
   Granted.................  49,338    15.09 to  20.13  1,135,634    17.63 to  20.13
   Exercised............... (34,448)    9.78 to  13.17   (775,832)    8.06 to  19.13
   Cancelled...............                              (423,434)   11.44 to  20.13
                            -------   ----------------  ---------   ----------------
   September 30, 1993...... 188,256     9.78 to  20.13  4,447,562     8.06 to  20.13
   Granted.................  34,832    21.14 to  28.19    924,670    24.50 to  31.00
   Exercised............... (42,630)    9.78 to  20.13   (865,482)    8.06 to  20.13
   Cancelled...............  (1,520)             15.09    (21,102)    8.06 to  28.81
                            -------   ----------------  ---------   ----------------
   September 30, 1994...... 178,938     9.78 to  28.19  4,485,648     9.09 to  31.00
   Granted.................  32,604    24.56 to  32.75    789,632    28.62 to  40.31
   Exercised............... (39,852)    9.78 to  15.09   (814,398)    9.09 to  28.19
   Cancelled...............                               (46,214)   14.31 to  32.81
                            -------   ----------------  ---------   ----------------
   September 30, 1995...... 171,690   $ 9.78 to $32.75  4,414,668   $ 9.09 to $40.31
                            =======   ================  =========   ================
</TABLE>
 
  At September 30, 1995, options to purchase 2,291,248 shares were exercisable
(1995: employees--2,144,162, directors--147,086; 1994: employees--2,199,040,
directors--144,106) and 6,028,870 shares were
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
available for grant (1995: employees--5,131,744, directors--897,126; 1994:
employees--367,534, directors--929,730).
 
  In fiscal 1995, with Board of Director and shareholder approvals, the
Company amended and restated its Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (LTIP).
The plan is intended to motivate, recognize and reward key management
employees for long-term performance at the corporate or group level. Under the
plan, key management employees are granted stock awards to receive company
stock, which are earned upon achieving predetermined performance objectives
during three-year intervals. The value of these awards is charged to expense
over the related plan period. In fiscal 1995, the Company granted 602,530
stock awards under the plan, including 403,824 to replace stock options
granted under the original LTIP. At September 30, 1995, 128,818 of these
awards had been earned.
 
  One preferred share purchase right (Right) exists for each outstanding share
of common stock (the Shares). The Rights become exercisable ten days after the
earlier of a public announcement by another entity that it has acquired
beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Shares or a public announcement of
another entity's intention to commence a tender offer to acquire beneficial
ownership of 30% or more of the Shares.
 
  When the Rights become exercisable, each Right will entitle a holder to
purchase 1/100th of a share of Series 12 preferred stock for an exercise price
of $75. If the Company consolidates or merges with another entity, or sells
assets that aggregate 50% of its consolidated assets, or generates more than
50% of its consolidated operating income or cash flow, then each Right holder
will have the right to purchase, for the exercise price, a number of shares of
the other entity having a then-current market value equal to twice the
exercise price.
 
  If another entity owning 20% or more of the Shares (a) engages in certain
transactions with the Company, or (b) causes the Company to forgo or reduce
quarterly dividends or take an action that would result in a more than 2%
increase in the other entity's proportionate share of the outstanding shares;
or if another entity becomes the beneficial owner of 30% or more of the
outstanding shares; then each Right holder (other than the other entity) will
have the right to purchase, for the exercise price, a number of shares of the
Company having a then-current market value equal to twice the exercise price.
 
  The Rights are redeemable by the Company prior to becoming exercisable at
$.05 per Right and expire on February 10, 1998.
 
7. TAXES ON INCOME--CONTINUING OPERATIONS
 
  Effective October 1, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS No.
109 permitted the Company to recognize the benefit of certain deferred tax
assets that could not be recognized under the previous standard, SFAS No. 96,
which the Company adopted in fiscal 1988. The cumulative effect of adopting
SFAS No. 109 as of October 1, 1993 was to increase net income by $1,421,000 or
$.01 per share in fiscal 1994. As permitted under SFAS No. 109, prior-years'
financial statements have not been restated.
 
  Provision for income taxes:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                             ----------------------------------------------------
                                   1995              1994              1993
                             ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
                             CURRENT DEFERRED  CURRENT DEFERRED  CURRENT DEFERRED
                             ------- --------  ------- --------  ------- --------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>
   Federal.................. $38,904 $66,793   $46,349 $29,421   $57,200 $(48,149)
   Foreign..................  10,869   9,911    11,862  (7,855)    6,602     (948)
   State....................  15,470  (1,317)    5,505     921     3,706   (1,427)
                             ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- --------
   Taxes on income.......... $65,243 $75,387   $63,716 $22,487   $67,508 $(50,524)
                             ======= =======   ======= =======   ======= ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, including
finance subsidiaries, were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1995      1994
                                                            --------  --------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                      <C>       <C>
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Depreciation and amortization......................... $ 74,118  $ 62,487
     Lease income recognition..............................  119,783    82,837
                                                            --------  --------
       Total deferred tax liabilities......................  193,901   145,324
   Deferred tax assets:
     Nondeductible reserves................................  143,257   145,067
     Net operating loss carryforwards......................   29,516    29,510
     Other--net............................................    1,511    12,092
                                                            --------  --------
       Total deferred tax assets...........................  174,284   186,669
     Valuation allowance...................................  (31,048)  (28,587)
                                                            --------  --------
       Net deferred tax assets.............................  143,236   158,082
                                                            --------  --------
   Net deferred tax liabilities (assets)................... $ 50,665  $(12,758)
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Net operating loss carryforwards consist primarily of foreign carryforwards
of $50,858,000 principally expiring in years 1996 through 2000.
 
  Deferred taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial and
tax accounting, which have not been restated for SFAS No. 109 as of September
30, 1993, were as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                <C>
   Depreciation...................................................... $  4,741
   Lease income recognition..........................................   11,993
   Nondeductible reserves............................................  (67,115)
   Other.............................................................     (143)
                                                                      --------
   Deferred taxes.................................................... $(50,524)
                                                                      ========
</TABLE>
 
  Components of the effective income tax rate:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                      SEPTEMBER 30
                                                   -------------------
                                                   1995   1994   1993 
                                                   ----   ----   ---- 
   <S>                                             <C>    <C>    <C>  
   Federal........................................ 35.0%  35.0%  34.8%
   State..........................................  2.6    2.3    6.1 
   Goodwill.......................................  1.8    3.5   16.1 
   Foreign........................................   .2    1.0    8.2 
   Effect of sale of IMMOS........................        12.9        
   Other..........................................  (.5)    .3    3.8 
                                                   ----   ----   ---- 
   Effective income tax rate...................... 39.1%  55.0%  69.0%
                                                   ====   ====   ====  
</TABLE>
 
  The effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994,
excluding the effects of the loss on the sale of the investment in IMMOS, is
39.1%. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1993,
excluding the effects of the restructuring costs, is 39.6%.
 
  Net income tax payments for all operations amounted to $30,436,000, net of
$30,000,000 refund, in 1995, $62,270,000 in 1994 and $77,487,000 in 1993.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries were
approximately $45,656,000 at September 30, 1995. Those earnings are considered
to be indefinitely reinvested and, therefore, no provision has been recorded
for U.S. federal and state income taxes.
 
8. PENSION AND STOCK PURCHASE PLANS
 
  The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans for the majority of its
employees. The benefits generally are based on years of service and
compensation. The Company funds at least the minimum amount required by
government regulations. The cost of these plans, together with contributions
to multiemployer and defined contribution pension plans ($4,915,000 in 1995,
$6,880,000 in 1994 and $5,134,000 in 1993) charged to continuing operations
amounted to $25,396,000 for 1995, $18,283,000 for 1994 and $12,684,000 for
1993.
 
  The components of net periodic pension cost for the Company-sponsored
defined benefit pension plans are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                                           ----------------------------------
                                              1995        1994        1993
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
   Service cost........................... $   21,506  $   16,991  $   11,123
   Interest cost on projected benefit
    obligation............................     22,620      18,507      13,416
   Actual return on plan assets...........    (60,170)    (11,020)    (34,238)
   Net amortization and deferral..........     36,525     (13,075)     17,249
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
   Net pension cost....................... $   20,481  $   11,403  $    7,550
                                           ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Assumptions used in accounting for the Company-sponsored defined benefit
pension plans were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995   1994   1993
                                                            -----  -----  -----
   <S>                                                      <C>    <C>    <C>
   Weighted average discount rates.........................  7.50%  7.75%  7.25%
   Rates of increase in compensation levels................  6.00%  6.25%  5.75%
   Expected long-term rate of return on assets............. 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
</TABLE>
 
  The funded status and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
for the Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1995      1994
                                                            --------  --------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                      <C>       <C>
   Actuarial present value of benefit obligations
     Vested................................................ $260,292  $237,874
                                                            ========  ========
     Accumulated........................................... $266,176  $241,069
                                                            ========  ========
     Projected............................................. $325,210  $277,500
   Plan assets at fair value...............................  285,788   256,610
                                                            --------  --------
   Plan assets less than projected benefits................  (39,422)  (20,890)
   Items not yet recognized
     Net gain..............................................  (12,432)   (3,873)
     Prior service cost....................................   19,409    11,657
     Net asset existing at transition date.................  (14,424)  (16,397)
   Adjustment required to recognize minimum liability......   (7,406)   (8,385)
                                                            --------  --------
   Net pension liability................................... $(54,275) $(37,888)
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Substantially all of the plan assets at September 30, 1995 are invested in
listed stocks, bonds and government securities including common stock of the
Company of $67,800,000.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The Company increased its net pension liability by $1,048,000 and $5,949,000
in fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively, due to early retirement benefits
granted to employees in connection with the Unisource restructuring program
(note 15).
 
