WESTERN RESOURCES INC /KS
S-4/A, 1997-02-25
ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED
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<PAGE>
 
   
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 25, 1997     
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-18097
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                --------------
                                
                             AMENDMENT NO. 2     
                                      TO
                                   FORM S-4
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                                --------------
 
                            WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
                                --------------
 
<TABLE>
 <S>                            <C>                           <C>
            KANSAS                          4911                       48-0290150
 (State or other jurisdiction
              of
       incorporation or         (Primary Standard Industrial        (I.R.S. Employer
        organization)            Classification Code Number)       Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
            818 S. KANSAS AVENUE TOPEKA, KANSAS 66612(913) 575-6300
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   Registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                                --------------
 
                               JOHN K. ROSENBERG
     EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
            818 S. KANSAS AVENUE TOPEKA, KANSAS 66612(913) 575-6300
 
  (Name and address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
                          code, of agent for service)
 
                                --------------
 
                                   COPY TO:
 
NEIL T. ANDERSON SULLIVAN & CROMWELL 125 BROAD STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
                                (212) 558-4000
 
                                --------------
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: AS SOON AS
     PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
 
                                --------------
 
  If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance
with General Instruction G, check the following box. [_]
 
                                --------------
 
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 
              SUBJECT TO COMPLETION--DATED FEBRUARY 25, 1997     
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                OFFER TO EXCHANGE EACH OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARE
          (INCLUDING THE ASSOCIATED PREFERENCE SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS)
 
                                       OF
 
                                  ADT LIMITED
 
                                      FOR
                          $7.50 NET PER SHARE IN CASH
                                      AND
 
                             $15.00 OF COMMON STOCK
   (SUBJECT TO DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENT ONLY IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED BELOW)
 
                                       OF
 
                            WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
    
 THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00
 PM, EASTERN TIME, ON      , 1997, UNLESS THE OFFER IS
 EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). SHARES WHICH ARE
 TENDERED PURSUANT TO THE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT
 ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.     
 
  Western Resources, Inc., a Kansas corporation ("Western Resources"), and
Westar Capital, Inc., a Kansas corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
Western Resources ("Westar Capital"), hereby offer, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth herein and in the related Letter of Transmittal
(collectively, the "Offer"), to exchange $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 in shares
of common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of Western Resources ("Western
Resources Common Stock"), subject to adjustment as described below, for each
outstanding common share, par value $ 0.10 per share (each, a "Share" and
collectively, the "Shares"), of ADT Limited, a company incorporated under the
laws of Bermuda ("ADT"), including (unless and until Western Resources and
Westar Capital declare that the Rights Condition (as defined below) is
satisfied) the associated preference share purchase rights (each, a "Right" and
collectively, the "Rights") issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement, dated as
of November 6, 1996, between ADT and Citibank, N.A., as Rights Agent (the
"Rights Agreement"), validly tendered on or prior to the Expiration Date and
not properly withdrawn. Unless the context otherwise requires and unless and
until the Rights are redeemed, all references to Shares shall include the
associated Rights. All references herein to Rights shall include all benefits
that may inure to holders of the Rights pursuant to the Rights Agreement. Each
Share validly tendered on or prior to the Expiration Date and not properly
withdrawn will be entitled to receive $7.50 net in cash (the "Cash
Consideration") and that number of shares of Western Resources Common Stock
equal to the Exchange Ratio (as defined below) (the "Stock Consideration," and,
together with the Cash Consideration, the "Offer Consideration").
                                                   (Continued on following page)
                                  -----------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                     The Dealer Managers for the Offer are:
 
                            BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
                             CHASE SECURITIES INC.
                              SALOMON BROTHERS INC
          
       The date of this Preliminary Prospectus is February 25, 1997.     
<PAGE>
 
(continued from previous page)
   
  The term "Exchange Ratio" means the quotient (rounded to the nearest
1/100,000) determined by dividing $15.00 by the average of the high and low
sales prices of Western Resources Common Stock (as reported on the New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") Composite Transactions reporting system as
published in The Wall Street Journal or, if not published therein, in another
authoritative source) (the "Western Resources Average Price") on each of the
twenty consecutive trading days ending with the third trading day immediately
preceding the Expiration Date; provided that the Exchange Ratio shall not be
greater than 0.50420. Pursuant to the Exchange Ratio, each Share will be
exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock
as long as the Western Resources Average Price is $29.75 or higher. If the
Western Resources Average Price is less than $29.75, each Share will be
exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and less than $15.00 of Western Resources
Common Stock. See "Reasons for the Offer--The Exchange Ratio." Western
Resources Common Stock is listed for trading under the symbol "WR" on the
NYSE. On February 21, 1997, the closing price of Western Resources Common
Stock on the NYSE was $30.75. Based on such closing price, the Exchange Ratio
would be .48780 and each Share would be converted into $7.50 net in cash and
$15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock. The Exchange Ratio will change as
the market price of the Western Resources Common Stock changes. Holders of
outstanding Shares ("ADT Shareholders") may call (800)       any time on or
after the date hereof through the Expiration Date for the current Exchange
Ratio calculated based on the then-current Western Resources Average Price for
the twenty consecutive trading days ending with the third trading day
immediately preceding the date the call is placed. The actual Western
Resources Average Price and Exchange Ratio will be calculated as of the third
trading day immediately prior to the Expiration Date, as described above, and
a press release will be issued announcing the actual Exchange Ratio prior to
the opening of the second trading day prior to the Expiration Date (as it may
be extended from time to time).     
 
  WESTERN RESOURCES' OBLIGATION TO EXCHANGE THE OFFER CONSIDERATION FOR SHARES
PURSUANT TO THE OFFER IS CONDITIONED UPON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE
SATISFACTION OR, WHERE APPLICABLE, WAIVER OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: (I)
THERE BEING VALIDLY TENDERED AND NOT WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE A
NUMBER OF SHARES WHICH, TOGETHER WITH SHARES OWNED BY WESTERN RESOURCES AND
ITS AFFILIATES, WILL CONSTITUTE AT LEAST A MAJORITY OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF
OUTSTANDING SHARES ON A FULLY DILUTED BASIS (AS THOUGH ALL OPTIONS OR OTHER
SECURITIES CONVERTIBLE INTO OR EXERCISABLE OR EXCHANGEABLE FOR SHARES HAD BEEN
SO CONVERTED, EXERCISED OR EXCHANGED) AS OF THE DATE THE SHARES ARE ACCEPTED
FOR EXCHANGE BY WESTERN RESOURCES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER (THE "MINIMUM TENDER
CONDITION"), (II) APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF WESTERN RESOURCES
COMMON STOCK IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER AND THE AMALGAMATION AND APPROVAL OF
AN AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF WESTERN
RESOURCES (THE "WESTERN RESOURCES ARTICLES") TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES
OF WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON STOCK AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE BY THE HOLDERS
(VOTING AS A SINGLE CLASS) OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES OF WESTERN RESOURCES
COMMON STOCK AND WESTERN RESOURCES PREFERRED STOCK OUTSTANDING ON THE
APPLICABLE RECORD DATE (THE "WESTERN RESOURCES SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
CONDITION"), (III) THE APPROVAL BY A MAJORITY OF THOSE SHARES VOTED AT A
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF ADT SHAREHOLDERS, WHICH HAS BEEN REQUISITIONED BY
WESTAR CAPITAL (THE "ADT SPECIAL MEETING") PURSUANT TO SECTION 74 OF THE
COMPANIES ACT 1981 OF BERMUDA, AS AMENDED (THE "COMPANIES ACT"), AND BYE-LAW
42 OF ADT'S BYE-LAWS (THE "ADT BYE-LAWS"), OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: (A) THE
REMOVAL, PURSUANT TO SECTION 93 OF THE COMPANIES ACT AND BYE-LAW 71 OF THE ADT
BYE-LAWS, OF ALL OF THE PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ADT (THE
"ADT BOARD") AND ANY PERSON OR PERSONS ELECTED OR DESIGNATED BY ANY OF SUCH
DIRECTORS TO FILL ANY VACANCY OR NEWLY CREATED DIRECTORSHIP, (B) THE REDUCTION
OF THE NUMBER OF SEATS ON THE ADT BOARD TO TWO, AND (C) THE ELECTION OF STEVEN
L. KITCHEN AND STEVEN A. MILLSTEIN (THE "WESTERN RESOURCES NOMINEES") AS THE
DIRECTORS OF ADT (OR, IF EITHER WESTERN RESOURCES NOMINEE IS UNABLE TO SERVE
AS A DIRECTOR OF ADT DUE TO DEATH, DISABILITY OR OTHERWISE, ANY OTHER PERSON
DESIGNATED AS A WESTERN RESOURCES NOMINEE BY WESTERN RESOURCES) (COLLECTIVELY,
THE "ADT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL CONDITION"), (IV) THE ADT BOARD HAVING REDEEMED
THE RIGHTS OR AMENDED THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT SO THAT THE RIGHTS ARE INAPPLICABLE
TO THE ACQUISITION OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER, OR WESTERN RESOURCES BEING
OTHERWISE SATISFIED IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION THAT THE RIGHTS ARE INVALID OR ARE
NOT APPLICABLE TO THE ACQUISITION OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER (THE "RIGHTS
PLAN
 
                                      ii
<PAGE>
 
CONDITION"), (V) WESTERN RESOURCES AND WESTAR CAPITAL BEING SATISFIED, IN
THEIR SOLE DISCRETION, THAT THE PROVISIONS OF BYE-LAW 104 AND BYE-LAW 46 OF
THE ADT BYE-LAWS (AS DESCRIBED HEREIN) DO NOT AND WILL NOT APPLY TO WESTERN
RESOURCES, WESTAR CAPITAL OR THE ACQUISITION OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER
SO AS (A) TO REQUIRE WESTERN RESOURCES OR WESTAR CAPITAL TO COMPLY WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF BYE-LAW 104 OF THE ADT BYE-LAWS OR (B) TO PREVENT WESTERN
RESOURCES, WESTAR CAPITAL OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES FROM VOTING SHARES OWNED
BY ANY OF THEM AT ANY TIME (THE "ADT BYE-LAW CONDITION"), (VI) THE RECEIPT BY
WESTAR CAPITAL OF A FINAL JUDGMENT FROM A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION
DECLARING THE REPUBLIC WARRANT (AS DEFINED HEREIN) INVALID OR THE EXPIRATION
OF THE REPUBLIC WARRANT PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE WITHOUT HAVING BEEN
EXERCISED (THE "REPUBLIC WARRANT CONDITION") AND (VII) ALL REGULATORY
APPROVALS REQUIRED TO CONSUMMATE THE OFFER HAVING BEEN OBTAINED AND REMAINING
IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT, ALL STATUTORY WAITING PERIODS IN RESPECT THEREOF
HAVING EXPIRED AND NO SUCH APPROVAL CONTAINING ANY CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS
WHICH THE WESTERN RESOURCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS (THE "WESTERN RESOURCES BOARD")
DETERMINES WILL OR COULD BE EXPECTED TO MATERIALLY IMPAIR THE STRATEGIC AND
FINANCIAL BENEFITS EXPECTED TO RESULT FROM THE OFFER (THE "REGULATORY APPROVAL
CONDITION"). THE MINIMUM TENDER CONDITION, THE WESTERN RESOURCES SHAREHOLDER
APPROVAL CONDITION, THE ADT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL CONDITION, THE RIGHTS PLAN
CONDITION, THE ADT BYE-LAW CONDITION, THE REPUBLIC WARRANT CONDITION, THE
REGULATORY APPROVAL CONDITION AND THE OTHER CONDITIONS SET FORTH UNDER THE
CAPTION "THE OFFER--CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER--CERTAIN OTHER CONDITIONS OF THE
OFFER" SHALL BE REFERRED TO COLLECTIVELY AS THE "OFFER CONDITIONS."
CAPITALIZED TERMS USED BUT NOT DEFINED ABOVE ARE DEFINED HEREINAFTER.
          
  THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS CONTAINS CERTAIN STATEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND BUSINESS OF WESTERN RESOURCES FOLLOWING THE
CONSUMMATION OF THE OFFER (SEE "PROSPECTUS SUMMARY--REASONS FOR THE OFFER,"
"REASONS FOR THE OFFER" AND "THE OFFER"). SUCH STATEMENTS INCLUDE FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS: (1) NORMAL WEATHER
CONDITIONS; (2) FUTURE INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND
COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS; (3) INFLATION RATES; (4) FUTURE REGULATORY
DEVELOPMENTS; (5) WESTERN RESOURCES' FUTURE RATES AND COSTS IN ITS UTILITY AND
OTHER BUSINESSES; (6) FUTURE FINANCIAL MARKET CONDITIONS; (7) INTEREST RATES;
(8) FUTURE BUSINESS DECISIONS; AND (9) OTHER UNCERTAINTIES, WHICH, THOUGH
CONSIDERED REASONABLE BY WESTERN RESOURCES, ARE BEYOND WESTERN RESOURCES' SOLE
CONTROL AND DIFFICULT TO PREDICT. FURTHER INFORMATION ON OTHER FACTORS WHICH
COULD AFFECT THE FINANCIAL RESULTS OF WESTERN RESOURCES FOLLOWING THE
COMBINATION OF THE BUSINESSES OF ADT AND WESTERN RESOURCES IS INCLUDED IN THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FILINGS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN.
THE FOREGOING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT WITHIN THE SAFE HARBOR
PROVIDED BY SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT") OR SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS
AMENDED (THE "EXCHANGE ACT").     
   
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 23 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATTERS
WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY ADT SHAREHOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER.     
 
                               ----------------
 
  Western Resources is unable to predict the amount of time necessary, among
other things, to obtain the shareholder, governmental and regulatory approvals
and consents required to complete the Offer and the transactions contemplated
herein. However, the time necessary to obtain such approvals and consents may
extend beyond the Expiration Date, and Western Resources reserves the right to
extend the Offer from time to time in its sole discretion.
 
                               ----------------
 
  On July 8, 1996, Western Resources made an offer (the "KCPL Offer") to the
shareholders of Kansas City Power & Light Company, a Missouri corporation
("KCPL"), to exchange each outstanding share of common stock, no par value per
share, of KCPL ("KCPL Common Stock"), for $31.00 of Western Resources Common
 
                                      iii
<PAGE>
 
   
Stock, subject to adjustment. On February 7, 1997, Western Resources
terminated the KCPL Offer and announced that it had entered into a merger
agreement with KCPL pursuant to which KCPL will merge with and into Western
Resources (the "KCPL Merger") and each share of KCPL Common Stock will be
exchanged for $32.00 of Western Resources Common Stock, subject to adjustment.
For further details concerning, and recent developments with respect to, the
KCPL Merger, see "Prospectus Summary--The KCPL Merger" and "The KCPL Merger."
Western Resources currently intends to proceed with the Offer to ADT
Shareholders without regard to future developments with respect to the KCPL
Merger. Accordingly, this Preliminary Prospectus presents financial
information with respect to both the combination of ADT and Western Resources
and the combination of ADT, Western Resources and KCPL. See "Prospectus
Summary--Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information,"
"Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Statement of Income."     
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   IMPORTANT
   
  Any ADT Shareholder desiring to tender all or any portion of his or her
Shares and the associated Rights should either (a) complete and sign the
Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile copy thereof in accordance with the
instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, and mail or deliver the Letter of
Transmittal or such facsimile and any other required documents to Harris Trust
Company of New York (the "Exchange Agent") and either deliver the certificates
for such Shares and, if separate, certificates for the Rights to the Exchange
Agent along with the Letter of Transmittal, deliver such Shares (and Rights,
if applicable) pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth
herein (in the case of Rights, only if such procedures are available) or
comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below or (b) request
his or her broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to
effect the transaction for such ADT Shareholder. Any ADT Shareholder having
Shares and, if applicable, Rights registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee is urged to contact such
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if he or she
desires to tender such Shares and, if applicable, Rights.     
 
  ADT Shareholders will be required to tender one Right for each Share
tendered in order to effect a valid tender of Shares, unless and until Western
Resources declares that the Rights Plan Condition is satisfied. Unless and
until the ADT Distribution Date (as defined herein) occurs, a tender of Shares
will constitute a tender of the associated Rights.
 
  An ADT Shareholder that desires to tender Shares and, if applicable, Rights
and whose certificates for such Shares and, if applicable, Rights are not
immediately available or who cannot comply with the procedures for book-entry
transfer on a timely basis or who cannot deliver all required documents to the
Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date, may tender such Shares and, if
applicable, Rights, by following the procedure for guaranteed delivery.
 
  Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the Information
Agent or to the Dealer Managers at their respective addresses and telephone
numbers set forth on the back cover of this Preliminary Prospectus. Requests
for additional copies of this Preliminary Prospectus and the Letter of
Transmittal may be directed to the Information Agent or to brokers, dealers,
commercial banks or trust companies.
 
                                      iv
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.....................................................   vi
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE...........................  vii
ADT AND KCPL INFORMATION.................................................. viii
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY........................................................    1
  Western Resources.......................................................    1
  ADT.....................................................................    2
  Risk Factors............................................................    3
  Reasons for the Offer...................................................    4
  Background of the Offer.................................................    5
  Litigation..............................................................    7
  The ADT Special Meeting.................................................    8
  The Offer...............................................................    9
  The Amalgamation........................................................   11
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................   13
  Effect of Offer on Market for Shares; Registration Under the Exchange
   Act....................................................................   13
  Appraisal Rights........................................................   13
  Comparison of the Rights of Holders of Shares and Western Resources
   Common Stock...........................................................   14
  The KCPL Merger.........................................................   14
  Recent Developments.....................................................   15
  Description of Western Resources Capital Stock..........................   15
  Market Prices...........................................................   16
  The Exchange Agent......................................................   16
  Request for Assistance and Additional Copies............................   16
  Western Resources, ADT and KCPL Comparative Per Share Data..............   17
  Selected Financial Data.................................................   18
  Selected Historical Financial Data of Western Resources.................   18
  Selected Historical Financial Data of ADT...............................   19
  Western Resources and ADT Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
   Financial Information..................................................   20
  Selected Historical Financial Data of KCPL..............................   21
  Western Resources, ADT and KCPL Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
   Financial Information..................................................   22
RISK FACTORS..............................................................   23
  Regulatory Uncertainties; Changing Regulatory Environment; Approval of
   the KCPL Merger........................................................   23
  Stranded Costs..........................................................   23
  Business Plan; Difficulty of Integrating Energy and Security
   Businesses.............................................................   23
  Comparatively Slower Growth than ADT....................................   24
  The Exchange Ratio......................................................   24
  Effect of the Offer and the Amalgamation on Western Resources' Financial
   Status.................................................................   24
  Certain Debt Instruments of ADT Operations..............................   25
REASONS FOR THE OFFER.....................................................   26
  Offer Premium...........................................................   26
  The Exchange Ratio......................................................   26
  Enhanced Business Opportunities.........................................   27
  Growth Opportunities in the Security Industry...........................   28
  Expansion of Branded Energy Marketing...................................   29
</TABLE>    
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
BACKGROUND OF THE OFFER...................................................   31
LITIGATION................................................................   33
THE ADT SPECIAL MEETING...................................................   35
  The Requisition.........................................................   35
  Matters to Be Brought Before the ADT Special Meeting....................   35
THE OFFER.................................................................   37
  General.................................................................   37
  ADT Rights..............................................................   38
  Timing of the Offer.....................................................   38
  Extension, Termination and Amendment....................................   39
  Exchange of Shares; Delivery of Western Resources Common Stock and Cash
   Consideration..........................................................   40
  Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares of Western Resources Common Stock.....   40
  Withdrawal Rights.......................................................   40
  Procedure for Tendering.................................................   41
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................   44
  Effect of Offer on Market for Shares; Registration Under the Exchange
   Act....................................................................   45
  Purpose of the Offer; The Amalgamation..................................   46
  ADT Bye-Laws and Provisions of the United Kingdom City Code.............   46
  Conditions of the Offer.................................................   47
  Source and Amount of Funds..............................................   53
  Certain Debt Instruments of ADT Operations..............................   53
  Relationships with ADT..................................................   54
  Fees and Expenses.......................................................   54
  Accounting Treatment....................................................   55
  Stock Exchange Listing..................................................   55
THE AMALGAMATION..........................................................   56
  General.................................................................   56
  Appraisal Rights........................................................   57
THE KCPL MERGER...........................................................   58
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.......................................................   59
BUSINESS OF WESTERN RESOURCES.............................................   59
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION........................   61
  The Amalgamation........................................................   61
  The KCPL Merger.........................................................   62
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION...............   71
DESCRIPTION OF WESTERN RESOURCES CAPITAL STOCK............................   74
  Western Resources Common Stock..........................................   74
  Western Resources Preferred Stock.......................................   75
  Western Resources Preference Stock......................................   76
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF SHARES AND WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON
 STOCK....................................................................   77
  Voting Rights in Connection with Business Combinations..................   83
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS...............................................   88
VALIDITY OF WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON STOCK................................   89
EXPERTS...................................................................   89
</TABLE>    
 
                                       v
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
   
  Western Resources, ADT and KCPL are subject to the informational
requirements of the Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith file reports,
proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy statements and other information
filed by Western Resources, ADT and KCPL with the Commission may be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549 and
at the public reference facilities in the Commission's Regional Offices at
Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies
of information may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed
rates. Because Western Resources, ADT and KCPL each file certain documents
electronically with the Commission, reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding Western Resources and ADT may also be obtained
at prescribed rates from the Commission at the Commission's Web site,
http//:www.sec.gov. The Western Resources Common Stock, the Shares and the
KCPL Common Stock are listed and traded on the NYSE. The Shares are also
listed and traded on the London Stock Exchange (the "LSE"), the Frankfurt
Stock Exchange (the "FSE") and the Bermuda Stock Exchange (the "BSX") and the
KCPL Common Stock is also listed on the Chicago Stock Exchange (the "CSE").
Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by Western Resources,
ADT and KCPL with the Commission may be inspected at the offices of the NYSE,
20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and, concerning KCPL only, at the
offices of the CSE, 440 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605.     
 
  This Preliminary Prospectus does not contain all of the information set
forth in the Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended (the "Registration
Statement"), covering the Western Resources Common Stock offered hereby which
has been filed with the Commission, certain portions of which have been
omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission, and to which
portions reference is hereby made for further information with respect to
Western Resources, ADT and KCPL and the securities offered hereby. Statements
contained herein concerning any documents are not necessarily complete and, in
each instance, reference is made to the copies of such documents filed as
exhibits to the Registration Statement. Each such statement is qualified in
its entirety by such reference.
 
  Not later than the date of commencement of the Offer, Western Resources will
file with the Commission a statement on Schedule 14D-1 pursuant to Rule 14d-3
under the Exchange Act furnishing certain information with respect to the
Offer. Such Schedule and any amendments thereto should be available for
inspection and copying as set forth above (except that such Schedules and any
amendments thereto will not be available at the regional offices of the
Commission).
   
  Pursuant to Rule 409 promulgated under the Securities Act, and Rule 12b-21
promulgated under the Exchange Act, Western Resources has requested that ADT
and its independent public accountants, Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., provide to
Western Resources the information required for complete disclosure concerning
the business, operations, financial condition and management of ADT. Neither
ADT nor Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P. has yet provided any information in response
to such request. Western Resources will provide any and all information which
it receives from ADT or Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P. prior to the expiration of
the Offer and which Western Resources deems material, reliable and appropriate
in a subsequently prepared amendment or supplement hereto.     
       
                                      vi
<PAGE>
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE DOCUMENTS NOT
PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS (NOT INCLUDING
EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS THAT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
INTO SUCH DOCUMENTS) ARE AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE UPON REQUEST TO CORPORATE
SECRETARY, WESTERN RESOURCES, INC., 818 S. KANSAS AVENUE, TOPEKA, KANSAS
66612. TELEPHONE REQUESTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CORPORATE SECRETARY'S
DEPARTMENT AT (913) 575-1950. IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF SUCH
DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NOT LATER THAN FIVE
BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
   
  The following documents filed with the Commission by Western Resources (File
No. 1-3523) are incorporated herein by reference: (a) Western Resources'
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 (the "Western
Resources 1995 Form 10-K"); (b) Western Resources' Proxy Statement for the
1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, dated March 27, 1996 (the "1996 Western
Resources Annual Meeting Proxy Statement"); (c) Western Resources' Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and
September 30, 1996; (d) Western Resources' Registration Statement on Form S-4,
dated July 3, 1996 (Registration No. 333-02711), and Western Resources'
Prospectus, dated July 3, 1996, included therein (the "KCPL Prospectus"); (e)
Western Resources' Preliminary Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated February
25, 1997, to ADT Shareholders; (f) Western Resources' Current Reports on
Form 8-K, dated April 15, 1996, April 23, 1996, April 25, 1996, April 26,
1996, April 29, 1996, May 3, 1996, May 6, 1996, May 7, 1996, May 13, 1996, May
24, 1996, June 17, 1996, July 23, 1996, July 26, 1996, October 24, 1996,
December 18, 1996 and February 7, 1997; and (g) soliciting materials of
Western Resources filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 and Rule 14a-6 of the Exchange
Act from December 18, 1996 through the date hereof.     
   
  The following documents filed with the Commission by ADT (File No. 0-16979)
are incorporated herein by reference: (a) ADT's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1995 (the "ADT 1995 Form 10-K"); (b) ADT's
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 1996, June 30,
1996 and September 30, 1996; (c) ADT's Proxy Statement for the 1996 Annual
Meeting of ADT Shareholders, dated March 12, 1996 (the "1996 ADT Proxy
Statement"); (d) ADT's Preliminary Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated
January 8, 1997; (e) ADT's Current Reports on Form 8-K, dated June 28, 1996,
July 11, 1996, July 16, 1996, September 19, 1996, October 1, 1996, October 23,
1996 and November 12, 1996; (f) ADT's Registration Statement on Form 8-A,
dated November 12, 1996 (the "ADT Form 8-A"), and (g) soliciting materials of
ADT filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 and Rule 14a-6 of the Exchange Act from
December 18, 1996 through the date hereof.     
 
  The following documents filed with the Commission by KCPL (File No. 1-707)
are incorporated herein by reference: (a) KCPL's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1995 (the "KCPL 1995 Form 10-K"); and (b)
KCPL's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 1996,
June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996.
 
  All documents filed by either Western Resources, ADT or KCPL pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date
hereof and prior to the date the Offer is terminated or the Shares are
accepted for exchange shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference
and to be a part hereof from the date of such filing. Any statement contained
herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by
reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes hereof to
the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently
filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated herein by
reference modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof, except
as so modified or superseded.
 
                                      vii
<PAGE>
 
                           ADT AND KCPL INFORMATION
   
  While Western Resources has included information concerning ADT and KCPL
insofar as it is known or reasonably available to Western Resources, neither
ADT nor KCPL is affiliated with Western Resources and ADT has not to date
permitted access by Western Resources to ADT's books and records for the
purpose of preparing this Preliminary Prospectus. Therefore, information
concerning ADT which has not been made public was not available to Western
Resources for the purpose of preparing this Preliminary Prospectus. Although
Western Resources has no knowledge that would indicate that statements
relating to ADT or KCPL contained or incorporated by reference in this
Preliminary Prospectus in reliance upon publicly available information are
inaccurate or incomplete, Western Resources was not involved in the
preparation of such information and statements and, for the foregoing reasons,
is not in a position to verify any such information or statements.     
 
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING
BEEN AUTHORIZED BY WESTERN RESOURCES, SALOMON BROTHERS INC ("SALOMON"), BEAR,
STEARNS & CO. INC. ("BEAR STEARNS") OR CHASE SECURITIES INC. ("CHASE," AND
TOGETHER WITH SALOMON AND BEAR STEARNS, THE "DEALER MANAGERS"). THIS
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR A SOLICITATION TO ANY
PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.
THE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO, NOR WILL TENDERS BE ACCEPTED FROM OR ON BEHALF
OF, ADT SHAREHOLDERS IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE MAKING OR ACCEPTANCE
THEREOF WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.
HOWEVER, WESTERN RESOURCES MAY, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, TAKE SUCH ACTION AS IT
MAY DEEM NECESSARY TO MAKE THE OFFER IN ANY SUCH JURISDICTION AND EXTEND THE
OFFER TO ADT SHAREHOLDERS IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS NOR ANY EXCHANGE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF WESTERN RESOURCES OR ADT SINCE THE DATE AS OF WHICH INFORMATION IS
FURNISHED OR THE DATE HEREOF.
 
  IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE SECURITIES, BLUE SKY OR OTHER LAWS REQUIRE THE
OFFER TO BE MADE BY A LICENSED BROKER OR DEALER, THE OFFER SHALL BE DEEMED TO
BE MADE ON BEHALF OF WESTERN RESOURCES BY SALOMON, BEAR STEARNS AND CHASE, AS
DEALER MANAGERS, OR ONE OR MORE REGISTERED BROKERS OR DEALERS LICENSED UNDER
THE LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.
 
 
                                     viii
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The information below is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Preliminary
Prospectus, including the documents incorporated in this Preliminary Prospectus
by reference. ADT Shareholders are urged to read this Preliminary Prospectus
and the Annexes hereto, and the documents incorporated herein by reference, in
their entirety. As used in this Preliminary Prospectus, the terms "Western
Resources," "ADT" and "KCPL" refer to such entity and, unless the context
otherwise requires, its subsidiaries.
 
WESTERN RESOURCES
   
  Western Resources and its divisions and wholly owned subsidiaries include
KPL, a rate-regulated electric and gas division of Western Resources ("KPL"),
Kansas Gas and Electric Company ("KGE"), a rate-regulated utility and wholly
owned subsidiary of Western Resources, Westar Capital, Westar Security, Inc.
("Westar Security"), Westar Energy, Inc., The Wing Group Ltd., non-utility
subsidiaries, and Mid-Continent Market Center, Inc., a regulated gas
transmission service provider ("MCMC"). KGE owns 47% of Wolf Creek Nuclear
Operating Corporation ("WCNOC"), the operating company for the Wolf Creek
Generating Station ("Wolf Creek"). Western Resources' non-utility subsidiaries
market natural gas primarily to large commercial and industrial customers,
provide electronic security services, engage in international large power
project development and provide other energy-related products and services.
    
  Western Resources is engaged principally in the production, purchase,
transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the delivery and sale of
natural gas. Western Resources serves approximately 606,000 electric customers
in eastern and central Kansas and approximately 650,000 natural gas customers
in Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma. On December 12, 1996, Western Resources
and ONEOK, Inc. ("ONEOK") announced a proposed strategic alliance pursuant to
which Western Resources will contribute its regulated local natural gas
distribution operations, MCMC and Westar Gas Marketing, Inc. ("Westar Gas
Marketing"), and will become the largest shareholder of ONEOK. See "Prospectus
Summary--Recent Developments" and "Recent Developments."
 
  Westar Capital is a private investment company, wholly owned by Western
Resources, with investments in energy-related and technology-oriented
businesses. Westar Capital owns 38,287,111 Shares, or approximately 27% of the
outstanding Shares, including 14,115 Shares issuable upon exchange of 500
Liquid Yield Option Notes ("LYONs") of ADT Operations Inc., a subsidiary of ADT
("ADT Operations"), which are exchangeable for Shares at a rate of 28.23 Shares
per LYON.
   
  Westar Security is a rapidly growing electronic security services business
with over 400,000 customer accounts. On December 31, 1996, Western Resources
acquired all of the assets of Westinghouse Security Systems, Inc.
("Westinghouse Security"), a national security system monitoring company and a
subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse"). Westar
Security is now the third-largest monitored security company in the United
States with offices in many major U.S. markets and direct access to customers
in 44 states. See "Prospectus Summary--Recent Developments" and "Recent
Developments."     
   
  KCPL is a public utility engaged in the generation, transmission,
distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 430,000 customers in
western Missouri and eastern Kansas. On July 8, 1996, Western Resources made an
offer to the shareholders of KCPL to exchange each outstanding share of KCPL
Common Stock for $31.00 in Western Resources Common Stock, subject to
adjustment. On February 7, 1997, Western Resources terminated the KCPL Offer
and announced that it had entered into the KCPL Merger Agreement with KCPL,
pursuant to which KCPL will merge with and into Western Resources. For further
details concerning, and recent developments with respect to, the KCPL Merger,
see "Prospectus Summary--The KCPL Merger" and "The KCPL Merger."     
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
 
  Western Resources was incorporated under the laws of the State of Kansas in
1924. Western Resources' corporate headquarters is located at 818 S. Kansas
Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612 and its telephone number is (913) 575-6300. Westar
Capital's corporate headquarters is located at 818 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka,
Kansas 66612 and its telephone number is (913) 575-6300. See "Business of
Western Resources."
 
ADT
   
  The following information concerning ADT is excerpted from the ADT 1995 Form
10-K and other publicly available information:     
   
  ADT was incorporated in Bermuda on September 28, 1984, under the name Hawley
Group Limited, and is an exempted company limited by shares, with its
registered office at Cedar House, 41 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton HM12, Bermuda. The
executive office of the subsidiary which supervises ADT's North American
activities is located in the United States at 1750 Clint Moore Road, Boca
Raton, Florida 33431, and its telephone number is (561) 988-3600.     
 
  ADT is currently engaged in two service businesses: electronic security
services in North America and Europe and vehicle auction and related services
in the United States. ADT is the largest provider of electronic security
services in North America and the largest provider in the United Kingdom,
providing continuous monitoring of commercial and residential security systems
for 1.6 million customers. ADT is also the second largest provider of vehicle
remarketing services in the United States, operating a network of 28 vehicle
auction centers.
 
  ADT's principal activities in the electronic security services businesses are
the electronic monitoring of its installed base of security systems and the
installation of new, monitored security systems to add to its installed base.
Monitored systems may be sold or, as is most often the case, ADT may retain
ownership of installed systems. ADT receives contractual recurring fees for
monitoring security systems through its electronic monitoring centers and for
maintenance of security systems installed at customer premises and other
related services. ADT sells, installs and maintains monitored security systems,
integrated electronic security systems and other electronic security products
for additional fees. In 1995, approximately 60% of ADT's total electronic
security services revenues in North America and Europe were derived from
contractually recurring fees for electronic monitoring and maintenance of
security systems installed at customer premises and other related services. The
remainder of ADT's security revenues were derived from the sale and
installation of security systems, the installation of security systems in
accordance with a monitoring service agreement and the maintenance of security
systems on a non-contractual basis.
   
  In September 1996, ADT acquired the entire equity interest in Automated
Security (Holdings) PLC, a United Kingdom company ("ASH"). ASH is engaged in
the provision of electronic security services in North America and Europe.
Under the terms of the transaction (the "ASH Transaction"), shareholders of ASH
received three Shares for every ninety-two ordinary shares of ASH and two
Shares for every thirty-one 5% convertible cumulative redeemable preference
shares and 6% convertible cumulative redeemable preference shares of ASH. The
total consideration paid by ADT in the ASH Transaction consisted of 7,034,940
Shares and ADT accounted for the ASH Transaction as a pooling of interests.
    
  In a press release issued by ADT on November 6, 1996, ADT announced its
intention to sell its United States vehicle auction business. ADT's vehicle
auction business operates a network of large modern auction centers which
provide an organized wholesale marketplace for the sale and purchase of used
vehicles. Principal sellers, or consignors, include new and used vehicle
dealers, vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators, leasing companies, financial
institutions and government agencies. Principal purchasers include franchise
and non-franchise vehicle dealers and distributors who acquire vehicles to sell
in the retail market. Western Resources
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
does not presently possess adequate information to formulate a position with
respect to ADT's intention to sell its U.S. vehicle auction business. If the
Offer is consummated, Western Resources would at such time evaluate its
position with respect to such proposed disposition.
   
RISK FACTORS     
   
  In addition to the other information in this Preliminary Prospectus, certain
factors should be considered by ADT Shareholders in evaluating the Offer and an
investment in Western Resources Common Stock. The factors summarized below
might cause Western Resources' actual results to differ significantly from the
results discussed in certain forward-looking statements contained in the
Preliminary Prospectus. For a detailed description of the risks summarized
below, see "Risk Factors."     
   
  Regulatory Uncertainties; Changing Regulatory Environment; Approval of the
KCPL Merger. Electric and natural gas utilities have historically operated in a
rate-regulated environment. Federal and state regulatory agencies having
jurisdiction over the rates and services of Western Resources and other
utilities are in the process of initiating steps that are expected to result in
a more competitive environment for utilities' services. Increased competition
may create greater risks to the stability of utility earnings. Although Western
Resources has been planning for the eventual deregulation of the energy market,
increased competition for retail electricity sales may in the future reduce
Western Resources' earnings in its formerly regulated businesses. In addition,
Western Resources' plan to market together energy and security services is
dependent upon the pace of deregulation. While it is impossible to predict with
certainty the time period in which such deregulation will occur, if at all, if
deregulation fails to occur or does not occur as quickly as may be expected,
Western Resources may be hindered in its ability to market energy and security
services and such hinderance may negatively impact Western Resources' future
earnings and cash flows. Consummation by Western Resources of the KCPL Merger
also requires the approval of certain regulatory authorities and there can be
no assurance that such approvals will be obtained or that the KCPL Merger will
be consummated.     
   
  Stranded Costs. The term "stranded costs" as it relates to capital intensive
utilities has been defined as the carrying costs associated with property,
plant and equipment and other regulatory assets at a level which, if fully
reflected in rates, would cause prices charged by the utility for delivering
energy to exceed those of competitive alternatives in the same market.
Regulatory changes, including the introduction of competition, could adversely
impact Western Resources' ability to recover its costs in these assets absent
the economic effects of rate regulation.     
   
  Business Plan; Difficulty of Integrating Energy and Security
Businesses. Western Resources has developed a strategy to expand its business
in the deregulated marketplace for energy and has identified the security
business as a high growth industry with a product that can be marketed with
energy. There can be no assurance that Western Resources' added commitment to
the security business will result in continued growth or profitability in such
business. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that Western Resources'
business plan to market together energy and security services will be
successful, nor is it certain that a viable market for marketing energy and
security will develop at all.     
   
  There can also be no assurance that Western Resources will be able to
integrate successfully the operations of its existing security business with
ADT. Difficulties of such assimilation will include the coordination of
security operations and the integration of personnel.     
   
  Comparatively Slower Growth than ADT. Western Resources' growth has
historically been slower than ADT's as such growth has been limited to the
growth of Western Resources' customer base within its franchised service
territory. Although Western Resources believes that its combination of security
with energy will provide Western Resources with an opportunity to achieve
higher growth than in the historically regulated energy market, there can be no
assurance that such growth will occur.     
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
   
  The Exchange Ratio. ADT Shareholders should consider that, depending upon the
Western Resources Average Price, the Stock Consideration paid to ADT
Shareholders in the Offer may be less than $15.00 in Western Resources Common
Stock.     
   
  Effect of the Offer and the Amalgamation on Western Resources' Financial
Status. Expansion into the high growth security business presents financial
risks to Western Resources. Western Resources' earnings and cash flow may
experience increased volatility due to additional business risks. Such risks
include possible slower than expected growth in the security business,
competitive pressures on prices and changes in technology. The Offer and the
Amalgamation are expected to have a dilutive effect on Western Resources'
reported earnings per share in the short term due to the amortization of
goodwill. There can also be no assurance that the Offer and the Amalgamation
will not have a negative impact on Western Resources' financial strength or
debt rating, including its ability to raise capital in the future and the cost
of capital on additional borrowings.     
   