  The majority of the Company's employees were eligible to participate in the
Company's Stock Participation Plan, under which they were permitted to invest
2% to 6% of regular compensation before taxes. The Company contributed an
amount equal to two-thirds of the employees' investments and all amounts were
invested in the Company's common shares. Effective October 2, 1995, the Stock
Participation Plan was replaced by a Retirement Savings Plan (RSP). The RSP
will allow employees to invest 1% to 16% of regular compensation before taxes
in six different investment funds. The Company will contribute an amount equal
to two-thirds of the employees' investments, up to 6% of regular compensation,
for a maximum company match of 4%. All Company contributions are invested in
the Company's common shares. Employees vest in a percentage of the Company's
contribution after two years of service, with full vesting at the completion
of five years of service. There is a similar plan for eligible management
employees. The cost of the stock participation plans charged to continuing
operations amounted to $26,885,000 in 1995, $23,484,000 in 1994 and
$16,174,000 in 1993.
 
9. SEGMENT REPORTING
 
  A description of each of the Company's industry segments appears elsewhere
in this report. Dollar amounts for revenues, income before taxes, assets,
capital expenditures, and depreciation and amortization for each segment for
1995, 1994 and 1993 are reported on page 52.
 
  Revenues, income before taxes and identifiable assets by geographic area
from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended September 30 are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   1995       1994       1993
                                 --------   --------   --------
                                       (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>
   REVENUES
     Domestic..................  $8,805.6   $7,153.8   $5,649.8
     Foreign...................   1,093.4      843.1      799.9
                                 --------   --------   --------
     Operating.................   9,899.0    7,996.9    6,449.7
     Eliminations and
      nonallocated.............      (7.2)       (.9)      (5.1)
                                 --------   --------   --------
       Total...................  $9,891.8   $7,996.0   $6,444.6
                                 ========   ========   ========
   INCOME BEFORE TAXES
     Domestic..................  $  407.9   $  332.6   $   73.5
     Foreign...................      69.0       29.1       27.3
                                 --------   --------   --------
     Operating.................     476.9      361.7      100.8
     Unconsolidated affiliate..               (117.2)      (2.5)
     Nonallocated..............    (117.0)*    (87.7)*    (73.7)*
                                 --------   --------   --------
       Total...................  $  359.9   $  156.8   $   24.6
                                 ========   ========   ========
   ASSETS
     Domestic..................  $3,775.1   $2,787.7   $2,547.5
     Foreign...................     792.3      572.5      536.4
                                 --------   --------   --------
     Operating.................   4,567.4    3,360.2    3,083.9
     Unconsolidated affiliate..                           118.1
     Nonallocated..............     170.2      142.1      146.9
                                 --------   --------   --------
       Total...................  $4,737.6   $3,502.3   $3,348.9
                                 ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Includes interest costs and net corporate expenses.
 
  Included in income before taxes for fiscal 1993 are restructuring costs of
$171,500,000 for domestic operations and $3,500,000 for foreign operations.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
10. LEASES
 
  Equipment acquired under capital leases is included in property and
equipment in the amount of $38,171,000 in 1995 and $37,160,000 in 1994 and the
related amounts of accumulated amortization are $15,657,000 in 1995 and
$15,888,000 in 1994. Related obligations are in long-term debt and related
amortization is included in depreciation.
 
  At September 30, 1995, future minimum payments under noncancelable operating
leases with initial or remaining terms of more than one year were: 1996--
$88,430,000; 1997--$76,041,000; 1998--$61,576,000; 1999--$47,943,000; 2000--
$33,192,000; thereafter--$75,175,000.
 
  Total rental expense was $103,891,000 in 1995, $89,998,000 in 1994 and
$68,293,000 in 1993.
 
11. CONTINGENCIES
 
  There are contingent liabilities for taxes, guarantees, lawsuits,
environmental remediation claims relating to continuing and discontinued
operations (see note 2) and various other matters occurring in the ordinary
course of business. On the basis of information furnished by counsel and
others, management believes that none of these contingencies will materially
affect the Company.
 
12. FINANCE SUBSIDIARIES
 
  The Company's wholly owned finance subsidiaries are engaged in purchasing
office equipment from Company dealers and leasing the equipment to customers
under direct financing leases.
 
  Summarized financial information of the finance subsidiaries is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                          ---------------------
                                                             1995       1994
                                                          ----------  ---------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                    <C>         <C>
   Future minimum lease payments receivable.............. $1,084,967  $ 645,083
   Less: Unearned income.................................   (165,492)  (109,416)
                                                          ----------  ---------
   Lease receivables.....................................    919,475    535,667
   Accounts receivable and other assets..................     63,847     26,736
                                                          ----------  ---------
   Finance subsidiaries assets........................... $  983,322  $ 562,403
                                                          ==========  =========
   Debt at average interest rate:
   1995--6.8%; 1994--5.8% due 1996--2000................. $  817,585  $ 464,882
   Other liabilities.....................................     55,198     33,828
                                                          ----------  ---------
   Finance subsidiaries liabilities...................... $  872,783  $ 498,710
                                                          ==========  =========
</TABLE>
 
  Net income of the finance subsidiaries included in the Company's
consolidated results of operations was $14,472,000 in 1995, $13,347,000 in
1994, and $8,180,000 in 1993.
 
  At September 30, 1995, future minimum payments to be received under direct
financing leases were: 1996--$396,931,000; 1997--$334,613,000; 1998--
$206,212,000; 1999--$103,880,000; 2000--$42,248,000; thereafter--$1,083,000.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  On June 30, 1995, Alco Capital Resource, Inc. (Alco Capital), a wholly owned
finance subsidiary of the Company, increased the amount available to be
offered under its medium term notes program by $1,000,000,000 or the
equivalent thereof in foreign currency. The medium term note program effective
July 1, 1994 of $500,000,000 was fully subscribed as of July 1995. The program
allows Alco Capital to offer to the public from time to time medium term notes
having an aggregate initial offering price not exceeding the total program
amount. These notes will be offered at varying maturities of nine months or
more from their dates of issue and may be subject to redemption at the option
of Alco Capital or repayment at the option of the holder, in whole or in part,
prior to the maturity date in conjunction with meeting specified provisions.
Interest rates are determined based on market conditions at the time of
issuance. As of September 30, 1995, $602,000,000 of medium term notes are
outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 7.0%.
 
  Alco Capital has followed a policy of matching the maturities of borrowed
funds to the underlying direct financing leases in order to minimize the
impact of interest rate changes on its operations. Alco Capital has therefore
entered into interest rate swap agreements to eliminate the impact of interest
rate changes on its variable rate notes payable. The interest rate swap
agreements effectively convert the variable rate notes into fixed rate
obligations. During fiscal 1995, there were two variable rate notes
outstanding and two related interest rate swap agreements on a
principal/notional amount of $57,000,000. The weighted average interest rate
on these variable rate notes and related interest rate swap agreements was
6.58% and 4.76%, respectively, during 1995.
 
  In September 1994, Alco Capital entered into an agreement to sell, under an
asset securitization program, an undivided ownership interest in $125,000,000
of eligible direct financing lease receivables. The agreement, which expires
in September 1996, contains limited recourse provisions that require Alco
Capital to assign an additional undivided interest in leases to cover any
potential losses to the purchaser due to uncollectible leases. As collections
reduce previously sold interests, new leases can be sold up to $125,000,000.
The weighted average interest rate on the agreement, which is partially fixed
by three interest rate swap agreements totaling a principal/notional amount of
$90,000,000 is 7.0% at September 30, 1995. In fiscal 1995, Alco Capital sold
$67,000,000 in leases, replacing leases liquidated during the year.
 
13. SALE OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
  The Company entered into an agreement to sell, with limited recourse, up to
CN$95,000,000 of certain eligible Canadian accounts receivable through
December 1, 1995. The agreement, which is expected to be extended, provides
limited recourse to the Company in the event that any of the previously sold
receivables become uncollectible. As collections reduce previously sold
interests, new receivables will be sold up to CN$95,000,000. The amount of
receivables sold under the agreement was CN$95,000,000 (US$71,000,000) and
CN$80,000,000 (US$60,000,000) at September 30, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  The Company uses financial instruments in the normal course of its business.
These financial instruments include debt, commitments to extend credit and
interest rate swap agreements. The notional or contractual amounts of these
commitments and other financial instruments are discussed below.
 
 Concentration of Credit Risk
 
  The Company is subject to credit risk through trade receivables and short-
term cash investments. Credit risk with respect to trade receivables is
minimized because of a large customer base and its geographic dispersion.
Short-term cash investments are placed with high credit quality financial
institutions and in short duration corporate and government debt securities
funds. By policy, the Company limits the amount of credit exposure in any one
type of investment instrument.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Interest Rate Swap Agreements
 
  In addition to the interest rate swap agreements related to finance
subsidiaries financial instruments discussed in note 12, the Company has
several other interest rate swap agreements. These agreements have a total
principal/notional amount of $47,000,000 and have fixed rates from 6.99% to
7.855%. The Company is required to make payments to the counterparties at the
fixed rate stated in the agreements and in return the Company receives
payments at variable rates (LIBOR).
 
  The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements. However, the Company does
not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.
 
  The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating
fair value disclosures for financial instruments.
 
 Cash, Notes Payable and Long-Term Receivables
 
  The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximate
fair value.
 
 Long-Term Debt
 
  The fair value of long-term debt instruments is estimated using a discounted
cash flow analysis. For more information on these instruments, refer to note
5.
 
 Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments
 
  Fair values for the Company's off-balance-sheet instruments (interest rate
swaps) are based on the termination of the agreements.
 
  The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      SEPTEMBER 30
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                 1995               1994
                                           -----------------  -----------------
                                           CARRYING   FAIR    CARRYING   FAIR
                                            AMOUNT   VALUE     AMOUNT   VALUE
                                           -------- --------  -------- --------
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                     <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
   Long-term debt:
     Bond issue........................... $150,000 $165,311  $150,000 $156,833
     Private placement debt...............   50,000   52,043    70,000   71,837
     Notes payable to insurance company...   60,000   65,286    60,000   62,614
     Industrial revenue bonds.............   10,328    9,765    10,537   11,442
     Sundry notes, bonds and mortgages....   51,893   53,160    38,341   36,786
   Finance subsidiaries debt..............  817,585  824,989   464,882  455,674
   Interest rate swaps....................            (3,671)             1,426
</TABLE>
 
15. RESTRUCTURING COSTS
 
  On September 29, 1993, the Company adopted a plan to restructure paper
distribution business including the following: installation of a customer-
focused information system, redesigning of warehouse and transportation
management functions, regionalization of management and administrative support
functions and consolidation of service center locations. In connection with
certain elements of the restructuring plan, the Company recorded a charge to
earnings of $175,000,000 ($112,875,000 net of taxes or $1.19 per share) in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1993. The charge provided for facility consolidation
($60,700,000), severance costs ($48,000,000) and related organizational and
system redesign ($22,000,000).
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
                  ALCO STANDARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  At September 30, 1995, the remaining restructuring reserve is $39,302,000,
which management believes is adequate to complete the restructuring plan by
mid-fiscal 1997. As of September 30, 1995, 84 facility consolidations had been
substantially completed. The estimated cost to complete the facility
consolidations is $17,000,000 of which a significant portion relates to costs
to dispose and maintain facilities that have been or will be vacated.
Severance costs have been incurred during 1995 and 1994 in accordance with the
plan and $10,000,000 is the estimated balance for severance costs. The related
organizational and system redesign is estimated to have a remaining cost of
$6,000,000. The Company estimates the remaining cash expenditures for the
restructuring plan will be $31,000,000 and will be spent in fiscal 1996 and
early fiscal 1997.
 
16. COMMITMENTS
 
  Effective January 1, 1994, the Company entered into an outsourcing agreement
that will provide the information technology system to be implemented as part
of the Unisource restructuring plan (note 15). This agreement calls for the
payment of $300,000,000 over a ten-year period. At September 30, 1995, the
remaining commitment under the agreement is $217,000,000.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
                          CORPORATE FINANCIAL SUMMARY

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                      EIGHT-                                                 
                       YEAR                                                  
                     COMPOUND                                                
                      GROWTH    1995        1994        1993        1992      
                     -------- --------    --------    --------    --------    
              (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA, SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD, EMPLOYEES)
<S>                  <C>      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         
CONTINUING                                                                   
 OPERATIONS                                                                  
Revenues...........    15.3%  $9,891.8    $7,996.0    $6,444.6    $4,925.1    
Gross profit.......    18.6    2,524.9     2,083.3     1,621.1     1,267.1    
 % of revenues.....               25.5        26.1        25.2        25.7    
Selling and                                                                  
 administrative....    18.2    2,109.1     1,765.5     1,378.8     1,069.6    
 % of gross                                                                  
  profit...........               83.5        84.7        85.1        84.4    
Operating income...    22.3      476.9       361.7       100.8       225.7    
 % of revenues.....                4.8         4.5         1.6         4.6    
Income before                                                                
 taxes.............    19.8      359.9       156.8        24.6       172.5    
 % of revenues.....                3.6         2.0          .4         3.5    
Effective income                                                             
 tax rate (%)......               39.1        55.0        69.0        39.6    
Income.............    20.4      219.3        70.6         7.6       104.2    
 % of revenues.....                2.2          .9          .1         2.1    
Earnings (loss) per                                                          
 share                                                                       
 Primary...........               1.81         .55        (.02)       1.11    
 Fully diluted.....                   (e)         (e)         (e)         (e) 
Capital                                                                      
 expenditures......    13.5       99.2       108.0        78.8        54.8    
Depreciation and                                                             
 amortization......    14.8      109.7        96.8        76.1        59.3    
                        ------------------------------------------------------
DISCONTINUED                                                                 
 OPERATIONS                                                                  
Income (loss)......           $  (16.6)               $   (7.5)   $   (8.4)   
Earnings (loss) per                                                          
 share                                                                       
 Primary...........               (.14)                   (.08)       (.09)   
 Fully diluted.....                   (e)                     (e)         (e) 
                        ------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OPERATIONS                                                             
Net income.........    12.3%  $  202.7    $   70.6    $     .1    $   95.8    
Earnings (loss) per                                                          
 share                                                                       
 Primary...........               1.67         .55        (.10)       1.02    
 Fully diluted.....                   (e)         (e)         (e)         (e) 
                        ------------------------------------------------------
SHARE ACTIVITY                                                               
Dividends per                                                                
 share.............     6.2%  $    .52    $    .50    $    .48    $    .46    
Per share book                                                               
 value.............     8.9      12.28       10.72        8.76        9.36    
Return on                                                                    
 shareholders'                                                               
 equity (a)........               16.0        14.8(b)     11.5(b)     11.4    
Average common and                                                           
 common equivalent                                                           
 shares............              112.5       107.5        94.8        93.8    
Shareholders of                                                              
 record............             15,099      14,348      13,999      13,726    
                        ------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTARY                                                                
 INFORMATION                                                                 
Days sales                                                                   
 outstanding.......               36.8        37.8        38.9        37.8    
Inventory turns                                                              
 (FIFO basis)......                6.1         6.3         6.3         5.9    
Current ratio......                1.6         1.6         1.5         1.7    
Pretax return on                                                             
 capital employed..               17.2        17.1(b)     14.7(b)     15.3    
Pretax return on                                                             
 capital employed                                                            
 with finance                                                                
 subsidiaries on                                                             
 equity method.....               21.3        18.4(b)     15.7(b)     16.2    
Working capital....     6.6%  $  770.5    $  653.5    $  556.6    $  496.0    
Total assets.......    16.6    4,737.6     3,502.3     3,348.9     2,444.8    
Total debt.........    25.9    1,450.1       910.0     1,207.4       782.2    
 % of                                                                        
  capitalization...               43.7        40.0        53.6        47.6    
Total debt                                                                   
 excluding finance                                                           
 subsidiaries......    15.1      632.5       445.1       794.3       481.7    
 % of                                                                        
  capitalization...               25.3        24.6        43.2        35.8    
Serial preferred                                                             
 stock.............                                         .3         1.6    
Employees..........             36,500      30,600      28,500      23,500    