  Certain Debt Instruments of ADT Operations. Satisfaction of the ADT
Shareholder Approval Condition and consummation of the Offer may constitute a
change of control under certain debt instruments of ADT Operations. In certain
circumstances, certain holders of debt of ADT Operations may require the
repurchase of their securities, or accelerate credit facilities of ADT
Operations.     
 
REASONS FOR THE OFFER
   
  Offer Premium. The purpose of the Offer is for Western Resources to obtain
control of ADT. Western Resources presently intends, as soon as practicable
after consummation of the Offer, to propose and seek to have ADT effect an
amalgamation of a newly created subsidiary of Western Resources incorporated
under the laws of Bermuda ("Bermuda Sub") with and into ADT pursuant to the
provisions of Sections 104 through 109 of the Companies Act, with the
amalgamated company operating under the name of ADT (the "Amalgamation"). ADT
has not agreed to provide Western Resources with information that might be
relevant to the structuring of the Amalgamation. Western Resources therefore
reserves the right to change the structure of the Amalgamation upon receipt of
such information.     
   
  Western Resources believes that the Offer is in the best interests of the ADT
Shareholders because, among other things, the Offer Consideration represents a
premium to the per Share closing price on the last trading day prior to the
public announcement of the Offer. For further information regarding the premium
available to ADT Shareholders in the Offer, see "Reasons for the Offer--The
Exchange Ratio." For information regarding the tax treatment of the Offer and
the Amalgamation, see "The Offer--Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences." The
following table shows the premium of the Offer Consideration over the closing
per Share price on the NYSE on the last trading day immediately prior to the
public announcement of the Offer.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            ADT
                                                    OFFER  SHARE     PERCENT
                                                    PRICE* PRICE  DIFFERENTIAL**
                                                    ------ ------ --------------
<S>                                                 <C>    <C>    <C>
December 17, 1996, the last trading day before the
 public
 announcement of the Offer........................  $22.50 $20.13      11.8%
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
* Assumes the Offer Consideration is $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of Western
  Resources Common Stock per Share. On February 24, 1997, the last trading day
  before the date of this Preliminary Prospectus, the closing price of Western
  Resources Common Stock was $31.25. If the Western Resources Average Price is
  less than $29.75, each Share will be exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and less
  than $15.00 in Western Resources Common Stock as set forth more fully in
  "Reasons for the Offer--The Exchange Ratio."     
** Based on the closing prices of Western Resources Common Stock and Shares on
   the indicated dates.
       
  Enhanced Business Opportunities. Western Resources believes that ADT
Shareholders will benefit in several ways in addition to the 12% premium above
the per Share closing price on December 17, 1996, the last
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
   
trading day before public announcement of the Offer. Upon consummation of the
Offer, Western Resources intends to build upon ADT's leading international
presence and quality brand equity in the security business, combining them with
Western Resources' fast growing security business, strong core utility business
and customer service expertise to become a leading provider of energy related
products and services, including security, to homes and businesses. As the
energy market deregulates, Western Resources believes that there will be
opportunities for companies to capture market share based on sound utility
fundamentals and access to customers. Western Resources believes that this
proposed combination will provide ADT Shareholders with an opportunity to
leverage the ADT brand name to enter the rapidly expanding deregulated energy
market. Western Resources believes that combining the ADT brand name with
Western Resources' solid financial base and sound utility expertise will give
the combined entity a competitive advantage in the newly deregulated energy and
energy-related services market. It is Western Resources' belief that the
combination of Western Resources and ADT will provide a stable earnings base
and a sound foundation resulting in sustainable long-term growth in the
deregulated energy and energy-related services markets. This strategy is based
upon what Western Resources believes to be the compelling structural and
operational similarities between the energy and security businesses. From an
operational perspective, both businesses require expertise in constructing and
maintaining a highly reliable network with central service facilities and the
dispatch of trained personnel to customer locations to respond quickly to
disruptions in service. Western Resources believes that from the customer's
point of view, energy and security are both critical service streams which may
be viewed as necessities by homes and businesses. Rather than choosing a
different supplier for each service, Western Resources believes that customers
will appreciate the convenience of purchasing energy and security services as a
package and paying for them on one convenient customer statement. Western
Resources is currently putting this concept into practice in its utility
service area, offering many of its utility customers the convenience of one-
stop shopping for their energy and security needs. Following the Offer and the
Amalgamation, Western Resources plans to expand this successful concept by
selling security and unregulated energy services nationwide through a unified
sales and marketing effort under the ADT brand name. For further information
regarding Western Resources' analysis of the benefits of the Offer to ADT
Shareholders and Western Resources' proposal for the combination of ADT's and
Western Resources' businesses, see "Reasons for the Offer--Enhanced Business
Opportunities."     
 
BACKGROUND OF THE OFFER
 
  In the past, ADT has advised Western Resources that it is not interested in
discussing a business arrangement between ADT and Western Resources despite the
fact that Western Resources believes that such a combination could maximize
ADT's potential both in its existing security business and in the emerging
market of deregulated retail energy distribution. After careful study and
consideration, Western Resources believes that the potential benefits to ADT,
Western Resources and the companies' respective shareholders can be best
realized through a combination of Western Resources and ADT, and has,
therefore, decided to proceed with the Offer.
   
  On December 21, 1995, Western Resources entered into a stock purchase
agreement (the "Laidlaw Agreement") with Laidlaw Transportation, Inc.
("Laidlaw") and Laidlaw, Inc., pursuant to which Westar Capital subsequently
purchased a total of 30,800,000 Shares on or prior to March 18, 1996, at an
average price of $14.40 per Share. Since March 18, 1996, from time to time,
Westar Capital has purchased Shares in the open market at prevailing market
prices. Westar Capital owns 38,287,111 Shares, or approximately 27% of the
outstanding Shares, including 14,115 Shares issuable upon exchange of 500
LYONs, which are exchangeable for Shares at a rate of 28.23 Shares per LYON.
Also on December 21, 1995, Mr. John E. Hayes, Jr., Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of Western Resources, delivered a letter to Mr. Michael
A. Ashcroft, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
ADT, informing Mr. Ashcroft of the Laidlaw Agreement.     
   
  During January and February, 1996, conversations took place between Mr. Hayes
and Mr. Ashcroft and various representatives of the respective companies.
Messrs. Hayes and Ashcroft scheduled a meeting in Topeka, Kansas for March 13,
1996. On March 11, 1996, Mr. Hayes delivered a letter to Mr. Ashcroft
discussing Western     
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
   
Resources' proposed joint marketing efforts with ADT. On March 13, 1996,
Messrs. Hayes and Ashcroft held a meeting but failed to reach any agreement
concerning Western Resources' proposal. Later that month, Mr. Ashcroft informed
Mr. Hayes that ADT was not interested in pursuing a joint marketing
relationship with Western Resources.     
   
  On July 1, 1996, ADT entered into an Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation (the
"Republic Agreement"), by and among ADT, Republic Industries, Inc. ("Republic")
and Republic Sub. Ltd., a newly created wholly owned subsidiary of Republic
("Republic Sub"), pursuant to which Republic Sub was to be amalgamated with and
into ADT, with the amalgamated company operating under the name of ADT (the
"Republic Transaction"). The terms of the Republic Agreement contemplated that
ADT Shareholders would receive .92857 shares of Republic common stock in
exchange for each Share. The Republic Transaction was conditioned upon, among
other things, receipt by ADT of a fairness opinion from its financial advisor
at a later date (which fairness opinion was never obtained). Based on the
$26.75 closing price per share of Republic common stock on July 1, 1996, each
Share would have been exchangeable for approximately $24.84 worth of Republic
common stock, representing a premium of 31% to the closing price per Share of
$19.00 on June 28, 1996, the last trading day prior to public announcement of
the Republic Transaction. Following the public announcement of the Republic
Transaction, the closing price per share of Republic common stock fell as low
as $20.75 per share. Based on a closing price of $20.75, each Share would have
been exchangeable for approximately $19.27 worth of Republic common stock in
the Republic Transaction, representing a premium of just 1% to the closing
price per Share of $19.00 on June 28, 1996. On September 13, 1996, Westar
Capital disclosed that it had determined to oppose the Republic Transaction.
Based on the $28.81 closing price per share of Republic common stock on
September 12, 1996, each Share would have been exchangeable for approximately
$26.75 worth of Republic common stock, representing a premium of 41% to the
closing price per Share of $19.00 on June 28, 1996. Western Resources believes
that such significant fluctuations in the market price of Republic common stock
(i.e., from $28.81 to $20.75 in the course of a three-month period)
demonstrated volatility in Republic common stock (the consideration being
offered in the Republic Transaction).     
   
  Pursuant to the terms of the Republic Agreement, ADT granted to Republic a
warrant to subscribe for 15 million Shares at a purchase price of $20 per
share, subject to adjustment (the "Republic Warrant"). The Republic Warrant was
to become exercisable for a period of six months following the termination of
the Republic Agreement. On September 30, 1996, ADT and Republic jointly
announced the termination of the Republic Agreement, citing uncertainty
attributable to market conditions, and amended the Republic Warrant to include
certain restrictions on the issuance of Shares pursuant thereto and the
transfer of such Shares by Republic to persons with interests in 10% or more of
ADT. As described below, Western Resources has commenced litigation challenging
the validity of the Republic Warrant. See "--Litigation."     
 
  On September 5, 1996, the waiting period expired with respect to Western
Resources' filing under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976 (the "HSR Act") to acquire ownership of in excess of 25% (but less than
50%) of the outstanding Shares.
   
  On November 4, 1996, ADT declared a distribution of one Right for each
outstanding Share, payable to holders of record as of the close of business on
November 15, 1996, pursuant to the Rights Agreement. The Rights Agreement
provides, among other things, that after certain persons acquire 15% or more
(or, in certain limited situations, a greater percentage) of the issued and
outstanding Shares, holders of Shares (other than such persons), will be
entitled to purchase Shares at half of the current market value and that if,
after such an acquisition, ADT is involved in an amalgamation, other business
combination or certain sale transactions, holders of Shares (other than such
persons) will be entitled to purchase either Shares, or common stock of the
other party to such transaction, at half of the current market value of such
securities. See "The Offer--Conditions of the Offer--Rights Agreement" and "The
Offer--The ADT Rights."     
 
  On November 6, 1996, ADT announced its intention to sell its United States
vehicle auction business.
   
  On December 17, 1996, the Western Resources Board met and determined to
proceed with the Offer. On December 18, 1996, in a letter to Mr. Ashcroft, Mr.
Hayes informed Mr. Ashcroft and the ADT Board of Western     
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Resources' intention to pursue the Offer and the Amalgamation and encouraged
Mr. Ashcroft and the ADT Board to meet with Western Resources to discuss the
possibility of a mutually beneficial negotiated transaction.
   
  On December 18, 1996, Western Resources also publicly announced its intention
to commence the Offer and Western Resources filed a proxy statement (the
"Western Resources Proxy Statement") with the Commission for use in soliciting
proxies from ADT Shareholders for the ADT Special Meeting to remove the present
members of the ADT Board, elect the Western Resources Nominees to the ADT Board
and take certain other actions to facilitate the consummation of the Offer. On
December 18, 1996, Westar Capital deposited a requisition (the "Requisition")
with ADT requiring the ADT Board to convene the ADT Special Meeting. See "The
ADT Special Meeting."     
   
  On January 7, 1997, ADT announced that it had tentatively scheduled the ADT
Special Meeting date for July 8, 1997. Westar Capital has commenced litigation
challenging the July 8, 1997 meeting date and is seeking relief to compel the
ADT Board to hold the ADT Special Meeting on or before March 20, 1997. On
January 8, 1997, ADT filed a proxy statement (the "ADT Proxy Statement") with
the Commission for use in soliciting proxies from ADT Shareholders for the ADT
Special Meeting against the Western Resources Proposals.     
 
  On January 23, 1997, the waiting period expired with respect to Western
Resources' filing under the HSR Act to acquire ownership of up to 100% of the
outstanding Shares.
 
LITIGATION
 
  On December 18, 1996, Western Resources announced that Westar Capital had
commenced litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Florida (the "Court") charging ADT and the ADT Board with breaches
of their fiduciary duties to ADT and the ADT Shareholders. The complaint
alleged, among other things, that the ADT Board breached its fiduciary duty to
ADT and the ADT Shareholders by (i) adopting and continuing to deploy the ADT
Rights Agreement, (ii) granting the Republic Warrant in connection with the
subsequently terminated Republic Transaction for the purpose of making an
unsolicited bid for ADT more expensive and placing a block of votes under Mr.
Ashcroft's control, and (iii) placing approximately 3,182,787 Shares in an ADT
subsidiary to interfere with the voting rights of ADT's other shareholders.
Westar Capital also alleged that by agreeing to the Republic Warrant and the
amendments thereto, Republic aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties by
the ADT Board.
 
  On January 3, 1997, Westar Capital filed an amended complaint alleging that
certain letters sent by ADT to Western Resources and Westar Capital interfered
with Westar Capital's voting rights as an ADT Shareholder.
   
  On January 21, 1997, the Court granted Westar Capital's motion for leave to
file a Second Amended Complaint in which Westar Capital additionally alleged
that (i) ADT's January 7, 1997 announcement that the ADT Special Meeting was
scheduled for July 8, 1997 violated the ADT board's fiduciary and statutory
duties under Bermuda law and (ii) ADT's failure to file a Schedule 14D-9 Tender
Offer Statement violated Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act.     
   
  On January 23, 1997, Westar Capital filed a motion seeking to enjoin the ADT
Board from holding the ADT Special Meeting on July 8, 1997 and to compel the
ADT Board to hold the meeting on or before March 20, 1997. That motion is
currently pending. On January 27, 1997, ADT and the ADT Board (collectively,
"ADT Defendants") filed a motion to dismiss Westar Capital's complaint on the
grounds that, among other things, the Court lacks personal jurisdiction over
the ADT Defendants. On February 21, 1997, the Court denied the ADT Defendants'
motion without prejudice and found the jurisdictional allegations in the Second
Amended Complaint to be insufficient. The Court granted Westar Capital's motion
for leave to file an amended complaint and ordered that Westar Capital could
file a Third Amended Complaint by March 3, 1997.     
   
  On February 6, 1997, Republic filed a motion to dismiss Westar Capital's
complaint arguing, among other things, that if the Court grants ADT's motion to
dismiss, the complaint must also be dismissed as against Republic for failure
to join an indispensable party. On February 21, 1997, the Court denied
Republic's motion without prejudice.     
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
   
  On February 20, 1997, Westar Capital filed a motion requesting that the Court
schedule a trial on the merits of Westar Capital's claim that the Republic
Warrant is invalid and a breach of fiduciary duties, and that Republic be
required to give Westar Capital five (5) business days notice prior to its
exercise of the Republic Warrant and the sale of Shares purchased pursuant to
the Republic Warrant.     
 
  On December 26, 1996, a shareholder of ADT filed a purported class action
complaint against ADT, the ADT Board, Western Resources and Westar Capital in
the Civil Division of the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in
Palm Beach County, Florida. The complaint alleges, among other things, that
Western Resources and Westar Capital are breaching their fiduciary duties to
ADT Shareholders by failing to offer "an appropriate premium for the
controlling interest" in ADT and by holding "an effective blocking position"
that prevents independent parties from bidding for ADT. The complaint seeks
preliminary and permanent relief enjoining Western Resources from acquiring
outstanding Shares of ADT and unspecified damages. Western Resources believes
it has good and valid defenses to the claims asserted and does not anticipate
any material adverse effect on its assets or financial results arising
therefrom.
   
  On February 10, 1997, ADT Operations commenced litigation against The Chase
Manhattan Bank ("Chase Manhattan Bank") in the Supreme Court of the State of
New York, New York County, alleging that Chase Manhattan Bank breached
contractual obligations and fiduciary duties owed to ADT Operations by, among
other things, furnishing a "highly confident" letter to Western Resources
stating that Chase Manhattan Bank "expected to be able to arrange credit
facilities to fund" the Cash Consideration portion of the Offer. ADT Operations
seeks, among other things, damages and an order permanently enjoining Chase
Manhattan Bank from advising, funding, or otherwise participating in the Offer.
Neither Westar Capital nor Western Resources are named as defendants in the
action.     
 
THE ADT SPECIAL MEETING
   
  As more fully set forth in the Western Resources Proxy Statement, on December
18, 1996, Westar Capital deposited the Requisition with ADT, pursuant to
Section 74 of the Companies Act and Bye-Law 42 of the ADT Bye-Laws, requiring
the ADT Board to convene the ADT Special Meeting so that ADT Shareholders will
have the opportunity to satisfy the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition. Under
the Companies Act and the ADT Bye-Laws, the ADT Board is required to convene
the ADT Special Meeting. In the event that the ADT Board does not within
twenty-one days from the date of the deposit of the Requisition convene the ADT
Special Meeting, Westar Capital may itself convene the ADT Special Meeting.
Westar Capital requested that the date of the ADT Special Meeting be February
18, 1997; however, on January 7, 1997, ADT announced that it had scheduled the
ADT Special Meeting for July 8, 1997. Westar Capital has commenced litigation
challenging the July 8, 1997 meeting date and is seeking relief to compel the
ADT Board to hold the ADT Special Meeting on or before March 20, 1997. See
"Litigation" and "The ADT Special Meeting."     
 
  In connection with the ADT Special Meeting, Western Resources is soliciting
ADT Shareholders' proxies in favor of (i) the removal of all of the present
members of the ADT Board and any person or persons elected or designated by any
such director to fill any vacancy or newly created directorship, pursuant to
Section 93 of the Companies Act and Bye-Law 71 of the ADT Bye-Laws, (ii) the
reduction of the number of seats on the ADT Board to two, and (iii) the
election of the Western Resources Nominees, Steven L. Kitchen and Steven A.
Millstein, as the directors of ADT (or, if either Western Resources Nominee is
unable to serve as a director of ADT due to death, disability or otherwise, any
other person designated as a Western Resources Nominee by Western Resources).
In order to comply with the requirement of Bye-Law 53 of the ADT Bye-Laws that
a director of ADT own one Share, each of the Western Resources Nominees will
own at least one Share at the time of the ADT Special Meeting. Each of the
foregoing actions (collectively, the "Western Resources Proposals") is designed
to facilitate the prompt consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation.
 
  Only persons entered in the register of members of ADT as holders of Shares
at the time of the ADT Special Meeting will be entitled to vote at such meeting
unless the ADT Board sets a record date for the ADT Special
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
   
Meeting. In the event the ADT Board sets a record date for the ADT Special
Meeting, only holders of Shares at the close of business on such record date
will be entitled to vote at the ADT Special Meeting. Each Share is entitled to
one vote upon each matter presented at the ADT Special Meeting. Holders of ADT
preferred stock, if any ("ADT Preferred Stock"), are not entitled to vote on
any of the Western Resources Proposals. Pursuant to Bye-Law 43 of the ADT Bye-
Laws, at any general meeting of ADT not less than two holders of Shares present
either in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of
business. Each of the Western Resources Proposals may be approved by the
affirmative vote of a majority of those Shares voted at the ADT Special
Meeting.     
 
THE OFFER
   
  General. Western Resources hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the related Letter of Transmittal, to
exchange the Offer Consideration for each outstanding Share validly tendered on
or prior to the Expiration Date and not properly withdrawn. The Offer
Consideration consists of $7.50 net in cash and that number of shares of
Western Resources Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio. The term "Exchange
Ratio" means the quotient (rounded to the nearest 1/100,000) determined by
dividing $15.00 by the average of the high and low sales prices of Western
Resources Common Stock (as reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions
reporting system as published in The Wall Street Journal or, if not published
therein, in another authoritative source) on each of the twenty consecutive
trading days ending with the third trading day immediately preceding the
Expiration Date; provided, that the Exchange Ratio shall not be greater than
0.50420. The term "Expiration Date" shall mean 5:00 p.m., Eastern time on
 , 1997, unless and until Western Resources extends the period of time for
which the Offer is open, in which event the term "Expiration Date" shall mean
the latest time and date at which the Offer, as so extended by Western
Resources, shall expire. Pursuant to the Exchange Ratio, each Share will be
exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock,
as long as the Western Resources Average Price is $29.75 or higher. If the
Western Resources Average Price is less than $29.75, each Share will be
exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and less than $15.00 of Western Resources
Common Stock. See "Reasons for the Offer--The Exchange Ratio." No certificates
representing fractional shares of Western Resources Common Stock will be issued
pursuant to the Offer. Each tendering ADT Shareholder who would otherwise be
entitled to a fractional share of Western Resources Common Stock will receive
cash in lieu thereof. See "The Offer--Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares of
Western Resources Common Stock." On February 21, 1997, the closing price of the
Western Resources Common Stock on the NYSE was $30.75. Based on such closing
price, each Share would be converted into $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of
Western Resources Common Stock. The Exchange Ratio will change as the market
price of the Western Resources Common Stock changes. ADT Shareholders may call
(800)       any time on or after the date hereof through the Expiration Date
for the current Exchange Ratio calculated, based on the then-current Western
Resources Average Price for the twenty consecutive trading days ending with the
third trading day immediately preceding the date the call is placed. The actual
Western Resources Average Price and Exchange Ratio will be calculated as of the
third trading day immediately prior to the Expiration Date, as described above,
and a press release will be issued announcing the actual Exchange Ratio prior
to the opening of the second trading day prior to the Expiration Date (as it
may be extended from time to time). A registration statement relating to the
Western Resources Common Stock to be exchanged in the Offer has been filed with
the Commission. The Offer will be made only by means of a final Prospectus and
the related Letter of Transmittal that will be delivered to ADT Shareholders as
soon as Western Resources' registration statement (of which this Preliminary
Prospectus is a part) has been declared effective by the Commission. See "The
Offer--General."     
 
  Conditions of the Offer. Western Resources' obligation to exchange the Offer
Consideration for Shares pursuant to the Offer is conditioned upon, among other
things, the satisfaction or, where applicable, waiver of each of the Offer
Conditions. Subject to the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission,
Western Resources expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, at any
time or from time to time, to delay acceptance for exchange or, regardless of
whether such Shares were theretofore accepted for exchange, exchange of any
Shares pursuant to the Offer or to amend or terminate the Offer and not accept
for exchange or exchange any
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Shares not theretofore accepted for exchange or exchanged, upon the failure of
any of the conditions to the Offer to be satisfied. Western Resources reserves
the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the tender of any
securities and to waive any of the Offer Conditions (other than the Western
Resources Shareholder Approval Condition, the Regulatory Approval Condition and
the condition related to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement).
Although Western Resources reserves the right to do so, Western Resources does
not currently intend to waive the Minimum Tender Condition, the ADT Shareholder
Approval Condition, the ADT Bye-Law Condition or the Rights Plan Condition. See
"The Offer--Conditions of the Offer--Minimum Tender Condition," "--Western
Resources Shareholder Approval Condition," "--ADT Shareholder Approval
Condition," "--Rights Plan Condition," "--ADT Bye-Law Condition," "--Republic
Warrant Condition," "--Regulatory Approval Condition," and "--Certain Other
Conditions of the Offer." Waiver or amendment of any of these conditions may
require an extension of the Offer.
   
  Regulatory Approvals. The acquisition of Shares by Western Resources pursuant
to the Offer is subject to the HSR Act, and the rules (the "Rules") that have
been promulgated thereunder. On December 23, 1996, Western Resources filed with
the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (the "Antitrust Division")
and the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") a Hart-Scott-Rodino Notification
and Report Form with respect to the Offer to acquire up to 100% of the
outstanding Shares. On January 23, 1997, the waiting period expired with
respect to Western Resources' filing under the HSR Act to acquire ownership of
up to 100% of the outstanding Shares. Western Resources is also subject to the
jurisdiction of the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas (the
"KCC") with respect to the issuance of certain securities and indebtedness. On
February 7, 1997, the KCC issued an order granting approval of the issuance of
Western Resources Common Stock and debt in connection with the Offer.     
   
  Timing of the Offer. The Offer is currently scheduled to expire on      ,
1997; however, it is Western Resources' current intention to extend the Offer
from time to time as necessary until all conditions to the Offer have been
satisfied or waived. See "The Offer--Extension, Termination and Amendment."
Western Resources has received a letter from Chase Manhattan Bank and one of
its affiliates in which they state that they are highly confident that they can
arrange credit facilities in the amount necessary to fund payment of the Cash
Consideration. See "The Offer--Source and Amount of Funds." Western Resources
believes that it is highly unlikely that it will not have obtained financing
for the Cash Consideration prior to five business days before the Expiration
Date, however, in this unlikely event, Western Resources currently intends to
extend the Offer to ensure that five business days remain for ADT Shareholders
to tender their Shares in the Offer subsequent to obtaining such financing. See
"The Offer--Source and Amount of Funds." Western Resources expects that the
Western Resources Shareholder Approval Condition will be satisfied by       ,
1997, the date on which it has called a special meeting of its shareholders
(the "Western Resources Special Meeting"), to approve the issuance of shares of
Western Resources Common Stock in connection with the Offer and to approve an
amendment to the Western Resources Articles to increase the number of shares of
Western Resources Common Stock authorized for issuance. ADT has notified ADT
Shareholders that it plans to convene the ADT Special Meeting on July 8, 1997.
Westar Capital is seeking to enjoin ADT's attempt to delay the ADT Special
Meeting beyond March 20, 1997 and Western Resources expects that it will be
successful in such efforts. Western Resources currently anticipates that all of
the conditions to the Offer (other than the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition,
the Rights Plan Condition and the ADT Bye-Law Condition) will be satisfied by
the date of the ADT Special Meeting. Western Resources currently anticipates
that the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition will be satisfied at the ADT
Special Meeting and that the Rights Plan Condition and the ADT Bye-Law
Condition will be satisfied as soon as practicable thereafter. See "Litigation"
and "The Offer--Conditions of the Offer."     
 
  Extension, Termination and Amendment. Western Resources expressly reserves
the right (but will not be obligated), in its sole discretion, at any time or
from time to time, and regardless of whether any of the events set forth in
"The Offer--Conditions of the Offer" shall have occurred or shall have been
determined by Western Resources to have occurred, (a) to extend the period of
time during which the Offer is open by giving oral or written notice of such
extension to the Exchange Agent, which extension will be announced no later
than 9:00
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
a.m., Eastern time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled
Expiration Date, and (b) to amend the Offer in any respect (including, without
limitation, by decreasing or increasing the consideration offered in the Offer
to holders of Shares and/or by increasing or decreasing the number of Shares
being sought in the Offer) by giving oral or written notice of such amendment
to the Exchange Agent. The rights reserved by Western Resources in this
paragraph are in addition to Western Resources' right to terminate the Offer as
described in "The Offer--Extension, Termination and Amendment." There can be no
assurance that Western Resources will exercise its right to extend the Offer.
However, it is Western Resources' current intention to extend the Offer until
all Offer Conditions have been satisfied or waived. See "The Offer--Extension,
Termination and Amendment." During any such extension, all Shares previously
tendered and not withdrawn will remain subject to the Offer, subject to the
right of a tendering ADT Shareholder to withdraw his or her Shares. See "The
Offer--Withdrawal Rights."
 
  Exchange of Shares; Delivery of Western Resources Common Stock and Cash
Consideration. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer
(including, if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of
any such extension or amendment), Western Resources will accept for exchange,
and will exchange, Shares (and Rights, if applicable) validly tendered and not
properly withdrawn as promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date.
See "The Offer--Exchange of Shares; Delivery of Western Resources Common Stock
and Cash Consideration."
 
  Withdrawal Rights. Tenders of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) made
pursuant to the Offer are irrevocable, except that Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) tendered pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior
to the Expiration Date, and, unless theretofore accepted for exchange and
exchanged by Western Resources for the Offer Consideration pursuant to the
Offer, may also be withdrawn at any time after      , 1997. See "The Offer--
Withdrawal Rights."
 
  Procedure for Tendering Shares. For an ADT Shareholder validly to tender
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) pursuant to the Offer, (i) a properly
completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually executed
facsimile thereof), together with any required signature guarantees, or an
Agent's Message (as defined herein) in connection with a book-entry transfer,
and any other required documents, must be transmitted to and received by the
Exchange Agent at one of its addresses set forth on the back cover of this
Preliminary Prospectus and either certificates for tendered Shares (and Rights,
if applicable) must be received by the Exchange Agent at such address or such
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) must be tendered pursuant to the procedures
for book-entry transfer (in the case of Rights, if available) set forth under
"The Offer--Procedure for Tendering" (and a confirmation of receipt of such
tender received), in each case, prior to the Expiration Date, or (ii) such ADT
Shareholder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth under
"The Offer--Procedure for Tendering."
 
  ADT Shareholders will be required to tender one Right for each Share tendered
in order to effect a valid tender of Shares, unless the Rights Plan Condition
has been satisfied or waived. Unless the ADT Distribution Date occurs, a tender
of Shares will constitute a tender of the associated Rights.
   
  THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF SHARE CERTIFICATES (AND RIGHTS CERTIFICATES, IF
APPLICABLE) AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING DELIVERY THROUGH ANY
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY, IS AT THE OPTION AND RISK OF THE TENDERING
SHAREHOLDER, AND THE DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED
BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN
RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, IS RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT
TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY.     
 
THE AMALGAMATION
 
  The purpose of the Offer is to enable Western Resources to acquire control of
ADT. Western Resources presently intends, following consummation of the Offer,
to propose and seek to have ADT effect the
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
   
Amalgamation, pursuant to which a newly created subsidiary of Western Resources
incorporated under the laws of Bermuda will amalgamate with and into ADT, with
the amalgamated company operating under the name of ADT. In the Amalgamation,
each then outstanding Share (other than Shares owned by Western Resources or
any of its affiliates, Shares held in the treasury of ADT (if ADT is so
authorized) or by any subsidiary of ADT and Shares owned by ADT Shareholders
who perfect appraisal rights under Bermuda law) would be cancelled in exchange
for the right to receive the Offer Consideration. ADT has not agreed to provide
Western Resources with information that might be relevant to the structuring of
the Amalgamation. Western Resources therefore reserves the right to change the
structure of the Amalgamation upon receipt of such information.     
   
  If the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition is satisfied at the ADT Special
Meeting, the ADT Shareholders will have effectively approved the Offer and the
Amalgamation as the Western Resources Nominees are committed to taking, subject
to the fulfillment of the fiduciary duties they would have as directors of ADT,
all actions necessary and desirable to facilitate consummation of the Offer and
the Amalgamation including, among other things, (i) either redeeming the Rights
or amending the Rights Agreement to make the Rights inapplicable to the Offer,
if necessary, in order to satisfy the Rights Plan Condition, (ii) not invoking
the provisions of Bye-Law 104 or 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws (as described herein)
in connection with the acquisition of Shares by Western Resources pursuant to
the Offer or otherwise, (iii) adopting and approving an agreement and plan of
amalgamation among ADT, Bermuda Sub and Western Resources pursuant to which
Bermuda Sub will amalgamate with and into ADT, with the amalgamated company
operating under the name of ADT, and ADT Shareholders (other than Western
Resources and ADT and their respective affiliates, and ADT Shareholders who
perfect appraisal rights under Bermuda law) will receive the Offer
Consideration in exchange for the cancellation of each Share (the "Amalgamation
Agreement") and (iv) proposing an amendment to the ADT Bye-Laws providing that
an amalgamation may be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
votes cast at a general meeting of ADT (the "Bye-Law Amendment"). Bye-Law 64 of
the ADT Bye-Laws ("Bye-Law 64") restricts the ability of an ADT director to
vote on, or be counted in a quorum to consider, proposals concerning any other
company in which the director is the holder of or is beneficially interested in
one percent or more of the equity share capital or the voting rights. Bye-Law
64 will not restrict the ability of the Western Resources Nominees to
facilitate the consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation because any
interest of the Western Resources Nominees in the equity share capital or
voting rights of either Western Resources or Bermuda Sub will be less than one
percent.     
 
  Pursuant to the Companies Act, each of the Bye-Law Amendment and the
Amalgamation Agreement require the approval of ADT Shareholders in order to
take effect. Under the ADT Bye-Laws and Section 77(2) of the Companies Act,
approval of the Bye-Law Amendment requires the affirmative vote of a majority
of votes cast at a general meeting of ADT. Section 106(4A) of the Companies Act
provides in part that, unless a company's bye-laws specifically provide
otherwise, an amalgamation of a Bermuda company must be approved by a majority
vote of three-fourths of those ADT Shareholders voting at a duly called
meeting. The ADT Bye-Laws do not currently specify the vote required to approve
an amalgamation. Therefore, upon the adoption of the Bye-Law Amendment,
approval of the Amalgamation Agreement will also require the affirmative vote
of a majority of votes cast at a general meeting of ADT (including Shares owned
by Western Resources or its affiliates).
 
  If the Minimum Tender Condition and other Offer Conditions are satisfied, and
the Offer is consummated, Western Resources and its affiliates will own a
majority of the outstanding Shares. Accordingly, Western Resources and its
affiliates will at such time have sufficient voting power in ADT to approve the
Bye-Law Amendment and the Amalgamation Agreement independently of the votes of
any other ADT Shareholders. Western Resources presently intends to vote any and
all Shares then owned by Western Resources and its affiliates to approve such
proposals.
 
  The Amalgamation will be subject to certain conditions, including the consent
of the Minister of Finance of Bermuda (the "Minister of Finance"). The Western
Resources Nominees are committed, subject to the exercise
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
of their fiduciary duties, as soon as practicable following the exchange of
Shares by Western Resources pursuant to the Offer, to causing all necessary
actions to be taken to seek the consent of the Minister of Finance to the
Amalgamation. Western Resources has no reason to believe that the Minister of
Finance will not grant approval for the Amalgamation, however, there can be no
assurance that the Minister of Finance would grant his consent to the
Amalgamation. An adverse decision by the Minister of Finance may not be subject
to appeal or review in any court. Western Resources also presently intends to
condition the Amalgamation upon holders of not more than 5% of the outstanding
Shares at the effective time of the Amalgamation perfecting appraisal rights
with respect to the Amalgamation pursuant to Section 106(6) of the Companies
Act.
 
  ADT Shareholders will have appraisal rights under Bermuda law in connection
with the Amalgamation. See "--Appraisal Rights" and "The Amalgamation--
Appraisal Rights."
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
  The exchange of Shares for Western Resources Common Stock and cash pursuant
to the Offer and Amalgamation will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal
income tax purposes and may also be taxable under applicable state, local and
foreign tax laws.
 
  All ADT Shareholders should carefully read the summary of the federal income
tax consequences of the Offer and the Amalgamation under "The Offer--Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences" and are urged to consult with their own tax
advisors as to the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences in their
particular circumstances.
 
EFFECT OF OFFER ON MARKET FOR SHARES; REGISTRATION UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT
 
  The exchange of Shares pursuant to the Offer will reduce the number of
holders of Shares and the number of Shares that might otherwise trade publicly
and, depending upon the number of Shares so purchased, could adversely affect
the liquidity and market value of the remaining Shares held by the public.
 
  The Shares are listed and principally traded on the NYSE and are also listed
on the LSE, FSE and the BSX. Depending upon the number of Shares acquired
pursuant to the Offer, following consummation of the Offer, the Shares may no
longer meet the requirements of such exchanges for continued listing and the
Shares may no longer constitute "margin securities" for the purposes of the
Federal Reserve Board's margin regulations, in which event the Shares would be
ineligible as collateral for margin loans made by brokers. For a description of
the treatment of Shares in the Amalgamation, see "The Amalgamation."
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
   
  In connection with the Amalgamation and pursuant to Section 106(6) of the
Companies Act, a registered holder of Shares who does not vote in favor of the
Amalgamation, if it is proposed and submitted to a vote of ADT Shareholders,
and who is not satisfied that he or she has been offered fair value for his or
her Shares, may, within one month of the giving of the notice of the general
meeting of ADT Shareholders, apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda (the
"Bermuda Supreme Court") to have the fair value of such dissenting ADT
Shareholder's Shares appraised by the Bermuda Supreme Court. Within one month
of the Bermuda Supreme Court appraising the fair value of any Shares, Western
Resources shall be entitled either to pay to the dissenting ADT Shareholder an
amount equal to the value of his or her Shares as appraised by the Bermuda
Supreme Court or to terminate the Amalgamation if the agreement with respect
thereto so provides. The Bermuda Supreme Court has wide discretion to assess
the value of shares in appraisal proceedings. The Bermuda Supreme Court would
likely call on expert evidence and may assess the fair value based on (a) the
market value (i.e., the quoted stock market price) of the Shares; (b) a
valuation of the net assets of ADT; (c) the earnings or investment value method
which would involve the capitalization of maintainable earnings; and/or (d) a
combination of these methods. Western Resources presently intends to condition
the Amalgamation upon, among other things, holders of not more than 5% of the
outstanding Shares having perfected appraisal rights with respect to the
Amalgamation. See "The Amalgamation--Appraisal Rights."     
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
 
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF SHARES AND WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON
STOCK
 
  As a consequence of the exchange of Shares for shares of Western Resources
Common Stock in the Offer and the cancellation of Shares as a result of the
Amalgamation, shareholders of ADT, a corporation incorporated under the laws of
Bermuda, would become shareholders of Western Resources, a Kansas corporation.
Such holders would have certain rights as Western Resources shareholders that
are different from the rights they currently have in ADT, both because of the
differences between the Western Resources Articles and Western Resources' by-
laws (the "Western Resources Bylaws"), on the one hand, and the ADT Memorandum
of Association and the ADT Bye-Laws, on the other hand, and because of
differences between Kansas and Bermuda corporation law. For a comparison of the
charter and by-law provisions of Western Resources and ADT and of Kansas and
Bermuda law, see "Comparison of the Rights of Holders of Shares and Western
Resources Common Stock."
   
THE KCPL MERGER     
          
  On July 8, 1996, Western Resources commenced the KCPL Offer to exchange
shares of Western Resources Common Stock for each outstanding share of KCPL
Common Stock. See "The KCPL Merger." It was Western Resources' intent, as soon
as practicable after consummation of the KCPL Offer, to seek to merge KCPL with
and into Western Resources. Pursuant to the exchange ratio in the KCPL Offer,
KCPL shareholders would have received $31.00 of Western Resources Common Stock
in exchange for each share of KCPL Common Stock, subject to a maximum of 1.100
and a minimum of 0.933 shares of Western Resources Common Stock for each share
of KCPL Common Stock.     
   
  Beginning in November of 1996, members of the respective boards of directors
and managements of KCPL and Western Resources began discussions regarding a
negotiated transaction between the two companies. Negotiations continued for a
period of several weeks. On February 7, 1997, KCPL and Western Resources
announced that their respective boards of directors had approved a merger
agreement (the "KCPL Merger Agreement") pursuant to which KCPL will be merged
with and into Western Resources and KCPL shareholders will receive $32.00 of
Western Resources Common Stock per share of KCPL Common Stock, subject to a
maximum of 1.100 and a minimum of 0.917 shares of Western Resources Common
Stock per share of KCPL Common Stock (subject to upward adjustment as specified
in the KCPL Merger Agreement). As required by the KCPL Merger Agreement,
Western Resources terminated the KCPL Offer on February 7, 1997.     
   