<CAPTION> 
                         1991        1990        1989        1988        1987       
                       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------     
                (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA, SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD, EMPLOYEES)
<S>                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          
CONTINUING                                                                          
 OPERATIONS                                                                         
Revenues...........    $4,516.0    $4,293.4    $3,783.6    $3,379.4    $3,173.7     
Gross profit.......     1,110.0     1,022.4       841.9       690.3       646.8     
 % of revenues.....        24.6        23.8        22.3        20.4        20.4     
Selling and                                                                         
 administrative....       946.8       864.4       711.1       584.7       552.1     
 % of gross                                                                         
  profit...........        85.3        84.5        84.5        84.7        85.4     
Operating income...       195.3       190.0       153.0       128.4        95.2     
 % of revenues.....         4.3         4.4         4.0         3.8         3.0     
Income before                                                                       
 taxes.............       125.8       111.5(d)     97.8        90.2        84.7(c)  
 % of revenues.....         2.8         2.6         2.6         2.7         2.7     
Effective income                                                                    
 tax rate (%)......        39.1        42.3        17.1        18.2        38.3     
Income.............        76.7        64.3(d)     81.1        72.5        49.7(c)  
 % of revenues.....         1.7         1.5         2.1         2.1         1.6     
Earnings (loss) per                                                                 
 share                                                                              
 Primary...........         .85         .72(d)      .90         .74         .55(c)  
 Fully diluted.....            (e)         (e)         (e)         (e)      .52(c)  
Capital                                                                             
 expenditures......        47.4        57.9        57.1        38.3        35.9     
Depreciation and                                                                    
 amortization......        58.2        49.5        43.8        37.3        36.4     
                       ------------------------------------------------------------
DISCONTINUED                                                                        
 OPERATIONS                                                                         
Income (loss)......    $   40.9    $   29.2    $   85.5    $   37.0    $   30.5     
Earnings (loss) per                                                                 
 share                                                                              
 Primary...........         .45         .33         .94         .38         .34     
 Fully diluted.....            (e)         (e)         (e)         (e)      .31     
                       ------------------------------------------------------------ 
TOTAL OPERATIONS                                                                    
Net income.........    $  117.6    $   93.5(d) $  166.6    $  109.5    $   80.2(c)  
Earnings (loss) per                                                                 
 share                                                                              
 Primary...........        1.30        1.05(d)     1.84        1.12         .89(c)  
 Fully diluted.....            (e)         (e)         (e)         (e)      .83(c)  
                       ------------------------------------------------------------
SHARE ACTIVITY                                                                      
Dividends per                                                                       
 share.............    $    .44    $    .42    $    .38    $    .34    $    .32     
Per share book                                                                      
 value.............        9.20        8.47        7.48        7.04        6.21     
Return on                                                                           
 shareholders'                                                                      
 equity (a)........        15.0        13.5        16.9(f)     16.9        15.8     
Average common and                                                                  
 common equivalent                                                                  
 shares............        90.1        89.1        90.4        97.5        90.3     
Shareholders of                                                                     
 record............      14,096      14,152      13,410      14,103      12,875     
                       ------------------------------------------------------------ 
SUPPLEMENTARY                                                                       
 INFORMATION                                                                        
Days sales                                                                          
 outstanding.......        38.6        39.7        39.3        38.5        38.9     
Inventory turns                                                                     
 (FIFO basis)......         5.7         5.7         5.7         5.6         5.3     
Current ratio......         1.9         1.7         1.6         1.9         2.1     
Pretax return on                                                                    
 capital employed..        20.8        20.1        20.8(f)     19.9        21.3     
Pretax return on                                                                    
 capital employed                                                                   
 with finance                                                                       
 subsidiaries on                                                                    
 equity method.....        22.5        21.6        21.7(f)     20.3        21.3     
Working capital....    $  516.0    $  404.3    $  342.8    $  412.3    $  462.5     
Total assets.......     2,020.6     1,916.5     1,623.9     1,512.4     1,389.3     
Total debt.........       524.9       450.6       378.0       253.6       229.4     
 % of                                                                               
  capitalization...        38.9        37.4        36.9        26.6        26.3     
Total debt                                                                          
 excluding finance                                                                  
 subsidiaries......       304.2       291.0       283.5       201.4       205.8     
 % of                                                                               
  capitalization...        27.0        27.8        30.5        22.4        24.2     
Serial preferred                                                                    
 stock.............         2.9         4.9         7.4         9.9        11.4     
Employees..........      18,800      20,900      19,800      17,300      17,300      
</TABLE>
- -------
(a) From continuing operations.
(b) Excludes the effect of the sale of IMMOS (note 4) in fiscal 1994 and
    restructuring costs (note 15) in fiscal 1993.
(c) Includes the sale of an automobile leasing subsidiary that resulted in a
    pretax gain of $17,637,000.
(d) Includes unusual pretax charges relating to the Hillman Companies of
    $10,323,000.
(e) Dilution is immaterial after 1987; therefore no disclosure.
(f) Excludes gain on sale of Alco Health Services Corporation of pretax--
    $96,800,000; net income--$61,900,000.
 
Note: All share and per share amounts are post-stock split.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, ratios and operating results include the effect
of: fiscal 1994--loss on sale of investment in IMMOS (note 4), pretax income
($115,265,000), net income ($95,086,000), earnings per share ($.88); fiscal
1993--restructuring costs (note 15), operating income ($175,000,000), net
income ($112,875,000), earnings per share ($1.19).
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
                                  SEGMENT DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   INCOME                           DEPRECIATION
                                   BEFORE                CAPITAL        AND
                         REVENUES   TAXES     ASSETS   EXPENDITURES AMORTIZATION
                         --------  -------   --------  ------------ ------------
                                (CONTINUING OPERATIONS, IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>
EIGHT-YEAR COMPOUND
 GROWTH
1987-1995
Alco Office Products....     32.7%    39.5%      40.3%      14.0%        22.0%
Unisource...............     15.0     14.2       18.1       22.9         15.3
                         ========  =======   ========     ======       ======
1995
Alco Office Products.... $2,911.7  $ 251.8   $2,570.4     $ 48.4       $ 74.4
Unisource
  United States.........  6,183.3    184.1    1,666.7       48.5         27.1
  Canada................    804.0     41.0      330.3        1.5          6.2
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
Total Unisource.........  6,987.3    225.1    1,997.0       50.0         33.3
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
Operating...............  9,899.0    476.9    4,567.4       98.4        107.7
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........     (7.2)  (117.0)*    170.2         .8          2.0
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
                         $9,891.8  $ 359.9   $4,737.6     $ 99.2       $109.7
                         ========  =======   ========     ======       ======
1994
Alco Office Products.... $2,240.4  $ 199.4   $1,672.2     $ 72.5       $ 62.7
Unisource
  United States.........  5,107.6    148.8    1,391.5       30.5         26.1
  Canada................    648.9     13.5      296.5        3.4          6.4
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
Total Unisource.........  5,756.5    162.3    1,688.0       33.9         32.5
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
Operating...............  7,996.9    361.7    3,360.2      106.4         95.2
Unconsolidated
 affiliate..............            (117.2)
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........      (.9)   (87.7)*    142.1        1.6          1.6
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
                         $7,996.0  $ 156.8   $3,502.3     $108.0       $ 96.8
                         ========  =======   ========     ======       ======
1993
Alco Office Products.... $1,585.6  $ 138.8   $1,450.0     $ 55.9       $ 45.4
Unisource
  United States.........  4,173.7    118.7    1,319.6       18.8         22.3
  Canada................    690.4     18.3      314.3        2.9          6.9
  Restructuring costs...            (175.0)
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
Total Unisource.........  4,864.1    (38.0)   1,633.9       21.7         29.2
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
Operating...............  6,449.7    100.8    3,083.9       77.6         74.6
Unconsolidated
 affiliate..............              (2.5)     118.1
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........     (5.1)   (73.7)*    146.9        1.2          1.5
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
                         $6,444.6  $  24.6   $3,348.9     $ 78.8       $ 76.1
                         ========  =======   ========     ======       ======
1992
Alco Office Products.... $1,259.2  $ 105.2   $  967.5     $ 33.8       $ 37.0
Unisource
  United States.........  3,585.1    118.2      988.7       19.1         20.0
  Canada................     82.8      2.3      295.8        1.1           .6
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
Total Unisource.........  3,667.9    120.5    1,284.5       20.2         20.6
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
Operating...............  4,927.1    225.7    2,252.0       54.0         57.6
Investment gain, net....               6.7
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........     (2.0)   (59.9)*     69.2         .8          1.7
                         --------  -------   --------     ------       ------
                         $4,925.1  $ 172.5   $2,321.2     $ 54.8       $ 59.3
                         ========  =======   ========     ======       ======
</TABLE>
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   INCOME                         DEPRECIATION
                                   BEFORE              CAPITAL        AND
                         REVENUES  TAXES     ASSETS  EXPENDITURES AMORTIZATION
                         --------  ------   -------- ------------ ------------
                                (CONTINUING OPERATIONS, IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>
1991
Alco Office Products.... $1,047.1  $ 79.6   $  781.3    $28.6        $36.3
Unisource
  United States.........  3,441.1   113.8      897.3     16.1         18.4
  Canada................     35.8     1.9        8.2       .2           .4
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
Total Unisource.........  3,476.9   115.7      905.5     16.3         18.8
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
Operating...............  4,524.0   195.3    1,686.8     44.9         55.1
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........     (8.0)  (69.5)*    177.8      2.5          3.1
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
                         $4,516.0  $125.8   $1,864.6    $47.4        $58.2
                         ========  ======   ========    =====        =====
1990
Alco Office Products.... $  951.7  $ 58.9   $  680.5    $32.3        $33.2
Unisource
  United States.........  3,316.3   129.4      843.9     24.6         14.9
  Canada................     22.2     1.7        8.5       .1           .2
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
Total Unisource.........  3,338.5   131.1      852.4     24.7         15.1
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
Operating...............  4,290.2   190.0    1,532.9     57.0         48.3
Investment gain.........              5.6
Unusual charges (AOP)...            (10.3)
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........      3.2   (73.8)*     88.8       .9          1.2
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
                         $4,293.4  $111.5   $1,621.7    $57.9        $49.5
                         ========  ======   ========    =====        =====
1989
Alco Office Products.... $  729.5  $ 41.3   $  540.4    $26.5        $26.7
Unisource--United
 States.................  3,047.3   111.7      692.7     27.5         14.5
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
Operating...............  3,776.8   153.0    1,233.1     54.0         41.2
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........      6.8   (55.2)*    108.3      3.1          2.6
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
                         $3,783.6  $ 97.8   $1,341.4    $57.1        $43.8
                         ========  ======   ========    =====        =====
1988
Alco Office Products.... $  484.8  $ 28.9   $  328.7    $19.6        $19.4
Unisource--United
 States.................  2,755.5    99.5      670.9     15.9         13.9
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
Operating...............  3,240.3   128.4      999.6     35.5         33.3
Gains, net of losses,
 from divestitures......              7.9
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........    139.1   (46.1)*    140.0      2.8          4.0
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
                         $3,379.4  $ 90.2   $1,139.6    $38.3        $37.3
                         ========  ======   ========    =====        =====
1987
Alco Office Products.... $  303.7  $ 17.6   $  171.0    $17.0        $15.2
Unisource--United
 States.................  2,281.7    77.6      528.8      9.6         10.7
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
Operating...............  2,585.4    95.2      699.8     26.6         25.9
Gains, net of losses,
 from divestitures......             17.6
Eliminations and
 nonallocated...........    588.3   (28.1)*    348.5      9.3         10.5
                         --------  ------   --------    -----        -----
                         $3,173.7  $ 84.7   $1,048.3    $35.9        $36.4
                         ========  ======   ========    =====        =====
</TABLE>
- --------
* Includes interest costs and net corporate expenses.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
 