  The KCPL Merger, which will be tax-free to KCPL shareholders and is intended
to be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests transaction, will create a
combined company with more than 2,000,000 security and energy customers, $9.5
billion in assets, $3 billion in annual revenues and more than 8,000 megawatts
of electric generation resources. The KCPL Merger is conditioned upon, among
other things, the approvals of each company's shareholders and the necessary
review and approvals of various regulatory agencies, principally the KCC, the
Missouri Public Service Commission (the "MPSC"), the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (the "NRC") and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the
"FERC"). Western Resources intends to seek the approval of its shareholders at
its annual meeting of shareholders, presently scheduled for May 6, 1997.
Subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory and other approvals, Western
Resources presently anticipates that the KCPL Merger will be completed in the
first half of 1998.     
   
  According to a representation of KCPL contained in the Merger Agreement,
there were 61,908,726 shares of KCPL Common Stock outstanding on January 28,
1997. Upon consummation of the KCPL Merger, based on the closing share price of
Western Resources Common Stock on February 21, 1997, KCPL shareholders will
receive approximately 64,425,341 shares of Western Resources Common Stock in
the KCPL Merger. This number of shares would represent approximately 32.2% of
the total number of outstanding shares of Western     
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
   
Resources Common Stock, assuming that the Offer and the Amalgamation had
previously been completed at an Exchange Ratio of .48780, based on the closing
share price of Western Resources Common Stock on February 21, 1997.     
       
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  On December 12, 1996, Western Resources and ONEOK announced that they had
entered into a proposed strategic alliance in which Western Resources will
contribute its regulated local natural gas distribution operations, MCMC, and
Westar Gas Marketing, and will become the largest shareholder of ONEOK. A
division of ONEOK, the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, provides local natural gas
service to 75% of the state of Oklahoma. ONEOK also has interests in natural
gas marketing, processing and production.
 
  In the transaction, which is expected to close in mid-1997, Western Resources
will receive a 45% equity interest in ONEOK. The equity interest will consist
of 2,996,702 shares of ONEOK common stock ("ONEOK Common Stock") and 19,317,584
shares of a new series of convertible preferred stock of ONEOK ("ONEOK
Preferred Stock"). The ONEOK Preferred Stock will pay an annual dividend of up
to 1.5 times the ONEOK Common Stock dividend, with a minimum dividend of $1.80
per share. The transaction is expected to be accretive to Western Resources in
the first full year.
 
  As a result of its alliance with Western Resources, ONEOK will become the
ninth largest gas distribution company in the United States, serving 1.4
million customers. The strategic alliance will also include a marketing
agreement under which Western Resources will provide electric energy products,
security products and other unregulated services to ONEOK's existing 735,000
customers. The transaction requires the approval of ONEOK's shareholders, the
Oklahoma Corporation Commission (the "OCC"), the KCC and the Commission.
Pursuant to the HSR Act, the transaction may not be consummated unless certain
information has been furnished to the Antitrust Division and the FTC and
certain waiting period requirements have been satisfied. Western Resources
shareholders will not vote on the transaction.
 
  On December 31, 1996, Western Resources paid approximately $358 million,
subject to certain adjustments, and assumed certain liabilities and
obligations, for all of the assets used in, related to or necessary for the
operation of the security installation, monitoring and service business
currently operated by Westinghouse Security, a subsidiary of Westinghouse. As a
result of the acquisition, Westar Security is now the third-largest monitored
security company in the United States with over 400,000 customers, offices in
many major U.S. markets and direct access to customers in 44 states.
 
DESCRIPTION OF WESTERN RESOURCES CAPITAL STOCK
   
  The authorized capital stock of Western Resources consists of 85,000,000
shares of Western Resources Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share, 4,000,000
shares of preference stock, no par value, 6,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
no par value, and 600,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $100.00 per
share. As of February 24, 1997, there were 64,818,788 shares of Western
Resources Common Stock issued and outstanding. As of February 24, 1997, there
were 138,576 shares of 4.5% preferred stock, par value $100.00 per share
("Western Resources 4.5% Preferred Stock"), 60,000 shares of 4.25% preferred
stock, par value $100.00 per share ("Western Resources 4.25% Preferred Stock"),
and 50,000 shares of 5% preferred stock, par value $100.00 per share ("Western
Resources 5% Preferred Stock," and together with the Western Resources 4.5%
Preferred Stock and the Western Resources 4.25% Preferred Stock, the "Western
Resources Preferred Stock"), issued and outstanding. As of February 24, 1997,
there were 500,000 shares of 7.58% Series preference stock ("Western Resources
Preference Stock") outstanding.     
 
  Holders of shares of Western Resources Common Stock and Western Resources
Preferred Stock are entitled to one vote per share for each share held (except
with respect to the election of directors, as described herein
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
under "Description of Western Resources Capital Stock"). Subject to the rights
of holders of shares of outstanding Western Resources Preferred Stock and
Western Resources Preference Stock, holders of shares of Western Resources
Common Stock have equal rights to participate in dividends when declared and,
in the event of liquidation, in the net assets of Western Resources available
for distribution to shareholders. Western Resources may not declare any
dividends on the Western Resources Common Stock unless full preferential
amounts to which holders of Western Resources Preferred Stock and Western
Resources Preference Stock are entitled have been paid or declared and set
apart for payment. The Western Resources Articles also contain restrictions on
the payment of dividends.
 
  For information relating to ownership of Western Resources Common Stock by
certain beneficial owners and directors and executive officers of Western
Resources, see the 1996 Western Resources Annual Meeting Proxy Statement. For
information relating to ownership of Shares by certain beneficial owners and
directors and executive officers of ADT, see Schedule B. As of December 17,
1996, as a group, Western Resources' directors, executive officers and their
affiliates beneficially owned approximately 0.11% of the outstanding shares of
Western Resources Common Stock. According to publicly available information,
ADT's directors, executive officers and their affiliates own approximately 4.5%
of the outstanding Shares.
 
  For additional information concerning the capital stock of Western Resources,
see "Description of Western Resources Capital Stock."
 
MARKET PRICES
   
  The following table sets forth the market price per share of Western
Resources Common Stock and ADT Shares, and the equivalent Offer Consideration
per ADT Share on (i) December 17, 1996, the last trading day prior to the
public announcement of the Offer and (ii) February 24, 1997, the last trading
day prior to the date of this Preliminary Prospectus. The historical market
prices represent the closing prices per share on such dates on the NYSE
Composite Tape. The equivalent market prices per Share represent the closing
price per share of Western Resources Common Stock multiplied by the Exchange
Ratio together with the Cash Consideration which is exchangeable in the Offer
for each Share. See "Market Prices and Dividends."     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                   WESTERN
                                                  RESOURCES         ADT
                                                  --------- --------------------
                                                                   EQUIVALENT AT
                                                                       OFFER
  DATE                                             ACTUAL   ACTUAL CONSIDERATION
  ----                                            --------- ------ -------------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>    <C>
December 17, 1996................................  $31.25   $20.12    $22.50
February 24, 1997................................  $31.25   $21.75    $22.50
</TABLE>    
 
THE EXCHANGE AGENT
   
  Harris Trust Company of New York has been appointed Exchange Agent in
connection with the Offer. The Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile copies
thereof) and certificates for Shares (and Rights, if applicable) should be sent
by each tendering ADT Shareholder or his or her broker, dealer, bank or nominee
to the Exchange Agent at the addresses set forth on the back cover of this
Preliminary Prospectus.     
 
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE AND ADDITIONAL COPIES
 
  Requests for information or assistance concerning the Offer may be directed
to the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent at their respective addresses
set forth on the back cover of this Preliminary Prospectus. Requests for
additional copies of this Preliminary Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal
should be directed to the Information Agent.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
 
WESTERN RESOURCES, ADT AND KCPL COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
   
  The following table sets forth comparative per share data of Western
Resources, ADT and KCPL on both a historical and pro forma combined basis. This
table should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements
and notes thereto contained in the Western Resources 1995 Form 10-K, the ADT
1995 Form 10-K, Western Resources' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 (the "Western Resources September Form 10-Q"),
ADT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 (the "ADT September Form 10-Q"), ADT's Current Reports on Form 8-K, dated
September 5, 1996, October 21, 1996 and November 12, 1996, the KCPL 1995 Form
10-K, and KCPL's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 (the "KCPL September Form 10-Q"), each of which is
incorporated by reference herein, and in conjunction with the unaudited pro
forma combined financial information appearing elsewhere in this Preliminary
Prospectus. See "Western Resources, ADT and KCPL Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Financial Information."     
 
  The Amalgamation, pursuant to which Bermuda Sub will amalgamate with and into
ADT, will be accounted for as a purchase and the pro forma information set
forth below assumes the Amalgamation occurred as of January 1, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. The KCPL Merger is expected to be accounted for as a pooling of
interests. Accordingly, the historical results of Western Resources and KCPL
have been restated to reflect the KCPL Merger for all periods presented. Pro
forma information reflecting the Amalgamation and the KCPL Merger has been
presented for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the year ended
December 31, 1995. This information does not reflect the estimated cost savings
or revenue enhancements that Western Resources believes may result from the
Amalgamation or the KCPL Merger. The pro forma per share data is not
necessarily indicative of actual results had the Amalgamation and the KCPL
Merger occurred on such dates or of future expected results.
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                 NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,    YEAR ENDED
                                                                       1996        DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)        1995
                                                                 ----------------- ------------
<S>                                                              <C>               <C>
WESTERN RESOURCES
Book value per common share....................................       $25.14          $24.71
Earnings per common share......................................         1.93            2.71
Dividends per common share.....................................         1.55            2.02
ADT(1)
Book value per common share....................................       $ 5.56          $10.26
Earnings (loss) per common share before extraordinary item.....        (4.77)           0.22
PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
Book value per common share(2).................................       $27.33          $27.18
Earnings (loss) per average common share before extraordinary
 item..........................................................        (4.79)           0.63
Dividends per common share.....................................         1.55            2.02
EQUIVALENT (3) PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
Book value per equivalent common share.........................       $13.33          $13.26
Earnings (loss) per average equivalent common share before
 extraordinary item............................................        (2.33)           0.31
Dividends per equivalent common share..........................         0.76            0.99
</TABLE>    
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                        NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                          SEPTEMBER 30,    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              1996        -------------------------
                                                           (UNAUDITED)     1995   1994(4)  1993(4)
                                                        ----------------- ------- -------- --------
<S>                                                     <C>               <C>     <C>      <C>
WESTERN RESOURCES
Book value per common share............................      $25.14       $ 24.71 $ 23.93  $ 23.08
Earnings per common share..............................        1.93          2.71    2.82     2.76
Dividends per common share.............................        1.55          2.02    1.98     1.94
ADT(1)
Book value per common share............................      $ 5.56       $ 10.26     N/A      N/A
Earnings (loss) per common share before extraordinary
 item..................................................       (4.77)         0.22     N/A      N/A
KCPL
Book value per common share............................      $14.81       $ 14.50 $14.13   $ 13.99
Earnings per common share..............................        1.38          1.92    1.64     1.66
Dividends per common share.............................        1.19          1.54    1.50     1.46
PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
Book value per common share(2).........................      $22.64       $ 23.44 $18.64   $ 18.16
Earnings (loss) per average common share before
 extraordinary item....................................       (2.80)         1.03    2.18     2.15
Dividends per common share.............................        1.55          2.02    1.98     1.94
EQUIVALENT (3) PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
Book value per equivalent common share.................      $11.04       $ 11.44     N/A      N/A
Earnings (loss) per average equivalent common share
 before extraordinary item.............................       (1.37)         0.50     N/A      N/A
Dividends per equivalent common share..................        0.76          0.99     N/A      N/A
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) ADT has not declared dividends for the periods presented.
   
(2) Pro Forma Combined net book value per share reflects 70.7 million
    additional shares of Western Resources' Common Stock at $30.750 per share
    (based upon closing prices on February 21, 1997) needed to acquire the net
    remaining outstanding Shares of ADT at September 30, 1996 and December 31,
    1995.     
   
(3) Reflects the exchange of one Share for Western Resources Common Stock at an
    assumed Exchange Ratio of .48780.     
(4) Periods prior to 1995 present only the combined amounts resulting from the
    KCPL Merger and do not include amounts for ADT since the Amalgamation will
    be accounted for as a purchase.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The summary below sets forth selected historical financial data and selected
unaudited pro forma financial data. This financial data should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto
contained in the Western Resources 1995 Form 10-K, the ADT 1995 Form 10-K and
the KCPL 1995 Form 10-K, each of which is incorporated by reference herein, and
in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma combined financial information,
unaudited forecasted financial data and notes relating to each appearing
elsewhere in this Preliminary Prospectus. See "Western Resources, ADT and KCPL
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information."
 
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF WESTERN RESOURCES
 
  The selected historical financial data of Western Resources set forth below
has been derived from financial statements of Western Resources as they
appeared in Western Resources' Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed with the
Commission for each of the five fiscal years in the period ended December 31,
1995, and Western Resources' Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods
ended September 30, 1996, and September 30, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              NINE MONTHS
                          ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                              (UNAUDITED)                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                         ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
                            1996       1995        1995     1994(1)      1993     1992(3)      1991
                         ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           
WESTERN RESOURCES
Income Statement Data:
 Operating revenues..... $1,481,915 $ 1,285,959 $1,572,071 $1,617,943 $1,909,359 $1,556,248 $1,162,178
 Operating income(2)....    300,364     294,648    363,904    269,546    292,063    239,169    129,621
 Net income.............    136,484     135,196    181,676    187,447    177,370    127,884     89,645(5)
 Earnings applicable to
  common stock..........    122,875     125,132    168,257    174,029    163,864    115,133     83,268(5)
 Earnings per common
  share.................       1.93        2.02       2.71       2.82       2.76       2.20       2.41(5)
 Dividends declared per
  common share.......... $    1.545 $     1.515 $     2.02 $     1.98 $     1.94 $     1.90 $     2.04(4)
<CAPTION>
                             SEPTEMBER 30,
                              (UNAUDITED)                            DECEMBER 31,
                         ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
                            1996       1995        1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
                         ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           
Balance Sheet Data:
 Total assets........... $6,083,191 $ 5,265,749 $5,490,677 $5,371,029 $5,412,048 $5,438,906 $2,112,513
 Long-term debt.........  1,466,526   1,341,198  1,391,263  1,357,028  1,523,988  1,926,026    586,579
 Company-obligated
  mandatorily redeemable
  preferred securities..    220,000         --     100,000        --         --         --         --
 Preferred and
  preference stock......     74,858     174,858    174,858    174,858    174,858    176,291    128,891
 Common stock equity....  1,615,060   1,532,267  1,553,110  1,474,455  1,422,175  1,248,367    642,449
 Book value per common
  share................. $    25.14 $     24.50 $    24.71 $    23.93 $    23.08 $    21.51 $    18.59
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Information reflects the sale of the Missouri natural gas properties on
    January 31, 1994.
(2) For operating income presented for periods beginning in 1995, income taxes
    are presented as a separate line item after "Operating Income." Prior to
    1995 (periods in which ADT pro forma information is not presented) a
    traditional utility income statement format is presented which includes
    operating income, net of income taxes.
(3) Information reflects the merger with Kansas Gas and Electric Company on
    March 31, 1992.
(4) Includes special, one-time dividend of $0.18 per share paid February 28,
    1991.
(5) Includes cumulative effect to January 1, 1991 of change in revenue
    recognition, a $17,360,000 or $0.50 per share increase.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF ADT
 
  The selected historical financial data of ADT set forth below has been
derived from ADT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September
30, 1996 and ADT's Current Reports on Form 8-K, dated September 5, 1996,
October 21, 1996 and November 12, 1996 (the "ADT Form 8-Ks"). The ADT Form 8-Ks
restate ADT's financial statements to reflect the ASH Transaction which ADT
accounted for as a pooling of interests. The ADT 1995 Form 10-K should also be
read in conjunction with ADT's selected historical financial data. Income
statement data for 1992 and prior periods and balance sheet data for 1994 and
prior periods have been derived by combining publically filed financial
information of ADT and ASH.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              NINE MONTHS
                          ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                              (UNAUDITED)                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                         ------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
                            1996           1995       1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
                         ----------     ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         
ADT
Income Statement Data:
 Operating revenues..... $1,261,600 (1) $1,325,800 $1,783,800 $1,629,400 $1,528,500 $1,585,231 $1,483,907
 Operating income
  (loss)................   (579,900)(2)    177,700    200,800    206,000    186,800    213,679    191,427
 Net income (loss)
  before extraordinary
  items.................   (651,700)        60,900     31,000     82,600    110,700    153,767   (508,903)
 Earnings (loss) per
  common share before
  extraordinary item.... $    (4.77)    $     0.44 $     0.22 $     0.50 $     0.74 $     1.36 $    (4.49)
<CAPTION>
                             SEPTEMBER 30,
                              (UNAUDITED)                               DECEMBER 31,
                         ------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
                            1996           1995       1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
                         ----------     ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         
Balance Sheet Data:
 Total assets........... $2,644,700            N/A $3,419,700 $3,406,800 $3,488,379 $3,486,645 $3,817,891
 Long-term debt.........  1,027,600            N/A  1,174,800  1,051,000  1,160,951  1,158,482  1,298,878
 Preferred and
  preference stock......      4,900            N/A      4,900      5,200    442,200    470,700    562,400
 Common stock equity....    783,200            N/A  1,425,300  1,299,800  1,195,067  1,015,103    936,716
 Book value per common
  share................. $     5.56            N/A $    10.26 $     9.55 $     9.79 $     8.95 $     8.27
</TABLE>
- --------
   
(1) Operating revenue decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
    compared to the same period in 1995, primarily due to the sale of the
    European vehicle auction business in December 1995.     
(2) Includes a non-cash charge of approximately $744.7 million to recognize the
    impairment of certain long-lived assets, primarily existing goodwill.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
WESTERN RESOURCES AND ADT SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
 
  The following selected unaudited pro forma combined financial information
combines the consolidated balance sheets and income statements of Western
Resources and ADT as if the Amalgamation had occurred for all periods
presented. These statements are prepared on the basis of accounting for the
Amalgamation as a purchase and are based on the assumptions set forth in the
notes thereto. These statements do not reflect the estimated cost savings and
revenue enhancements Western Resources believes will result from the
Amalgamation. Therefore, the following information is not necessarily
indicative of actual results that would have occurred had the Amalgamation
occurred on such dates or of expected future results. See "Western Resources
and ADT Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information."
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                     NINE MONTHS
                                                        ENDED       YEAR ENDED
                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1996          1995
                                                    -------------- ------------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                      EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>
PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
Income Statement Data:
 Operating revenues................................  $ 2,743,515    $3,355,871
 Operating income (loss)...........................     (322,036)      530,504
 Net income (loss) before extraordinary item.......     (629,030)       97,319
 Earnings (loss) applicable to common stock before
  extraordinary item...............................     (642,639)       83,900
 Earnings (loss) per average common share before
  extraordinary item...............................  $     (4.79)   $     0.63
<CAPTION>
                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                         1996
                                                    --------------
                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>            
PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
Balance Sheet Data:
 Total assets......................................  $10,809,012
 Long-term debt, net...............................    3,888,276
 Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
  securities.......................................      220,000
 Preferred and preference stock....................       79,758
 Common stock equity...............................    3,669,896
</TABLE>    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF KCPL
 
  The selected historical financial data of KCPL set forth below has been
derived from the financial statements of KCPL as they appeared in KCPL's Annual
Reports on Form 10-K filed with the Commission for each of the five fiscal
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 and KCPL's Current Reports on Form
10-Q for the periods ended September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              NINE MONTHS
                          ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                              (UNAUDITED)                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                         --------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
                            1996       1995       1995       1994       1993       1992          1991
                         ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------    ----------
                                            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>           
KCPL
Income Statement Data:
 Operating revenues..... $  703,031 $  681,881 $  885,955 $  868,272 $  857,450 $  802,668    $  825,101
 Operating income(2)....    210,287    195,509    244,110    149,691    156,302    140,574       171,308
 Net income.............     88,406     99,239    122,586    104,775    105,772     86,334       103,893
 Earnings applicable to
  common stock..........     85,566     96,200    118,575    101,318    102,619     83,272        97,870
 Earnings per common
  share.................       1.38       1.55       1.92       1.64       1.66       1.35(1)       1.58(1)
 Dividends declared per
  common share.......... $    1.185 $     1.15 $     1.54 $     1.50 $     1.46 $     1.43(1) $     1.37(1)
<CAPTION>
                             SEPTEMBER 30,
                              (UNAUDITED)                           DECEMBER 31,
                         --------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
                            1996       1995       1995       1994       1993       1992          1991
                         ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------    ----------
                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>           
Balance Sheet Data:
 Total assets........... $2,895,872 $2,866,584 $2,882,506 $2,770,397 $2,755,068 $2,646,923    $2,615,039
 Long-term debt.........    834,136    835,533    835,713    798,470    733,664    788,209       822,680
 Preferred and
  preference stock......     90,276     90,436     90,436     90,596     90,756     90,916        41,076
 Common stock equity....    917,092    899,706    897,938    874,699    866,151    853,924       860,229
 Book value per common
  share................. $    14.81 $    14.53 $    14.50 $    14.13 $    13.99 $    13.79(1) $    13.90(1)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Amounts have been restated to reflect the May 1992 two-for-one common stock
    split.
(2) For operating income presented for periods beginning in 1995, income taxes
    are presented as a separate line item after "Operating Income." Prior to
    1995 (periods in which ADT pro forma information is not presented), a
    traditional utility income statement format is presented which includes
    operating income, net of income taxes.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
WESTERN RESOURCES, ADT AND KCPL SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
 
  The following selected unaudited pro forma combined financial information
combines the consolidated balance sheets and income statements of Western
Resources, ADT and KCPL as if the Amalgamation occurred on January 1, 1995 and
the KCPL Merger had occurred for all periods presented. These statements are
prepared on the basis of accounting for the Amalgamation as a purchase and the
KCPL Merger as a pooling of interests and are based on the assumptions set
forth in the notes thereto. These statements do not reflect the estimated cost
savings and revenue enhancements Western Resources believes will result from
the Amalgamation and the KCPL Merger. Therefore, the following information is
not necessarily indicative of actual results that would have occurred had the
Amalgamation and the KCPL Merger occurred on such dates or of future expected
results. See "Western Resources, ADT and KCPL Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Financial Information."
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                  NINE MONTHS
                                                     ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                                 SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
                                                     1996          1995
                                                 ------------- ------------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                     EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                              <C>           <C>         
PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
Income Statement Data:
 Operating revenues.............................  $ 3,446,546   $4,241,826
 Operating income (loss)........................     (111,749)     774,614
 Net income (loss) before extraordinary item....     (540,624)     219,905
 Earnings (loss) applicable to common stock
  before extraordinary item.....................     (557,073)     202,475
 Earnings (loss) per average common share before
  extraordinary item............................  $     (2.80)  $     1.03
<CAPTION>
                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                     1996
                                                 -------------
                                                      (IN
                                                  THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>          
PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
Balance Sheet Data:
 Total assets...................................  $13,616,884
 Long-term debt, net............................    4,722,412
 Company obligated mandatorily redeemable
  preferred securities..........................      220,000
 Preferred and preference stock.................      170,034
 Common stock equity............................    4,498,988
</TABLE>    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
   
  In addition to the other information in this Preliminary Prospectus, the
following are certain factors that should be considered by ADT Shareholders in
evaluating the Offer and an investment in Western Resources Common Stock. This
Preliminary Prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. Western Resources' actual results may differ significantly
from the results discussed in the forward looking statements. Factors that
might cause such differences are discussed below.     
   
REGULATORY UNCERTAINTIES; CHANGING REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT; APPROVAL OF THE
KCPL MERGER     
   
  Electric and natural gas utilities have historically operated in a rate-
regulated environment. Federal and state regulatory agencies having
jurisdiction over the rates and services of Western Resources and other
utilities are in the process of initiating steps that are expected to result
in a more competitive environment for utilities' services. Increased
competition may create greater risks to the stability of utility earnings. In
a deregulated environment, formerly regulated utility companies that are not
responsive to a competitive energy marketplace may suffer erosion in market
share, revenues and profits as competitors gain access to their service
territories. This anticipated increased competition for retail electricity
sales may in the future reduce Western Resources' earnings in its formerly
regulated businesses.     
   
  In addition, Western Resources' plan to market together energy and security
services is dependent upon the pace of deregulation. While it is impossible to
predict with certainty the time period in which such deregulation will occur,
if at all, if deregulation fails to occur or does not occur as quickly as may
be expected, Western Resources may be hindered in its ability to market energy
and security services and such hinderance may negatively impact Western
Resources' future earnings and cash flows.     
   
  ADT Shareholders should consider that through ownership of Western Resources
Common Stock they will participate in the vicissitudes of the evolving
electric and natural gas utility industries and the deregulation thereof.
There can be no assurance that future regulatory and legislative initiatives
will not constrain Western Resources' efforts to market together energy and
security services.     
   
  In addition, consummation by Western Resources of the KCPL Merger requires
the approval of certain regulatory authorities, including the FERC. Western
Resources currently contemplates that the KCPL Merger could be completed in
the first half of 1998; however, there can be no assurance that it will have
received all requisite regulatory approvals prior to such time. Nor can there
be any assurance that the KCPL Merger will be consummated or, if consummated,
that it will occur by the first half of 1998.     
   
STRANDED COSTS     
   
  The term "stranded costs" as it relates to capital intensive utilities has
been defined as the carrying costs associated with property, plant and
equipment and other regulatory assets at a level which, if fully reflected in
rates, would cause prices charged by the utility for delivering energy to
exceed those of competitive alternatives in the same market. Regulatory
changes, including the introduction of competition, could adversely impact
Western Resources' ability to recover its costs in these assets absent the
economic effects of rate regulation. Based upon its current evaluation of the
various factors and conditions that are expected to impact future cost
recovery, Western Resources believes that its net regulatory assets are
probable of future recovery. However, there can be no assurance that such
recovery will occur as the effect of competition and the amount of regulatory
assets which could be recovered in a competitive environment cannot be
predicted at this time.     
   
BUSINESS PLAN; DIFFICULTY OF INTEGRATING ENERGY AND SECURITY BUSINESSES     
   
  As deregulation in the electric and natural gas utilities industries
continues, Western Resources believes that a provider that can market
additional services with energy-related services to provide customer
convenience will have a market advantage. Western Resources has developed its
strategy to expand its business in the deregulated marketplace and has
identified the security business as a high growth industry with a product that
can be marketed with energy. There can, however, be no assurance that Western
Resources' business plan to market     
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
   
together energy and security services will be successful. The fact that
Western Resources' business plan involves a market that is as yet undeveloped
makes uncertain the extent to which a viable market for marketing energy and
security will develop at all.     
   
  To date, Western Resources has committed substantial capital and human
resources to the security industry through Westar Security and the recent
acquisition of Westinghouse Security. However, obtaining control of ADT would
significantly increase the relative amount of management time and resources
that Western Resources allocates to its security business. There can be no
assurance that this added commitment will result in continued growth or
profitability in Western Resources' security business. There can also be no
assurance that Western Resources will be able to integrate successfully the
operations of its existing security businesses with ADT. Difficulties of such
assimilation will include the coordination of security operations and the
integration of personnel.     
          
COMPARATIVELY SLOWER GROWTH THAN ADT     
   
  Western Resources' growth has historically been slower than ADT's as such
growth has been limited to the growth of Western Resources' customer base
within its franchised service territory. During the past few years Western
Resources' electric sales have grown at an annual rate of approximately 4%.
Prior to deregulation, the only opportunity for utilities to experience
significant growth was through business combinations with other regulated
utilities. Such combinations presented growth opportunities within a finite
market. As the energy industry deregulates, Western Resources believes that
its combination of security with energy will provide Western Resources with an
opportunity to achieve higher growth than could be expected in the
historically regulated energy market. However, there can be no assurance that
such growth will occur.     
 
THE EXCHANGE RATIO
   
  In considering whether to tender their Shares to Western Resources pursuant
to the Offer, ADT Shareholders should consider that, depending on the price of
Western Resources Common Stock prior to the Expiration Date, there may be
certain circumstances in which the Stock Consideration paid to ADT
Shareholders may be less than $15.00 in Western Resources Common Stock.
Pursuant to the Offer, each Share will be exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and
$15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock as long as the Western Resources
Average Price is $29.75 or higher. If the Western Resources Average Price is
less than $29.75, each Share will be exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and less
than $15.00 in Western Resources Common Stock. ADT Shareholders should be
aware that depending upon the Western Resources Average Price, the Offer
Consideration paid per Share may be less than $22.50 and, depending upon the
per Share price immediately prior to the Expiration Date, may represent a
discount to the price per Share at the Expiration Date.     
 
EFFECT OF THE OFFER AND THE AMALGAMATION ON WESTERN RESOURCES' FINANCIAL
STATUS
   
  Expansion into the high growth security business presents financial risks to
Western Resources. Western Resources' earnings and cash flow may experience
increased volatility due to additional business risks. Such risks include
possible slower than expected growth in the security business, competitive
pressures on prices and changes in technology.     
   
  The Offer and the Amalgamation are expected to have a dilutive effect on
Western Resources' reported earnings per share in the short term due to the
amortization of goodwill. There can also be no assurance that the Offer and
Amalgamation will not have a negative impact on Western Resources' financial
strength or debt rating, including its ability to raise capital in the future.
Following public announcement of Western Resources' proposal to merge with
KCPL, debt of Western Resources was placed on CreditWatch with negative
implications, a practice that Western Resources believes is standard with
respect to companies involved in an announced merger proposal. Since public
announcement of the Offer, Standard and Poors has downgraded the credit rating
on Western Resources' senior secured debt from A- to BBB+. Moody's has placed
Western Resources' debt on review for possible downgrade following public
announcement of the Offer, but continues to rate Western     
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
   
Resources First Mortgage Bonds A3. Western Resources does not believe that
these changes in its credit rating will materially and adversely impact the
business and operations of Western Resources following the Offer and the
Amalgamation. However, such changes may increase Western Resources' cost of
capital on additional borrowings.     
 
CERTAIN DEBT INSTRUMENTS OF ADT OPERATIONS
   
  It is Western Resources' current view that satisfaction of the ADT
Shareholder Approval Condition and the consummation of the Offer will (i)
enable the holders of certain debt instruments of ADT Operations to require
repurchase of the securities outstanding thereunder by ADT Operations and (ii)
result in the acceleration of certain credit facilities currently available to
ADT Operations. See "The Offer--Source and Amount of Funds." According to
ADT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996,
the total amount of outstanding debt of ADT Operations under which
satisfaction of the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition could constitute a
change of control was approximately $1 billion. Since it does not presently
appear to be financially attractive for the holders of such debt to require
the repurchase of their securities, or to accelerate credit facilities of ADT
Operations, Western Resources does not currently believe that these
obligations present a material risk to the liquidity of Western Resources
following consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation. Should interest
rates increase, however, it may become more financially attractive for certain
debt holders of ADT Operations to require the repurchase of their securities,
or to accelerate credit facilities of ADT Operations.     
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                             REASONS FOR THE OFFER
   
OFFER PREMIUM     
   
  Western Resources believes that the Offer is in the best interests of ADT
Shareholders because, among other things, the Offer Consideration represents a
premium to the closing price per Share on the last trading day prior to the
public announcement of the Offer. For information regarding the tax treatment
of the Offer and the Amalgamation, see "The Offer--Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences." The following table shows the premium of the Offer
Consideration over the closing per Share price on the NYSE on the last trading
day immediately prior to the public announcement of the Offer.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                          ADT
                                                  OFFER  SHARE     PERCENT
                                                  PRICE* PRICE  DIFFERENTIAL**
                                                  ------ ------ --------------
<S>                                               <C>    <C>    <C>
December 17, 1996, the last trading day before
 the public announcement of the Offer............ $22.50 $20.13      11.8%
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
* Assumes the Offer Consideration is $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of Western
  Resources Common Stock per Share. On February 24, 1997, the last trading day
  before the date of this Preliminary Prospectus, the closing price of Western
  Resources Common Stock was $31.25. If the Western Resources Average Price is
  less than $29.75, each Share will be exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and
  less than $15.00 in Western Resources Common Stock as set forth more fully
  below under "--The Exchange Ratio."     
** Based on the closing prices of Western Resources Common Stock and Shares on
   the indicated dates.
       
THE EXCHANGE RATIO
   
  The per Share price premium which ADT Shareholders will receive in the
Offer, and the dividend which ADT Shareholders will receive as holders of
Western Resources Common Stock, will depend on the Exchange Ratio at the time
of consummation of the Offer. Such Exchange Ratio will be determined based on
the Western Resources Average Price; provided that the Exchange Ratio will not
be more than 0.50420 shares of Western Resources Common Stock per Share. The
amount of cash provided in the Offer will be $7.50 net per Share, regardless
of the level of the Exchange Ratio. Pursuant to the Offer, each Share will be
exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock
as long as the Western Resources Average Price is $29.75 or higher. If the
Western Resources Average Price is less than $29.75, then each Share will be
exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and less than $15.00 of Western Resources
Common Stock.     
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
   
  The following chart sets forth a range of possible Western Resources Average
Prices and the corresponding (i) Exchange Ratio, (ii) dollar value of the
Stock Consideration to be received per Share, (iii) the dollar value of the
Cash Consideration to be received per Share, (iv) the total dollar value of
the Offer Consideration to be received per Share, and (v) Share price premium
over the closing Share price on the last trading day prior to the public
announcement of the Offer. The Western Resources Average Prices set forth
below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be an
exhaustive list of Western Resources Average Prices. There can be no assurance
that the actual Western Resources Average Price will be in the range set forth
below.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PREMIUM
                                                                         TO ADT
         WESTERN                                                      SHAREHOLDERS
        RESOURCES            VALUE OF                   TOTAL VALUE    (DECEMBER
         AVERAGE  EXCHANGE     STOCK     VALUE OF CASH   OF OFFER       17, 1996
          PRICE    RATIO   CONSIDERATION CONSIDERATION CONSIDERATION CLOSING PRICE)
        --------- -------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
<S>     <C>       <C>      <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
         $25.00   0.50420     $12.61         $7.50        $20.11          (0.1)%
          25.50   0.50420      12.86          7.50         20.36           1.2%
          26.00   0.50420      13.11          7.50         20.61           2.4%
          26.50   0.50420      13.36          7.50         20.86           3.7%
          27.00   0.50420      13.61          7.50         21.11           4.9%
          27.50   0.50420      13.87          7.50         21.37           6.2%
          28.00   0.50420      14.12          7.50         21.62           7.4%
          28.50   0.50420      14.37          7.50         21.87           8.7%
          29.00   0.50420      14.62          7.50         22.12           9.9%
Collar    29.50   0.50420      14.87          7.50         22.37          11.2%
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          29.75   0.50420      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          30.00   0.50000      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          30.50   0.49180      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          31.00   0.48387      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          31.50   0.47619      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          32.00   0.46875      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          32.50   0.46154      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          33.00   0.45455      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          33.50   0.44776      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          34.00   0.44118      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          34.50   0.43478      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
          35.00   0.42857      15.00          7.50         22.50          11.8%
</TABLE>    
 
ENHANCED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
   
  In addition to the per Share price premium and dividend return provided by
the Offer, Western Resources believes that the ADT Shareholders will also
benefit from the Offer as a result of becoming shareholders of Western
Resources. Western Resources has carefully studied the potential benefits of
the combination of the businesses of Western Resources and ADT and, as a
result, believes that such a combination will provide a solid financial base
to support continued growth in the security business as well as a strong
foundation for sustainable long-term growth in the deregulating energy and
energy-related products and services markets. As deregulation continues for
electric and natural gas utilities, individual homes and businesses will have
the opportunity to choose their energy providers. As this process unfolds,
companies with nationally recognized brand names will have a significant
advantage in marketing energy and energy-related products and services.
Consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation will position Western Resources
to take advantage of this emerging market, as Western Resources intends to
leverage ADT's strong brand name by marketing energy and energy-related
products and services to existing ADT customers and to new customers who know
and trust the ADT brand name. In the new era of deregulation, formerly
regulated utility companies that do not respond to the new realities of the
competitive energy marketplace may suffer erosion in market share, revenues
and profits as competitors enter their service territories. Although Western
Resources has been planning for the deregulation of the energy market,
increased competition for retail electricity sales may in the future reduce
Western Resources' earnings from its formerly regulated businesses. During
1995, however, Western Resources' average retail electric rates were over 9%
below the national average. In 1997, Western Resources further reduced its
retail     
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
rates and expects to be able to retain a substantial portion of its current
sales volume in a competitive environment. Finally, Western Resources believes
that the deregulation of the energy market will prove beneficial to Western
Resources, since any potential competitive pressure in its formerly regulated
business is expected to be more than offset by the nationwide markets which
Western Resources expects to enter by bundling energy and security services
together in one package.
 
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY
 
  The U.S. security business is a growth industry with annual revenues of $13
billion that Western Resources believes is growing at approximately 10% per
year. Many opportunities for further growth exist, particularly in the
residential segment.
   
  Currently, the security industry serves approximately 17.4 million
residential customers in the U.S. Western Resources believes that the number
of households purchasing security alarm services each year has grown at a 13%
rate in recent years, with growth expected at an annual rate of 10% through
the year 2000. This sustained growth will be driven by a combination of
increased demand for security alarm services and the low current penetration
rate. Today, only 22% of single family households and 18% of total U.S.
households have the protection provided by an electronic security alarm
system. With the advent of more reliable, less costly equipment which is
easier to install, the price of the average alarm system has decreased
dramatically, permitting a significantly larger segment of the population to
afford this service. The average price of a residential alarm system was
$1,500 in 1990, compared with only $1,200 in 1995. This decrease has coincided
with an increased awareness and concern over the incidence of crime and a
stronger general desire on the part of consumers to protect their families and
property. Industry estimates project the penetration rate of the residential
market segment to at least double its current level to approximately 40% by
the year 2005, which would result in the creation of 17.6 million new
residential customers.     
 
  Western Resources believes that the commercial market penetration rate is
currently 50-60%, with a continued opportunity for growth driven by the same
demand factors affecting the residential market. In addition, a large segment
of the existing customer base requires upgrading of older systems with newer
technology, and the integration of security enhancements such as access
control and closed circuit television equipment. The cost of these
technologies has decreased dramatically and now offers a more economical and
reliable alternative to security guards and outdated methods of controlling
and documenting activities within the workplace.
   
  In order to maximize these growth opportunities, successful industry
participants would ideally utilize sophisticated mass marketing techniques to
reach consumers, develop and leverage strong brand names and fully achieve the
available economies of scale. This maximization is unlikely within the current
industry structure due to its high fragmentation of providers. There are
presently approximately 9,000-11,000 alarm companies in the U.S. Although over
85% of such companies have less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue, companies
of this size currently have a 75% share of the market. Only 13% of the U.S.
market is controlled by larger companies, with ADT having the largest share at
7%, which is more than three times the size of the next largest provider.     
   
  Western Resources believes that the security industry's characteristics of
rapid growth and provider fragmentation offer a unique opportunity for the
emergence of a dynamic, growth-oriented market leader. Western Resources
believes it is one of the first, and most successful, energy companies to
pursue the opportunities presented by the security business. Western
Resources' wholly owned security subsidiary, Westar Security, has grown
through acquisitions and internal growth and, with the addition of
Westinghouse Security's customers, Westar Security now has over 400,000
accounts in 44 states, making it the third largest security service provider
in the country. The combination of Westar Security and Westinghouse Security
with ADT will increase ADT's current U.S. customer base of 1.6 million
accounts by 25%, a highly significant increase in the competitive and highly
fragmented security business. Western Resources believes that a combination of
ADT's leading position in the security industry with Western Resources'
financial strength and energy businesses will expand and strengthen ADT's
current industry leadership in the security business. Western Resources
intends to     
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
take full advantage of the new technologies that are available to ADT, which
will not be limited as a result of the Offer and the Amalgamation. ADT has
indicated in its publicly filed documents that during the past few years it
has been offering energy management products and services to regulate the
temperature and lighting of customers' premises. Such services are a natural
fit with the energy and related services that Western Resources intends to
provide on a national basis through the ADT name.
 
EXPANSION OF BRANDED ENERGY MARKETING
   
  The electric and natural gas utility industry in the United States is
rapidly evolving from a historically regulated monopolistic market to a
dynamic and competitive integrated marketplace. The 1992 Energy Policy Act
began the process of deregulation of the electricity industry by permitting
the FERC to order electric utilities to allow third parties to sell electric
power to wholesale customers over their transmission systems. Since that time
the wholesale electricity market has become increasingly competitive as
companies begin to engage in nationwide power brokerage. In addition, various
states including California and New York have taken active steps towards
allowing retail customers to purchase electric power from third party
providers. The natural gas industry has been substantially deregulated, with
FERC and many state regulators requiring local natural gas distribution
companies to allow wholesale and retail customers to purchase gas from third-
party providers. The successful providers of energy in a deregulated market
will not only provide electric or natural gas service but also a variety of
other services, including security. Western Resources believes that in the
newly deregulated environment, more sophisticated consumers will continue to
demand new and innovative options and insist on the development of more
efficient products and services to meet their energy-related needs. Western
Resources believes that its strong core utility business provides it with the
platform to offer the more efficient products and energy services that
customers will desire. Furthermore, Western Resources believes it is necessary
to continuously seek new ways to add value to its customers' lives and
businesses. Recognizing that its current customer base must expand beyond its
existing service area, Western Resources views every person, whether in the
United States or abroad, as a potential customer. Western Resources also
recognizes that its potential to emerge as a leading national energy and
energy-related services provider is enhanced by having a strong brand name.
Western Resources has been establishing its brand identity through the Westar
Security name. The combination of Western Resources and ADT would immediately
provide an ideal brand name to capitalize on the emerging security and energy
marketplaces.     
   
  In 1995, the U.S. electric industry had retail revenues of approximately
$200 billion, serving approximately 117 million homes and businesses, and the
U.S. natural gas retail industry had revenues of approximately $100 billion,
serving approximately 58 million homes and businesses. In Western Resources'
view, the deregulation of the energy business will result in a model similar
to that used by the long-distance telecommunications industry, with low-cost
providers serving customers throughout the country. However, unlike the long-
distance telecommunications market which is dominated by large companies with
powerful brands, today's energy market is highly fragmented. No utility
company has a market share in the U.S. greater than 6%. It is Western
Resources' view that this market fragmentation presents a superior opportunity
for national industry leaders to emerge. Western Resources believes that a
combination with ADT will give it the brand name recognition and complementary
services to excel in the emerging deregulated electric and natural gas
markets.     
 
  The combination of Western Resources and ADT will allow the combined company
to integrate energy, energy related products and services, and security, into
a packaged group of products and services to homes and businesses under the
internationally recognized ADT brand name. This strategy is based upon what
Western Resources believes to be the compelling structural and operational
similarities between the energy and security businesses. From an operational
perspective, both businesses require expertise in constructing and maintaining
a highly reliable network with central service facilities and the dispatch of
trained personnel to customer locations to respond quickly to disruptions in
service. Western Resources believes that from the customer's point of view,
energy and security are both critical service streams which may be viewed as
necessities by homes and businesses. Rather than choosing a different supplier
for each service, Western Resources believes that customers will appreciate
the convenience of purchasing energy and security services as a package and
paying for them on
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
one convenient customer statement. Western Resources is currently putting this
concept into practice in its utility service area, offering many of its
utility customers the convenience of one-stop shopping for their energy and
security needs. Following the Offer and the Amalgamation, Western Resources
plans to expand this successful concept by selling security and unregulated
energy services to ADT's customers nationwide through a unified sales and
marketing effort under the ADT brand name.
 
  To date, ADT's management has not recognized the opportunities presented by
the deregulation of the energy market. Western Resources believes that a
combination of the strong core utility business and customer service skills of
Western Resources and the brand name, customer base and support infrastructure
of ADT will provide both the Western Resources and ADT shareholders with an
invaluable opportunity to succeed in the security and energy markets. As the
retail electric and natural gas markets become fully open to competition,
substantial opportunities exist to increase market share and to sell a menu of
integrated services which enhance the comfort and security of energy
customers.
 
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
                            BACKGROUND OF THE OFFER
 
  In the past, ADT has advised Western Resources that it is not interested in
discussing a business arrangement between ADT and Western Resources despite
the fact that Western Resources believes that such a combination could
maximize ADT's potential both in its existing security business and in the
emerging market of deregulated retail energy distribution. After careful study
and consideration, Western Resources believes that the potential benefits to
ADT, Western Resources and the companies' respective shareholders can be best
realized through combination of Western Resources and ADT, and has, therefore,
decided to proceed with the Offer.
   
  On December 21, 1995, Western Resources entered into the Laidlaw Agreement
with Laidlaw and Laidlaw, Inc., pursuant to which Westar Capital subsequently
purchased a total of 30,800,000 Shares, on or prior to March 18, 1996, from
Laidlaw at an average price of $14.40 per Share. Since March 18, 1996, from
time to time, Westar Capital has purchased Shares in the open market at
prevailing market prices. Westar Capital owns 38,287,111 Shares, or
approximately 27% of the outstanding Shares, including 14,115 Shares issuable
upon exchange of 500 LYONs, each of which is exchangeable for Shares at a rate
of 28.23 Shares per LYON. Also on December 21, 1995, Mr. Hayes delivered a
letter to Mr. Ashcroft informing Mr. Ashcroft of the Laidlaw Agreement.     
   
  During January and February, 1996, conversations took place between Mr.
Hayes and Mr. Ashcroft and various representatives of the respective
companies. Messrs. Hayes and Ashcroft scheduled a meeting in Topeka, Kansas
for March 13, 1996. On March 11, 1996, Mr. Hayes delivered a letter to Mr.
Ashcroft discussing Western Resources' proposed joint marketing efforts with
ADT. On March 13, 1996, Messrs. Hayes and Ashcroft held a meeting but failed
to reach any agreement concerning Western Resources' proposal. Later that
month, Mr. Ashcroft informed Mr. Hayes that ADT was not interested in pursuing
a joint marketing relationship with Western Resources.     
   
  On July 1, 1996, ADT entered into the Republic Agreement, pursuant to which
Republic Sub was to be amalgamated with and into ADT, with the amalgamated
company operating under the name of ADT. The terms of the Republic Agreement
contemplated that ADT Shareholders would receive .92857 shares of Republic
common stock in exchange for each Share and was conditioned upon, among other
things, receipt by ADT of a fairness opinion from its financial advisor at a
later date (which fairness opinion was never obtained). Based on the $26.75
closing price per share of Republic common stock on July 1, 1996, each Share
would have been exchangeable for approximately $24.84 worth of Republic common
stock, representing a premium of 31% to the closing price per Share of $19.00
on June 28, 1996, the last trading day prior to public announcement of the
Republic Transaction. Following the public announcement of the Republic
Transaction, the closing price per share of Republic common stock fell as low
as $20.75 per share. Based on a closing price of $20.75, each Share would have
been exchangeable for approximately $19.27 worth of Republic common stock in
the Republic Transaction, representing a premium of just 1% to the closing
price per Share of $19.00 on June 28, 1996. On September 13, 1996, Westar
Capital disclosed that it had determined to oppose the Republic Transaction.
Based on the $28.81 closing price per share of Republic common stock on
September 12, 1996, each Share would have been exchangeable for approximately
$26.75 worth of Republic common stock, representing a premium of 41% to the
closing price per Share of $19.00 on June 28, 1996. Western Resources believes
that such significant fluctuations in the market price of Republic common
stock (i.e., from $28.81 to $20.75 in the course of a three month period)
demonstrated volatility in Republic common stock (the consideration being
offered in the Republic Transaction).     
   
  Pursuant to the terms of the Republic Agreement, ADT granted to Republic a
warrant to purchase 15 million Shares at a purchase price of $20 per share,
subject to adjustment. The Republic Warrant was to become exercisable for a
period of six months following the termination of the Republic Agreement. On
September 30, 1996, ADT and Republic jointly announced the termination of the
Republic Agreement citing uncertainty attributable to market conditions, and
amended the Republic Warrant to include certain restrictions on the issuance
of Shares pursuant thereto and the transfer of such Shares by Republic to
persons with interest in 10% or more of ADT. As described herein, Western
Resources has commenced litigation challenging the validity of the Republic
Warrant. See "Litigation."     
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
  On September 5, 1996, the waiting period expired with respect to Western
Resources' filing under the HSR Act to acquire ownership of in excess of 25%
(but less than 50%) of the outstanding Shares.
   
  On November 4, 1996, ADT declared a distribution of one Right for each
outstanding Share, payable to holders of record as of the close of business on
November 15, 1996, pursuant to the Rights Agreement. The Rights Agreement
provides, among other things, that after certain persons acquire 15% or more
(or, in certain limited situations, a greater percentage) of the issued and
outstanding Shares, holders of Shares (other than such persons) will be
entitled to purchase Shares at half of the current market value and that if,
after such an acquisition, ADT is involved in an amalgamation, other business
combination or certain sale transactions, holders of Shares (other than such
persons) will be entitled to purchase either Shares or common stock of the
other party to such transaction at half of the current market value of such
securities. See "Conditions of the Offer--Rights Agreement" and "The Offer--
The ADT Rights."     
 
  On November 6, 1996, ADT announced its intention to sell its United States
vehicle auction business.
 
  On December 17, 1996, the Western Resources Board met and determined to
proceed with the Offer. On December 18, 1996, in the letter set forth below to
Mr. Ashcroft, Mr. Hayes informed Mr. Ashcroft and the ADT Board of Western
Resources' intention to pursue the Offer and the Amalgamation and encouraged
Mr. Ashcroft and the ADT Board to meet with Western Resources to discuss the
possibility of a mutually beneficial negotiated transaction.
 
                                                        December 18, 1996
 
  Mr. Michael A. Ashcroft
  ADT Limited
  Cedar House
  41 Cedar Avenue
  Hamilton HM12
  Bermuda
 
  Dear Michael:
 
    We have demonstrated our belief in ADT's future by investing $589
  million to purchase 27% of ADT's outstanding common shares, making us
  ADT's largest shareowner. In the past you and your board have advised us
  that you are not interested in discussing a business arrangement between
  our companies that could maximize ADT's potential, both in its existing
  security business and in the emerging market of deregulated retail energy
  distribution.
 
    Now, after careful study and consideration, we have determined that the
  potential benefits to ADT, Western Resources and ADT's other shareowners
  from a combination of Western Resources and ADT are simply too compelling
  to ignore. We firmly believe that this combination will provide
  significant benefits to our respective shareowners, customers and
  employees not available to either company on its own.
 
    We believe ADT's full potential can only be realized in a strategic
  business combination. In our proposed transaction, ADT shareowners will
  become a part of one of the most innovative and dynamic companies in the
  business of making people's lives safer and more comfortable. Our
  subsidiary, Westar Security, is one of the fastest growing security
  companies in the nation. Combined with ADT, the leading brand name in the
  security industry, Western Resources will serve the energy and security
  needs of customers across the country and around the world.
 
    Western Resources, therefore, will file with the Securities and Exchange
  Commission a preliminary prospectus for an offer by Western Resources to
  ADT shareowners. Under our proposed offer, ADT shareowners (other than
  Western Resources and its affiliates) will receive $7.50 net in cash and
  $15.00 of Western Resources common stock in exchange for each ADT common
  share, up to a maximum of 0.50420 shares of Western Resources common
  stock. Based upon the closing price of ADT common shares on December 17,
  1996, our proposal represents a 12% premium above ADT's market price.
 
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
    In order to ensure ADT's other shareowners receive the chance to
  consider our proposal for themselves, we will also demand a special
  general meeting of ADT shareowners for the purposes of (i) removing the
  present members of the ADT board, (ii) reducing the number of seats on the
  ADT board from eight to two, and (iii) electing Western Resources'
  nominees to the ADT board. We will also file preliminary proxy materials
  relating to such special meeting. Once the Western Resources nominees are
  elected to the ADT board, Western Resources intends to consummate the
  exchange offer and a subsequent amalgamation pursuant to which Western
  Resources will acquire 100% of ADT's equity.
 
    We trust that you and the other members of ADT's board will consider the
  best interests of ADT's shareowners, customers and employees and agree to
  meet with us to achieve a mutually beneficial transaction that ensures
  that ADT executives and employees will enjoy exciting opportunities for
  career growth with the combined company. We are, however, committed to
  achieving the strategic benefits of a business combination of ADT and
  Western Resources and prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that
  we and ADT's other shareowners have the opportunity to decide the future
  of our investment in ADT.
 
    I look forward to hearing from you soon.
 
                                              Sincerely,
 
                                             /s/ John
   
  On December 18, 1996, Western Resources also publicly announced its
intention to commence the Offer and filed the Western Resources Proxy
Statement with the Commission for use in soliciting proxies from ADT
Shareholders to approve the Western Resources Proposals at the ADT Special
Meeting. On December 18, 1996 Westar Capital deposited the Requisition with
ADT requiring the ADT Board to convene the ADT Special Meeting. See "The ADT
Special Meeting."     
   
  On January 7, 1997, ADT announced that it had tentatively scheduled the ADT
Special Meeting date for July 8, 1997. Westar Capital has commenced litigation
challenging the July 8, 1997 meeting date and is seeking relief to compel the
ADT Board to hold the ADT Special Meeting on or before March 20, 1997. On
January 8, 1997, ADT filed the ADT Proxy Statement with the Commission for use
in soliciting proxies from ADT Shareholders for the ADT Special Meeting
against the Western Resources Proposals.     
 
  On January 23, 1997, the waiting period expired with respect to Western
Resources' filing under the HSR Act to acquire ownership of up to 100% of the
outstanding Shares.
 
                                  LITIGATION
 
  On December 18, 1996, Western Resources announced that Westar Capital had
commenced litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Florida charging ADT and the ADT Board with breaches of their
fiduciary duties to ADT and the ADT Shareholders. The complaint alleged, among
other things, that the ADT Board breached its fiduciary duty to ADT and the
ADT Shareholders by (i) adopting and continuing to deploy the ADT Rights
Agreement, (ii) granting the Republic Warrant in connection with the
subsequently terminated Republic Transaction for the purpose of making an
unsolicited bid for ADT more expensive and placing a block of votes under Mr.
Ashcroft's control, and (iii) placing approximately 3,182,787 Shares in an ADT
subsidiary to interfere with the voting rights of ADT's other shareholders.
Westar Capital also alleged that by agreeing to the Republic Warrant and the
amendments thereto, Republic aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties by
the ADT board.
 
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  On January 3, 1997, Westar Capital filed an amended complaint alleging that
certain letters sent by ADT to Western Resources and Westar Capital interfered
with Westar Capital's voting rights as an ADT Shareholder.
   
  On January 21, 1997, the Court granted Westar Capital's motion for leave to
file a Second Amended Complaint in which Westar Capital additionally alleged
that (i) ADT's January 7, 1997 announcement that the ADT Special Meeting was
scheduled for July 8, 1997 violated the ADT Board's fiduciary and statutory
duties under Bermuda law and (ii) ADT's failure to file a Schedule 14D-9
Tender Offer Statement violated Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act.     
   
  On January 23, 1997, Westar Capital filed a motion seeking to enjoin the ADT
Board from holding the ADT Special Meeting on July 8, 1997 and to compel the
ADT Board to hold the meeting on or before March 20, 1997. That motion is
currently pending. On January 27, 1997, the ADT Defendants filed a motion to
dismiss Westar Capital's complaint on the grounds that, among other things,
the Court lacks personal jurisdiction over the ADT Defendants. On February 21,
1997, the Court denied the ADT Defendants' motion without prejudice and found
the jurisdictional allegations in the Second Amended Complaint to be
insufficient. The Court granted Westar Capital's motion for leave to file an
amended complaint and ordered that Westar Capital could file a Third Amended
Complaint by March 3, 1997.     
   
  On February 6, 1997, Republic filed a motion to dismiss Westar Capital's
complaint arguing, among other things, that if the Court grants ADT's motion
to dismiss, the complaint must also be dismissed as against Republic for
failure to join an indispensable party. On February 21, 1997, the Court denied
Republic's motion without prejudice.     
   
  On February 20, 1997, Westar Capital filed a motion requesting that the
Court schedule a trial on the merits of Westar Capital's claim that the
Republic Warrant is invalid and a breach of fiduciary duties, and that
Republic be required to give Westar Capital five (5) business days notice
prior to its exercise of the Republic Warrant and the sale of Shares purchased
pursuant to the Republic Warrant.     
   
  On December 26, 1996, a shareholder of ADT filed a purported class action
complaint against ADT, the ADT Board, Western Resources and Westar Capital in
the Civil Division of the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in
Palm Beach County, Florida. The complaint alleges, among other things, that
Western Resources and Westar Capital are breaching their fiduciary duties to
ADT Shareholders by failing to offer "an appropriate premium for the
controlling interest" in ADT and by holding "an effective blocking position"
that prevents independent parties from bidding for ADT. The complaint seeks
preliminary and permanent relief enjoining Western Resources from acquiring
the outstanding shares of ADT and unspecified damages. Western Resources
believes it has good and valid defenses to the claims asserted and does not
anticipate any material adverse effect on its assets or financial results
arising therefrom.     
   
  On February 10, 1997, ADT Operations commenced litigation against Chase
Manhattan Bank in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County,
alleging that Chase Manhattan Bank breached contractual obligations and
fiduciary duties owed to ADT Operations by, among other things, furnishing a
"highly confident" letter to Western Resources stating that Chase Manhattan
Bank "expected to be able to arrange credit facilities to fund" the Cash
Consideration portion of the Offer. ADT Operations seeks, among other things,
damages and an order permanently enjoining Chase Manhattan Bank from advising,
funding, or otherwise participating in the Offer. Neither Westar Capital nor
Western Resources are named as defendants in the action.     
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
                            THE ADT SPECIAL MEETING
 
THE REQUISITION
   
  As more fully set forth in the Western Resources Proxy Statement, on
December 18, 1996, Westar Capital deposited the Requisition with ADT, pursuant
to Section 74 of the Companies Act and Bye-Law 42 of the ADT Bye-Laws,
requiring the ADT Board to convene the ADT Special Meeting so that the ADT
Shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on the Western Resources
Proposals and thereby satisfy the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition. Under
the Companies Act and the ADT Bye-Laws, the ADT Board is required to convene
the ADT Special Meeting. In the event that the ADT Board does not within
twenty-one days from the date of the deposit of the Requisition convene the
ADT Special Meeting, Westar Capital may itself convene the ADT Special
Meeting. Westar Capital requested that the date of the ADT Special Meeting be
February 18, 1997; however, on January 7, 1997, ADT announced that it had
scheduled the ADT Special Meeting date for July 8, 1997. Western Resources has
commenced litigation challenging the July 8, 1997 meeting date and is seeking
relief to compel the ADT Board to hold the ADT Special Meeting on or before
March 20, 1997. See "Litigation."     
 
MATTERS TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE ADT SPECIAL MEETING
 
  In connection with the ADT Special Meeting, Western Resources is soliciting
ADT Shareholders' proxies in favor of (i) the removal of all of the present
members of the ADT Board and any person or persons elected or designated by
any such director to fill any vacancy or newly created directorship pursuant
to Section 93 of the Companies Act and Bye-Law 71 of the ADT Bye-Laws, (ii)
the reduction of the number of seats on the ADT Board to two, and (iii) the
election of the Western Resources Nominees, Steven L. Kitchen and Steven A.
Millstein, as the directors of ADT (or, if either Western Resources Nominee is
unable to serve as a director of ADT due to death, disability or otherwise,
any other person designated as a Western Resources Nominee by Western
Resources). In order to comply with the requirement of Bye-Law 53 of the ADT
Bye-Laws that a director of ADT own one Share, each of the Western Resources
Nominees will own at least one Share at the time of the ADT Special Meeting.
Each of the Western Resources Proposals is designed to facilitate the prompt
consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation.
 
  Only persons entered in the register of members of ADT as holders of Shares
at the time of the ADT Special Meeting will be entitled to vote at such
meeting unless the ADT Board sets a record date for the ADT Special Meeting.
In the event the ADT Board sets a record date for the ADT Special Meeting,
only holders of Shares at the close of business on such record date will be
entitled to vote at the ADT Special Meeting. Each Share is entitled to one
vote upon each matter presented at the ADT Special Meeting. Holders of ADT
Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote on any of the Western Resources
Proposals. Pursuant to Bye-Law 43 of the ADT Bye-Laws, at any general meeting
of ADT not less than two holders of Shares present either in person or by
proxy constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Each of the
Western Resources Proposals may be approved by the affirmative vote of a
majority of those Shares voted at the ADT Special Meeting.
 
  Western Resources and Westar Capital intend to vote Westar Capital's Shares
and those Shares for which Western Resources or its representatives hold valid
proxies at the ADT Special Meeting for each of the Western Resources
Proposals. It is not expected that any matter other than those referred to
herein will be brought before the ADT Special Meeting.
   
  The effect of the Western Resources Proposals will be to replace the current
directors of ADT, Michael A. Ashcroft, John E. Dannenberg, Alan B. Henderson,
James S. Pasman, Jr., Stephen J. Ruzika, W. Peter Slusser, William W. Stinson
and Raymond S. Troubh, with the Western Resources Nominees. If the ADT
Shareholders approve the Western Resources Proposals at the ADT Special
Meeting, the ADT Shareholders will have effectively approved the Offer and the
Amalgamation as the Western Resources Nominees are committed to taking,
subject to the fulfillment of the fiduciary duties they would have as
directors of ADT, all action necessary and desirable to facilitate
consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation including, among other things,
(i) either redeeming the Rights or amending the Rights Agreement to make the
Rights inapplicable to the Offer, if necessary, in order to satisfy the Rights
Plan Condition, (ii) not invoking the provisions of Bye-Law 104 or 46 of the
ADT Bye-Laws     
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
   
(as described herein) in connection with the acquisition of Shares by Western
Resources pursuant to the Offer or otherwise, (iii) adopting and approving the
Amalgamation Agreement pursuant to which Bermuda Sub will amalgamate with and
into ADT, with the amalgamated company operating under the name of ADT, and
ADT Shareholders (other than Western Resources and ADT and their respective
affiliates, and ADT Shareholders who perfect appraisal rights under Bermuda
law) will receive the Offer Consideration in exchange for the cancellation of
each Share, and (iv) proposing the Bye-Law Amendment providing that an
amalgamation may be approved by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of
the votes cast at a general meeting of ADT. For a more complete description of
the Western Resources Proposals and for more information regarding the Western
Resources Nominees, see the Western Resources Proxy Statement, which is being
mailed separately to ADT Shareholders.     
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
                                   THE OFFER
 
GENERAL
   
  Western Resources hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the related Letter of Transmittal, to
exchange the Offer Consideration for each outstanding Share validly tendered
on or prior to the Expiration Date and not properly withdrawn. The Offer
Consideration consists of $7.50 net in cash and that number of shares of
Western Resources Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio. The term "Exchange
Ratio" means the quotient (rounded to the nearest 1/100,000) determined by
dividing $15.00 by the average of the high and low sales prices of Western
Resources Common Stock (as reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions
reporting system as published in The Wall Street Journal or, if not published
therein, in another authoritative source) on each of the twenty consecutive
trading days ending with the third trading day immediately preceding the
Expiration Date; provided that the Exchange Ratio shall not be greater than
0.50420. Pursuant to the Exchange Ratio, each Share will be exchanged for
$7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock, as long as the
Western Resources Average Price is $29.75 or higher. If the Western Resources
Average Price is less than $29.75, each share will be exchanged for $7.50 net
in cash and less than $15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock. On February
21, 1997, the closing price of Western Resources Common Stock on the NYSE was
$30.75. Based on such closing price, each Share would be converted into $7.50
net in cash and $15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock. The Exchange Ratio
will change as the market price of the Western Resources Common Stock changes.
ADT Shareholders may call (800)      any time on or after the date hereof
through the Expiration Date for the current Exchange Ratio calculated based on
the then-current Western Resources Average Price for the twenty consecutive
trading days ending with the third trading day immediately preceding the date
the call is placed. The actual Western Resources Average Price and Exchange
Ratio will be calculated as of the third trading day immediately prior to the
Expiration Date, as described above, and a press release will be issued
announcing the actual Exchange Ratio prior to the opening of the second
trading day prior to the Expiration Date (as it may be extended from time to
time).     
 
  Tendering shareholders will not be obligated to pay any charges or expenses
of the Exchange Agent. Except as set forth in the Instructions to the Letter
of Transmittal, transfer taxes on the exchange of Shares pursuant to the Offer
will be paid by or on behalf of Western Resources.
 
  The purpose of the Offer is to enable Western Resources to obtain control of
ADT. Western Resources presently intends, as soon as practicable after
consummation of the Offer, to propose and seek to have ADT effect the
Amalgamation. In the Amalgamation, each outstanding Share (other than Shares
owned by Western Resources or any of its affiliates, Shares held in the
treasury of ADT (if ADT is so authorized) or by any subsidiary of ADT and
Shares owned by ADT Shareholders who perfect appraisal rights under Bermuda
law) would be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive the Offer
Consideration. See "The Amalgamation."
 
  Western Resources and Westar Capital believe that the Offer constitutes a
scheme or contract for the purpose of Section 102 of the Companies Act and
that holders of Shares which are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to
the Expiration Date will have assented to the Offer in accordance therewith.
In certain circumstances, Section 102 would enable Westar Capital to purchase,
upon notice, Shares not tendered pursuant to the Offer. See "Comparison of
Rights of Holders of Shares and Western Resources Common Stock--Voting Rights
in Connection with Business Combinations--Section 102 of the Companies Act."
 
  In the event that Western Resources obtains all of the Shares pursuant to
the Offer and/or the Amalgamation, former holders of Shares would own
approximately 52.2% of the outstanding shares of Western Resources Common
Stock, based on the number of Shares outstanding on November 4, 1996 and stock
prices as of January 31, 1997 (the last trading day prior to the date of this
Preliminary Prospectus). Such calculation does not give effect to the KCPL
Offer or the KCPL Merger.
 
  Western Resources' obligation to exchange the Offer Consideration for Shares
pursuant to the Offer is subject to the Minimum Tender Condition, the Western
Resources Shareholder Approval Condition, the ADT Shareholder Approval
Condition, the Rights Plan Condition, the ADT Bye-Law Condition and the
Regulatory
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
Approval Condition (in each case as defined on the cover page of this
Preliminary Prospectus) and the other conditions set forth under "--Certain
Conditions of the Offer."
 
  According to ADT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
September 30, 1996, as of November 4, 1996, there were 141,119,159 Shares
outstanding, including 3,182,787 Shares which are owned by a subsidiary of
ADT. Westar Capital beneficially owns 38,287,111 Shares, or approximately 27%
of the outstanding Shares, including 14,115 Shares issuable upon exchange of
500 LYONs, which are exchangeable for Shares at a rate of 28.23 Shares per
LYON.
 
  Requests are being made to ADT pursuant to Rule 14d-5 promulgated under the
Exchange Act and Section 66 of the Companies Act for the use of ADT's
shareholder lists and security position listings for the purpose of
communications with ADT Shareholders and disseminating the Offer to holders of
Shares. A final Prospectus and the related Letter of Transmittal and other
relevant materials will be mailed to registered holders of Shares and will be
furnished to brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies and similar
persons whose names, or the names of whose nominees, appear on such
shareholder lists, the register of members of ADT or, if applicable, who are
listed as participants in a clearing agency's security position listing for
subsequent transmittal to beneficial owners of Shares by Western Resources
following receipt of such list or listings from ADT.
 
ADT RIGHTS
 
  No separate payment will be made by Western Resources or Westar Capital for
the Rights pursuant to the Offer. The Rights are presently evidenced by the
certificates for the Shares and the tender by an ADT Shareholder of his or her
Shares prior to the Distribution Date (as defined below) will also constitute
a tender of the associated Rights. Upon the earlier to occur of (i) 10 days
(or such later date as may be designated by a majority of the Continuing
Directors (as defined below)) following a public announcement that a person
has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding Shares (an
"Acquiring Person") or (ii) 10 business days (or such later date as may be
designated by a majority of the Continuing Directors) following the
commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer which would result in the
person making the offer becoming an Acquiring Person (the earlier of such
dates being called the "Distribution Date"), separate certificates evidencing
the Rights will be mailed to holders of record of the Shares as of the close
of business on the Distribution Date and such separate Rights certificates
alone will evidence the Rights.
 
  If the Distribution Date occurs and separate certificates representing the
Rights are distributed by ADT or the Rights Agent to holders of Shares prior
to the time a holder's Shares are tendered pursuant to the Offer, certificates
representing a number of Rights equal to the number of Shares tendered must be
delivered to the Exchange Agent, or, if available, a book-entry confirmation
received by the Exchange Agent with respect thereto, in order for such Shares
to be validly tendered. If a Distribution Date occurs and separate
certificates representing the Rights are not distributed prior to the time
Shares are tendered pursuant to the Offer, Rights may be tendered prior to an
ADT Shareholder receiving the certificates for Rights by use of the guaranteed
delivery procedure described under "--Procedure for Tendering" below.
 
  Western Resources' obligation to exchange the Offer Consideration for Shares
pursuant to the Offer is conditioned upon satisfaction of the Offer
Conditions. See "--Conditions of the Offer."
 
TIMING OF THE OFFER
 
  The Offer is currently scheduled to expire on      , 1997; however, it is
Western Resources' current intention to extend the Offer from time to time as
necessary until all conditions to the Offer have been satisfied or waived. See
"--Extension, Termination and Amendment." Western Resources has received a
letter from Chase Manhattan Bank and one of its affiliates in which they state
that they are highly confident that they can arrange credit facilities in the
amount necessary to fund payment of the Cash Consideration. See "--Source and
Amount of Funds." Western Resources believes that it is highly unlikely that
it will not have obtained financing for the Cash Consideration prior to five
business days before the Expiration Date, however, in this unlikely event,
Western Resources currently intends to extend the Offer to ensure that five
business days remain for ADT Shareholders to tender their Shares in the Offer
subsequent to obtaining financing. See "--Source and Amount
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
   
of Funds." Western Resources expects that the Western Resources Shareholder
Approval Condition will be satisfied by        , 1997, the date on which it
has called the Western Resources Special Meeting, to approve the issuance of
shares of Western Resources Common Stock in connection with the Offer and the
Amalgamation and an amendment to the Western Resources Articles to increase
the number of shares of Western Resources Common Stock authorized for
issuance. ADT has notified ADT Shareholders that it plans to convene the ADT
Special Meeting on July 8, 1997. Westar Capital is seeking to enjoin ADT's
attempt to delay the ADT Special Meeting beyond March 20, 1997 and Western
Resources expects that it will be successful in such efforts. Western
Resources currently anticipates that all of the conditions to the Offer (other
than the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition, the Rights Plan Condition and the
ADT Bye-Law Condition) will be satisfied by the date of the ADT Special
Meeting. Western Resources currently anticipates that the ADT Shareholder
Approval Condition will be satisfied at the ADT Special Meeting and that the
Rights Plan Condition and the ADT Bye-Law Condition will be satisfied as soon
as practicable thereafter. See "Litigation" and "--Conditions of the Offer."
    
EXTENSION, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
 
  Western Resources expressly reserves the right (but will not be obligated),
in its sole discretion, at any time or from time to time, and regardless of
whether any of the events set forth in "--Conditions of the Offer" shall have
occurred or shall have been determined by Western Resources to have occurred,
to extend the period of time during which the Offer is to remain open by
giving oral or written notice of such extension to the Exchange Agent, which
extension will be announced no later than 9:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the next
business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date. There can be no
assurance that Western Resources will exercise its right to extend the Offer.
However, it is Western Resources' current intention to extend the Offer until
all Offer Conditions have been satisfied or waived. During any such extension,
all Shares previously tendered and not withdrawn will remain subject to the
Offer, subject to the right of a tendering ADT Shareholder to withdraw his or
her Shares. See "--Withdrawal Rights."
   
  Subject to the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, Western
Resources also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, at any time or from
time to time, (i) to delay acceptance for, exchange of, or, regardless of
whether such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) were theretofore accepted for
exchange, exchange of any Shares (and Rights, if applicable) pursuant to the
Offer, or to terminate the Offer and not accept for exchange or exchange any
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) not theretofore accepted for exchange, or
exchanged, upon the failure of any of the conditions of the Offer to be
satisfied and (ii) to waive any condition (other than the Western Resources
Shareholder Approval Condition, the Regulatory Approval Condition and the
condition relating to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement) or
otherwise amend the Offer in any respect, by giving oral or written notice of
such delay, termination or amendment to the Exchange Agent and by making a
public announcement thereof. Any such extension, termination, amendment or
delay will be followed as promptly as practicable by public announcement
thereof, such announcement in the case of an extension to be issued no later
than 9:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the next business day after the previously
scheduled Expiration Date. Subject to applicable law (including Rules 14d-4(c)
and 14d-6(d) under the Exchange Act, which require that any material change in
the information published, sent or given to ADT Shareholders in connection
with the Offer be promptly disseminated to ADT Shareholders in a manner
reasonably designed to inform ADT Shareholders of such change) and without
limiting the manner in which Western Resources may choose to make any public
announcement, Western Resources shall have no obligation to publish, advertise
or otherwise communicate any such public announcement other than by making a
release to the Dow Jones News Service.     
 
  Western Resources confirms that if it makes a material change in the terms
of the Offer or the information concerning the Offer, or if it waives a
material condition of the Offer, Western Resources will extend the Offer to
the extent required under the Exchange Act. If, prior to the Expiration Date,
Western Resources shall increase or decrease the percentage of Shares being
sought or the consideration offered to holders of Shares, such increase or
decrease shall be applicable to all holders whose Shares are accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Offer, and, if at the time notice of any such
increase or decrease is first published, sent or given to holders of Shares,
the Offer is scheduled to expire at any time earlier than the tenth business
day from and including the date that such
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
notice is first so published, sent or given, the Offer will be extended until
the expiration of such ten business day period. For purposes of the Offer, a
"business day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a federal
holiday and consists of the time period from 12:01 a.m. through 12:00
midnight, Eastern time.
 
EXCHANGE OF SHARES; DELIVERY OF WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON STOCK AND CASH
CONSIDERATION
   
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (including, if the
Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension
or amendment), Western Resources will accept for exchange, and will exchange,
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) validly tendered and not properly withdrawn
as promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date. In addition, subject
to applicable rules of the Commission, Western Resources expressly reserves
the right to delay acceptance of or the exchange of Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) in order to comply with any applicable law. In all cases, exchange
of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered and accepted for exchange
pursuant to the Offer will be made only after receipt by the Exchange Agent of
certificates for such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) (or a confirmation of
a book-entry transfer of such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) in the
Exchange Agent's account at The Depository Trust Company or the Philadelphia
Depository Trust Company (collectively, the "Book-Entry Transfer
Facilities")), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal
(or facsimile thereof) and any other required documents.     
 
  For purposes of the Offer, Western Resources will be deemed to have accepted
for exchange Shares (and Rights, if applicable) validly tendered and not
withdrawn as, if and when Western Resources gives oral or written notice to
the Exchange Agent of its acceptance of the tenders of such Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) pursuant to the Offer. Delivery of Western Resources
Common Stock and Cash Consideration in exchange for Shares (and Rights, if
applicable), pursuant to the Offer and cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Western Resources Common Stock will be made by the Exchange Agent as soon as
practicable after receipt of such notice. The Exchange Agent will act as agent
for tendering ADT Shareholders for the purpose of receiving Western Resources
Common Stock, the Cash Consideration and cash to be paid in lieu of fractional
shares of Western Resources Common Stock from Western Resources and
transmitting such Western Resources Common Stock and cash to tendering ADT
Shareholders. Under no circumstances will interest with respect to fractional
shares be paid by Western Resources by reason of any delay in making such
exchange.
 
  If any tendered Shares are not accepted for exchange pursuant to the terms
and conditions of the Offer for any reason, or if certificates are submitted
for more Shares than are tendered, certificates for such unexchanged Shares
will be returned without expense to the tendering ADT Shareholder or, in the
case of Shares tendered by book-entry transfer of such Shares into the
Exchange Agent's account at a Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the
procedures set forth below under "--Procedure for Tendering," such Shares will
be credited to an account maintained within such Book-Entry Transfer Facility
as soon as practicable following expiration or termination of the Offer.
 
CASH IN LIEU OF FRACTIONAL SHARES OF WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON STOCK
 
  No certificates representing fractional shares of Western Resources Common
Stock will be issued pursuant to the Offer. In lieu thereof, each tendering
shareholder who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional share of Western
Resources Common Stock will receive cash in an amount equal to such fraction
(expressed as a decimal and rounded to the nearest 0.01 of a share) times the
closing price for shares of Western Resources Common Stock on the NYSE
Composite Tape on the date such ADT Shareholder's Shares are accepted for
exchange by Western Resources.
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
 
  Tenders of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) made pursuant to the Offer are
irrevocable, except that Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered pursuant
to the Offer may be withdrawn pursuant to the procedures set forth below at
any time prior to the Expiration Date, and, unless theretofore accepted for
exchange and exchanged by Western Resources for the Offer Consideration
pursuant to the Offer, may also be withdrawn at any time after      , 1997.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  For a withdrawal to be effective, a written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile
transmission notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the Exchange
Agent at one of its addresses set forth on the back cover of this Preliminary
Prospectus, and must specify the name of the person having tendered the Shares
(and Rights, if applicable) to be withdrawn, the number of Shares (and Rights,
if applicable) to be withdrawn and the name of the registered holder, if
different from that of the person who tendered such Shares (and Rights, if
applicable).
   
  The signature(s) on the notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by a
financial institution (including most banks, savings and loan associations and
brokerage houses) which is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents
Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program or
the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (an "Eligible Institution") unless such
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) have been tendered for the account of any
Eligible Institution. If Shares (and Rights, if applicable) have been tendered
pursuant to the procedures for book-entry tender as set forth below under "--
Procedure for Tendering," any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and
number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with
the withdrawn Shares (and Rights, if applicable) and must otherwise comply
with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures. If certificates have been
delivered or otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent, the name of the
registered holder and the serial numbers of the particular certificates
evidencing the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) withdrawn must also be
furnished to the Exchange Agent as aforesaid prior to the physical release of
such certificates.     
 
  All questions as to the form and validity (including time of receipt) of any
notice of withdrawal will be determined by Western Resources, in its sole
discretion, which determination shall be final and binding. Neither Western
Resources, the Exchange Agent, the Information Agent, the Dealer Managers nor
any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or
irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or will incur any liability for
failure to give any such notification. Any Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
properly withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for
purposes of the Offer. However, withdrawn Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under "--
Procedure for Tendering" at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
 
  A withdrawal of Shares shall also constitute a withdrawal of the associated
Rights. Rights may not be withdrawn unless the associated Shares are also
withdrawn.
 