                                QUARTERLY DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             FIRST        SECOND         THIRD            FOURTH
                            QUARTER       QUARTER       QUARTER           QUARTER            TOTAL
                         ------------- ------------- -------------     -------------     -------------
                                    (UNAUDITED, IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>               <C>
1995
Revenues................ $     2,181.6 $     2,445.8 $     2,595.9     $     2,668.5     $     9,891.8
Gross profit............         565.8         619.6         658.0             681.5           2,524.9
Income before taxes.....          74.5          81.9          97.1             106.4             359.9
Income (loss)
  Continuing
   operations...........          45.5          49.1          58.9              65.8             219.3
  Discontinued
   operations...........                                                       (16.6)(a)         (16.6)(a)
                         ------------- ------------- -------------     -------------     -------------
Net income.............. $        45.5 $        49.1 $        58.9     $        49.2     $       202.7
                         ============= ============= =============     =============     =============
Earnings (loss) per
 share
  Continuing
   operations........... $         .38 $         .41 $         .50     $         .52     $        1.81
  Discontinued
   operations...........                                                        (.14)(a)          (.14)(a)
                         ------------- ------------- -------------     -------------     -------------
                         $         .38 $         .41 $         .50     $         .38     $        1.67
                         ============= ============= =============     =============     =============
Dividends per share..... $         .13 $         .13 $         .13     $         .13     $         .52
Common stock price
  High/Low.............. 31 7/8-26 1/2 36 7/8-30 7/8 40 1/8-34 3/8     43 5/8-38 1/4     43 5/8-26 1/2
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994
Revenues................ $     1,921.8 $     1,969.4 $     2,001.3     $     2,103.5     $     7,996.0
Gross profit............         485.4         511.7         535.4             550.8           2,083.3
Income (loss) before
 taxes..................          53.4          63.0         (38.9)(b)          79.3             156.8(b)
Net income (loss).......          31.9          38.0         (48.3)(b)          49.0              70.6(b)
                         ============= ============= =============     =============     =============
Earnings (loss) per
 share..................           .30           .32          (.48)(b)           .42               .55(b)
                         ============= ============= =============     =============     =============
Dividends per share..... $        .125 $        .125 $        .125     $        .125     $         .50
Common stock price
  High/Low.............. 27 3/8-21 3/4 29 3/8-25 3/4 30 1/8-24 3/4     32 3/4-28 1/2     32 3/4-21 3/4
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) The Company recorded a pretax charge of $23,630,000 ($16,541,000 net of
    taxes or $.14 per share) for environmental liabilities of discontinued
    operations.
(b) Includes a pretax charge of $115,265,000 ($95,086,000 net of taxes or $.87
    per share for the third quarter and $.88 for the fiscal year) for the sale
    of the investment in IMMOS.
 
Note: All share and per share amounts are post-stock split.
 
  The New York Stock Exchange is the principal market on which Alco's common
stock is traded (ticker symbol ASN). Alco's common stock is also traded on the
Philadelphia and Chicago Stock Exchanges. Alco currently expects to continue
its policy of paying quarterly cash dividends, although there can be no
assurance as to future dividends because they are dependent upon future
operating results, capital requirements and financial condition and may be
limited by covenants in certain loan agreements.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                               <C>
     SEC Filing Fee................................................... $157,974
     Listing Fees.....................................................    8,000
     Printing Expenses ...............................................   35,000
     Accounting Fees..................................................   20,000
     Legal Fees.......................................................    2,000
     Miscellaneous expenses...........................................    5,000
                                                                       --------
     Total............................................................ $227,974
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
  All of the above amounts, except for the SEC filing fee, have been
estimated. All such amounts will be paid by Alco.
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  The Ohio General Corporation Law provides that a corporation may indemnify
persons who incur certain liabilities or expenses by reason of such persons
being or having been directors, officers, or employees of the registrant or
serving or having served in such capacities or similar capacities at the
registrant's request for other corporations or entities. Pursuant to the Ohio
law, the registrant has adopted, as a part of its Code of Regulations,
provisions whereby the registrant shall indemnify such persons against such
liabilities and expenses resulting from suits or other proceedings brought by
third persons and against expenses resulting from suits or other proceedings
brought in the right of the registrant, except that no indemnification against
expenses is to be made in respect of claims brought in the right of the
registrant where such person is finally adjudged to be liable for negligence
or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the registrant unless specific
court approval for such indemnification is obtained.
 
  The registrant has purchased liability insurance policies covering its
directors and officers to provide additional protection where the registrant
cannot legally indemnify a director or officer and where a claim arises under
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 against a director or
officer based upon an alleged breach of fiduciary or other wrongful act.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
  From time to time during the three-year period prior to the filing of this
registration statement, Alco has made unregistered sales of its common stock
to the sellers of acquired businesses pursuant to an exemption from
registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. Such
shares were subsequently registered for resale on Form S-3 as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   REGISTRATION
   STATEMENT NO.          FILING DATE            NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
   -------------          -----------            --------------------------------
   <S>                 <C>                       <C>
   33-49863            July 30, 1993                          84,400
   33-53711            May 19, 1994                          992,180
   33-54779            July 28, 1994                         731,742
   33-55947            October 7, 1994                       244,818
   33-56455            November 14, 1994                      51,310
   33-56457            November 14, 1994                      93,548
</TABLE>
 
  Based upon the market value of the Alco common shares described above on the
date of the relevant business acquisition, the total consideration received by
Alco for the above businesses was $61,518,000.
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES*
 