PROCEDURE FOR TENDERING
 
  For an ADT Shareholder validly to tender Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
pursuant to the Offer, (i) a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal (or manually executed facsimile thereof), together with any
required signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message (as defined below) in
connection with a book-entry transfer, and any other required documents, must
be transmitted to and received by the Exchange Agent at one of its addresses
set forth on the back cover of this Preliminary Prospectus and either
certificates for tendered Shares (and Rights, if applicable) must be received
by the Exchange Agent at such address or such Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) must be tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry
transfer set forth below (and a confirmation of receipt of such tender
received (such confirmation, a "Book-Entry Confirmation")), in each case prior
to the Expiration Date, or (ii) such ADT Shareholders must comply with the
guaranteed delivery procedure set forth below.
 
  The term "Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted by a Book-Entry
Transfer Facility to, and received by, the Exchange Agent, and forming a part
of a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that such Book-Entry Transfer
Facility has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in such
Book-Entry Transfer Facility tendering the Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Letter of Transmittal and that Western Resources may enforce such agreement
against such participant.
 
  ADT Shareholders will be required to tender one Right for each Share
tendered in order to effect a valid tender of Shares, unless the Rights Plan
Condition has been satisfied or waived. Unless the ADT Distribution Date
occurs, a tender of Shares will constitute a tender of the associated Rights.
If the ADT Distribution Date
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
occurs and separate certificates representing the Rights are distributed by
ADT or the Rights Agent to holders of Shares prior to the time a holder's
Shares are tendered pursuant to the Offer, certificates representing a number
of Rights equal to the number of Shares tendered must be delivered to the
Exchange Agent, or, if available, a Book-Entry Confirmation received by the
Exchange Agent with respect thereto, in order for such Shares to be validly
tendered. If the ADT Distribution Date occurs and separate certificates
representing the Rights are not distributed prior to the time Shares are
tendered pursuant to the Offer, Rights may be tendered prior to a shareholder
receiving the certificates for Rights by use of the guaranteed delivery
procedure described below. If Rights certificates are distributed but are not
available to a shareholder prior to the time Shares are tendered pursuant to
the Offer, a tender of Shares constitutes an agreement by the tendering
shareholder to deliver to the Exchange Agent pursuant to the guaranteed
delivery procedure described below, prior to the expiration of the period to
be specified in the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and the related Letter of
Transmittal for delivery of Rights certificates or a Book-Entry Confirmation
for Rights (the "Rights Delivery Period"), Rights certificates representing a
number of Rights equal to the number of Shares tendered. Western Resources
reserves the right to require that it receive such Rights certificates (or a
Book-Entry Confirmation with respect to such Rights) prior to accepting Shares
for exchange.
 
  Nevertheless, Western Resources will be entitled to accept for exchange
Shares tendered by a shareholder prior to receipt of the Rights certificates
required to be tendered with such Shares or a Book-Entry Confirmation with
respect to such Rights and either (i) subject to complying with applicable
rules and regulations of the Commission, withhold payment for such Shares
pending receipt of the Rights certificates or a Book-Entry Confirmation for
such Rights or (ii) exchange Shares accepted for exchange pending receipt of
the Rights certificates or a Book-Entry Confirmation for such Rights in
reliance upon the guaranteed delivery procedure described below. In addition,
after expiration of the Rights Delivery Period, Western Resources may instead
elect to reject as invalid a tender of Shares with respect to which Rights
certificates or a Book-Entry Confirmation for an equal number of Rights have
not been received by the Exchange Agent. Any determination by Western
Resources to make payment for Shares in reliance upon such guaranteed delivery
procedure or, after expiration of the Rights Delivery Period, to reject as
invalid, shall be made, subject to applicable law, in the sole and absolute
discretion of Western Resources.
 
  The Exchange Agent will establish accounts with respect to the Shares at the
Book-Entry Transfer Facilities for purposes of the Offer within two business
days after the date of the mailing of the final Prospectus, and any financial
institution that is a participant in any of the Book-Entry Transfer
Facilities' systems may make book-entry delivery of the Shares by causing such
Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer such Shares into the Exchange Agent's
account in accordance with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedure for
such transfer. However, although delivery of Shares may be effected through
book-entry at the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities, the Letter of Transmittal
(or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees, or an Agent's
Message in connection with a book-entry transfer, and any other required
documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the Exchange
Agent at one or more of its addresses set forth on the back cover of this
Preliminary Prospectus prior to the Expiration Date, or the guaranteed
delivery procedure described below must be complied with. No assurance can be
given, however, that book-entry delivery of Rights will be available. If book-
entry delivery is not available, a tendering shareholder will be required to
tender Rights by means of delivery of Rights certificates or pursuant to the
guaranteed delivery procedure set forth below.
 
  No signature guarantee is required on the Letter of Transmittal in cases
where (a) the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of
the Shares (including any participant in one of the Book-Entry Transfer
Facilities whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of
Shares) tendered therewith and such holder(s) have not completed the
instruction entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" on the Letter of
Transmittal or (b) such Shares are tendered for the account of an Eligible
Institution. Otherwise, all signatures on the Letter of Transmittal must be
guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. If the certificates for Shares or
Rights (if any) are registered in the name of a person other than the signer
of the Letter of Transmittal, or if certificates for unexchanged Shares or
Rights (if any) are to be issued to a person other than the registered
holder(s), the certificates must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate
stock powers, in either case signed exactly as the name or names of the
registered owner or owners appear on the certificates, with the signature(s)
on the certificates or stock powers guaranteed as aforesaid.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
  THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF SHARE CERTIFICATES AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING DELIVERY THROUGH ANY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY, IS AT
THE OPTION AND RISK OF THE TENDERING SHAREHOLDER, AND THE DELIVERY WILL BE
DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS
BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, IS
RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY
DELIVERY.
 
  TO PREVENT BACKUP FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING WITH RESPECT TO CASH
CONSIDERATION AND CASH RECEIVED IN LIEU OF FRACTIONAL SHARES OF WESTERN
RESOURCES COMMON STOCK, A SHAREHOLDER MUST PROVIDE THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH HIS
OR HER CORRECT TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND CERTIFY WHETHER SUCH
SHAREHOLDER IS SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX BY
COMPLETING THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 INCLUDED IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS (INCLUDING, AMONG OTHERS, ALL CORPORATIONS AND CERTAIN
FOREIGN INDIVIDUALS) ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THESE BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS. IN ORDER FOR A FOREIGN INDIVIDUAL TO QUALIFY AS AN EXEMPT
RECIPIENT, THE SHAREHOLDER MUST SUBMIT A FORM W-8, SIGNED UNDER PENALTIES OF
PERJURY, ATTESTING TO THAT INDIVIDUAL'S EXEMPT STATUS.
 
  If an ADT Shareholder desires to tender Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
pursuant to the Offer and such shareholder's certificates are not immediately
available or such shareholder cannot deliver the certificates and all other
required documents to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date or such
shareholder cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely
basis, such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) may nevertheless be tendered,
provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied:
 
    (a) such tenders are made by or through an Eligible Institution;
 
    (b) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery,
  substantially in the form made available by Western Resources, is received
  by the Exchange Agent as provided below on or prior to the Expiration Date;
  and
 
    (c) the certificates for all tendered Shares (or a confirmation of a
  book-entry transfer of such securities into the Exchange Agent's account at
  a Book-Entry Transfer Facility as described above), in proper form for
  transfer, together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
  Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees
  (or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agent's Message) and all
  other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal are received by the
  Exchange Agent within three NYSE trading days after the date of execution
  of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
 
  The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted by
telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or mail to the Exchange Agent and must
include a guarantee by an Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such
Notice.
 
  In all cases, exchanges of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered and
accepted for exchange pursuant to the Offer will be made only after timely
receipt by the Exchange Agent of certificates for Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) (or timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such
securities into the Exchange Agent's account at a Book-Entry Transfer Facility
as described above), properly completed and duly executed Letter(s) of
Transmittal (or facsimile(s) thereof), or an Agent's Message in connection
with a book-entry transfer, and any other required documents. Accordingly,
tendering ADT Shareholders may be paid at different times depending upon when
certificates for Shares (and Rights, if applicable) or confirmations of book-
entry transfers of such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) are actually
received by the Exchange Agent.
 
  By executing a Letter of Transmittal as set forth above, the tendering ADT
Shareholder irrevocably appoints designees of Western Resources as such
shareholder's attorneys-in-fact and proxies, each with full power of
substitution, to the full extent of such shareholder's rights with respect to
the Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
tendered by such shareholder and accepted for exchange by Western Resources
and with respect to any and all other Shares (and Rights, if applicable) and
other securities issued or issuable in respect of the Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) on or after    , 1997. Such appointment is effective, and voting
rights will be affected, when and only to the extent that Western Resources
deposits the shares of Western Resources Common Stock and Cash Consideration
for Shares tendered by such shareholder with the Exchange Agent. All such
proxies shall be considered coupled with an interest in the tendered Shares
and therefore shall not be revocable. Upon the effectiveness of such
appointment, all prior proxies given by such shareholder will be revoked, and
no subsequent proxies may be given (and, if given, will not be deemed
effective). Western Resources' designees will, with respect to the Shares for
which the appointment is effective, be empowered, among other things, to
exercise all voting and other rights of such shareholder as they, in their
sole discretion, deem proper at any annual, special or adjourned meeting of
ADT Shareholders, by written consent in lieu of any such meeting or otherwise.
Western Resources reserves the right to require that, in order for Shares to
be deemed validly tendered, immediately upon Western Resources' exchange of
such Shares, Western Resources must be able to exercise full voting rights
with respect to such Shares.
 
  All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) will be determined by Western Resources, in its sole discretion,
which determination shall be final and binding. Western Resources reserves the
absolute right to reject any and all tenders of Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) determined by it not to be in proper form or the acceptance of or
exchange for which may, in the opinion of Western Resources' counsel, be
unlawful. Western Resources also reserves the absolute right to waive any of
the conditions of the Offer (other than the Western Resources Shareholder
Approval Condition, the Regulatory Approval Condition and the condition
relating to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement), or any defect or
irregularity in the tender of any Shares (and Rights, if applicable). No
tender of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) will be deemed to have been
validly made until all defects and irregularities in tenders of Shares have
been cured or waived. Neither Western Resources, the Exchange Agent, the
Information Agent, the Dealer Managers nor any other person will be under any
duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the tender of
any Shares or will incur any liability for failure to give any such
notification. Western Resources' interpretation of the terms and conditions of
the Offer (including the Letter of Transmittal and instructions thereto) will
be final and binding.
 
  The tender of Shares and Rights (if any) pursuant to any of the procedures
described above will constitute a binding agreement between the tendering ADT
Shareholder and Western Resources upon the terms and subject to the conditions
of the Offer.
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
   
  The following is a summary of certain federal income tax consequences of the
Offer and the Amalgamation and represents the opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell,
counsel to Western Resources. It does not address any tax consequences of the
Offer and the Amalgamation to persons who exercise dissenters' rights, if any,
to the Amalgamation. This summary may not apply to certain classes of persons
subject to special tax treatment, such as foreign persons, insurance
companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, dealers in
securities, persons who acquired Shares pursuant to the exercise of employee
stock options or rights or otherwise as compensation and persons who hold
Shares as part of a straddle or conversion transaction. This summary is based
upon laws, regulations, rulings and decisions, all of which are subject to
change (possibly with retroactive effect), and no ruling has been or will be
requested from the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") on the tax
consequences of the Offer and the Amalgamation.     
 
  The exchange of Shares for Western Resources Common Stock and cash pursuant
to the Offer and Amalgamation will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal
income tax purposes and may also be taxable under applicable state, local and
foreign tax laws. In general, for U.S. federal income purposes, each ADT
Shareholder will realize gain or loss equal to the difference between (x) the
amount of cash and the fair market value of the shares Western Resources
Common Stock received and (y) the ADT Shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the
Shares exchanged therefor. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if
the ADT Shareholder holds the Shares as a capital asset and will be long-term
gain or loss if the ADT Shareholder's holding period for the Shares is
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
more than one year. The ADT Shareholder will have a tax basis in the Western
Resources Common Stock received equal to the fair market value thereof and the
shareholder's holding period for the Western Resources Common Stock will begin
on the day following the date of the exchange.
 
  This summary does not address state, local or foreign tax consequences of
the Offer and the Amalgamation. Consequently, each holder should consult such
holder's own tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences of the Offer and
the Amalgamation to such holder.
 
EFFECT OF OFFER ON MARKET FOR SHARES; REGISTRATION UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT
 
  The exchange of Shares pursuant to the Offer will reduce the number of
holders of Shares and the number of Shares that might otherwise trade publicly
and, depending upon the number of Shares so purchased, could adversely affect
the liquidity and market value of the remaining Shares held by the public.
 
  The Shares are listed and principally traded on the NYSE and are also listed
on the LSE, the BSX and the FSE. Depending upon the number of Shares acquired
pursuant to the Offer, following consummation of the Offer, the Shares may no
longer meet the requirements of such exchanges for continued listing. For
example, published guidelines of the NYSE indicate that the NYSE would
consider delisting the outstanding Shares if, among other things, (i) the
number of publicly held Shares (exclusive of holdings of officers, directors
and members of their immediate families and other concentrated holdings of 10%
or more) should fall below 600,000, (ii) the number of record holders of 100
or more Shares should fall below 1,200 or (iii) the aggregate market value of
publicly held Shares should fall below $5 million.
 
  According to ADT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
September 30, 1996, there were, as of November 4, 1996, 141,119,159 Shares
outstanding, including 3,182,787 Shares which were owned by a subsidiary of
ADT. According to the ADT 1995 Form 10-K, there were, as of February 29, 1996,
15,519 holders of record of Shares.
 
  If such exchanges were to delist the Shares, the market therefor could be
adversely affected. It is possible that the Shares would be traded on other
securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter market, and that price
quotations would be reported by such exchanges, or through the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., Automated Quotations System
("Nasdaq") or by other sources. The extent of the public market for the Shares
and the availability of such quotations would, however, depend upon the number
of holders and/or the aggregate market value of the Shares remaining at such
time, the interest in maintaining a market in the Shares on the part of
securities firms, the possible termination of registration of Shares under the
Exchange Act, as described below, and other factors.
 
  The Shares are presently "margin securities" under the regulations of the
Federal Reserve Board, which has the effect, among other things, of allowing
brokers to extend credit on the collateral of such Shares. Depending on
factors similar to those described above with respect to listing and market
quotations, following consummation of the Offer the Shares may no longer
constitute "margin securities" for the purposes of the Federal Reserve Board's
margin regulations, in which event the Shares would be ineligible as
collateral for margin loans made by brokers.
 
  The Shares are currently registered under the Exchange Act. Such
registration may be terminated by ADT upon application to the Commission if
the outstanding Shares are not listed on a national securities exchange and if
there are fewer than 300 holders of record of Shares. Termination of
registration of the Shares under the Exchange Act would reduce the information
required to be furnished by ADT to its shareholders and to the Commission and
would make certain provisions of the Exchange Act, such as the short-swing
profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) and the requirement of furnishing
a proxy statement in connection with shareholders' meetings pursuant to
Section 14(a) and the related requirement of furnishing an annual report to
shareholders, no longer applicable with respect to the Shares. Furthermore,
the ability of "affiliates" of ADT and persons holding "restricted securities"
of ADT to dispose of such securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities
Act may
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
be impaired or eliminated. If registration of the Shares under the Exchange
Act were terminated, the Shares would no longer be eligible for Nasdaq
reporting or for continued inclusion on the Federal Reserve Board's list of
"margin securities."
 
  According to the ADT Form 8-A, the Rights currently are registered under the
Exchange Act and are listed on the NYSE and the LSE, but currently are
attached to the outstanding Shares and are not separately transferable.
 
PURPOSE OF THE OFFER; THE AMALGAMATION
 
  The purpose of the Offer is to enable Western Resources to obtain control of
ADT. Western Resources presently intends, following consummation of the Offer,
to propose and seek to have ADT effect the Amalgamation. In the Amalgamation,
each outstanding Share (other than Shares owned by Western Resources or any of
its affiliates, Shares held in the treasury of ADT (if ADT is so authorized)
or by any subsidiary of ADT and Shares owned by ADT Shareholders who perfect
appraisal rights under Bermuda law) would be cancelled in exchange for the
right to receive the Offer Consideration. Assuming the Minimum Tender
Condition and the Rights Plan Condition are satisfied and Western Resources
consummates the Offer, Western Resources believes it would have sufficient
voting power to effect the Amalgamation without the vote of any other
shareholder of ADT. See "The Amalgamation--Appraisal Rights."
 
  The Amalgamation will be subject to certain conditions, including the
consent of the Minister of Finance. As soon as practicable following the
acceptance of Shares by Western Resources pursuant to the Offer, the newly
elected ADT Board presently intends to cause all necessary actions to be taken
to seek the consent of the Minister of Finance to the Amalgamation. Western
Resources has no reason to believe that the Minister of Finance will not grant
approval for the Amalgamation; however, there can be no assurance that the
Minister of Finance would grant his consent to the Amalgamation. An adverse
decision by the Minister of Finance may not be subject to appeal or review in
any court. Western Resources also presently intends to condition the
Amalgamation upon holders of not more than 5% of the outstanding Shares at the
effective time of the Amalgamation perfecting appraisal rights with respect to
the Amalgamation pursuant to Section 106(6) of the Companies Act. See
"Appraisal Rights."
 
ADT BYE-LAWS AND PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM CITY CODE
 
  Following their election, the Western Resources Nominees do not currently
intend to serve notice pursuant to Bye-Law 104 or Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-
Laws upon Western Resources or any affiliate of Western Resources who,
following consummation of the Offer, owns 30% or more of the Shares. Thus, in
the event the Western Resources Nominees are elected at the ADT Special
Meeting, Western Resources believes that Bye-Law 104 and Bye-Law 46 should not
apply to Western Resources or its affiliates and the ADT Bye-Law Condition
should, therefore, be satisfied.
 
  Pursuant to Bye-Law 104(1)(A) of the ADT Bye-Laws, where any person is or
becomes "interested" in Shares, whether as a result of one transaction or a
series of transactions, in circumstances in which such person would be
obligated to make an offer to shareholders of ADT or to the holders of every
class of securities convertible into, or of rights to subscribe for, share
capital of ADT under the Rules of the City Code on Take-overs and Mergers of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as amended (the
"City Code"), the ADT Board may require such person to make an offer under the
City Code as if the City Code applied to ADT but so references in the City
Code to the "Panel" are construed as if they were references to the ADT Board.
Rule 9 of the City Code, as it is applied by the ADT Bye-Laws, provides that,
except with the consent of the ADT Board, when any person (and persons acting
"in concert" with such person) acquires shares which carry 30% or more of the
voting rights of a company, such person must make an offer for all shares of
that class (whether voting or non-voting). The offer must be for cash or offer
a cash alternative, in each case at not less than the highest price paid (in
cash or otherwise) for shares of the same class by the offeror, or anyone
acting in concert with the offeror, during the offer period and within the 12
months prior to commencement of the offer.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
  Pursuant to Bye-Law 104(3) of the ADT Bye-Laws, where any person is
interested, whether as a result of a series of transactions over a period of
time or not, in 30% or more of the outstanding Shares, the ADT Board may
demand that a cash offer for all of the outstanding voting or non-voting
securities of ADT be made if the ADT Board determines that an offer pursuant
to Bye-Law 104(1)(A) of the ADT Bye-Laws is not expedient or if a person
required to make such an offer fails to do so. Pursuant to Bye-Law 104(4) of
the ADT Bye-Laws, if the ADT Board serves a notice under Bye-Law 104(3) of the
ADT Bye-Laws, the ADT Board may also require that the offeror offer to
purchase securities of ADT convertible into voting or non-voting shares of ADT
on terms considered "fair and reasonable" by the ADT Board in its sole
discretion. Such offer must be made within 30 days of the demand.
 
  Unless the ADT Board otherwise agrees, an offer for each class of ADT
capital stock under Bye-Laws 104(3) and 104(4) of the ADT Bye-Laws must be for
cash or must offer a cash alternative at not less than the highest price paid
by the offeror or any person acting in concert with it for shares of such
class within the preceding 12 months. Such offer must remain open for at least
14 days after the date on which it becomes unconditional as to acceptances,
and in the case of an offer under Bye-Law 104(3), must provide that all shares
will be purchased within 21 days of the offer becoming unconditional in all
respects.
 
  Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any class of capital stock
of ADT, at any meeting of ADT, a shareholder present in person or by proxy is
entitled, on a poll, to one vote for each share held by such shareholder.
Pursuant to Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws, an ADT Shareholder is not entitled
(except as a proxy for another shareholder) to be present or to vote at any
meeting if such ADT Shareholder received a notice under Bye-Law 104 of the ADT
Bye-Laws stating that upon failure to make an offer pursuant to Bye-Law 104
before a period of not less than 28 days from the date of service of such
notice the ADT Shareholder would not be entitled to vote and  the shareholder
upon whom such notice was served (i) fails to make such an offer within the
period so specified, or (ii) having made such an offer or acquired shares of
ADT in contravention of a notice served under Bye-Law 104 of the ADT Bye-Laws,
fails to remedy such noncompliance.
   
  Neither Western Resources nor any of its subsidiaries are presently
"interested" in 30% or more of the outstanding Shares of ADT. Therefore, the
provisions of Bye-Law 104 do not presently apply to Western Resources or its
subsidiaries. If elected, the Western Resources Nominees intend to take all
actions necessary and desirable to facilitate consummation of the Offer and
the Amalgamation, including, among other things, not invoking the provisions
of Bye-Law 104 or Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws in connection with the
acquisition of Shares by Western Resources pursuant to the Offer or otherwise.
    
  The foregoing does not purport to be a complete description of Bye-Law 104
or Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws. ADT Shareholders are urged to, and should,
read Bye-Law 104 and Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws, copies of which are
included herein as Schedules C and D, respectively.
 
CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
   
  Minimum Tender Condition. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things,
there being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date a
number of Shares which, together with Shares owned by Western Resources and
its affiliates, will constitute at least a majority of the total number of
outstanding Shares on a fully diluted basis (as though all options or other
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Shares had been
so converted, exercised or exchanged) as of the date the Shares are accepted
for exchange by Western Resources pursuant to the Offer. Based upon
information set forth in ADT's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended September 30, 1996, as of November 4, 1996, there were 141,119,159
Shares outstanding, including 3,182,787 Shares which were owned by a
subsidiary of ADT. Assuming conversion of all of the LYONs and the exercise of
18,572,518 options for Shares (disclosed in the 1996 ADT Proxy Statement),
approximately 181,605,215 Shares are expected to be outstanding immediately
prior to the consummation of the Offer. Westar Capital owns 38,287,111 Shares,
or approximately 27% of the outstanding Shares, including 14,115 Shares
issuable upon exchange of 500 LYONs, which are exchangeable for Shares at a
rate of 28.23 Share per LYON. Based on the foregoing, Western Resources
believes that the Minimum Tender     
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
Condition would be satisfied if at least an aggregate of 52,515,497 Shares (or
28.9%) of the Shares expected to be outstanding immediately prior to the
consummation of the Offer had been validly tendered pursuant to the Offer and
not withdrawn. Western Resources reserves the right (but shall not be
obligated), subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission, to waive or
amend the Minimum Tender Condition and to exchange fewer than such number of
Shares as would satisfy the Minimum Tender Condition pursuant to the Offer;
provided, however, that, in the event of such waiver or amendment, the Offer
shall expire no sooner than ten business days from the date of such waiver or
amendment.
 
  Western Resources Shareholder Approval Condition. The Offer is conditioned,
among other things, upon the satisfaction of the Western Resources Shareholder
Approval Condition. Pursuant to the rules of the NYSE (on which the Western
Resources Common Stock is listed), the issuance of Western Resources Common
Stock pursuant to the Offer and the Amalgamation must be approved by the
holders of a majority of the shares of Western Resources Common Stock and
Western Resources Preferred Stock ("Western Resources Voting Stock"), voting as
a single class, voted at a meeting of such holders at which the total number of
votes cast represents over 50% in interest of all shares of Western Resources
Voting Stock outstanding on the applicable record date. In addition, pursuant
to the Western Resources Articles, approval by the holders of a majority of the
shares of Western Resources Voting Stock, voting as a single class, is required
to amend the Western Resources Articles to increase the number of shares of
Western Resources Common Stock authorized for issuance taking into account the
terms of the Offer. Western Resources intends to seek such approvals at the
Western Resources Special Meeting to be held on      , 1997, at    a.m., at
   , Topeka, Kansas.
   
  ADT Shareholder Approval Condition. The Offer is conditioned upon, among
other things, the satisfaction of the ADT Shareholder Approval Condition. As
more fully set forth in the Western Resources Proxy Statement, on December 18,
1996, Westar Capital deposited the Requisition with ADT, pursuant to Section 74
of the Companies Act and Bye-Law 42 of the ADT Bye-Laws, requiring the ADT
Board to convene the ADT Special Meeting so that ADT Shareholders will have the
opportunity to vote on the Western Resources Proposals and thereby satisfy the
ADT Shareholder Approval Condition. Under the Companies Act and the ADT Bye-
Laws, the ADT Board is required to convene the ADT Special Meeting. In the
event that the ADT Board does not within twenty-one days from the date of the
deposit of the Requisition convene the ADT Special Meeting, Westar Capital may
itself convene the ADT Special Meeting. Westar Capital requested that the date
of the ADT Special Meeting be February 18, 1997; however, on January 7, 1997,
ADT announced that it had scheduled the ADT Special Meeting for July 8, 1997.
Westar Capital has commenced litigation challenging the July 8, 1997 meeting
date and is seeking relief to compel the ADT Board to hold the ADT Special
Meeting on or before March 20, 1997. See "The ADT Special Meeting" and
"Litigation."     
   
  At the ADT Special Meeting, ADT Shareholders will vote on each of the Western
Resources Proposals, as more fully described herein. See "The ADT Special
Meeting." Only persons entered in the register of members of ADT as holders of
Shares at the time of the ADT Special Meeting will be entitled to vote at such
meeting unless the ADT Board sets a record date for the ADT Special Meeting. In
the event the ADT Board sets a record date for the ADT Special Meeting, only
holders of Shares at the close of business on such record date will be entitled
to vote at the ADT Special Meeting. Each Share is entitled to one vote upon
each matter presented at the ADT Special Meeting. Holders of ADT Preferred
Stock, if any, are not entitled to vote on any of the Western Resources
Proposals. Pursuant to Bye-Law 43 of the ADT Bye-Laws, at any general meeting
of ADT not fewer than two holders of Shares present, either in person or by
proxy, constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Each of the Western
Resources Proposals may be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of
Shares voted at the ADT Special Meeting.     
 
  Rights Plan Condition. The Rights Plan Condition may be satisfied in a number
of ways, including the following: (i) the current ADT Board may redeem the
Rights or amend the Rights Agreement so that the Rights would not be triggered
by the Offer and the Amalgamation, (ii) following the satisfaction of the ADT
Shareholder Approval Condition, the newly elected ADT Board may, subject to its
fiduciary obligations, take such actions as may be necessary with respect to
the Rights so that they would not be triggered by the Offer and the
Amalgamation, or (iii) Western Resources may be successful in its litigation
seeking, among other things,
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
the invalidation of the Rights or an injunction requiring the ADT Board to
redeem the Rights. See "Prospectus Summary--Litigation" and "Litigation."
 
  Set forth below is certain additional information concerning the Rights.
 
  Rights Agreement
 
  On November 4, 1996, the ADT Board declared a dividend of one Series A First
Preference Share Purchase Right for each Share in issue at the close of
business on November 15, 1996 and the issuance of one Right with respect to
each Share issued after such date but prior to the Distribution Date (as
defined below).
 
  The terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement. The following
description of the Rights does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement which is further described
and filed as an exhibit to the ADT Form 8-A.
 
  After the Distribution Date, each Right entitles the holder thereof to
purchase from ADT one hundredth of a Series A First Preference Share at a
price of $90 (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment for dilution. The
Rights are not exercisable and will not separate from the Shares until the
Distribution Date which occurs on the earlier to occur of (i) the close of
business on the tenth day (or such later date as may be designated by a
majority of the Continuing Directors (as defined below)) following the date of
the first public announcement that a person (other than certain persons
described below) has become an Acquiring Person (such date of public
announcement being a "Share Acquisition Date") or (ii) the close of business
on the tenth business day (or such later date as may be designated by a
majority of the Continuing Directors) following the commencement of a tender
or exchange offer which would result in the person making the tender or
exchange offer becoming an Acquiring Person. None of ADT, a subsidiary of ADT,
an employee benefit plan of ADT or of any of its subsidiaries or any person
organized, appointed or established by ADT or any of its subsidiaries for or
pursuant to such a plan may be considered an Acquiring Person. In addition, a
person (together with its affiliates and associates) (a "Grandfathered
Person") owning 15% or more of the issued and outstanding Shares (such
person's share percentage being a "Grandfathered Percentage") is not an
Acquiring Person if such person acquired its Shares prior to 5:00 p.m.,
Eastern time, on November 4, 1996, provided that such Grandfathered Person
will become an Acquiring Person if its Grandfathered Percentage increases.
Under this formulation, each of Western Resources and Westar Capital is a
"Grandfathered Person."
 
  A "Continuing Director" is defined under the Rights Agreement to be any
member of the ADT Board who, while such person is a member of the ADT Board,
is not an Acquiring Person (or an affiliate or associate thereof) or a
representative or nominee of an Acquiring Person or of any such affiliate or
associate and either (i) was a member of the ADT Board immediately prior to
the time any person becomes an Acquiring Person or (ii) subsequently becomes a
member of the ADT Board, if such person's nomination for election or election
to the ADT Board is recommended or approved by a majority of the Continuing
Directors.
 
  After any person becomes an Acquiring Person, each Right (other than Rights
beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person and its affiliates and associates,
or transferees thereof) will entitle the holder thereof to purchase, for the
Purchase Price, Shares having a market value equal to twice the Purchase
Price.
 
  In the event that, after a Share Acquisition Date, (i) ADT consolidates,
amalgamates, or otherwise combines with any other person and ADT is either not
the continuing or surviving corporation or the Shares are changed or exchanged
or (ii) ADT or one of its subsidiaries sell, or otherwise transfer, assets or
earning power aggregating more than 50% of the assets or earning power of ADT
and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, each Right will entitle the holder
thereof to purchase, for the Purchase Price, a number of shares of common
stock of the other party to such business combination or sale having a market
value equal to twice the Purchase Price.
 
  The Rights may be redeemed at a redemption price of $.01 per Right at any
time prior to the earlier of (i) the close of business on the tenth day
following the Share Acquisition Date (or such later date as a majority
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
of the Continuing Directors may designate prior to such time as the Rights are
no longer redeemable) and (ii) November 14, 2005. If the Rights are to be
redeemed on or after the Share Acquisition Date or after there has been a
change in the majority of the directors on the ADT Board as a result of a
proxy or consent solicitation and a participant in such solicitation has
stated that such person intends to take, or may consider taking, any action
which would result in such person becoming an Acquiring Person or would result
in the occurrence of any of the events specified in the immediately preceding
paragraph, a majority of the Continuing Directors will be required to
authorize such redemption.
 
  The Rights Agreement may be amended in any respect prior to the Distribution
Date. After the Distribution Date, the Rights Agreement may be amended in
certain respects, if such amendments would not adversely affect the interest
of the holders of Rights (other than the Acquiring Person and any of its
affiliates or associates). After an Acquiring Person has become such, to be
effective, any amendment must be approved by a majority of the Continuing
Directors.
 
  Unless previously redeemed in accordance with terms of its Agreement, the
Rights will expire on November 14, 2005.
 
  The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause
substantial dilution to a person or group of persons that attempts to acquire
ADT in a manner which causes the Rights to become exercisable.
   
  ADT Bye-Law Condition. The Offer is conditioned upon Western Resources and
Westar Capital being satisfied, in their sole discretion, that the provisions
of Bye-Law 104 and Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws do not and will not apply to
Western Resources, Westar Capital or the acquisition of Shares pursuant to the
Offer so as (a) to require Western Resources or Westar Capital to comply with
the provisions of Bye-Law 104 of the ADT Bye-Laws or (b) to prevent Western
Resources, Westar Capital or any of their affiliates from voting Shares owned
by any of them at any time. Neither Western Resources nor any of its
subsidiaries are presently "interested" in 30% or more of the outstanding
Shares of ADT. Therefore, the provisions of Bye-Laws 104 do not presently
apply to Western Resources or its subsidiaries. The ADT Bye-Law Condition will
be satisfied following the election of the Western Resources Nominees at the
ADT Special Meeting, as the newly elected ADT Board (subject to their
fiduciary duties under Bermuda law) will not serve notice pursuant to Bye-Law
104 or Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws upon Western Resources or any affiliate
of Western Resources who becomes interested, following consummation of the
Offer, in 30% or more of the Shares. Thus, Western Resources believes that in
the event the Western Resources Nominees are elected at the ADT Special
Meeting, Bye-Law 104 and Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws should not apply to
Western Resources or its affiliates and the ADT Bye-Law Condition should be
satisfied.     
 
  For a description of Bye-Law 104 and Bye-Law 46, see "The Offer--ADT Bye-
Laws and Provisions of the United Kingdom City Code" and "Comparison of the
Rights of Holders of Shares and Western Resources Common Stock." ADT
Shareholders are urged to, and should, read Bye-Law 104 and Bye-Law 46, copies
of which are included herein as Schedules C and D, respectively.
 
  Republic Warrant Condition. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other
things, the receipt by Westar Capital of a final judgment from a court of
competent jurisdiction declaring the Republic Warrant invalid or the
expiration of the Republic Warrant prior to the Expiration Date without having
been exercised. On December 18, 1996, Western Resources announced that Westar
Capital had commenced litigation in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Florida, charging ADT and the ADT Board with breaches of
their fiduciary duties to ADT and the ADT Shareholders. Specifically, the
complaint alleges, among other things, that the ADT Board breached its
fiduciary duty to ADT and the ADT Shareholders when it granted the Republic
Warrant without receiving adequate consideration from Republic. Republic is
also joined in the lawsuit.
 
  Regulatory Approval Condition. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other
things, all regulatory approvals required to consummate the Offer (the
"Requisite Regulatory Approvals") having been obtained and
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
remaining in full force and effect, all statutory waiting periods in respect
thereof having expired and no such approval containing any conditions or
restrictions which the Western Resources Board determines will or reasonably
could be expected to materially impair the strategic and financial benefits
expected to result from the Offer. Western Resources will use its reasonable
best efforts to obtain the Requisite Regulatory Approvals. As described below,
applications and notices seeking the Requisite Regulatory Approvals have been
or will be promptly filed. The Offer cannot proceed in the absence of the
Requisite Regulatory Approvals. Although no assurances can be given, Western
Resources anticipates that it will receive all regulatory approvals on a
timely basis.
   
  Antitrust. Under the HSR Act, and the Rules that have been promulgated
thereunder, certain acquisition transactions may not be consummated unless
certain information has been furnished to the Antitrust Division and the FTC
and certain waiting period requirements have been satisfied. The acquisition
of Shares by Western Resources pursuant to the Offer is subject to the HSR
Act. On December 23, 1996, Western Resources filed with the Antitrust Division
and the FTC a Hart-Scott-Rodino Notification and Report Form with respect to
the Offer to acquire up to 100% of the outstanding Shares. On January 23,
1997, the waiting period expired with respect to Western Resources' filing
under the HSR Act to acquire ownership of up to 100% of the outstanding
Shares.     
 
  Federal and state antitrust enforcement agencies frequently scrutinize,
under the antitrust laws, transactions such as Western Resources' acquisition
of Shares pursuant to the Offer. At any time before or after Western
Resources' acquisition of Shares, any such agency could take such action under
the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest,
including seeking to enjoin the acquisition of Shares pursuant to the Offer or
otherwise or seeking divestiture of Shares acquired by Western Resources or
divestiture of substantial assets of Western Resources and/or ADT. Private
parties may also bring legal action under the antitrust laws under certain
circumstances.
 
  Based upon an examination of publicly available information relating to the
businesses in which both Western Resources and ADT are engaged, Western
Resources believes that the Offer will not violate the antitrust laws.
Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that a challenge to the Offer on
antitrust grounds will not be made or that, if such a challenge is made,
Western Resources will prevail.
   
  The State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas. Western Resources
is subject, as an operating electric and natural gas utility, to the
jurisdiction of the KCC with respect to the issuance of certain securities and
indebtedness. On February 7, 1997, the KCC issued an order granting approval
of the issuance of Western Resources Common Stock and debt in connection with
the Offer.     
 
  The Antitrust Division, the FTC and the KCC are referred to herein as the
"Regulatory Commissions."
 
  General. Except as set forth above, based upon an examination of publicly
available information filed by ADT with the Commission and other publicly
available information with respect to ADT, Western Resources is not aware of
(a) any license or regulatory permit which appears to be material to the
business of ADT and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and which is likely to
be adversely affected by Western Resources' acquisition of Shares pursuant to
the Offer or (b) any approval or other action by any state, federal or foreign
governmental administrative or regulatory agency or authority that would be
required prior to the acquisition of Shares pursuant to the Offer. Western
Resources presently intends to take such actions with respect to any approvals
as will enable it to consummate the Offer. In this regard, Western Resources
expressly reserves the right to challenge the validity and applicability of
any state, foreign or other statutes or regulations purporting to require
approval of the consummation of the Offer.
 
  There can be no assurance that any license, permit, approval or other
action, if needed, would be obtained, or would be obtained without substantial
conditions, or, if so obtained, when it would be obtained, or that adverse
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
consequences might not result to ADT, Western Resources or their respective
businesses in the event of adverse regulatory action or inaction.
 
  THE OFFER IS CONDITIONED UPON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WESTERN RESOURCES HAVING
RECEIVED ALL NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY APPROVALS AND
CONSENTS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER AND THE OTHER
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, INCLUDING APPROVALS AND CONSENTS FROM THE
REGULATORY COMMISSIONS AND SUCH APPROVALS AND CONSENTS HAVING BECOME FINAL
ORDERS AND SUCH FINAL ORDERS NOT HAVING IMPOSED TERMS OR CONDITIONS WHICH, IN
THE AGGREGATE, WOULD HAVE OR, INSOFAR AS REASONABLY CAN BE FORESEEN, COULD
HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE BUSINESS, ASSETS, FINANCIAL CONDITION,
OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF WESTERN RESOURCES, ADT AND THEIR RESPECTIVE
SUBSIDIARIES TAKEN AS A WHOLE.
 
  Certain Other Conditions of the Offer. Notwithstanding any other provision
of the Offer and subject to any applicable rules and regulations of the
Commission, including Rule 14e-1(c) under the Exchange Act (relating to
Western Resources' obligation to exchange or return tendered Shares promptly
after the termination or withdrawal of the Offer), Western Resources shall not
be required to accept for exchange or exchange any Shares, may postpone the
acceptance for exchange or exchange for tendered Shares and may, in its sole
discretion, terminate or amend the Offer as to any Shares not then exchanged
if at the Expiration Date any of the Offer Conditions have not been satisfied
or waived or if on or after the date of this Preliminary Prospectus and on or
prior to the Expiration Date any of the following events shall not have
occurred:
 
    (a) The shares of Western Resources Common Stock which shall be issued to
  the ADT Shareholders in the Offer and the Amalgamation shall have been
  authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
 
    (b) The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the
  Securities Act, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
  Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that
  purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission.
 
    (c) No order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of
  competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing
  the consummation of the Offer and/or the Amalgamation or any of the other
  transactions contemplated by this Preliminary Prospectus shall be in
  effect. No statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree shall
  have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any court,
  administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or
  instrumentality which prohibits, restricts or makes illegal the
  consummation of the Offer and/or the Amalgamation.
 
    (d) All required material governmental authorizations, permits, consents,
  orders or approvals which do not impose terms or conditions that could
  reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Western
  Resources and/or ADT have been received.
     
    (e) There shall not have occurred or been threatened (i) any general
  suspension of trading in, or limitation on times or prices for, securities
  on any national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market in
  the United States, (ii) any significant adverse change in interest rates,
  the financial markets or major stock exchange indices in the United States
  or abroad or in the market price of Shares, including, without limitation,
  a decline of at least 10% in either the Dow Jones Average of Industrial
  Stocks or the Standard & Poor's 500 Index from that existing at the close
  of business on February 24, 1997, (iii) any change in the general
  political, market, economic, regulatory or financial conditions in the
  United States or abroad that could, in the reasonable judgment of Western
  Resources, have a material adverse effect upon the business, properties,
  assets, liabilities, capitalization, stockholders' equity, condition
  (financial or otherwise), operations, licenses or franchises, results of
  operations or prospects of ADT or any of its subsidiaries or the trading
  in, or value of, the Shares, (iv) any material change in United States
  currency exchange rates or any other currency exchange rates or a
  suspension of, or limitation on, the markets therefor, (v) a declaration of
  a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in
  the United States, (vi) any limitation (whether or not mandatory) by any
  government, domestic, foreign or supranational, or governmental entity on,
  or other event that in the reasonable judgment of Western     
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
  Resources might affect, the extension of credit by banks or other lending
  institutions, (vii) a commencement of a war or armed hostilities or other
  national or international calamity directly or indirectly involving the
  United States or (viii) in the case of any of the foregoing existing at the
  time of the commencement of the Offer, a material acceleration or worsening
  thereof.
     
    (f) Western Resources shall be satisfied, in its reasonable discretion,
  that consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation will not adversely
  effect Western Resources' status as an exempt holding company under the
  Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.     
   
  The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Western Resources and
may be asserted by Western Resources regardless of the circumstances giving
rise to any such conditions (including any action or inaction by Western
Resources) or may be waived by Western Resources in whole or in part (other
than the Western Resources Shareholder Approval Condition, the Regulatory
Approval Condition and the condition relating to effectiveness of the
Registration Statement). Although Western Resources reserves the right to do
so, Western Resources does not currently intend to waive any Offer Condition
unless it determines that doing so would not prevent it from consummating the
Amalgamation promptly after consummating the Offer. The determination as to
whether any condition has been satisfied shall be in the reasonable judgment
of Western Resources and will be final and binding on all parties. The failure
by Western Resources at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights shall
not be deemed a waiver of any such right, and each such right shall be deemed
a continuing right which may be asserted at any time and from time to time.
Notwithstanding the fact that Western Resources reserves the right to assert
the failure of a condition following acceptance for exchange but prior to
exchange in order to delay exchange or cancel its obligation to exchange
properly tendered Shares, Western Resources will either promptly exchange such
Shares or promptly return such Shares.     
 
SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS
 
  Western Resources estimates that the total amount of funds required pursuant
to the Offer to purchase for the Cash Consideration the number of Shares
outstanding on a fully diluted basis and to pay fees and expenses related to
the Offer will be approximately $1 billion. See "The Offer--Fees and
Expenses." Western Resources plans to obtain the outside funds necessary to
finance the Cash Consideration pursuant to credit facilities to be arranged by
an affiliate of Chase Manhattan Bank. Western Resources has received a letter
from Chase Manhattan Bank and such affiliate in which they state that they are
highly confident that they can arrange credit facilities in the amount
necessary to fund payment of the Cash Consideration with Chase Manhattan Bank
and other lenders. Their view is based, among other things, upon their review
of the terms of the Offer, their understanding of Western Resources and public
information regarding ADT, and current conditions in the banking and
syndicated loan markets.
 
CERTAIN DEBT INSTRUMENTS OF ADT OPERATIONS
 
  It is Western Resources' current view that satisfaction of the ADT
Shareholder Approval Condition and the consummation of the Offer would
constitute a "change of control" under (a) the LYONs, (b) ADT Operations' 8
1/4% Senior Notes due 2000 (the "8 1/4% Notes"), (c) ADT Operations' 9 1/4%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 (the "9 1/4% Notes" and, together with the
8 1/4% Notes, the "Notes"), and (d) the $300,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated
as of August 23, 1995, by and among ADT Operations and the Lenders named
therein (the "Credit Agreement"). Upon a change of control, (i) a holder of
LYONs can require that ADT Operations repurchase such holder's LYON at its
accrued value, which at January 31, 1997 was approximately $430, (ii) a holder
of the Notes can require that ADT Operations repurchase such holder's Note at
101% of its principal amount, and (iii) required lenders under the Credit
Agreement can declare borrowings outstanding thereunder due and payable.
Additionally, the date on which certain options outstanding under ADT's stock
option plans become exercisable may be accelerated by satisfaction of the ADT
Shareholder Approved Condition and consummation of the Offer. Although Western
Resources and Westar Capital do not believe that these events would materially
and adversely impact the financial condition of ADT, the actual impact of such
events cannot be presently ascertained and will depend, among other things, on
interest rates and future conditions in the credit markets.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
RELATIONSHIPS WITH ADT
 
  Except as set forth herein under the captions "Prospectus Summary--
Background of the Offer" and "Background of the Offer," neither Western
Resources nor, to the best of its knowledge, any of the persons listed on
Schedule A hereto nor any associate or majority-owned subsidiary of any of the
foregoing, beneficially owns or has a right to acquire any equity securities
of ADT. Except as set forth herein, neither Western Resources nor to the best
of its knowledge, any of the persons or entities referred to above, nor any
director, executive officer or subsidiary of any of the foregoing, has
effected any transaction in such equity securities during the last 60 days.
 
  Except as described herein, neither Western Resources nor, to the best of
its knowledge, any of the persons listed on Schedule A hereto has any
contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship with any other person
with respect to any securities of ADT, including, but not limited to, any
contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship concerning the transfer
or the voting of any such securities, joint ventures, loan or option
arrangements, puts or calls, guaranties of loans, guaranties against loss or
the giving or withholding of proxies. Except as described herein, there have
been no contacts, negotiations or transactions between Western Resources or,
to the best of its knowledge, any of the persons listed on Schedule A hereto,
on the one hand, and ADT or its affiliates, on the other hand, concerning a
merger, consolidation or acquisition, a tender offer or other acquisition of
securities, an election of directors, or a sale or other transfer of a
material amount of assets. Neither Western Resources nor, to the best of its
knowledge, any of the persons listed on Schedule A hereto, has had any
transaction with ADT or any of its executive officers, directors or affiliates
that would require disclosure under the rules and regulations of the
Commission applicable to the Offer.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
  Western Resources has retained MacKenzie Partners, Inc. ("MacKenzie") to act
as Information Agent in connection with the Offer. The Information Agent may
contact holders of Shares by mail, telephone, telex, telegraph and personal
interviews and may request brokers, dealers and other nominee shareholders to
forward the Offer materials to beneficial owners of Shares. The Information
Agent will be paid a customary fee of [$   ] for such services, plus
reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, and Western Resources will indemnify
the Information Agent against certain liabilities and expenses in connection
with the Offer, including liabilities under federal securities laws.
 
  Salomon is acting as financial advisor to Western Resources in connection
with its effort to acquire ADT, for which services, and for assistance
rendered by Salomon in connection with prior purchases of Shares by Westar
Capital, Western Resources has agreed to pay Salomon aggregate fees up to a
maximum of $5 million (a substantial portion of which is contingent upon the
consummation of an acquisition of 50% or more of the Shares of ADT or upon
consummation of the Amalgamation).
 
  Bear Stearns is acting as financial advisor to Western Resources in
connection with its effort to acquire ADT, for which services, and for
assistance rendered by Bear Stearns in connection with prior purchases of
Shares by Westar Capital, Western Resources has agreed to pay Bear Stearns
aggregate fees up to a maximum of $4.3 million (a substantial portion of which
is contingent upon the consummation of an acquisition of 50% or more of the
Shares of ADT or upon consummation of the Amalgamation).
 
  Chase is acting as financial advisor to Western Resources in connection with
its effort to acquire ADT, for which services Western Resources has agreed to
pay Chase aggregate fees up to a maximum of $1.5 million (a substantial
portion of which is contingent upon the consummation of an acquisition of 50%
or more of the Shares of ADT or upon consummation of the Amalgamation).
 
  In addition to the compensation set forth above, Western Resources has
agreed to reimburse each of the Dealer Managers for its reasonable travel and
other out-of-pocket expenses. Western Resources has also agreed to reimburse
each of the Financial Advisors for necessary and reasonable attorney's fees
incurred in connection with its engagement, and has agreed to indemnify each
of Salomon, Bear Stearns, Chase and certain related
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
persons and entities against certain liabilities and expenses in connection
with each Dealer Manager's engagement, including certain liabilities under the
federal securities laws. In connection with each of Salomon's, Bear Stearns'
and Chase's engagement as financial advisor, Western Resources anticipates
that certain employees of Salomon, Bear Stearns and Chase may communicate in
person, by telephone or otherwise with a limited number of institutions,
brokers or other persons who are ADT Shareholders for the purpose of assisting
in the Proxy Solicitation. Neither Salomon, Bear Stearns or Chase will receive
any fee for or in connection with such solicitation activities by its
employees apart from the fees it is otherwise entitled to receive as described
above.
 
  In addition to the fees to be received by each of Salomon, Bear Stearns and
Chase in connection with its engagement as financial advisor to Western
Resources, each of Salomon, Bear Stearns and Chase has in the past rendered
various investment banking and financial advisory services for Western
Resources for which each has received customary compensation.
 
  Western Resources will pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary
compensation for its services in connection with the Offer, plus reimbursement
for out-of-pocket expenses, and will indemnify the Exchange Agent against
certain liabilities and expenses in connection therewith, including
liabilities under the federal securities laws. Western Resources will not pay
any fees or commissions to any broker or dealer or other person (other than
the Dealer Managers and the Information Agent) for soliciting tenders of
Shares pursuant to the Offer. Brokers, dealers, commercial banks and trust
companies will be reimbursed by Western Resources for customary mailing and
handling expenses incurred by them in forwarding material to their customers.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  Western Resources will account for the acquisition of Shares pursuant to the
Offer and the Amalgamation using the purchase method of accounting.
Accordingly, the purchase price will be allocated to assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition
date. ADT's financial position and results of operations will not be included
in Western Resources' consolidated accounts prior to the consummation date of
the Amalgamation.
 
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
 
  The Western Resources Common Stock is listed on the NYSE. Application will
be made to list the Western Resources Common Stock to be issued pursuant to
the Offer and the Amalgamation on the NYSE. As described above under "The
Offer--Conditions of the Offer--Western Resources Shareholder Approval
Condition," pursuant to the rules of the NYSE, the issuance of Western
Resources Common Stock in the Offer and the Amalgamation must be approved by
the holders of a majority of the shares of Western Resources Voting Stock,
voting as a single class, voted at a meeting of such holders at which the
total number of votes cast represents over 50% in interest of all shares of
Western Resources Voting Stock outstanding on the applicable record date.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
                               THE AMALGAMATION
 
GENERAL
   
  If the Western Resources Offer is consummated following the ADT Special
Meeting, then it is also presently intended that the newly elected ADT Board
will, in accordance with its fiduciary duties, (i) propose an amendment to the
ADT Bye-Laws providing that an amalgamation of ADT may be approved by the
affirmative vote of a simple majority of those Shares voted at a general
meeting of ADT, (ii) propose and approve the Amalgamation Agreement,
containing customary terms and conditions, pursuant to which a newly created
subsidiary of Western Resources incorporated under the laws of Bermuda will
amalgamate with and into ADT, with the amalgamated company operating under the
name of ADT, and ADT Shareholders (other than Western Resources and ADT and
their respective affiliates and ADT Shareholders who perfect appraisal rights
under Bermuda law) will receive the Offer Consideration in exchange for the
cancellation of each Share, and (iii) take all other actions as may be
necessary to effect the Amalgamation. ADT has not agreed to provide Western
Resources with information that might be relevant to the structuring of the
Amalgamation. Western Resources therefore reserves the right to change the
structure of the Amalgamation upon receipt of such information. See "--
Appraisal Rights." Bye-Law 64 restricts the ability of an ADT director to vote
on, or be counted in a quorum to consider, proposals concerning any other
company in which the director is the holder of or is beneficially interested
in one percent or more of the equity share capital or the voting rights. Bye-
Law 64 will not restrict the ability of the Western Resources Nominees to
facilitate the consummation of the Offer and the Amalgamation because any
interest of the Western Resources Nominees in the equity share capital or
voting rights of either Western Resources or Bermuda Sub will be less than one
percent.     
 
  Pursuant to the Companies Act, each of the Bye-Law Amendment and the
Amalgamation Agreement require the approval of ADT Shareholders in order to
take effect. Under Section 77(2) of the Companies Act, approval of the Bye-Law
Amendment requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at a
general meeting of ADT. Section 106(4A) of the Companies Act provides in part
that, unless a company's bye-laws specifically provide otherwise, an
amalgamation of a Bermuda company must be approved by a majority vote of
three-fourths of those shareholders voting at a duly called meeting. The ADT
Bye-Laws do not currently specify the vote required to approve an
amalgamation. Therefore, upon the adoption of the Bye-Law Amendment, approval
of the Amalgamation Agreement will also require the affirmative vote of a
majority of votes cast at a general meeting of ADT (including Shares owned by
Western Resources or its affiliates).
 
  If the Minimum Tender Condition and other Offer Conditions are satisfied and
the Offer is consummated, Western Resources and its affiliates will own a
majority of the outstanding Shares. Accordingly, Western Resources and its
affiliates will at such time have sufficient voting power in ADT to approve
the Bye-Law Amendment and the Amalgamation Agreement independently of the
votes of any other ADT Shareholders, and Western Resources presently intends
to vote any and all Shares then owned by Western Resources and its affiliates
to approve such proposals.
 
  The Amalgamation will be subject to certain conditions, including the
consent of the Minister of Finance. The Western Resources Nominees are
committed, subject to the exercise of their fiduciary duties, as soon as
practicable following the exchange of Shares by Western Resources pursuant to
the Offer, to causing all necessary actions to be taken to seek the consent of
the Minister of Finance to the Amalgamation. Western Resources has no reason
to believe that the Minister of Finance will not grant approval for the
Amalgamation; however, there can be no assurance that the Minister of Finance
would grant his consent to the Amalgamation. An adverse decision by the
Minister of Finance may not be subject to appeal or review in any court.
Western Resources also presently intends to condition the Amalgamation upon
holders of not more than 5% of the outstanding Shares at the effective time of
the Amalgamation perfecting appraisal rights with respect to the Amalgamation
pursuant to Section 106(6) of the Companies Act. See"--Appraisal Rights."
 
  Rule 13e-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act,
which Western Resources does not believe would be applicable to the
Amalgamation as long as the Amalgamation occurred within one year of
consummation of the Offer, would require, among other things, that certain
financial information concerning
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
ADT, and certain information relating to the fairness of the proposed
transaction and the consideration offered to ADT Shareholders therein, be
filed with the Commission and disclosed to ADT Shareholders prior to
consummation of the Amalgamation.
 
  In addition, Western Resources reserves the right to acquire, following the
consummation or termination of the Offer, additional Shares through open-
market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, a tender offer or
exchange offer, or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as it shall
determine, which may be more or less favorable than those of the Offer.
Western Resources and its affiliates also reserve the right to dispose of any
or all Shares acquired by them pursuant to the Offer or otherwise, upon such
terms and at such prices as they shall determine.
 
  In connection with the Offer, Western Resources has reviewed, and will
continue to review, on the basis of available information, various possible
business strategies that it might consider in the event that it acquires all
or substantially all of the common equity interest in ADT. Western Resources
also intends to conduct a detailed review of ADT and its assets, corporate
structure, capitalization, operations, properties, policies, management and
personnel and consider which changes, if any, would be desirable in light of
the circumstances which then exist. Such strategies could include, among other
things, changes in ADT's business, corporate structure, Memorandum of
Association, Bye-Laws, capitalization, the ADT Board or management, and
consideration of disposition of certain assets or lines of business of ADT.
 
  Except as noted herein, Western Resources does not have any present plans or
proposals that would result in an extraordinary corporate transaction, such as
a merger, reorganization or liquidation, or sale or transfer of a material
amount of assets, involving ADT or any of its subsidiaries, or any material
changes in ADT's corporate structure or business. However, because Western
Resources has not had access to ADT's books and records, additional changes
may be made after a full review of ADT's operations is completed.
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
  ADT Shareholders do not have appraisal rights with respect to the Offer.
   
  However, pursuant to Section 106(6) of the Companies Act, a registered
holder of Shares who does not vote in favor of the Amalgamation, if it is
proposed and submitted to a vote of ADT Shareholders, and who is not satisfied
that he or she has been offered fair value for his or her Shares may, within
one month of the giving of the notice of the meeting of ADT Shareholders,
apply to the Bermuda Supreme Court to have the fair value of such Shares
appraised by the Bermuda Supreme Court. Within one month of the Bermuda
Supreme Court appraising the fair value of any Shares, Western Resources shall
be entitled either to pay to the dissenting ADT Shareholder an amount equal to
the value of his or her Shares as appraised by the Bermuda Supreme Court or to
terminate the Amalgamation if the agreement with respect thereto so provides.
The Bermuda Supreme Court has wide discretion to assess the value of shares in
appraisal proceedings. The Bermuda Supreme Court would likely call on expert
evidence and may assess the fair value based on (a) the market value (i.e.,
the quoted stock market price) of the Shares; (b) a valuation of the net
assets of ADT; (c) the earnings or investment value method which would involve
the capitalization of maintainable earnings; and/or (d) a combination of these
methods.     
 
  A beneficial owner of Shares who is not the registered holder may not assert
appraisal rights. If the stock is owned in a fiduciary capacity, such as by a
trustee, guardian or custodian, or by a nominee, the notice asserting
appraisal rights must be executed by the fiduciary or nominee as the
registered holder of the Shares. If the Shares are owned of record by more
than one person, as in a joint tenancy or tenancy in common, the notice must
be executed by all joint owners. An authorized agent, including an agent for
two or more joint owners, may execute the notice for a registered shareholder;
however, the agent must identify the registered holder, disclose the fact
that, in executing the notice, he is acting as agent for the registered holder
and provide evidence of his authority.
 
  The right of a dissenting shareholder to be paid the fair value of his or
her Shares shall cease if the shareholder fails to comply with the procedures
set forth in Section 106(6) of the Companies Act, or if the Amalgamation is
abandoned for any reason.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
  Western Resources presently intends to condition the Amalgamation upon,
among other things, holders of not more than 5% of the outstanding Shares
perfecting appraisal rights with respect to the Amalgamation.
 
  The foregoing does not purport to be a complete statement of the procedures
to be followed by ADT Shareholders desiring to exercise dissenters' rights
and, in view of the fact that exercise of such rights requires adherence to
the relevant provisions of the Companies Act, shareholders who desire to
exercise appraisal rights are advised to review with care all applicable
provisions of law and to obtain legal counsel in Bermuda concerning proper
compliance with applicable provisions of the Companies Act. ADT Shareholders
are urged to, and should, read Section 106 of the Companies Act, a copy of
which is included herein as Schedule E.
                                
                             THE KCPL MERGER     
 
  KCPL is a public utility engaged in the generation, transmission,
distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 430,000 customers in
western Missouri and eastern Kansas.
          
  On July 8, 1996, Western Resources commenced the KCPL Offer to exchange
shares of Western Resources Common Stock for each outstanding share of KCPL
Common Stock. See "The KCPL Merger." It was Western Resources' intent, as soon
as practicable after consummation of the KCPL Offer, to seek to merge KCPL
with and into Western Resources. Pursuant to the exchange ratio in the KCPL
Offer, KCPL shareholders would have received $31.00 of Western Resources
Common Stock in exchange for each share of KCPL Common Stock, subject to a
maximum of 1.100 and a minimum of 0.933 shares of Western Resources Common
Stock for each share of KCPL Common Stock.     
   
  Beginning in November of 1996, members of the respective boards of directors
and managements of KCPL and Western Resources began discussions regarding a
negotiated transaction between the two companies. Negotiations continued for a
period of several weeks. On February 7, 1997, KCPL and Western Resources
announced that their respective boards of directors had approved the KCPL
Merger Agreement, pursuant to which KCPL will be merged with and into Western
Resources and KCPL shareholders will receive $32.00 of Western Resources
Common Stock per share of KCPL Common Stock, subject to a maximum of 1.100 and
a minimum of 0.917 shares of Western Resources Common Stock per share of KCPL
Common Stock (subject to upward adjustment as specified in the KCPL Merger
Agreement). As required by the KCPL Merger Agreement, Western Resources
terminated the KCPL Offer on February 7, 1997.     
   
  The KCPL Merger, which will be tax-free to KCPL shareholders and is intended
to be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests transaction, will create a
combined company with more than 2,000,000 security and energy customers, $9.5
billion in assets, $3 billion in annual revenues and more than 8,000 megawatts
of electric generation resources. The KCPL Merger is conditioned upon, among
other things, the approvals of each company's shareholders and the necessary
review and approvals of various regulatory agencies, principally the KCC, the
MPSC, the NRC and the FERC. Western Resources intends to seek the approval of
its shareholders at its annual meeting of shareholders, presently scheduled
for May 6, 1997. Subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory and other
approvals, Western Resources presently anticipates that the KCPL Merger will
be completed in the first half of 1998.     
   
  According to a representation of KCPL contained in the Merger Agreement,
there were 61,908,726 shares of KCPL Common Stock outstanding on January 28,
1997. Upon consummation of the KCPL Merger, based on the closing share price
of Western Resources Common Stock on February 21, 1997, KCPL shareholders will
receive approximately 64,425,341 shares of Western Resources Common Stock in
the KCPL Merger. This number of shares would represent approximately 32.2% of
the total number of outstanding shares of Western Resources Common Stock,
assuming that the Offer and the Amalgamation had previously been completed at
an Exchange Ratio of .48780, based on the closing share price of Western
Resources Common Stock on February 21, 1997.     
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  On December 12, 1996, Western Resources and ONEOK announced that they had
entered into a proposed strategic alliance in which Western Resources will
contribute its regulated local natural gas distribution operations, MCMC, and
Westar Gas Marketing, and will become the largest shareholder of ONEOK. A
division of ONEOK, the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, provides local natural
gas service to 75% of the state of Oklahoma. ONEOK also has interests in
natural gas marketing, processing and production.
 
  In the transaction, which is expected to close in mid-1997, Western
Resources will receive a 45% equity interest in ONEOK. The equity interest
will consist of 2,996,702 shares of ONEOK Common Stock and 19,317,584 shares
of ONEOK Preferred Stock. The ONEOK Preferred Stock will pay an annual
dividend of up to 1.5 times the ONEOK Common Stock dividend, with a minimum
dividend of $1.80 per share. The transaction is expected to be accretive to
Western Resources in the first full year.
 
  As a result of its alliance with Western Resources, ONEOK will become the
ninth largest gas distribution company in the United States, serving 1.4
million customers. The strategic alliance will also include a marketing
agreement under which Western Resources will provide electric energy products,
security products and other unregulated services to ONEOK's existing 735,000
customers. The transaction requires the approval of ONEOK's shareholders, the
OCC, the KCC and the Commission. Pursuant to the HSR Act, the transaction may
not be consummated unless certain information has been furnished to the
Antitrust Division and the FTC and certain waiting period requirements have
been satisfied. Western Resources shareholders will not vote on the
transaction.
 
  On December 31, 1996, Western Resources paid approximately $358 million,
subject to certain adjustments, and assumed certain liabilities and
obligations, for all of the assets used in, related to or necessary for the
operation of the security installation, monitoring and service business
currently operated by Westinghouse Security, a subsidiary of Westinghouse. As
a result of the acquisition, Westar Security is now the third largest
monitored security company in the United States with over 400,000 customers,
offices in many major U.S. markets and direct access to customers in 44
states.
 
                         BUSINESS OF WESTERN RESOURCES
 
  Western Resources and its divisions and wholly owned subsidiaries include
KPL, a rate-regulated electric and natural gas division of Western Resources,
KGE, a rate-regulated utility and wholly owned subsidiary of Western
Resources, Westar Capital, Westar Security, Westar Energy, Inc., The Wing
Group, Inc., non-utility subsidiaries, and MCMC, Inc., a regulated gas
transmission service provider. KGE owns 47% of WCNOC, the operating company
for Wolf Creek. Western Resources' non-utility subsidiaries market natural gas
primarily to large commercial and industrial customers, provide electronic
security services, engage in international large power project development and
provide other energy-related products and services.
 
  Western Resources is engaged principally in the production, purchase,
transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the delivery and sale
of natural gas. Western Resources serves approximately 606,000 electric
customers in eastern and central Kansas and approximately 650,000 natural gas
customers in Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma. On December 12, 1996, Western
Resources and ONEOK announced a strategic alliance pursuant to which Western
Resources will contribute its regulated local natural gas distribution
operations, and MCMC and Westar Gas Marketing, and will become the largest
shareholder of ONEOK. See "Prospectus Summary--Recent Developments" and
"Recent Developments."
 
  Westar Capital is a private investment company, wholly owned by Western
Resources, with investments in energy-related and technology-oriented
businesses. Westar Capital owns 38,287,111 Shares, or approximately 27% of the
outstanding Shares, including 500 LYONs exchangeable for Shares at a ratio of
28.23 Shares per LYON.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
   
  Westar Security is a rapidly growing electronic security services business
with over 400,000 customer accounts. On December 31, 1996, Western Resources
acquired all of the assets of Westinghouse Security. Westar Security is now
the third largest monitored security company in the United States with offices
in many major U.S. markets and direct access to customers in 44 states. See
"Prospectus Summary--Recent Developments" and "Recent Developments."     
   
  KCPL is a public utility engaged in the generation, transmission,
distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 430,000 customers in
western Missouri and eastern Kansas. On July 8, 1996, Western Resources made
an offer to the shareholders of KCPL to exchange each outstanding share of
KCPL Common Stock for $31.00 in Western Resources Common Stock, subject to
adjustment. On February 7, 1997, Western Resources terminated the KCPL Offer
and announced that it had entered into the KCPL Merger Agreement with KCPL
pursuant to which KCPL will merge with and into Western Resources. For further
details concerning, and recent developments with respect to, the KCPL Merger,
see "Prospectus Summary--The KCPL Merger" and "The KCPL Merger."     
 
  Western Resources was incorporated under the laws of the State of Kansas in
1924. Western Resources' corporate headquarters is located at 818 S. Kansas
Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612 and its telephone number is (913) 575-6300.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information presents
the consolidated balance sheets and statements of income for the following:
(i) Western Resources and ADT, assuming the Amalgamation is accounted for as a
purchase; and (ii) Western Resources, ADT and KCPL, assuming the Amalgamation
is accounted for as a purchase and the KCPL Merger is accounted for as a
pooling of interests.
   
  ADT's financial position has been presented for the interim period ended
September 30, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995, as if the purchase
was consummated on September 30, 1996. The unaudited pro forma combined
statements of income adjust the historical amounts to reflect the Amalgamation
as if it had occurred at the beginning of each respective period. ADT's
financial position and operating results reflect the ASH Transaction, which
was accounted for by ADT as a pooling of interests. The combined results of
Western Resources and KCPL have been presented for each of the last three
fiscal years and the most recent interim period ended September 30, 1996.     
 
  The information shown below should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated historical financial statements of Western Resources, ADT and
KCPL, including ADT's restated financial statements which reflect the ASH
Transaction as a pooling of interests, which are incorporated by reference in
this Preliminary Prospectus and the KCPL Prospectus (as defined herein). The
following information is being presented for illustrative purposes only and is
not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results that
would have occurred had the Amalgamation and the KCPL Merger been consummated
at the beginning of the periods for which the Amalgamation and the KCPL Merger
are being given effect, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating
results or financial position.
 
THE AMALGAMATION
 
  Western Resources currently owns approximately 38.3 million Shares, or
approximately 27% of the outstanding Shares. This represents a $589.4 million
investment, at cost, in ADT. Western Resources proposes to acquire the
remaining common equity interest of ADT for $22.50 per Share, subject to
adjustment as described herein, and account for such acquisition as a
purchase. ADT Shareholders would receive $15.00 of value in Western Resources
Common Stock, subject to certain limitations, and the balance of the purchase
price ($7.50 per Share) would be paid in cash. The pro forma combined balance
sheet assumes the recorded amounts of ADT's assets and liabilities approximate
their fair values. The preliminary purchase price allocation was made using
only publicly available information for ADT and is subject to change. The pro
forma combined financial statements do not give effect to any anticipated cost
savings or revenue enhancements that may result from the Amalgamation.
 
  During the first quarter of 1996, ADT recorded a non-cash charge of
approximately $744.7 million to recognize the impairment of certain long-lived
assets. The impairment charge was largely attributable to reducing the amount
of recorded goodwill and had no significant tax effect.
 
  In September 1996, ADT consummated the ASH Transaction, which is to be
accounted for as a pooling of interests. In connection with the ASH
Transaction, ADT exchanged 7,034,940 Shares for the entire equity interest in
ASH. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements were prepared
utilizing the historical audited financial statements and the unaudited
interim financial statements, including the notes thereto, of KCPL and ADT.
Certain information was derived from the audited consolidated financial
statements of ADT contained in the ADT 1995 Form 10-K, and the unaudited
interim financial statements, including the notes thereto, contained in ADT's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 1996, and
ADT's Current Reports on Form 8-K, dated September 5, 1996, October 21, 1996
and November 12, 1996, relating to the ASH Transaction.
 
  ADT recently announced that it will record a net charge to income of
approximately $60 million during the fourth quarter of 1996. The charge is
related to restructuring charges resulting from its transaction in early 1996
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
with ASH, totaling approximately $110 million net of an approximate $50
million gain on the sale of its remaining interest in an asset. The $60
million charge is net of income taxes.
 
THE KCPL MERGER
   
  Terms of the KCPL Merger permit holders of shares of KCPL Common Stock to
exchange each share of KCPL Common Stock held for $32.00 of Western Resources
Common Stock, subject to certain limitations. Pro forma shares and related
earnings and dividends per share information have been calculated assuming an
exchange ratio of 1.0407 based on Western Resources' February 21, 1997 closing
stock price of $30.75.     
   
  The KCPL Merger is assumed to generate substantial cost savings. The assumed
cost savings have not been reflected in the pro forma combined balance sheet
and statements of income. Transaction costs associated with the KCPL Merger
including fees for advisors, attorneys and other consultants and incremental
direct costs of completing the KCPL Merger are estimated to approximate $88
million (which amount includes an additional termination fee of approximately
$53 million that may be payable under the terms of KCPL's Amended and Restated
Agreement and Plan of Merger with UtiliCorp). These costs are expected to be
expensed after a definitive merger agreement is signed or in the first
reporting period subsequent to the closing of the KCPL Merger to the extent
they are required to be paid.     
 
  There are no anticipated changes in either Western Resources' or KCPL's
accounting policies as a result of the KCPL Merger. Both companies accrue
unbilled revenue for energy delivered at the end of each reporting period, use
composite depreciation methods at group rates specified pursuant to regulation
and have certain other accounting policies which differ from each other as
well as from other commercial enterprises due to the nature of how regulators
have allowed certain costs to be recovered from customers.
 
  Western Resources has joint interests with KCPL in the LaCygne Station and
Wolf Creek. These generating facilities represent approximately 23% of Western
Resources' total generating capacity, 39% of KCPL's total generating capacity
and 29% of the combined company's total generating capacity.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
                           WESTERN RESOURCES AND ADT
 
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRO FORMA
                           WESTERN                 --------------------------------
                          RESOURCES       ADT                         TOTAL WESTERN
                         (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS        RESOURCES/ADT
                         -----------  -----------  -----------        -------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>                <C>           
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equiva-
   lents................ $      969   $  141,800   $  248,090 (a)(j)   $   390,859
  Accounts receivable
   and unbilled revenues
   (net)................    232,682      261,900          --               494,582
  Other current assets..    192,024       84,400          --               276,424
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
    Total current as-
     sets...............    425,675      488,100      248,090            1,161,865
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
Property, Plant and
 Equipment, Net.........  4,349,167    1,545,000          --             5,894,167
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
Deferred Charges and
 Other Assets:
  Goodwill, net.........        --       448,600    2,437,100 (b)        2,885,700
  Deferred future income
   taxes................    282,476          --           --               282,476
  Other assets..........  1,025,873      163,000     (604,069)(h)          584,804
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          ----------- 
    Total deferred
     charges and other
     assets.............  1,308,349      611,600    1,833,031            3,752,980
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
Total Assets............ $6,083,191   $2,644,700   $2,081,121          $10,809,012
                         ==========   ==========   ==========          ===========
 
                         LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
 
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRO FORMA
                           WESTERN                 --------------------------------
                          RESOURCES       ADT                         TOTAL WESTERN
                         (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS        RESOURCES/ADT
                         -----------  -----------  -----------        -------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>                <C>           
Current Liabilities:
  Short-term debt....... $  646,400   $   44,400   $ (589,400)(h)      $   101,400
  Accounts payable......    111,878      160,000          --               271,878
  Other current liabili-
   ties.................    205,457      203,100          --               408,557
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
    Total current lia-
     bilities...........    963,735      407,500     (589,400)             781,835
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
Other Liabilities and
 Deferred Credits:
  Deferred income tax-
   es...................  1,167,550      147,800        4,735 (f)        1,320,085
  Deferred investment
   tax credits..........    127,218           --          --               127,218
  Other.................    448,244      273,700          --               721,944
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
    Total other liabili-
     ties and deferred
     credits............  1,743,012      421,500        4,735            2,169,247
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
Capitalization:
  Long-term debt, net...  1,466,526    1,027,600    1,394,150 (c)        3,888,276
  Company-obligated
   mandatorily
   redeemable preferred
   securities...........    220,000          --           --               220,000
  Preferred and prefer-
   ence stock...........     74,858        4,900          --                79,758
  Common stock equity...  1,615,060      783,200    1,271,636 (g)(j)     3,669,896
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
    Total capitaliza-
     tion...............  3,376,444    1,815,700    2,665,786            7,857,930
                         ----------   ----------   ----------          -----------
Total Liabilities and
 Capitalization......... $6,083,191   $2,644,700   $2,081,121          $10,809,012
                         ==========   ==========   ==========          ===========
</TABLE>    
 
 
  The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
  are an integral part of this statement and should be read in their entirety.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
 
                           WESTERN RESOURCES AND ADT
 
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            PRO FORMA
                            WESTERN                 -------------------------------
                           RESOURCES       ADT                        TOTAL WESTERN
                          (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS       RESOURCES/ADT
                          ------------ ------------ -----------       -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>               <C>
Operating Revenues......   $1,481,915   $1,261,600   $     --          $2,743,515
Operating Expenses:
  Cost of Sales.........      463,102      674,200         --           1,137,302
  Operations, adminis-
   trative and selling..      573,697      257,500         --             831,197
  Depreciation and amor-
   tization.............      144,752      165,100      42,500 (d)        352,352
  Restructuring and
   other non-recurring
   charges..............          --       744,700         --             744,700
                           ----------   ----------   ---------         ----------
Operating Income
 (Loss).................      300,364     (579,900)    (42,500)          (322,036)
                           ----------   ----------   ---------         ----------
Interest Expense........       78,568       78,600      51,910 (e)        209,078
Other Income
 (Expenses).............      (14,212)      21,300     (14,669)(h)         (7,581)
                           ----------   ----------   ---------         ----------
Income (Loss) Before
 Income Taxes...........      207,584     (637,200)   (109,079)          (538,695)
Income Taxes............       71,100       14,500       4,735 (f)         90,335
                           ----------   ----------   ---------         ----------
Net Income (Loss) Before
 Extraordinary Item.....      136,484     (651,700)   (113,814)          (629,030)
Preferred and Preference
 Dividends..............       13,609          --          --              13,609
                           ----------   ----------   ---------         ----------
Earnings (Loss)
 Applicable to Common
 Stock Before
 Extraordinary Item.....   $  122,875   $ (651,700)  $(113,814)        $ (642,639)
                           ==========   ==========   =========         ==========
Average Common Shares
 Outstanding............       63,599      136,824     (66,141)(i)(j)     134,282
Earnings (Loss) per
 Average Common Share
 Before Extraordinary
 Item...................   $     1.93   $    (4.77)                    $    (4.79)
</TABLE>    
       
  The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
  are an integral part of this statement and should be read in their entirety.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
 
                           WESTERN RESOURCES AND ADT
 
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            PRO FORMA
                            WESTERN                 -------------------------------
                           RESOURCES       ADT                        TOTAL WESTERN
                          (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS       RESOURCES/ADT
                          ------------ -----------  -----------       -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>               <C>
Operating Revenues......   $1,572,071  $1,783,800    $     --          $3,355,871
Operating Expenses:
  Cost of sales.........      510,948     990,400          --           1,501,348
  Operations,
   administrative and
   selling..............      522,759     365,100                         887,859
  Depreciation and
   amortization.........      174,460     193,300       34,200 (d)        401,960
  Restructuring and
   other non-recurring
   charges..............          --       34,200          --              34,200
                           ----------  ----------    ---------         ----------
Operating Income
 (Loss).................      363,904     200,800      (34,200)           530,504
                           ----------  ----------    ---------         ----------
Interest Expense........       95,962     116,300      116,390 (e)        328,652
Other Income
 (Expenses).............        2,254     (25,400)         --             (23,146)
                           ----------  ----------    ---------         ----------
Income (Loss) Before
 Income Taxes...........      270,196      59,100     (150,590)           178,706
Income Taxes............       88,520      28,100      (35,233)(f)         81,387
                           ----------  ----------    ---------         ----------
Net Income (Loss) Before
 Extraordinary Item.....      181,676      31,000     (115,357)            97,319
Preferred and Preference
 Dividends..............       13,419         --           --              13,419
                           ----------  ----------    ---------         ----------
Earnings (Loss)
 Applicable to Common
 Stock Before
 Extraordinary Item.....   $  168,257  $   31,000    $(115,357)        $   83,900
                           ==========  ==========    =========         ==========
Average Common Shares
 Outstanding............       62,157     138,283      (67,600)(i)(j)     132,840
Earnings per Average
 Common Share Before
 Extraordinary Item.....   $     2.71  $     0.22                      $     0.63
</TABLE>    
       
  The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
  are an integral part of this statement and should be read in their entirety.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
 