  (a) EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT
   NUMBER                         DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
   -------                        ----------------------
   <C>     <S>
     3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Alco Standard
           Corporation ("Alco"), filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K,
           is incorporated herein by reference.
     3.2   Code of Regulations of Alco, as amended February 9, 1982, filed as
           Exhibit 3(b) to Alco's 1982 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
     4.1   1993 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1993, among Alco,
           Alco Office Products (U.K.) and various institutional lenders, filed
           as Exhibit 4.1 to Alco's 1993 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
     4.2   Revolving Credit and Acceptance Agreement, dated as of April 21,
           1993, among Alco, Unisource Canada Inc. and The Toronto Dominion
           Bank, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Alco's 1993 Form 10-K, is incorporated
           herein by reference. Amendment No. 1 to Revolving Credit and
           Acceptance Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K,
           is incorporated herein by reference.
     4.3   Credit Agreement, dated December 1, 1994, among Alco and various
           institutional lenders, filed as Exhibit 4.8 to Alco's Registration
           Statement No. 33-56437, is incorporated herein by reference.
           Amendment No. 1 dated February 1, 1995, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to
           Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
     4.4   Receivables Purchase Agreement and Guarantee between PCA Paper
           Acquisition Inc., Stars Trust, Alco and Bank of Montreal, filed as
           Exhibit 4.4 to Alco's 1992 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference. Amendment dated September 30, 1994 to Receivables
           Purchase Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K,
           is incorporated herein by reference.
     4.5   Credit Agreement dated as of October 13, 1995 among Alco Office
           Systems Canada, Inc., Deutsche Bank Canada, Chemical Bank of Canada
           and Royal Bank of Canada, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Alco's 1995 Form
           10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
     4.6   Participation Agreement dated as of November 8, 1994 among Unisource
           Worldwide, Inc. and AOP, Inc. as Lessees, Alco, as Guarantor, PPI
           SPV, L.P., as Lessor, Pitcairn SPV Inc., as General Partner of
           Lessor and Trust Company Bank, as Lender and Agent, filed as Exhibit
           4.6 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
     4.7   Rights Agreement dated as of February 10, 1988 between Alco and
           National City Bank, filed on February 11, 1988 as Exhibit 1 to
           Alco's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
     4.8   Assumption Agreement and Amended and Restated Note Agreement dated
           as of May 13, 1994 between Alco and the Prudential Insurance Company
           of America, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Alco's 1994 10-K, is
           incorporated herein by reference. Amendment No. 1 dated September
           30, 1995, filed as Exhibit 4.8 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is
           incorporated herein by reference.
     4.9   Note Purchase Agreement between Alco and various purchasers dated
           July 15, 1995 for $55 million in 7.15% Notes due November 15, 2005,
           filed as Exhibit 4.9 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated
           herein by reference.
     4.10  Pursuant to Regulation S-K item 601(b)(iii), Alco agrees to furnish
           to the Commission, upon request, a copy of other instruments
           defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of Alco and its
           subsidiaries.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT
   NUMBER                         DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
   -------                        ----------------------
   <C>     <S>
     5     Opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll with respect to the
           legality of the securities being registered.
     7     Opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll with respect to the
           liquidation preference of preferred stock.
    10.1   Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 15, 1986 between Alco and
           certain institutional investors, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Alco's
           Current Report, dated July 1, 1988, on Form 8-K, is incorporated
           herein by reference.
    10.2   Alco Standard Corporation Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive
           Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K,
           is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.3   Alco Standard Corporation Annual Bonus Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.3
           to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.4   Alco Standard Corporation Partners' Stock Purchase Plan, filed as
           Exhibit 10.4 to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
    10.5   Alco Standard Corporation 1981 Stock Option Plan, filed as Exhibit
           10.5 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.6   Alco Standard Corporation Amended and Restated 1986 Stock Option
           Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is
           incorporated herein by reference.
    10.7   Alco Standard Corporation 1989 Directors' Stock Option Plan, filed
           as Exhibit 10.3 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
    10.8   Alco Standard Corporation 1993 Directors' Stock Option Plan, filed
           as Exhibit 10.7 to Alco's 1993 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
    10.9   Alco Standard Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan, filed as Exhibit
           94 to Alco's Registration Statement No. 33-56469 on Form S-8, is
           incorporated herein by reference.
    10.10  Alco Standard Corporation 1980 Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as
           Exhibit 10.7 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
    10.11  Alco Standard Corporation 1985 Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as
           Exhibit 10.8 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
    10.12  Alco Standard Corporation 1991 Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as
           Exhibit 10.9 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
    10.13  Alco Standard Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Employee
           Directors, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is
           incorporated herein by reference.
    10.14  Alco Standard Corporation Amended and Restated 1994 Deferred
           Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.14 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K,
           is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.15  Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1986 between Alco and the Chase
           Manhattan Bank, N.A., as Trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Alco's
           Registration Statement No. 30-4829, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
    10.16  Support Agreement dated as of June 1, 1994 between Alco and Alco
           Capital Resource, Inc. (Alco's leasing subsidiary), filed as Exhibit
           10.4 to Alco Capital Resource's Amended Registration Statement in
           Form 10-12G/A dated May 27, 1994, is incorporated herein by
           reference.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT
   NUMBER                         DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
   -------                        ----------------------
   <C>     <S>
    10.17  Maintenance Agreement, dated as of August 15, 1991 between Alco and
           Alco Capital Resource, Inc. (Alco's leasing subsidiary), filed as
           Exhibit 10.2 to Alco Capital Resource's Registration Statement on
           Form 10 dated May 4, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.18  Operating Agreement, dated as of August 15, 1991 between Alco and
           Alco Capital Resource, Inc. (Alco's leasing subsidiary), filed as
           Exhibit 10.3 to Alco Capital Resource's Registration Statement on
           Form 10 dated May 4, 1994, is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.19  Agreement effective January 1, 1994 between Unisource Worldwide,
           Inc. and Integrated Systems Solution Corporation, a subsidiary of
           IBM, portions of which contain confidential material, filed as
           Exhibit 10.20 to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K/A filed on March 17, 1995, is
           incorporated herein by reference.
    10.20  Receivables Transfer Agreement dated as of September 23, 1994 Among
           Alco Capital Resource, Inc., Twin Towers, Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG,
           New York Branch, portions of which contain confidential material,
           filed as Exhibit 10.21 to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K/A filed on March 17,
           1995, is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.21  Distribution Agreement dated as of July 1, 1995 between Alco Capital
           Resource, Inc. and various distribution agents, filed as Exhibit
           10.21 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
    10.22  Indenture dated as of July 1, 1994 between Alco Capital Resource,
           Inc. and Nations Bank, N.A., as Trustee, filed as Exhibit 4 to Alco
           Capital Resource's Registration Statement No. 33-53779, is
           incorporated herein by reference.
    10.23  Indenture dated as of July 1, 1995 between Alco Capital Resource,
           Inc. and Chemical Bank, N.A., as Trustee, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to
           Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
    11     Statement re: Computation of earnings per share, filed as Exhibit 11
           to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
    21     Subsidiaries of Alco, filed as Exhibit 21 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K,
           is incorporated herein by reference.
    23     Auditors' Consent.
    24     Powers of Attorney; certified resolution re: Powers of Attorney.
    27     Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- --------
 
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
  (b) Financial Statement Schedules
 
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Alco Standard Corporation
 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Alco Standard
Corporation as of September 30, 1995 and 1994, and for each of the three years
in the period ended September 30, 1995, and have issued our report thereon
dated October 17, 1995 (except for the stock split described in note 1, as to
which the date is November 9, 1995) included elsewhere in this Registration
Statement. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule included
in Item 16(b) of this Registration Statement. This schedule is the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion based on our audits.
 
In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 17, 1995,
except for the stock split described
in note 1, as to which the date is
November 9, 1995
 
                SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         COL. A              COL. B            COL. C                COL. D           COL. E
         ------              ------            ------                ------           ------
                                              ADDITIONS
                                       -----------------------
                                                   CHARGED TO
                           BALANCE AT  CHARGED TO     OTHER
                          BEGINNING OF  COSTS AND  ACCOUNTS--     DEDUCTIONS--    BALANCE AT END
      DESCRIPTION            PERIOD     EXPENSES    DESCRIBE        DESCRIBE        OF PERIOD
      -----------         ------------ ----------- -----------    ------------    --------------
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
- -----------------------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>
Allowance for doubtful
 accounts...............  $29,428,000  $21,900,000 $17,249,000(1) $19,949,000(2)   $48,628,000
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- -----------------------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>
Allowance for doubtful
 accounts...............  $27,528,000  $19,668,000 $   836,000(1) $18,604,000(2)   $29,428,000
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
- -----------------------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>
Allowance for doubtful
 accounts...............  $23,947,000  $19,702,000 $ 4,768,000(1) $20,889,000(2)   $27,528,000
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Represents beginning balances of acquired companies.
(2) Accounts written off during year, net of recoveries.
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
    (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
  post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
      (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
    Securities Act of 1933;
 
      (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
    the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
    post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
    aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
    in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
    increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
    dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
    registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
    maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
    with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
    changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
    maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
    Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
 
      (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
    distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
    any material change to such information in the registration statement.
 
    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
  Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
  to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
  therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
  be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
  any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
  termination of the offering.
 
  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 Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the
registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of
its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by
it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
  this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
  form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
  (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
  registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
  of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
  shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
  securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time
  shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE
UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN VALLEY FORGE, PENNSYLVANIA, ON THE
4TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 1995.
 