                        WESTERN RESOURCES, ADT AND KCPL
 
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                           WESTERN                                      PRO FORMA
                          RESOURCES       ADT          KCPL     ------------------------------------
                         (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS           TOTAL COMBINED
                         ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------           --------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>                   <C>
Current Assets:
 Cash and cash equiva-
  lents.................  $      969   $  141,800   $   23,229  $  160,090 (a)(j)(k)   $   326,088
 Accounts receivable
  and unbilled
  revenues (net)........     232,682      261,900       70,156         --                  564,738
 Other current assets...     192,024       84,400       69,766         --                  346,190
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
   Total current as-
    sets................     425,675      488,100      163,151     160,090               1,237,016
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
Property, Plant and
 Equipment, Net.........   4,349,167    1,545,000    2,349,785         --                8,243,952
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
Deferred Charges and
 Other Assets:
 Goodwill, net..........         --       448,600          --    2,437,100 (b)           2,885,700
 Deferred future income
  taxes.................     282,476          --       123,000         --                  405,476
 Other assets...........   1,025,873      163,000      259,936    (604,069)(h)             844,740
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
   Total deferred
    charges and other
    assets..............   1,308,349      611,600      382,936   1,833,031               4,135,916
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
Total Assets............  $6,083,191   $2,644,700   $2,895,872  $1,993,121             $13,616,884
                          ==========   ==========   ==========  ==========             ===========
</TABLE>    
 
                         LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                           WESTERN                                      PRO FORMA
                          RESOURCES       ADT          KCPL     ------------------------------------
                         (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS           TOTAL COMBINED
                         ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------           --------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>                   <C>
Current Liabilities:
 Short-term debt........  $  646,400   $   44,400   $   35,000  $ (589,400)(h)         $   136,400
 Long-term debt due
  within one year.......         --           --        46,591         --                   46,591
 Accounts payable.......     111,878      160,000       45,982         --                  317,860
 Other current liabili-
  ties..................     205,457      203,100      118,498         --                  527,055
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
   Total current liabil-
    ities...............     963,735      407,500      246,071    (589,400)              1,027,906
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
Other Liabilities and
 Deferred Credits:
 Deferred income tax-
  es....................   1,167,550      147,800      650,056       4,735 (f)           1,970,141
 Deferred investment
  tax credits...........     127,218          --        68,164         --                  195,382
 Other..................     448,244      273,700       90,077         --                  812,021
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
   Total other
    liabilities and
    deferred credits....   1,743,012      421,500      808,297       4,735               2,977,544
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
Capitalization:
 Long-term debt, net....   1,466,526    1,027,600      834,136   1,394,150 (c)           4,722,412
 Company-obligated
  mandatorily
  redeemable preferred
  securities............     220,000          --           --          --                  220,000
 Preferred and
  preference stock......      74,858        4,900       90,276         --                  170,034
 Common stock equity....   1,615,060      783,200      917,092   1,183,636 (g)(j)(k)     4,498,988
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
   Total
    capitalization......   3,376,444    1,815,700    1,841,504   2,577,786               9,611,434
                          ----------   ----------   ----------  ----------             -----------
Total Liabilities and
 Capitalization.........  $6,083,191   $2,644,700   $2,895,872  $1,993,121             $13,616,884
                          ==========   ==========   ==========  ==========             ===========
</TABLE>    
 
  The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
  are an integral part of this statement and should be read in their entirety.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
 
                        WESTERN RESOURCES, ADT AND KCPL
 
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PRO FORMA
                                                                 ----------------------------
                            WESTERN
                           RESOURCES       ADT          KCPL                         TOTAL
                          (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS        COMBINED
                          ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------       ----------
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>               <C>
Operating Revenues......   $1,481,915   $1,261,600    $703,031    $     --         $3,446,546
Operating Expenses:
  Cost of Sales.........      463,102      674,200     144,921          --          1,282,223
  Operations, adminis-
   trative and selling..      573,697      257,500     262,542          --          1,093,739
  Depreciation and amor-
   tization.............      144,752      165,100      85,281       42,500 (d)       437,633
  Restructuring and
   other non-recurring
   charges..............          --       744,700         --           --            744,700
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------        ----------
Operating Income
 (Loss).................      300,364     (579,900)    210,287      (42,500)         (111,749)
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------        ----------
Interest Expense........       78,568       78,600      39,726       51,910 (e)       248,804
Other Income (Ex-
 penses)................      (14,212)      21,300     (45,530)     (14,669)(h)       (53,111)
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------        ----------
Income (Loss) Before In-
 come Taxes.............      207,584     (637,200)    125,031     (109,079)         (413,664)
Income Taxes............       71,100       14,500      36,625        4,735 (f)       126,960
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------        ----------
Net Income (Loss) Before
 Extraordinary Item.....      136,484     (651,700)     88,406     (113,814)         (540,624)
Preferred and Preference
 Dividends..............       13,609          --        2,840          --             16,449
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------        ----------
Earnings (Loss)
 Applicable to Common
 Stock Before
 Extraordinary Item.....   $  122,875   $ (651,700)   $ 85,566    $(113,814)       $ (557,073)
                           ==========   ==========    ========    =========        ==========
Average Common Shares
 Outstanding............       63,599      136,824      61,902      (63,625)(i)(j)    198,700
Earnings (Loss) per
 Average Common Share
 Before Extraordinary
 Item...................   $     1.93   $    (4.77)   $   1.38                     $    (2.80)
</TABLE>    
 
 
  The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
  are an integral part of this statement and should be read in their entirety.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
 
                        WESTERN RESOURCES, ADT AND KCPL
 
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                            WESTERN                                      PRO FORMA
                           RESOURCES       ADT          KCPL     --------------------------------
                          (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS       TOTAL COMBINED
                          ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------       --------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>               <C>
Operating Revenues......   $1,572,071   $1,783,800    $885,955    $     --           $4,241,826
Operating Expenses:
  Cost of Sales.........      510,948      990,400     178,154          --            1,679,502
  Operations,
   administrative and
   selling..............      522,759      365,100     353,859          --            1,241,718
  Depreciation and
   amortization.........      174,460      193,300     109,832       34,200 (d)         511,792
  Restructuring and
   other non-recurring
   charges..............          --        34,200         --           --               34,200
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------          ----------
Operating Income
 (Loss).................      363,904      200,800     244,110      (34,200)            774,614
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------          ----------
Interest Expense........       95,962      116,300      52,184      116,390 (e)         380,836
Other Income
 (Expenses).............        2,254      (25,400)      7,722          --              (15,424)
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------          ----------
Income (Loss) Before
 Income Taxes...........      270,196       59,100     199,648     (150,590)            378,534
Income Taxes............       88,520       28,100      77,062      (35,233)(f)         158,449
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------          ----------
Net Income (Loss) Before
 Extraordinary Item.....      181,676       31,000     122,586     (115,357)            219,905
Preferred and Preference
 Dividends..............       13,419          --        4,011          --               17,430
                           ----------   ----------    --------    ---------          ----------
Earnings (Loss)
 Applicable to Common
 Stock Before
 Extraordinary Item.....   $  168,257   $   31,000    $118,575    $(115,357)         $  202,475
                           ==========   ==========    ========    =========          ==========
Average Common Shares
 Outstanding............       62,157      138,283      61,902      (65,084)(i)(j)      197,258
Earnings per Average
 Common Share Before
 Extraordinary Item.....   $     2.71   $     0.22    $   1.92                       $     1.03
</TABLE>    
 
 
  The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
  are an integral part of this statement and should be read in their entirety.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
 
                           WESTERN RESOURCES AND KCPL
 
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 WESTERN                       PRO FORMA
                                RESOURCES       KCPL     ----------------------
                               (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS  COMBINED
                               ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
<S>                            <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Operating Revenues:
  Electric...................   $1,121,781    $868,272      $        $1,990,053
  Natural gas................      496,162         --                   496,162
                                ----------    --------      -----    ----------
      Total operating
       revenues..............    1,617,943     868,272                2,486,215
                                ----------    --------      -----    ----------
Operating Expenses:
  Fuel.......................      234,328     135,106                  369,434
  Power purchased............       15,438      33,929                   49,367
  Natural gas purchases......      312,576         --                   312,576
  Operations and
   maintenance...............      416,577     274,772                  691,349
  Depreciation and
   amortization..............      151,630     107,463                  259,093
  Amortization of phase-in
   revenues..................       17,544         --                    17,544
  Income taxes...............       95,622      70,949                  166,571
  General taxes..............      104,682      96,362                  201,044
                                ----------    --------      -----    ----------
      Total operating
       expenses..............    1,348,397     718,581                2,066,978
                                ----------    --------      -----    ----------
Operating Income.............      269,546     149,691                  419,237
Other Income and Deductions
 (net of taxes)..............       33,856       2,500                   36,356
                                ----------    --------      -----    ----------
Income Before Interest
 Charges.....................      303,402     152,191                  455,593
Interest Charges:
  Long-term debt.............       98,483      43,962                  142,445
  Other......................       20,139       5,298                   25,437
  Allowance for borrowed
   funds used during
   construction (credit).....       (2,667)     (1,844)                  (4,511)
                                ----------    --------      -----    ----------
      Total interest
       charges...............      115,955      47,416                  163,371
                                ----------    --------      -----    ----------
Net Income...................      187,447     104,775                  292,222
Preferred and Preference
 Dividends...................       13,418       3,457                   16,875
                                ----------    --------      -----    ----------
Earnings Applicable to Common
 Stock.......................   $  174,029    $101,318      $        $  275,347
                                ==========    ========      =====    ==========
Average Common Shares
 Outstanding.................       61,618      61,903      2,516(i)    126,037
Earnings per Average Common
 Share Outstanding...........   $     2.82    $   1.64               $     2.18
</TABLE>    
 
  The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
  are an integral part of this statement and should be read in their entirety.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
 
                           WESTERN RESOURCES AND KCPL
 
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                             WESTERN                       PRO FORMA
                            RESOURCES       KCPL     ------------------------
                           (HISTORICAL) (HISTORICAL) ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                           ------------ ------------ -----------   ----------
<S>                        <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Operating Revenues:
  Electric................  $1,104,537    $857,450    $            $1,961,987
  Natural gas.............     804,822         --                     804,822
                            ----------    --------    --------     ----------
    Total operating
     revenues.............   1,909,359     857,450                  2,766,809
                            ----------    --------    --------     ----------
Operating expenses:
  Fuel....................     250,328     130,117                    380,445
  Power purchased.........      16,396      31,403                     47,799
  Natural gas purchases...     500,189         --                     500,189
  Operations and
   maintenance............     467,003     263,183                    730,186
  Depreciation and
   amortization...........     164,364     111,284                    275,648
  Amortization of phase-in
   revenues...............      17,545         --                      17,545
  Income taxes............      77,978      69,502                    147,480
  General taxes...........     123,493      95,659                    219,152
                            ----------    --------    --------     ----------
    Total operating
     expenses.............   1,617,296     701,148                  2,318,444
                            ----------    --------    --------     ----------
Operating Income..........     292,063     156,302                    448,365
Other Income and
 Deductions (net of
 taxes)...................      25,482       1,909                     27,391
                            ----------    --------    --------     ----------
Income Before Interest
 Charges..................     317,545     158,211                    475,756
Interest Charges:
  Long-term debt..........     123,551      50,118                    173,669
  Other...................      19,255       4,863                     24,118
  Allowance for borrowed
   funds used during
   construction (credit)..      (2,631)     (2,542)                    (5,173)
                            ----------    --------    --------     ----------
    Total interest
     charges..............     140,175      52,439                    192,614
                            ----------    --------    --------     ----------
Net Income................     177,370     105,772                    283,142
Preferred and Preference
 Dividends................      13,506       3,153                     16,659
                            ----------    --------    --------     ----------
Earnings Applicable to
 Common Stock.............  $  163,864    $102,619    $            $  266,483
                            ==========    ========    ========     ==========
Average Common Shares
 Outstanding..............      59,294      61,909       2,516(i)     123,719
Earnings per Average
 Common Share
 Outstanding..............  $     2.76    $   1.66                 $     2.15
</TABLE>    
 
  The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information
  are an integral part of this statement and should be read in their entirety.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
 
          NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The pro forma adjustments have been made to the unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Financial Statements to reflect the following:
   
  (a) To record the net effect of the following:     
     
    (i)     
      the reduction in cash resulting from interest paid on short- and
      long-term debt as described in note (e) below.
   
       
    (ii)     
         
      the receipt of approximately $300 million from Republic upon
      exercise of the Republic Warrant.     
   
  (b) To record goodwill resulting from the Amalgamation. The net tangible
      assets of ADT are expected to approximate their fair value. Goodwill is
      based upon the total consideration paid in excess of the estimated fair
      value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is calculated assuming
      Western Resources acquires all the outstanding Shares of ADT which
      Western Resources and its affiliates do not presently hold, the
      conversion of the LYONs to Shares, the exercise of the Republic Warrant
      and the exercise of all outstanding options held principally by ADT
      management, in each case for $22.50 per Share. (See note (j) for a
      discussion of the Republic Warrant and ADT anti-takeover devices.)     
 
      Calculation of outstanding Shares, and Shares to be purchased:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                (MILLIONS EXCEPT
                                                                PRICE PER SHARE)
                                                                ----------------
   <S>                                                          <C>
   Shares outstanding..........................................        141.1
   Treasury shares (shares held by ADT Subsidiary).............         (3.2)
   LYONs convertible debt (i)..................................         21.9
   Conversion of option shares (ii)............................          8.4
   Assumed exercise of Republic Warrant (iii)..................         15.0
                                                                    --------
     Total Shares outstanding..................................        183.2
     Shares already owned......................................        (38.3)
                                                                    --------
     Net Shares to be purchased................................        144.9
     Purchase price per share..................................     $  22.50
                                                                    --------
   Total cost of Shares not presently held.....................     $3,260.3
   Plus: Basis in 38.3 million Shares currently owned..........        589.4
   Plus: Estimated transaction costs...........................         40.0
                                                                    --------
     Total purchase price......................................     $3,889.7
   Less: Estimated fair value of net assets acquired...........        961.5
                                                                    --------
     Estimated Goodwill........................................     $2,928.2
   Less: Existing ADT Goodwill.................................        448.6
   Less: Incremental goodwill amortization for 1996............         42.5
                                                                    --------
     Adjustment................................................     $2,437.1
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>    
- --------
(i)
  LYONs are exchangeable for Shares of ADT or redeemable for cash at the
  option of the holder upon a change of control. Conversion terms allow the
  holder to exchange each LYON for 28.23 Shares. The pro forma calculation of
  total Shares outstanding assumes the LYONs are converted to Shares.
   
(ii)
  Conversion of approximately 18.6 million outstanding option shares held by
  management has been calculated using the treasury stock method.    
   
(iii) Exercise of the Republic Warrant to purchase 15.0 million common shares
   of ADT. The pro forma calculation of total shares outstanding assumes that
   Republic exercises the Republic Warrant for approximately $300 million.
   (See note (j) for a related discussion.)     
 
 
  (c) To record the additional long-term debt to be incurred for the Cash
      Consideration and to refinance short-term debt used to acquire existing
      Shares, less the elimination of the LYONs convertible debt securities
      which are expected to be converted to Shares.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                        (MILLIONS)
      Additional long-term debt:                                        ----------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      144.9 million Shares times $7.50 per Share Cash Consideration...   $1,086.8
      Plus: Permanent financing of Western Resources' existing inter-
       est ...........................................................      589.4
        Transaction costs.............................................       40.0
      Less: Estimated LYONs debt outstanding at acquisition date......     (322.0)
                                                                         --------
        Net additional debt...........................................   $1,394.2
                                                                         ========
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
   
  (d) To record the amortization of goodwill created in the purchase of ADT
      over a 40-year period. The annual goodwill amortization is expected to
      approximate $73.2 million. The adjustment represents the difference
      between this amount, the historical amount recorded by ADT and the
      amounts recognized by Western Resources related to its investment in
      ADT.     
 
  (e) To record the net effect of interest expense resulting from the
      following:
 
      (i) The reduction of interest expense associated with the short-term
      debt incurred by Western Resources to acquire its initial equity
      interest in ADT and the increase in interest expense in connection
      with the issuance of additional long-term debt as detailed in note
      (c) above to finance the exchange of Shares for the Cash
      Consideration and refinance short-term debt used to acquire Shares.
      See note (c). The interest rate on such borrowings is expected to be
      approximately 8%. The assumed interest rate is reasonable given
      current corporate bond rates for companies with credit ratings
      similar to Western Resources.
         
      A one-eighth percent change in interest on the net additional debt
      used to finance the Amalgamation would impact the combined pro forma
      net income by approximately $2 million on an annual basis. Pro forma
      earnings per share would be impacted by approximately $0.01 per
      share on an annual basis.     
 
      (ii) The interest expense savings resulting from the conversion of
      the LYONs, which accreted interest at a rate of 6.5%.
 
  (f) To adjust the income tax provision. The income tax provision exceeds the
      federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the non-deductible
      goodwill amortization and state income taxes.
 
  (g) To reflect the net increase to common equity resulting from Western
      Resources issuing additional common shares needed to acquire the net
      remaining Shares, to reflect the impact of the pro forma adjustments and
      eliminate ADT's stand-alone equity.
 
  (h) To reflect the elimination of the equity investment and related equity
      earnings recorded by Western Resources for the 38.3 million Shares
      presently held as an equity investment and the related short-term debt
      incurred to finance this equity investment which is to be refinanced
      with long-term debt. See note (c).
   
  (i) To reflect the issuance of Western Resources Common Stock in connection
      with the Offer and the Amalgamation, assuming the Republic Warrant is
      exercised:     
 
<TABLE>   
      <S>                                                              <C>
      Stock Consideration to be paid in Western Resources Common
       Stock.........................................................  $  15.00
      Divided by the price per share of Western Resources Common
      Stock as of
       February 21, 1997.............................................  $ 30.750
                                                                       --------
       Exchange Ratio................................................    .48780
      Multiplied by Net Shares to be purchased by Western Resources..     144.9
                                                                       --------
      Shares of Western Resources Common Stock needed to acquire Net
       Shares........................................................      70.7
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>    
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                     NINE MONTHS
                                                        ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                                    SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
                                                        1996          1995
                                                    ------------- ------------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
      <S>                                           <C>           <C>
      ADT Average Common Shares Outstanding........    136,824      138,283
      Less: Shares of Western Resources Common
       Stock to be issued..........................     70,683       70,683
                                                       -------      -------
      Adjustment...................................    (66,141)     (67,600)
                                                       =======      =======
</TABLE>    
      
   Terms of the KCPL Offer allow KCPL shareholders to exchange each KCPL
   Share held for $32.00 of Western Resources Common Stock, subject to
   certain limitations as set forth more fully in the KCPL Prospectus. Pro
   forma shares and related earnings per share have been calculated
   assuming an exchange ratio of 1.0407 based on Western Resources'
   February 21, 1997 closing stock price of $30.750. This exchange ratio
   increases common shares outstanding by approximately 2,516,000 shares
   for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the twelve month period
   ended December 31, 1995.     
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
   
  (j) On July 1, 1996, ADT entered into the Republic Agreement, pursuant to
      which Republic Sub was to be amalgamated with and into ADT with ADT
      being the surviving company. Under the terms of the Republic Agreement,
      ADT granted to Republic the Republic Warrant to purchase 15,000,000
      Shares at a purchase price of $20 per Share, subject to adjustment. The
      Republic Warrant was to become exercisable for a period of six months
      following the termination of the Republic Agreement. On September 30,
      1996, ADT and Republic jointly announced the termination of the Republic
      Agreement, citing uncertainty attributable to market conditions, and
      amended the Republic Warrant to include certain restrictions on the
      issuance of Shares pursuant thereto and the transfer of such Shares by
      Republic to persons with an interest in 10% or more of ADT. As described
      herein, Western Resources has commenced litigation challenging the
      validity of the Republic Warrant. See "Litigation." The unaudited pro
      forma combined financial information assumes the Republic Warrant is
      exercised for a payment of approximately $300 million prior to
      expiration.     
 
   As described herein, Western Resources is initiating steps to hold a
   special meeting of the ADT Shareholders, and among other matters,
   Western Resources will be soliciting proxies in favor of the removal of
   the present members of the ADT Board and the election of the Western
   Resources Nominees to the ADT Board, who will then take steps needed to
   either redeem or amend the Rights Agreement to make it inapplicable to
   the Offer.
          
    (k) To reflect anticipated direct merger costs of $88 million as a
        reduction to equity. This amount represents estimated incremental
        direct costs to be incurred in connection with the KCPL Merger.     
 
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
                DESCRIPTION OF WESTERN RESOURCES CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The authorized capital stock of Western Resources consists of 85,000,000
shares of Western Resources Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share, 4,000,000
shares of Western Resources Preference Stock, 600,000 shares of Western
Resources Preferred Stock, par value $100.00 per share (the "Par Value
Preferred Stock") and 6,000,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value
(the "No Par Value Preferred Stock"). The Par Value Preferred Stock and the No
Par Value Preferred Stock are referred to herein together as the "Western
Resources Preferred Stock."
 
WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON STOCK
   
  As of February 24, 1997, there were 64,818,788 shares of Western Resources
Common Stock issued and outstanding. The holders of Western Resources Common
Stock and Western Resources Preferred Stock, voting as one class, are entitled
to one vote per share on all matters requiring stockholder action (except for
the election of directors) subject to the special voting rights of holders of
Western Resources Preferred Stock and Western Resources Preference Stock
described below. In all elections for directors, each holder of Western
Resources Preferred Stock or Western Resources Common Stock has the right to
cast as many votes in the aggregate as equals the number of shares held by him
multiplied by the number of directors to be elected; provided, however, that
if the holders of the Western Resources Preferred Stock or the holders of the
Western Resources Preference Stock are entitled to vote separately as a class
for the election of certain directors, the holders of the Western Resources
Common Stock shall be entitled to vote separately as a class for the remaining
directors. The holders of Western Resources Preferred Stock are entitled to
elect a majority of the board of directors if, and so long as, dividends
payable on outstanding Western Resources Preferred Stock are in default in an
amount equal to four or more quarterly dividends, whether or not consecutive.
The holders of Western Resources Preference Stock are entitled to elect two
directors if, and so long as, dividends payable on outstanding Western
Resources Preference Stock are in default in an amount equal to six or more
quarterly dividends, whether or not consecutive. The holders of the Western
Resources Common Stock participate ratably in liquidation, subject to the
payment to the holders of the Western Resources Preferred Stock and Western
Resources Preference Stock of the preferential amounts to which they are
respectively entitled.     
 
  Dividends on the Western Resources Common Stock may be declared and paid
only out of surplus or net profits legally available for the payment of
dividends and only when the full dividends on the Western Resources Preferred
Stock and the Western Resources Preference Stock have been paid or declared
and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof shall have been set apart. In
addition, in the event the Capitalization Ratio (as defined below) is less
than 20%, dividends (including the proposed payment) on the Western Resources
Common Stock and the Western Resources Preference Stock during the twelve
month period ending with and including the date of the proposed payment of
such dividends may not exceed 50% of the net income available for dividends
during the twelve calendar month period ending with and including the second
calendar month immediately preceding the date of the proposed payment of
dividends on such shares of capital stock. Similarly, if the Capitalization
Ratio is 20% or more, but less than 25%, then the payment of dividends on the
Western Resources Common Stock and the Western Resources Preference Stock
(including the proposed payment) during the twelve month period ending with
and including the date of the proposed payment of such dividends may not
exceed 75% of the net income of Western Resources available for dividends for
the twelve calendar months ending with and including the second calendar month
immediately preceding the date of the proposed payment of dividends on such
shares of capital stock. Except as permitted by the provisions of the Western
Resources Articles summarized in this paragraph, Western Resources may not pay
dividends on the Western Resources Common Stock and the Western Resources
Preference Stock which would reduce the Capitalization Ratio to less than 25%.
"Capitalization Ratio" is defined to mean the ratio of the capital represented
by the Western Resources Common Stock and the Western Resources Preference
Stock, including premiums on the capital stock of Western Resources, plus the
surplus accounts of Western Resources, to the total capital of Western
Resources, plus the surplus accounts of Western Resources, at the end of the
second calendar month immediately preceding the date of the proposed payment
of dividends, adjusted to reflect the proposed payment of dividends.
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
WESTERN RESOURCES PREFERRED STOCK
   
  Western Resources is authorized to issue 6,600,000 shares of Western
Resources Preferred Stock, which may be issued from time to time in one or
more series, each such series to have such distinctive designation or title as
may be fixed by the Western Resources board of directors prior to the issuance
of any shares thereof. Each series may differ from each other series already
outstanding as may be declared from time to time by the Western Resources
Board in the following respects: (i) the rate of dividend; (ii) the amount per
share, if any, which the Western Resources Preferred Stock shall be entitled
to receive upon redemption, liquidation, distribution or sale of assets,
dissolution or winding up of Western Resources; (iii) terms and conditions of
conversions, if any; and (iv) terms of sinking fund, redemption or purchase
account, if any. As of February 24, 1997, Western Resources had three series
of Par Value Preferred Stock outstanding: the 4.5% Series (138,576 shares
outstanding); the 4.25% Series (60,000 shares outstanding); and the 5% Series
(50,000 shares outstanding), and no shares of No Par Value Preferred Stock
were outstanding.     
 
  The Western Resources Preferred Stock has special voting rights which are
triggered when dividends on the stock are in default in an amount equal to
four or more quarterly dividends, whether or not consecutive. If dividends are
not paid for four or more dividend periods on all series of Western Resources
Preferred Stock then outstanding, the holders of the Western Resources
Preferred Stock are entitled to elect the smallest number of directors
necessary to constitute a majority of the full Western Resources board of
directors until such unpaid dividends shall be paid. In addition, Western
Resources may not, without the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds
of the Western Resources Preferred Stock then outstanding, (i) define or
specify preferences, qualifications, limitations or other rights for
authorized but unissued shares of Western Resources Preferred Stock superior
to those of outstanding shares of such stock (except for differences
attributable to variations in dividend rates, liquidation preferences and
redemption prices) or amend, alter, change or repeal any of the express terms
or provisions of the then outstanding Western Resources Preferred Stock in a
manner substantially prejudicial to the holders thereof, or (ii) issue or sell
any Western Resources Preferred Stock or any class of stock ranking prior to
or on a parity with the Western Resources Preferred Stock other than in
exchange for or for the purpose of effecting the retirement of not less than a
like number of shares of Western Resources Preferred Stock or shares of stock
ranking prior to or on a parity therewith or securities convertible into not
less than a like number of such shares unless (a) aggregate capital applicable
to Western Resources Common Stock and Western Resources Preference Stock plus
surplus equals the involuntary liquidation preference of all Western Resources
Preferred Stock and any such other stock ranking prior thereto or on a parity
therewith and (b) Western Resources' net earnings (as defined) for a period of
twelve consecutive calendar months within the fifteen calendar months
preceding the date of issuance, available for the payment of dividends, shall
have been at least two times the annual dividend requirements on the Western
Resources Preferred Stock and on any such other stock ranking prior thereto or
on a parity therewith after giving effect to the proposed issuance, and the
net earnings (as defined), for the same period, available for payment of
interest shall have been at least one and one-half times the sum of annual
interest requirements and dividend requirements on Western Resources Preferred
Stock and such other stock ranking prior thereto or on a parity therewith
after giving effect to the proposed issuance.
 
  The Western Resources Articles also provide that without the consent of the
holders of at least a majority of the Western Resources Preferred Stock then
outstanding, voting as a class, or if more than one-third shall vote
negatively, Western Resources shall not: (i) merge or consolidate with or into
any other corporation; (ii) sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all
of its property or assets unless the fair value of the net assets of Western
Resources after completion of such transaction shall at least equal the
liquidation value of all outstanding shares of Western Resources Preferred
Stock; or (iii) reacquire or pay any dividends or make any other distribution
upon shares of the Western Resources Preference Stock or the Western Resources
Common Stock or any other class of the stock of Western Resources over which
the Western Resources Preferred Stock has preference with respect to the
payment of dividends or the distribution of assets, unless after any such
action the sum of (a) the capital of Western Resources represented by the
outstanding Western Resources Preference Stock, Western Resources Common Stock
or other stock over which the Western Resources Preferred Stock has
preference, (b) Western Resources' earned surplus, and (c) any capital surplus
of Western Resources, shall not be less than
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
the sum of $10,500,000 plus an amount equal to twice the annual dividend
requirement on all outstanding shares of the Western Resources Preferred Stock
and on any such other stock ranking prior thereto or on a parity therewith.
 
  At Western Resources' 1996 Annual Shareholders Meeting, a proposal was
approved to amend the Western Resources Articles by removing the voting rights
of the holders of Western Resources Preferred Stock relating to the issuance
of unsecured indebtedness.
 
WESTERN RESOURCES PREFERENCE STOCK
   
  Western Resources is authorized to issue 4,000,000 shares of Western
Resources Preference Stock, which may be issued from time to time in one or
more series, each such series to have such distinctive designation or title as
may be fixed by the board prior to the issuance of any shares thereof. Each
series may differ from each other series already outstanding, as may be
declared from time to time by the Western Resources Board, in the following
respects: (i) the rate of dividend; (ii) whether shares of Western Resources
Preference Stock are subject to redemption, and if so, the amount or amounts
per share which the shares of such series would be entitled to receive in case
of redemption, and the terms on which such shares may be redeemed; (iii) the
amounts payable in the case of the liquidation, distribution or sale of
assets, dissolution or winding up of Western Resources; (iv) terms and
conditions of conversion, if any; (v) terms of sinking fund, redemption or
purchase account, if any; and (vi) any designations, preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof. As of February 24, 1997, Western
Resources had 500,000 shares of 7.58% Series Preference Stock outstanding.
       
  The Western Resources Preference Stock has voting rights which are triggered
when dividends on the stock are in default in an amount equal to six or more
quarterly dividends, whether or not consecutive. If dividends are not paid for
six or more dividend periods, the holders of the Western Resources Preference
Stock are entitled to elect two directors to the Western Resources board of
directors until such unpaid dividends shall be paid. In addition, Western
Resources may not, without the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds
of the Western Resources Preference Stock then outstanding, voting as a class,
(i) amend, alter, change or repeal any of the express terms and conditions of
the then outstanding Western Resources Preference Stock in a manner
substantially prejudicial to the holders thereof, or (ii) create any class of
stock ranking prior to the Western Resources Preference Stock as to dividends
or upon liquidation, or securities convertible into shares ranking prior to
the Western Resources Preferred Stock in such respects; provided that no such
consent shall be required with respect to the taking of any such action
relating to the Western Resources Preferred Stock.     
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
  COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF SHARES AND WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON
                                     STOCK
 
  As a consequence of the exchange of Shares for shares of Western Resources
Common Stock in the Offer and the cancellation of Shares as a result of the
Amalgamation, shareholders of ADT, a company incorporated under the laws of
Bermuda, would become shareholders of Western Resources, a Kansas corporation.
The rights of ADT Shareholders are currently governed by Bermuda law
(including the Companies Act), the ADT Memorandum of Association and the ADT
Bye-Laws. Upon the exchange of Shares for Western Resources Common Stock, the
rights of ADT Shareholders will be governed by Kansas law (including the
KGCC), the Western Resources Articles and the Western Resources Bylaws. The
following is a summary of certain similarities and material differences
between the rights of holders of Shares and the rights of holders of Western
Resources Common Stock.
 
  The following summary does not purport to be a complete statement of the
rights of ADT Shareholders under Bermuda law, the ADT Memorandum of
Association, the ADT Bye-Laws and the Rights Agreement as compared with the
rights of Western Resources shareholders under Kansas law, the Western
Resources Articles and the Western Resources Bylaws, or a complete description
of the specific provisions referred to herein. The summary discusses certain
material aspects of the above-mentioned corporate laws and instruments but is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such laws and instruments, including
the aforementioned instruments of ADT and Western Resources. Complete copies
of all such laws and instruments may be obtained in the manner set forth above
under the caption "Available Information."
 
  Voting at Meetings. Pursuant to Section 77 of the Companies Act, any
question proposed for consideration at a general meeting shall be decided on a
simple majority of votes or by such majority as the bye-laws of a company may
prescribe. Section 77 of the Companies Act provides that it is lawful for any
question proposed for consideration at a general meeting to be decided on a
show of hands in which each shareholder present in person or by proxy is
entitled to one vote and casts such vote by raising his hand. However, before
or on the declaration of the result of a show of hands, a poll may be demanded
by (i) the Chairman of the meeting, (ii) at least three shareholders present
in person or represented by proxy, (iii) any shareholder or shareholders
present in person or represented by proxy holding between them one-tenth of
the total voting rights of all the shareholders entitled to vote at such
meeting, or (iv) a shareholder or shareholders present in person or
represented by proxy holding shares in such company conferring the right to
vote at such meeting and on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to
not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all such shares conferring
such right. Where a poll has been demanded, every shareholder present in
person or by proxy is entitled to one vote for each share held by him.
 
  Section 17-6502 of the KGCC provides that unless otherwise provided in the
articles of incorporation of a Kansas corporation and subject to K.S.A. 17-
6503, each shareholder of a Kansas corporation is entitled to one vote for
each share of capital stock held by such shareholder. The KGCC makes no
provision for voting by a show of hands.
 
  Special Meetings of Shareholders. Pursuant to section 74 of the Companies
Act and Bye-Law 42 of the ADT Bye-Laws, the ADT Board is required, on the
written requisition of shareholders of ADT holding at the date of the deposit
of the requisition not less than one-tenth of the paid-up capital of ADT as at
the date of the deposit carries the right of voting at general meetings of
ADT, to convene a special general meeting of ADT. If the directors do not
within twenty-one days from the date of the deposit of the requisition convene
a meeting, the requisitionists, or any of them representing more than one half
of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves convene a meeting,
but any meeting so convened may not be held after the expiration of three
months from the date of deposit of the requisition.
 
  Section 17-6501(e) of the KGCC provides that special meetings of
shareholders may be called by the board of directors or by such person or
persons as may be authorized by the articles of incorporation or bylaws. The
Western Resources Bylaws provide that a special meeting of shareholders may be
called by the Western Resources Board, or by the Chairman or the President of
Western Resources.
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
  Number of Directors. Section 91(1) of the Companies Act provides that the
affairs of a company shall be managed by not less than two directors, who
shall be individuals elected in the first place at the statutory meeting and
thereafter at each annual general meeting of the company or elected or
appointed by the shareholders in such other manner and for such term as may be
provided in the company's bye-laws. Section 91(2) of the Companies Act
provides that shareholders at a general meeting of a company may authorize the
directors of the company to elect or appoint on their behalf an individual or
individuals to act as additional directors up to a maximum determined by the
shareholders in general meeting. Bye-Law 52(A) of the ADT Bye-Laws provides
that the number of directors shall be such number, not less than two, as the
shareholders in general meeting may from time to time determine.
 
  Section 17-6301(b) of the KGCC provides that the board of directors of a
corporation shall consist of one or more members. The number of directors
shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the bylaws, unless the
articles of incorporation establish the number of directors, in which case a
change in the number of directors shall be made only by amendment of the
articles of incorporation. The Western Resources Articles provide that the
number of directors shall not be less than seven nor more than fifteen, the
precise number to be set by the Western Resources Board, provided that unless
approved by a majority of shareholders entitled to vote, the number of
directors shall not be reduced if such reduction will shorten the term of an
existing director.
 
  Advance Notice of Shareholder Nominations of Directors. Under Bye-Law 52(B)
of the ADT Bye-Laws, no person, other than a director retiring at a general
meeting of shareholders, shall, unless recommended by the ADT Board, be
eligible for election to the office of director at any general meeting unless
not less than six and not more than twenty-eight clear days before the day
appointed for the meeting there has been given to the Secretary of ADT notice
in writing by some shareholder (not being the person to be proposed) entitled
to attend and vote at the meeting for which such notice is given of such
shareholder's intention to propose such person for election and also notice in
writing signed by the person to be proposed of such person's willingness to be
elected.
 
  The Western Resources Articles provide a similar advance notice provision.
Nominations of persons for election to the Western Resources Board may be made
at a meeting of shareholders by any shareholder, provided that the Secretary
of Western Resources receives written notice not less than thirty-five days
nor more than fifty days prior to the meeting. In the event that less than
forty-five days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting
is given or made by Western Resources to shareholders, the notice of
nomination must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth
day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was
mailed or public disclosure was made. For notice by the shareholder to be
timely, it must be received in any event not later than the close of business
on the seventh day preceding the day on which the meeting is to be held. Such
notice shall contain (i) the names of the nominees and all other information
required to be disclosed in a proxy statement, (ii) the name and address of
the shareholder making the nomination, (iii) a representation that the
shareholder is a holder of record of the stock entitled to vote at the meeting
on the date of the notice and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the
meeting to nominate the person specified in the notice and (iv) a description
of all arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and each nominee
and any other person on whose behalf such nominations are being made.
 
  Shareholder Proposal Procedures. Other than advance notice requirements for
shareholder proposals involving the election or removal of directors or
amendments to the ADT Bye-Laws, neither the Companies Act nor the ADT Bye-Laws
require advance notice (other than notice of the meeting itself) of
shareholder proposals prior to a meeting of shareholders.
 
  The Western Resources Articles permit any shareholder who is a holder of
record at the time of giving the required notice and who is entitled to vote
at the shareholders meeting, to bring business before such shareholders
meeting. Required notice must be received by the Secretary of Western
Resources not less than thirty-five days nor more than fifty days prior to the
meeting. In the event that less than forty-five days' notice or prior public
disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made by Western Resources to
shareholders, the notice must be received not later than the close of business
on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the
meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made. For notice by the
shareholder to be timely, it must be
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
received in any event not later than the close of business on the seventh day
preceding the day on which the meeting is to be held. The notice shall contain
(i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought forth and the
reasons for considering the business, (ii) the name and address of the
shareholder as they appear on the books of Western Resources, (iii) a
representation that such shareholder is a holder of record of the stock
entitled to vote at the meeting on the date of the notice and intends to
appear in person or by proxy to present the business specified in the notice
and (iv) disclosure of any material interest of the shareholder in such
proposal.
 
  Classification of Board of Directors. The ADT Board is not classified and
the ADT Bye-Laws do not contemplate a classified board.
 
  Section 17-6301(d) of the KGCC provides that the directors of any
corporation may be divided into one, two or three classes by the articles of
incorporation or by the corporation's initial bylaws, or by bylaws adopted by
a vote of the shareholders; the term of office of those of the first class to
expire at the annual meeting next ensuing, of the second class one year
thereafter, of the third class two years thereafter, and at each annual
election held after such classification and election, directors shall be
chosen for a full term, as the case may be, to succeed those whose terms
expire. The Western Resources Bylaws provide for three classes of directors as
nearly equal in number as possible with no class containing fewer than two
directors and with each director holding office for a term of three years.
 
  Cumulative Voting. Both the Companies Act and the KGCC allow, but do not
require, cumulative voting for the election of directors. Under the ADT Bye-
Laws, ADT Shareholders do not have cumulative voting rights for the election
of directors. The Western Resources Bylaws provide for cumulative voting of
all shares entitled to vote for the election of directors. Each holder of
shares eligible to vote for the election of directors may cast a number of
votes in the aggregate equal to the number of shares held by that holder
multiplied by the number of directors to be elected, and such votes may be
cast for one candidate or distributed among two or more candidates at the
shareholder's discretion.
 
  Removal of Directors; Filling Vacancies on the Board of Directors. Section
93 of the Companies Act provides that, subject to a company's bye-laws, the
shareholders of a company may at a special general meeting called for that
purpose remove a director, provided that notice of any such meeting shall be
served on the director concerned not less than fourteen days before the
meeting and that the director shall be entitled to be heard at the meeting.
 