                                          Alco Standard Corporation
 
                                                   /s/ Michael J. Dillon
Date: December 4, 1995                    By: _________________________________
                                            (MICHAEL J. DILLON) VICE PRESIDENT
                                                 AND CONTROLLER (PRINCIPAL
                                                    ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE
DATES INDICATED.
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
               SIGNATURE                         TITLE                DATE
               ---------                         -----                ----
<S>                                     <C>                      <C> 
           *John E. Stuart              Chairman, President,     December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------    Chief Executive             
          (JOHN E. STUART)               Officer and
                                         Director (Principal
                                         Executive Officer)
 
        *Kurt E. Dinkelacker            Executive Vice           December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------    President and               
        (KURT E. DINKELACKER)            Acting Chief
                                         Financial Officer
                                         (Principal
                                         Financial Officer)
 
        /s/ Michael J. Dillon           Vice President and       December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------    Controller                  
         (MICHAEL J. DILLON)             (Principal
                                         Accounting Officer)
 
            *Ray B. Mundt               Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
           (RAY B. MUNDT)
 
        *J. Mahlon Buck, Jr.            Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                    
        (J. MAHLON BUCK, JR.)
 
        *Paul J. Darling, II            Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
        (PAUL J. DARLING, II)
 
</TABLE> 
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
               SIGNATURE                         TITLE                DATE
               ---------                         -----                ----
<S>                                     <C>                      <C> 
       *William F. Drake, Jr.           Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                 
       (WILLIAM F. DRAKE, JR.)
 
          *James J. Forese              Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
          (JAMES J. FORESE)
 
        *Frederick S. Hammer            Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
        (FREDERICK S. HAMMER)
 
     *Barbara Barnes Hauptfuhrer        Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
    (BARBARA BARNES HAUPTFUHRER)
 
            *Dana G. Mead               Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
           (DANA G. MEAD)
 
          *Paul C. O'Neill              Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
          (PAUL C. O'NEILL)
 
          *Rogelio G. Sada              Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
          (ROGELIO G. SADA)
 
         *James W. Stratton             Director                 December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
         (JAMES W. STRATTON)
 
</TABLE> 
* By his signature set forth below, Hugh G. Moulton, pursuant to duly executed
  Powers of Attorney duly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
  has signed this registration statement on behalf of the persons whose
  signatures are printed above, in the capacities set forth opposite their
  respective names.
<TABLE> 
<S>                                                              <C> 
         /s/ Hugh G. Moulton                                     December 4, 1995
- -------------------------------------                                
          (HUGH G. MOULTON)
</TABLE> 
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                                                                   PAGE
   NO.                               EXHIBIT                               NO.
 -------                             -------                               ----
 <C>     <S>                                                               <C>
   3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Alco Standard
         Corporation ("Alco"), filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Alco's 1995 Form
         10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
   3.2   Code of Regulations of Alco, as amended February 9, 1982, filed
         as Exhibit 3(b) to Alco's 1982 Form 10-K, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
   4.1   1993 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1993, among
         Alco, Alco Office Products (U.K.) and various institutional
         lenders, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Alco's 1993 Form 10-K, is
         incorporated herein by reference.
   4.2   Revolving Credit and Acceptance Agreement, dated as of April
         21, 1993, among Alco, Unisource Canada Inc. and The Toronto
         Dominion Bank, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Alco's 1993 Form 10-K,
         is incorporated herein by reference. Amendment No. 1 to
         Revolving Credit and Acceptance Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.2
         to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
   4.3   Credit Agreement, dated December 1, 1994, among Alco and
         various institutional lenders, filed as Exhibit 4.8 to Alco's
         Registration Statement No. 33-56437, is incorporated herein by
         reference. Amendment No. 1 dated February 1, 1995, filed as
         Exhibit 4.3 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
         reference.
   4.4   Receivables Purchase Agreement and Guarantee between PCA Paper
         Acquisition Inc., Stars Trust, Alco and Bank of Montreal, filed
         as Exhibit 4.4 to Alco's 1992 10-K, is incorporated herein by
         reference. Amendment dated September 30, 1994 to Receivables
         Purchase Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Alco's 1994 Form
         10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
   4.5   Credit Agreement dated as of October 13, 1995 among Alco Office
         Systems Canada, Inc., Deutsche Bank Canada, Chemical Bank of
         Canada and Royal Bank of Canada, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Alco's
         1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
   4.6   Participation Agreement dated as of November 8, 1994 among
         Unisource Worldwide, Inc. and AOP, Inc. as Lessees, Alco, as
         Guarantor, PPI SPV, L.P., as Lessor, Pitcairn SPV Inc., as
         General Partner of Lessor and Trust Company Bank, as Lender and
         Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is
         incorporated herein by reference.
   4.7   Rights Agreement dated as of February 10, 1988 between Alco and
         National City Bank, filed on February 11, 1988 as Exhibit 1 to
         Alco's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
   4.8   Assumption Agreement and Amended and Restated Note Agreement
         dated as of May 13, 1994 between Alco and the Prudential
         Insurance Company of America, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Alco's
         1994 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference. Amendment No. 1
         dated September 30, 1995, filed as Exhibit 4.8 to Alco's 1995
         Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
   4.9   Note Purchase Agreement between Alco and various purchasers
         dated July 15, 1995 for $55 million in 7.15% Notes due November
         15, 2005, filed as Exhibit 4.9 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is
         incorporated herein by reference.
   4.10  Pursuant to Regulation S-K item 601(b)(iii), Alco agrees to
         furnish to the Commission, upon request, a copy of other
         instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of
         Alco and its subsidiaries.
   5     Opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll with respect to
         the legality of the securities being registered.
   7     Opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll with respect to
         the liquidation preference of preferred stock.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                                                                   PAGE
   NO.                               EXHIBIT                               NO.
 -------                             -------                               ----
 <C>     <S>                                                               <C>
  10.1   Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 15, 1986 between Alco
         and certain institutional investors, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to
         Alco's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 1, 1988, is
         incorporated herein by reference.
  10.2   Alco Standard Corporation Amended and Restated Long Term
         Incentive Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Alco's
         1995 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.3   Alco Standard Corporation Annual Bonus Plan, filed as Exhibit
         10.3 to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein by
         reference.
  10.4   Alco Standard Corporation Partners' Stock Purchase Plan, filed
         as Exhibit 10.4 to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
  10.5   Alco Standard Corporation 1981 Stock Option Plan, filed as
         Exhibit 10.5 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated herein
         by reference.
  10.6   Alco Standard Corporation Amended and Restated 1986 Stock
         Option Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Alco's 1995 Form 10-K, is
         incorporated herein by reference.
  10.7   Alco Standard Corporation 1989 Directors' Stock Option Plan,
         filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
  10.8   Alco Standard Corporation 1993 Directors' Stock Option Plan,
         filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Alco's 1993 Form 10-K, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
  10.9   Alco Standard Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan, filed as
         Exhibit 94 to Alco's Registration Statement No. 33-56469 on
         Form S-8, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.10  Alco Standard Corporation 1980 Deferred Compensation Plan,
         filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
  10.11  Alco Standard Corporation 1985 Deferred Compensation Plan,
         filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
  10.12  Alco Standard Corporation 1991 Deferred Compensation Plan,
         filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
  10.13  Alco Standard Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Employee
         Directors, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Alco's 1992 Form 10-K, is
         incorporated herein by reference.
  10.14  Alco Standard Corporation Amended and Restated 1994 Deferred
         Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.14 to Alco's 1995 Form
         10-K, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.15  Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1986 between Alco and the Chase
         Manhattan Bank, N.A., as Trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to
         Alco's Registration Statement No. 30-4829, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
  10.16  Support Agreement dated as of June 1, 1994 between Alco and
         Alco Capital Resource, Inc. (Alco's leasing subsidiary), filed
         as Exhibit 10.4 to Alco Capital Resource's Amended Registration
         Statement in Form 10-12G/A dated May 27, 1994, is incorporated
         herein by reference.
  10.17  Maintenance Agreement, dated as of August 15, 1991 between Alco
         and Alco Capital Resource, Inc. (Alco's leasing subsidiary),
         filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Alco Capital Resource's Registration
         Statement on Form 10 dated May 4, 1994, is incorporated herein
         by reference.
  10.18  Operating Agreement, dated as of August 15, 1991 between Alco
         and Alco Capital Resource, Inc. (Alco's leasing subsidiary),
         filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Alco Capital Resource's Registration
         Statement on Form 10 dated May 4, 1994, is incorporated herein
         by reference.
  10.19  Agreement effective January 1, 1994 between Unisource
         Worldwide, Inc. and Integrated Systems Solution Corporation, a
         subsidiary of IBM, portions of which contain confidential
         material, filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Alco's 1994 Form 10-K/A
         filed on March 17, 1995, is incorporated herein by reference.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                                                                   PAGE
   NO.                               EXHIBIT                               NO.
 -------                             -------                               ----
 <C>     <S>                                                               <C>
  10.20  Receivables Transfer Agreement dated as of September 23, 1994
         Among Alco Capital Resource, Inc., Twin Towers, Inc. and
         Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, portions of which contain
         confidential material, filed as Exhibit 10.21 to Alco's 1994
         Form 10-K/A filed on March 17, 1995, is incorporated herein by
         reference.
  10.21  Distribution Agreement dated as of July 1, 1995 between Alco
         Capital Resource, Inc. and various distribution agents, filed
         as Exhibit 10.21 to Alco's 1995 10-K, is incorporated herein by
         reference.
  10.22  Indenture dated as of July 1, 1994 between Alco Capital
         Resource, Inc. and Nations Bank, N.A., as Trustee, filed as
         Exhibit 4 to Alco Capital Resource's Registration Statement No.
         33-53779, is incorporated herein by reference.
  10.23  Indenture dated as of July 1, 1995 between Alco Capital
         Resource, Inc. and Chemical Bank, N.A., as Trustee, filed as
         Exhibit 10.23 to Alco's 1995 10-K, is incorporated herein by
         reference.
  11     Statement re: Computation of earnings per share, filed as
         Exhibit 11 to Alco's 1995 10-K, is incorporated herein by
         reference.
  21     Subsidiaries of Alco, filed as Exhibit 21 to Alco's 1995 10-K,
         is incorporated herein by reference.
  23     Auditors' Consent.
  24     Powers of Attorney; certified resolution re: Powers of
         Attorney.
  27     Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
                                       3

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 5
 
                                                                December 4, 1995
 
Alco Standard Corporation
P.O. Box 834
Valley Forge, PA 19482
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  We have acted as counsel to Alco Standard Corporation ("Alco") in connection
with the filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the "Registration
Statement") to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, 10,000,000
shares of its Common Stock (the "Shares") for offering from time to time in
connection with the acquisition of businesses and properties by Alco and its
subsidiaries. The Shares may be presently authorized but unissued shares or
shares held as treasury shares at the time of their delivery. In this connection
we have made such investigation and reviewed such documents as we deem necessary
in the circumstances to render the following opinion.
 
  Based upon such investigation and review, it is our opinion that the Shares
have been duly authorized for issue, and when (i) authorized for issuance by the
Board of Directors of Alco in transactions of the type and for the consideration
described in the Registration Statement and (ii) issued or delivered upon
receipt of such consideration, such Shares will be legally issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.
 
  We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the references to this opinion and to our firm in
the prospectus included therein.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          /s/ Ballard Spahr Andrews &
                                           Ingersoll

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 7
 
                                                                December 4, 1995
 
Alco Standard Corporation
P.O. Box 834
Valley Forge, Pa 19482
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
  In connection with the filing by Alco Standard Corporation ("Alco") of a
registration statement on Form S-1 with respect to the registration of
10,000,000 shares of its Common Stock (no par value) (the "Registration
Statement") to be issued from time to time by Alco in connection with
acquisitions of businesses and properties by Alco and its subsidiaries, we have
been requested to furnish our opinion as to whether any preference upon
liquidation provided in shares of Serial Preferred Stock (no par value) of Alco
places any restrictions upon Alco's surplus if such preference exceeds the
stated or carrying value of such shares.
 
  In this connection we have reviewed Alco's Articles of Incorporation and the
relevant provisions of the Ohio General Corporation Law, particularly Sections
1701.30, 1701.32 and 1701.33, Revised Code of Ohio. Under the Articles of
Incorporation of Alco the Board of Directors is empowered to fix the
liquidation preference of each series of Serial Preferred Stock in the event of
any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, which preference may exceed the
stated or carrying value of such shares on the books of Alco.
 
  In our opinion, there are no restrictions upon the payment of dividends or
other distributions out of Alco's surplus solely by reason of the excess of the
liquidation preference over the stated or carrying value of shares of Serial
Preferred Stock and there are no remedies available to security holders before
or after the payment of any dividend or distribution by Alco solely because
such dividend may reduce its surplus to an amount less than the amount of such
excess.
 
  We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          /s/ Ballard Spahr Andrews &
                                           Ingersoll

<PAGE>
 
                                  Exhibit 23


              Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the 
use of our report dated October 17, 1995 (except for the stock split described 
in note 1, as to which the date is November 9, 1995), in the Registration 
Statement (Form S-1) and related Prospectus of Alco Standard Corporation for the
registration of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock.


                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 30, 1995

<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 24
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/J. MAHLON BUCK, JR.
                                              ---------------------------
<PAGE>
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/PAUL J. DARLING, II
                                              ---------------------------

<PAGE>
 


 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is Acting Chief Financial Officer of 
Alco Standard Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/KURT E. DINKELACKER
                                              ---------------------------


<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/WILLIAM F. DRAKE, JR.
                                              ---------------------------


<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/JAMES J. FORESE
                                              ---------------------------



<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/FREDERICK S. HAMMER
                                              ---------------------------




<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that she is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as her attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on her behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/BARBARA BARNES HAUPTFUHRER
                                              ----------------------------------





<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/DANA G. MEAD
                                              ----------------------------------






<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/RAY B. MUNDT
                                              ---------------------







<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/PAUL C. O'NEILL
                                              ------------------------








<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/ROGELIO G. SADA
                                              ------------------------









<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is a Director of Alco Standard 
Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/JAMES W. STRATTON
                                              --------------------------










<PAGE>
 
 

 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------


     The undersigned certifies that he is Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Alco Standard Corporation ("Alco").

     The undersigned hereby appoints each of Hugh G. Moulton, J. Kenneth Croney 
and Michael J. Dillon as his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of 
substitution, to execute, on his behalf the foregoing registration statement on
Form S-1, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and to
execute any and all amendments to said registration statement, and to do all 
such other acts and execute all such other documents which said attorney may 
deem necessary or desirable.


     Dated this 4th day of December, 1995.



                                       SIGNED:  /s/JOHN E. STUART
                                              --------------------------












<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 24.1

                                 CERTIFICATION

          I, J. Kenneth Croney, Secretary of Alco Standard Corporation do hereby
certify that the following resolutions were duly passed by the Board of 
Directors of the Corporation on November 10, 1995, and that such resolutions 
are, as of the date hereof, in full force and effect:

               RESOLVED, that each of the officers and directors of the
     corporation is hereby authorized to appoint Hugh G. Moulton and J. Kenneth
     Croney and Michael J. Dillon as his or her attorneys-in-fact on behalf of
     each of them each attorney-in-fact with the power of substitution, to
     execute on such officer's or director's behalf, one or more registration
     statements and annual reports of the corporation for filing with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and any and all amendments to
     said documents which said attorney may deem necessary or desirable to
     enable the corporation to register the offering of debt securities and to
     further enable the corporation to file such reports as are necessary under
     Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and such other
     documents as are necessary to comply with all rules, regulations or
     requirements of the SEC in respect thereto; and

               FURTHER RESOLVED, that any officer of the corporation is hereby 
     authorized to do and perform, or cause to be done or performed, any and all
     things and to execute and deliver any and all agreements, certificates,
     undertakings, documents or instruments necessary or appropriate in order to
     carry out the purpose and intent of the foregoing resolutions.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of December,
1995.

                                           /s/ J. KENNETH CRONEY
                                       -----------------------------






<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 
consolidated financial statements of Alco Standard Corporation and subsidiaries
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1995
<CASH>                                      90,106,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                            1,224,327,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                48,628,000
<INVENTORY>                                747,895,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                         2,160,567,000
<PP&E>                                     745,235,000
<DEPRECIATION>                             375,285,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                           4,737,575,000<F2>
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                    1,390,077,000
<BONDS>                                    325,314,000
<COMMON>                                   637,414,000
                                0
                                492,076,000<F1>
<OTHER-SE>                                 739,047,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>             4,737,575,000<F3>
<SALES>                                  9,794,186,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                         9,891,826,000
<CGS>                                    7,326,721,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                            7,366,937,000<F4>
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                         2,109,148,000<F5>
<LOSS-PROVISION>                            21,900,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          55,838,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            359,903,000
<INCOME-TAX>                               140,630,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        219,273,000
<DISCONTINUED>                            (16,541,000)<F6>
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               202,732,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.67<F7>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.63<F8>
<FN>
<F1>Redeemable solely at the Company's option.
<F2>Includes Finance Subsidiaries assets (primarily lease receivables) of
$983,322,000
<F3>Includes Finance Subsidiaries liabilities (primarily debt) of $872,783,000
<F4>Includes Finance Subsidiaries interest of $40,216,000
<F5>Represents selling, general, and administrative expenses.
<F6>Represents loss on discontinued operations net of income tax benefit of
$7,089,000.
<F7>Primary earnings per share from continuing operations is $1.81, from
discontinued operations ($0.14).
<F8>Fully diluted earnings per share from continuing operations is $1.77, from
discontinued operations ($0.14).
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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