  Bye-Law 71 of the ADT Bye-Laws provides that any director may at any time be
removed from office as a director of ADT either by resolution of the ADT
shareholders to that effect or upon a written resolution specifying that a
director has been so removed and signed by all the other directors of ADT.
Bye-Law 57 of the ADT Bye-Laws provides that the remaining directors have the
power from time to time and at any time to appoint any qualified person to
fill a casual vacancy in the board of directors who shall hold office until
the next following annual general meeting, and the existing directors may act
notwithstanding any vacancy in their number.
 
  Section 17-6301 of the KGCC provides that any director or the entire board
of directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a
majority of shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors, except
that in the case of a corporation having a classified board of directors, such
as Western Resources, shareholders may remove a director only for cause,
unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise. Under the Western
Resources Articles and the Western Resources Bylaws, no director, other than
one elected because of a default in the payment of dividends on Western
Resources Preferred Stock or Western Resources Preference Stock, may be
removed except for cause. Pursuant to Section 17-6301 of the KGCC, if less
than the entire board of a corporation with cumulative voting is to be
removed, no director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against
such director's removal would be sufficient to elect such director if then
cumulatively voted at an election of the entire board of directors or, if the
corporation has classes of directors, as does Western Resources, at an
election of the class of directors of which such director is a part.
 
 
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<PAGE>
 
  Pursuant to the Western Resources Bylaws, vacancies in the Western Resources
Board caused by death, resignation or otherwise may be filled at any meeting
of the Western Resources Board and the replacement directors shall serve until
the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are elected
and qualified.
 
  Shareholder Action by Written Consent. Pursuant to Section 77A of the
Companies Act, anything which may be done by resolution of a company in
general meeting or by resolution of a meeting of any class of the shareholders
of a company may, without a meeting and without any previous notice being
required, be done by resolution in writing signed by all of the shareholders
of the company who at the date of the resolution would be entitled to attend
the meeting and vote on the resolution; provided, however, that no action by
unanimous written consent shall be valid if taken with respect to a resolution
to remove either a director or an auditor before the expiration of such
director's or auditor's term of office.
 
  Under Section 17-6518 of the KGCC, any action which may be taken by
shareholders at any annual or special meeting may be taken without a meeting
by unanimous written consent, unless otherwise provided in the articles of
incorporation.
 
  Preemptive Rights. No shareholder of ADT or Western Resources has preemptive
rights with regard to shares of common or preferred stock.
 
  Amendment of ADT Memorandum of Association and Western Resources
Articles. Section 12 of the Companies Act provides that a company may, with
the consent of the Minister of Finance, by resolution passed at a general
meeting of members of which due notice has been given, alter the provisions of
its memorandum of association.
 
  The Western Resources Articles provide that unless and until a specific
provision for amending the Western Resources Articles is specially adopted,
Western Resources reserves the right, except as otherwise provided, to amend,
alter, change or repeal any provision contained in the Western Resources
Articles in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by the applicable
provisions of the laws of the State of Kansas for amending the articles of
incorporation of a Kansas corporation, and all rights conferred upon
shareholders are granted subject to such reservation.
 
  The KGCC provides that in connection with every amendment authorized by
Section 17-6602 of the KGCC, the board of directors shall adopt a resolution
setting forth the amendment proposed, declaring its advisability, and either
calling a special meeting of the shareholders entitled to vote for the
consideration of such amendment or directing that the amendment proposed be
considered at the next annual meeting of the shareholders. Kansas law further
provides that such special or annual meeting shall be called and held upon
notice in accordance with the manner for the giving of notice of meetings of
shareholders. The notice shall set forth such amendment in full or a brief
summary of the changes to be effected. If a majority of the outstanding stock
entitled to vote thereon and a majority of the outstanding stock of each class
entitled to vote thereon as a class have been voted in favor of the amendment,
a certificate setting forth the amendment and certifying that such amendment
has been duly adopted shall be executed, acknowledged, filed and recorded.
 
  Amendment of Bylaws. Pursuant to Bye-Law 101 of the ADT Bye-Laws and Section
13(5) of the Companies Act, the ADT Board may amend the ADT Bye-Laws, provided
that no such amendment will be operative unless and until it is confirmed by
the ADT Shareholders at a general meeting of ADT.
 
  The Western Resources Board may make and from time to time alter, amend or
repeal any Western Resources Bylaw, subject to the power of the shareholders
to amend, alter or repeal the Western Resources Bye-Laws. The provisions of
the Western Resources Bylaws regarding the classification of the Western
Resources board of directors, the filling of vacancies by directors and the
removal of directors may not be amended without the affirmative vote of at
least 80% of the outstanding shares of Western Resources entitled to vote.
 
 
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  Interested Directors. Under Bye-Law 64 of the ADT Bye-Laws, no director is
disqualified from contracting with ADT and no contract will be avoided by
reason of such director holding that office or of the fiduciary relationship
thereby established if the requisite disclosure by the interested director is
made. Bye-Law 64(7) of the ADT Bye-Laws indicates that a director who to his
knowledge is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a
contract or arrangement with ADT shall declare the nature of his interest at
the meeting of the directors at which the question of entering into the
contract or arrangement is first taken into consideration, if he knows his
interest then exists, or in any other case at the first meeting of the
directors after he knows that he is or has become so interested.
 
  Under Section 17-6304 of the KGCC, no contract or transaction between a
corporation and one or more of its directors or officers or any other
corporation or organization in which such directors or officers are directors
or officers or have a financial interest shall be void or voidable solely
because the directors or officers are present at or participate in the meeting
of the board or committee which authorizes the contract or transaction, or
solely because such directors' or officers' votes are counted for such
purposes if: (1) the material facts as to the relationship or interest and the
contract or transaction are disclosed or known to, and the board or committee
authorized the contract or transaction by, a majority of the disinterested
directors; (2) the material facts are disclosed or known to shareholders
entitled to vote thereon and the contract or transaction is approved by them
in good faith; or (3) the contract or transaction is fair as to the
corporation as of the time it is authorized or approved.
 
 Business Combinations.
 
  Article XVII of the Western Resources Articles provides that an affirmative
vote of at least 80% of the voting stock of Western Resources and the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting stock held by
shareholders other than an Interested Shareholder shall be required for the
approval or authorization of any Business Combination with an Interested
Shareholder; provided, however, that the 80% and majority voting requirements
shall not be applicable if: (a) the Business Combination shall have been
approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors; or (b) the cash or the
Fair Market Value (as determined by a majority of the Continuing Directors) of
the property, securities or other consideration to be received in such
Business Combination is not less than the highest per share price paid on
behalf of the Interested Shareholder for any shares of the Western Resources
stock.
 
  "Business Combinations" requiring such a vote include: (i) any merger or
consolidation of Western Resources or any of its subsidiaries with any
Interested Shareholder; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other
disposition of any substantial part of the assets of Western Resources or a
subsidiary to an Interested Shareholder; (iii) the issuance of any securities
of Western Resources or a subsidiary to an Interested Shareholder other than
an issuance on a pro rata basis to all holders of shares pursuant to a stock
split or dividend; (iv) any recapitalization or reclassification that would
increase the proportionate voting power of an Interested Shareholder; (v) the
adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of Western
Resources proposed on behalf of an Interested Shareholder; (vi) any sale,
lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or a substantial part of
the assets of an Interested Shareholder to Western Resources or one of its
subsidiaries; or (vii) any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding
providing for any of the above transactions. For purposes of the foregoing
provisions, an "Interested Shareholder" is defined as (i) any individual,
corporation, partnership or other person or entity which, together with its
"Affiliates" or "Associates" as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the
Exchange Act, beneficially owns, as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under
the Exchange Act, in the aggregate 10% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock
and (ii) any Affiliate or Associate of such Interested Shareholder;
"Continuing Directors" is defined as any director who was a director prior to
the Interested Shareholder becoming an Interested Shareholder; "Substantial
Part" means 10% or more of the Fair Market Value of Western Resources's total
consolidated assets as reflected in the most recent end of year balance sheet;
"Voting Stock" is defined as all of the outstanding shares of common stock and
preferred stock of Western Resources, with each reference to a proportion of
shares of Voting Stock referring to such proportion of the votes entitled to
be cast by such shares; and "Fair Market Value" is defined as: (i) in the case
of stock, the highest closing sale price during the 30-day period immediately
prior to the date in question of a
 
                                      81
<PAGE>
 
share of such stock on the NYSE or such other exchange or quotation system;
and (ii) in the case of property other than cash or stock, the fair market
value of such property on the date in question as determined by a majority of
the Continuing Directors.
 
  The affirmative vote of 80% of the voting stock of Western Resources and the
affirmative vote of a majority of the voting stock other than the stock held
by an Interested Shareholder shall be required to amend, repeal or adopt any
provision inconsistent with Article XVII of the Western Resources Articles.
 
  Neither Bermuda law nor ADT's Bye-Laws provide similar restrictions on
transactions with Interested Shareholders.
 
  ADT Bye-Law 104. Pursuant to Bye-Law 104(1)(A) of the ADT Bye-Laws, where
any person is or becomes "interested" in Shares, whether as a result of one
transaction or a series of transactions, in circumstances in which such person
would be obligated to make an offer to shareholders of ADT or to the holders
of every class of securities convertible into, or of rights to subscribe for,
share capital of ADT under the Rules of the City Code, the ADT Board may
require such person to make such an offer under the City Code as if the City
Code applied to ADT, provided that references in the City Code to the "Panel"
will be construed as if they were references to the ADT Board. Rule 9 of the
City Code, as it is applied by the ADT Bye-Laws, provides that, except with
the consent of the ADT Board, when any person (and persons acting in concert
with such person) acquires shares which carry 30% or more of the voting rights
of a company, such person must make an offer for all shares of that class
(whether voting or non-voting). The offer must be for cash or offer a cash
alternative, in each case at not less than the highest price paid (in cash or
otherwise) for shares of the same class by the offeror, or anyone acting in
concert with the offeror, during the offer period and within the 12 months
prior to commencement of the offer.
 
  Section 104(1)(B) of the ADT Bye-Laws provides that when any person has
acquired, is in the process of acquiring, or appears to the ADT Board likely
to acquire an interest in the capital stock of ADT in circumstances in which
such person would be subject to the SARs, the ADT Board may give notice
requiring such person to comply with the SARs, and if such person fails to
comply, give further notice requiring such person to dispose or to procure the
disposal by any person with whom such person has acted in concert of any
interest in shares acquired within 30 days of the expiration of such notice.
The SARs provide that a person may not, in any period of seven days, acquire
shares representing 10% or more of the voting rights in a company if such
shares, aggregated with shares already held by the purchaser, would carry 15%
or more but less than 30% of the voting rights of such company. The SARs do
not apply to an acquisition from a single shareholder if such acquisition is
the only acquisition within a seven-day period. The SARs also do not apply to
a person who acquires 30% or more of the voting rights in a company.
 
  Pursuant to Bye-Law 104(3) of the ADT Bye-Laws, where any person is
interested, whether as a result of a series of transactions over a period of
time or not, in 30% or more of the outstanding Shares, the ADT Board may
demand that a cash offer for all of the outstanding voting or non-voting
securities of ADT be made if the ADT Board determines that an offer pursuant
to Bye-Law 104(1)(A) of the ADT Bye-Laws is not expedient or if a person
required to make such an offer fails to do so. Pursuant to Bye-Law 104(4) of
the ADT Bye-Laws, if the ADT Board serves a notice under Bye-Law 104(3) of the
ADT Bye-Laws, the ADT Board may also require that the offeror offer to
purchase securities of ADT convertible into voting or non-voting shares of ADT
on terms considered "fair and reasonable" by the ADT Board in its sole
discretion. Such offer must be made within 30 days of the demand.
 
  Unless the ADT Board otherwise agrees, an offer for each class of ADT
capital stock under Bye-Laws 104(3) and 104(4) of the ADT Bye-Laws must be for
cash or must offer a cash alternative at not less than the highest price paid
by the offeror or any person acting in concert with it for shares of such
class within the preceding 12 months. Such offer must remain open for at least
14 days after the date on which it becomes unconditional as to acceptances
and, in the case of an offer under Bye-Law 104(3), must provide that all
shares will be purchased within 21 days of the offer becoming unconditional in
all respects.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  Unless the ADT Board otherwise agrees, the offers under Bye-Laws 104(3)
through 104(5) of the ADT Bye-Laws must be for cash or a cash alternative at
not less than the highest price paid by the offeror or any person acting in
concert for shares or convertible securities of such class within the
preceding 12 months or, if unavailable or inappropriate, at a price fixed by
the directors. Such offer must remain open for at least 14 days after the date
on which it becomes unconditional as to acceptances and must provide that all
shares will be purchased within 21 days of the offer becoming unconditional in
all respects.
 
  The foregoing does not purport to be a complete description of Bye-Law 104.
ADT Shareholders are urged to, and should, read Bye-Law 104, a copy of which
is included herein as Schedule C.
 
  Neither the Western Resources Articles nor the Western Resources Bylaws
contain a similar provision.
 
  Shareholder Rights Plan. As described above in "The Offer--Conditions of the
Offer--Rights Agreement," ADT has entered into the Rights Agreement pursuant
to which Shares in issue on or after November 15, 1996 entitle the holder
thereof to one Right, subject to certain exceptions.
 
  Western Resources is not party to any similar agreement.
 
VOTING RIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
 
  Generally. Pursuant to Section 106 of the Companies Act, a company's board
of directors must submit an amalgamation agreement for shareholder approval
and, unless the company's bye-laws provide otherwise, must obtain the approval
of the holders of at least three-fourths of those voting at a general meeting
of shareholders at which a requisite quorum is present. The ADT Bye-Laws do
not currently provide for any vote specific to amalgamations although, if
elected, the Western Resources Nominees intend to propose an amendment to the
ADT Bye-Laws providing that an amalgamation may be approved by the holders of
a simple majority of Shares voted at a general meeting of ADT. An amendment to
the ADT Bye-Laws may be accomplished by the affirmative vote of a simple
majority of Shares voted at a general meeting of ADT. Bye-Law 43 of the ADT
Bye-Laws provides that the quorum necessary for a general meeting of
shareholders to approve an amalgamation agreement is two persons holding
Shares and present in person or represented by proxy.
 
  Section 17-6701 of the KGCC provides that an agreement of merger or
consolidation shall be approved by resolution adopted by the board of
directors of the corporation and approved by a majority of the outstanding
stock entitled to vote thereon, subject to certain exceptions.
 
  Preferred Shares. Section 106(4) of the Companies Act provides that the
holders of a class of shares of an amalgamating company are entitled to vote
separately as a class in respect of an amalgamation if the amalgamation
agreement contains a provision which would constitute a variation of the
rights attaching to any such class of shares.
 
  The Western Resources Articles provide that so long as Western Resources
Preferred Stock (as defined herein) is outstanding, Western Resources may not
merge or consolidate with any other corporation without the consent of the
holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Western Resources
Preferred Stock voting separately as a class or, if more than one-third of
such holders of the Western Resources Preferred Stock shall vote negatively,
the vote of the percentage or number of shares of any and all classes required
by the law or the holders of Western Resources Articles; provided, however,
that no consent of the holders of Western Resources Preferred Stock shall be
required, except as otherwise required by law, with respect to (i) any merger
or consolidation approved by the Commission under the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935 or (ii) if provision for redemption of the Western
Resources Preferred Stock is made prior to the effective time of the merger or
consolidation.
 
  Appraisal Rights. Pursuant to Section 106(6) of the Companies Act, any
shareholder who did not vote in favor of an amalgamation and who is not
satisfied that he has been offered fair value for his shares may within one
month of the giving of the notice of a meeting of shareholders to consider
such amalgamation apply to the
 
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<PAGE>
 
Bermuda Supreme Court to appraise the fair value of such shareholder's shares.
Within one month of the Bermuda Supreme Court appraising the fair value of any
shares, the company is entitled either to pay to the dissenting shareholder an
amount equal to the value of his or her shares as appraised by the Bermuda
Supreme Court, or to terminate the amalgamation.
 
  Section 17-6712 of the KGCC provides that a shareholder has the right to
dissent from and receive payment of the value of such shares in the event of
the consummation of a plan of merger or consolidation in which the shareholder
objected to the plan in writing and held shares which were either not entitled
to vote or were not voted in favor of the merger or consolidation. The KGCC
further provides, however, that unless otherwise provided in the articles of
incorporation of a Kansas corporation, this section does not apply to the
holders of any class or series which, on the record date, were either
registered on a national securities exchange or were held of record by at
least 2,000 shareholders.
 
  Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws. Subject to any rights or restrictions
attached to any class of shares of ADT, ADT shareholders present in person or
by proxy at any meeting of ADT shall be entitled on a poll to one vote for
each share held by such shareholders. However, a ADT shareholder is not
entitled (except as a proxy for another shareholder) to be present or vote at
any meeting if such shareholder (i) has been served with a notice under Bye-
Law 104 stating (a) that such shareholder must make an offer in accordance
with Bye-Law 104, and (b) upon failure to make such an offer before the
expiration of a specified period not exceeding twenty-eight days or, having
made such an offer, upon otherwise failing to comply with the provisions of
Bye-Law 104, such shareholder will lose the right to vote, and (ii) such
shareholder fails to make a timely offer or remedy the noncompliance.
 
  A shareholder of ADT also loses the right to vote if such shareholder (i)
acquires three percent or more of the issued share capital of any class of
ADT, either alone or with others, and fails to notify ADT thereof within two
days or, already possessing three percent or more, the shareholder fails to
notify ADT of a change in the shareholder's interests amounting to one percent
or more of the share capital of any class and (ii) such person and the
registered holder of such Shares receives a notice from the ADT Board stating
that the registered holder of such Shares shall not be entitled to vote during
a period of one hundred and eighty days. Also pursuant to Bye-Law 46 of the
ADT Bye-Laws, any person who (i) is known or believed by ADT to be interested
in Shares of ADT, (ii) has been served a notice by ADT requesting specified
information regarding such person's interests in Shares in ADT and stating
that upon failure to provide the information within a specified period, the
shareholder will lose the right to vote, and (iii) such person fails to comply
with the notice within the specified period, shall also lose the right to vote
for the period during which such person fails to comply with the notice plus
an additional ninety days.
 
  The foregoing does not purport to be a complete description of Bye-Law 46 of
the ADT Bye-Laws. ADT Shareholders are urged to, and should, read Bye-Law 46
of the ADT Bye-Laws, a copy of which is included herein as Schedule D.
 
  Kansas Control Share Transaction Provision. Pursuant to Section 17-1286 of
the KGCC (the "Kansas Control Share Acquisition Provision"), control shares
are shares of an issuing public corporation that would, except for application
of the statute, entitle their holder to exercise or direct the exercise of
voting power in the election of directors within certain specified ranges
(one-fifth or more but less than one-third, one-third or more but less than a
majority, a majority or more). A control share acquisition is an acquisition,
directly or indirectly, by any person of ownership of, or power to direct the
voting of, control shares, either pursuant to a single transaction or various
transactions within a 120-day period, or pursuant to a plan to make a control
share acquisition.
 
  This provision applies to shares of an issuing public corporation which has
100 or more shareholders, a principal place of business, principal office or
substantial assets in Kansas and either more than 10% of its shareholders
resident in Kansas, at least 10% of its shares owned by Kansas residents or at
least 2,500 shareholders resident in Kansas. Western Resources meets these
criteria and is thus an issuing public corporation in Kansas.
 
  Control shares acquired in a control share acquisition have the same voting
rights as before the acquisition only to the extent approved by a majority of
all shares entitled to vote in the election of directors and a majority
 
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<PAGE>
 
of all shares entitled to vote in the election of directors, excluding all
interested shares. An acquiring person can request a special meeting of
shareholders to consider the voting rights that will attach to his or her
control shares.
 
  Interested shares are those over which (i) a person or member of a group
that makes or proposes to make a control share acquisition, (ii) an officer of
the issuing public corporation, or (iii) an employee of the issuing public
corporation who is also a director, exercises voting power in the election of
directors.
 
  An issuing public corporation can opt out of the Kansas Control Share
Acquisition Provision with a provision in either its articles of incorporation
or its bylaws stating that it does not apply. The opt-out is effective only
with regard to control share acquisitions which occur after the opt-out has
been adopted. The Western Resources Articles and the Western Resources Bylaws
do not contain an opt-out at this time.
 
  Unless otherwise provided in the corporation's bylaws or articles of
incorporation, control shares may be redeemed if an acquiring person statement
has not been delivered to the corporation by the tenth day after the control
share acquisition, or if a statement has been filed but the shareholders have
voted not to accord voting rights to the control shares. A call for redemption
must occur within 30 days after the event that gives the corporation the
option to call for redemption the shares and the shares must be redeemed
within 60 days of such call.
 
  The definition of "control share acquisition" sets forth certain exceptions,
including, without limitation, the acquisition of shares in certain statutory
mergers or consolidations to which the issuing public corporation is a party.
 
  Bermuda does not have a similar statute.
 
  Kansas Business Combination Statute. The KGCC prohibits, subject to certain
exceptions set forth therein, various business combinations with "interested
stockholders" (as hereafter described) including mergers or consolidations of
the corporation, or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the
corporation, for a period of three years following the date such stockholder
became an interested stockholder unless (a) prior to such date the board of
directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the
transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested
stockholder, (b) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder
owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the
time the transaction commenced (determined in accordance with the KGCC), or
(c) on or subsequent to such date the business combination is approved by the
board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the
shareholders of the corporation (but not by written consent of the
shareholders), by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
voting shares of the corporation which are not owned by the interested
stockholder. "Interested stockholder" means, subject to certain exceptions,
any person, other than the corporation or any direct or indirect majority-
owned subsidiary of the corporation, that is (i) the owner of 15% or more of
the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, or (ii) an affiliate or
associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the
outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within the three-year
period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined
whether such person is an interested stockholder, and the affiliates and
associates of such person.
 
  Bermuda does not have a similar statute.
 
  Section 102 of the Companies Act. Section 102 of the Companies Act provides
that where a scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares in a company
(the "transferor company") to another company (the "transferee company") has,
within four months after the making of the offer, been approved by the holders
of not less than nine-tenths in value of the shares whose transfer is
involved, other than shares already held at the date of the offer by, or by a
nominee for, the transferee company or its subsidiary, the transferee company
may, within two months from the expiration of the four month period, give
notice to any dissenting shareholder that it desires to acquire his shares,
and then such transferee company shall be entitled and bound, unless upon
application by the dissenting shareholder the Bermuda Supreme Court orders
otherwise, to acquire such shares on the terms on which shareholders that
approved such scheme or contract transferred their shares. The transferor
company must offer the same terms to all holders of shares of the same class
as the shares which are the subject of such offer.
 
                                      85
<PAGE>
 
  Where shares in the transferor company of the same class as the shares whose
transfer is involved are already held by the transferee company to a value
greater than one-tenth of the aggregate of their value and that of the shares
whose transfer is involved, the holders who approve the scheme or contract,
besides holding not less than nine-tenths in value of the shares, must also be
not less than three-fourths in number of the holders of those shares. For the
purpose of Section 102 of the Companies Act, "dissenting shareholder" includes
a shareholder that has not assented to a scheme or contract and any
shareholder that has failed or refused to transfer shares to the transferee
company.
 
  Within one month of the transfer of nine-tenths in value of the transferor
company's shares to the transferee company, or to its nominee or subsidiary,
the transferee company shall notify the holders of the remaining shares of
such transfer. Within three months of the giving of notice, any such remaining
holder of shares may require the transferee company to acquire his shares, and
the transferee company shall be required to acquire such shares on the same
terms as provided for in the scheme or contract or upon such terms as may be
agreed or upon such terms as the Bermuda Supreme Court may determine upon
application of the transferee company or the shareholder.
 
  Section 103 of the Companies Act. Pursuant to Section 103 of the Companies
Act, a holder or holders of not less than 95% of the shares of any class of
shares in a Bermuda company may give notice to the remaining shareholders or
class of shareholders of the intention to acquire their shares on the terms
set out in the notice. Section 103 provides that when such notice is given,
the acquiring holder or holders shall be entitled and bound to acquire the
shares of the remaining shareholders on the terms set out in the notice unless
a remaining shareholder applies to the Bermuda Supreme Court for an appraisal
under Section 103(2). A shareholder to whom a notice has been given pursuant
to Section 103 may within one month of receiving the notice apply to the
Bermuda Supreme Court to appraise the value of the shares to be purchased from
him, and the acquiring holder or holders is entitled to acquire the shares at
the price fixed by the Bermuda Supreme Court or cancel the notice given
pursuant to Section 103.
 
  Merger of Parent Corporation and Subsidiary Corporation under Section 17-
6703 of the KGCC. Under Section 17-6703 of the KGCC, where 90% of the
outstanding shares of each class of stock of a corporation is owned by another
corporation, and one such corporation is a Kansas corporation and the other is
a Kansas corporation or a corporation of any other state or states or of the
District of Columbia, and the laws of such other state or states or the
District of Columbia permit a corporation of such jurisdiction to merge with a
corporation of another jurisdiction, the corporation that has such ownership
may merge such other corporation into itself, or may merge itself into such
other corporation by executing, acknowledging and filing a certificate of
ownership and merger. If the parent corporation is not the surviving
corporation, the certificate of ownership and merger must state the proposed
merger was adopted by a majority of the outstanding stock of the parent
corporation entitled to vote thereon. In the event that all of the stock of a
subsidiary Kansas corporation party to a merger under Section 17-6704 of the
KGCC is not owned by the parent corporation, the shareholders of such
subsidiary Kansas corporation have appraisal rights under Kansas law.
 
  Directors' Standard of Care and Indemnification. Bye-Law 102 of the ADT Bye-
Laws provides that every director, secretary and other officer of ADT shall be
indemnified by ADT against all costs, losses and expenses which any such
officer may incur or become liable for by reason of any contract entered into,
or any act or thing done by such officer or in any way in the discharge of
such officer's duties, provided that the indemnity contained in the ADT Bye-
Laws shall not extend to any matter which would render it void under the
Companies Act.
 
  Section 98 of the Companies Act permits a company to indemnify its officers
and employees in respect of any loss arising or liability attaching to such
persons by virtue of any rule of law in respect of any negligence, default,
breach of duty or breach of trust of which the officer or employee may be
guilty in relation to the company or any subsidiary thereof; provided,
however, that the company shall not indemnify an officer or employee against
any liability arising out of any fraud or dishonesty of which such person may
be guilty.
 
  Bye-Law 103 of the ADT Bye-Laws further provides that no director, secretary
or other officer of ADT shall be liable for (i) the acts, receipts, neglects
or defaults of any other director or officer of ADT, (ii) joining in any
receipt or other act for conformity, (iii) any loss or expense happening to
ADT through the insufficiency or
 
                                      86
<PAGE>
 
deficiency of title to any property acquired by order of the directors for or
on behalf of ADT, (iv) the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or
upon which any of the monies of ADT shall be invested, (v) any loss or damage
arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious act of any person with
whom any monies, securities or effects shall be deposited, (vi) any loss
occasioned by any error of judgment, omission, default, or oversight on such
person's part, or (vii) any other loss, damage or misfortune that may happen
in relation to the execution of the duties of such person's office or in
relation thereto, unless the same happens through such person's own willful
negligence, willful default, fraud or dishonesty.
 
  Under Section 97(1) of the Companies Act, every officer of a Bermuda company
in exercising his powers and discharging his duties is required to act
honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company,
and to exercise the care, diligence and skills that a reasonably prudent
person would exercise in comparable circumstances.
 
  The Western Resources Articles provide that each person who was or is or is
threatened to be made a party to, or is involved in, any action, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that
he or she, or a person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or
was a director or officer, of Western Resources or is or was serving at the
request of Western Resources as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation or other enterprise including service with respect to
employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action
in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any
other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall
be indemnified and held harmless by Western Resources to the fullest extent
authorized by the KGCC.
 
  The KGCC does not provide for a standard of care or affix fiduciary duties
to corporate directors but does permit indemnification of directors. Pursuant
to Section 17-6305 of the KGCC, a corporation shall have power to indemnify
any person who was or is, or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the
right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving
at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation or other enterprise if such person acted in good faith and
in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was
unlawful. A corporation may indemnify any such person who was or is a party,
or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed
action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in
its favor if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation (except in certain circumstances where such person has been
adjudged to be liable to the corporation). The indemnification described above
may cover expenses, judgments and amounts paid in settlement, and is not
exclusive of any other rights to which such person seeking indemnification may
be otherwise entitled.
 
  Dividends; Declarations and Payments. Under Section 54 of the Companies Act,
a company shall not declare or pay a dividend, or make a distribution out of
contributed surplus, if there are reasonable grounds for believing that either
the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities
as they became due, or that the realizable value of the company's assets would
thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share
capital and share premium accounts.
 
  Under Section 17-6420 of the KGCC, the directors of a corporation, subject
to any restrictions contained in its articles of incorporation, may declare
and pay dividends upon the shares of its capital stock either (1) out of its
surplus, as defined in and computed in accordance with Sections 17-6404 and
17-6604 of the KGCC, or (2) in case there shall be no such surplus, out of its
net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared or the
preceding fiscal year. If the capital of the corporation shall have been
diminished by depreciation in the value of its property, or by losses, or
otherwise, to an amount less than the aggregate amount of the capital
represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a
preference upon the distribution of assets, the directors of such corporation
shall not declare and pay out of such net profits any dividends until the
deficiency in the amount of capital represented by the issued and outstanding
stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets shall
have been repaired.
 
                                      87
<PAGE>
 
                          MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
 
  The Western Resources Common Stock is listed and principally traded on the
NYSE. The Shares are listed and traded principally on the NYSE, the LSE, the
FSE and the BSX. The following table sets forth the range of high and low
sales prices as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, together with the per
share dividends paid by Western Resources during the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           WESTERN RESOURCES           ADT
                                       ------------------------- ---------------
                                         PRICE RANGE               PRICE RANGE
                                       ---------------           ---------------
QUARTER                                 HIGH     LOW   DIVIDENDS  HIGH     LOW
- -------                                ------- ------- --------- ------- -------
<S>                                    <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>
1994
  First Quarter....................... $34.875 $28.250  $0.495   $11.125 $ 8.875
  Second Quarter......................  29.750  26.125   0.495    10.500   8.500
  Third Quarter.......................  29.625  26.750   0.495    11.625   9.875
  Fourth Quarter......................  29.375  27.375   0.495    11.875  10.125
1995
  First Quarter....................... $33.375 $28.625  $0.505   $12.250 $ 9.625
  Second Quarter......................  32.500  30.250   0.505    12.250  10.125
  Third Quarter.......................  32.875  29.750   0.505    14.125  11.625
  Fourth Quarter......................  34.000  31.000   0.505    15.250  13.000
1996
  First Quarter....................... $34.875 $29.250  $0.515   $18.000 $14.000
  Second Quarter......................  30.750  28.000   0.515    19.500  16.250
  Third Quarter.......................  30.750  28.250   0.515    24.750  15.875
  Fourth Quarter......................  31.875  28.625   0.515    23.438  18.375
</TABLE>
 
  In January 1997, Western Resources increased its quarterly dividend to
$0.525 per share of Western Resources Common Stock for an indicated annual
dividend of $2.10 per share.
   
  On December 17, 1996, the last trading day prior to the public announcement
of the Offer, the closing sales price per share of Western Resources Common
Stock was $31.250, and on February 24, 1997, the last trading day prior to the
date of the Preliminary Prospectus, the closing price per share of Western
Resources Common Stock was $31.25. Past price performance is not necessarily
indicative of likely future price performance. Holders of Shares are urged to
obtain current market quotations for shares of Western Resources Common Stock.
       
  On December 17, 1996, the last trading day prior to the public announcement
of the Offer, the closing sales price per Share was $20.125, and on February
24, 1997, the last trading day prior to the date of this Preliminary
Prospectus, the closing sales price per Share was $21.75.     
 
  Holders of Western Resources Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends
from funds legally available therefor when, as and if declared by the Western
Resources Board. The Western Resources Board presently intends to continue the
policy of paying quarterly cash dividends. Future dividends of Western
Resources will depend upon the earnings of Western Resources and its
subsidiaries, their financial condition and other factors including applicable
government regulations and policies. See "Description of Western Resources
Capital Stock."
 
  According to the ADT 1995 Form 10-K, there were, as of February 29, 1996,
15,519 holders of record of Shares. As of December 31, 1996, there were 63,470
holders of record of Shares of Western Resources Common Stock.
 
  According to the ADT Form 8-A, the Rights are listed on the NYSE and the
LSE, but are currently attached to all outstanding Shares and may not be
traded separately. Upon the occurrence of the ADT Distribution Date, the
Rights are to trade separately from the Shares.
 
                                      88
<PAGE>
 
                  VALIDITY OF WESTERN RESOURCES COMMON STOCK
 
  The validity of the shares of Western Resources Common Stock offered hereby
will be passed upon for Western Resources by Sullivan & Cromwell, 125 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10004, in reliance on the opinion of John K.
Rosenberg, General Counsel to Western Resources, with respect to matters of
Kansas law. As of December 17, 1996, Mr. Rosenberg owned directly and/or
beneficially 3,349 shares of Western Resources Common Stock and, 550 stock
options, and had been granted pursuant to and subject to the terms of Western
Resources' Long Term Incentive Program, 999 performance shares.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The audited consolidated financial statements of Western Resources
incorporated by reference in this Preliminary Prospectus and elsewhere in the
Registration Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and
are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said reports.
 
                                      89
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE A
 
             DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF WESTERN RESOURCES
 
  Directors and Executive Officers of Western Resources. The name, business
address, present principal occupation or employment and five-year employment
history of each of the directors and executive officers of Western Resources
are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, each occupation set forth
opposite an individual's name refers to employment with Western Resources.
Each director and executive officer listed below is a citizen of the United
States.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                    POSITION WITH WESTERN
                                                     RESOURCES; PRINCIPAL
                                                 OCCUPATION OR EMPLOYMENT; 5-
          NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                YEAR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
          -------------------------              ----------------------------
 <C>                                         <S>
 Frank J. Becker............................ Director of Western Resources.
   Becker Investments, Inc.                  President, Becker Investments,
   4840 W. 15th, Suite 1011                  Inc., an investment company,
   Lawrence, KS 66049-3862                   Lawrence, Kansas, since January
                                             1993. Prior to such time Mr. Becker
                                             handled personal investments;
                                             Director, Bank IV Butler County,
                                             N.A.; Director, Great-West Life &
                                             Annuity Insurance Co.; Director,
                                             Douglas County Bank; Trustee, The
                                             Kansas University Endowment
                                             Association.
 Gene A. Budig.............................. Director of Western Resources.
   American League of                        President, The American League of
   Professional Baseball Clubs               Professional Baseball Clubs, New
   350 Park Avenue                           York, New York, since July 1994;
   New York, NY 10022                        and prior to that chancellor,
                                             University of Kansas; Director,
                                             Harry S.Truman Library Institute;
                                             Director, Ewing Marion Kauffman
                                             Foundation; Director, Major League
                                             Baseball Hall of Fame.
 C.Q. Chandler.............................. Director of Western Resources.
    INTRUST Bank                             Chairman of the Board, INTRUST
    105 N. Main Street                       Financial Corporation, Wichita,
    Wichita, KS 67202                        Kansas; Director, Fidelity State
                                             Bank & Trust Co.; Director, First
                                             Newton Bankshares; Director, Kansas
                                             Crippled Children's Society;
                                             Trustee, The Kansas State
                                             University Foundation.
 Thomas R. Clevenger........................ Director of Western Resources.
   Western Resources, Inc.                   Investments, Wichita, Kansas;
   818 S. Kansas Avenue                      Director, Security Benefit Life
   Topeka, KS 66612                          Insurance Company; Trustee and Vice
                                             Chairman, The Menninger Foundation;
                                             Trustee, Midwest Research
                                             Institute.
 John C. Dicus.............................. Director of Western Resources.
   Capitol Federal Savings                   Chairman of the Board and
   700 S. Kansas Avenue                      President, Capitol Federal Savings
   Topeka, KS 66603                          and Loan Association, Topeka,
                                             Kansas; Director, Security Benefit
                                             Life Insurance Company; Director,
                                             Columbian National Title Company;
                                             Trustee, The Menninger Foundation;
                                             Trustee, Stormont-Vail Regional
                                             Medical Center; Trustee, The Kansas
                                             University Endowment Association.
 John E. Hayes, Jr. ........................ Chairman of the Board and Chief
   Western Resources, Inc.                   Executive Officer, and previously
   818 S. Kansas Avenue                      President, of Western Resources;
   Topeka, KS 66612                          Director, Security Benefit Life
                                             Insurance Company; Director,
                                             CommNet Cellular Inc.; Director, T-
                                             Netix, Inc.; Trustee, Rockhurst
                                             College; Trustee, The Menninger
                                             Foundation; Trustee, Midwest
                                             Research Institute.
</TABLE>    
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    POSITION WITH WESTERN
                                                     RESOURCES; PRINCIPAL
                                                 OCCUPATION OR EMPLOYMENT; 5-
          NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                YEAR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
          -------------------------              ----------------------------
 <C>                                         <S>
 David H. Hughes............................ Director of Western Resources.
   Western Resources, Inc.                   Retired Vice Chairman, Hallmark
   818 S. Kansas Avenue                      Cards, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri;
   Topeka, KS 66612                          Director, Hall Family Foundations;
                                             Director, Midwest Research
                                             Institute; Director, Yellow
                                             Corporation; Trustee, St. Luke's
                                             Hospital Foundation; Trustee,
                                             Children's Mercy Hospital; Trustee,
                                             Princeton Theological Seminary;
                                             Trustee, Linda Hall Library.
 Russell W. Meyer, Jr. ..................... Director of Western Resources.
   Cessna Aircraft Company                   Chairman and Chief Executive
   One Cessna Blvd.                          Officer, Cessna Aircraft Company,
   Wichita, KS 67215                         Wichita, Kansas; Director,
                                             Boatmen's Bancshares Inc.;
                                             Director, Vanguard Airlines, Inc.;
                                             Trustee, Wake Forest University.
 John H. Robinson........................... Director of Western Resources.
   Black & Veatch                            Chairman Emeritus, since December
   8400 Ward Parkway                         1992, and prior to that Chairman,
   Kansas City, MO 64114                     Black & Veatch, an architectural
                                             engineering firm, Kansas City,
                                             Missouri; Director, St. Luke's
                                             Hospital; Director, Automobile Club
                                             of Missouri; Director, CompuSpeak
                                             Laboratories, Inc.; Director, The
                                             Greater Kansas City Community
                                             Foundation & Affiliated Trusts;
                                             Trustee, Midwest Research
                                             Institute; Trustee, University of
                                             Missouri-Kansas City.
 Louis W. Smith............................. Director of Western Resources.
   Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation          President and Chief Operating
   4900 Oak Street                           Officer, Ewing Marion Kauffman
   Kansas City, MO 64112-2776                Foundation, a charitable
                                             foundation, since July 1995; and
                                             prior to that President, Allied
                                             Signal Aerospace Company, Kansas
                                             City Division, Kansas City,
                                             Missouri; Director, Commerce Bank
                                             of Kansas City; Director, Ewing
                                             Marion Kauffman Foundation;
                                             Director, Kansas City Royals
                                             Baseball Club; Director, Payless
                                             Cashways, Inc.; Trustee, University
                                             of Missouri-Rolla; Trustee,
                                             Rockhurst College.
 Susan M. Stanton........................... Director of Western Resources.
   Payless Cashways, Inc.                    President and Chief Operating
   2300 Main Street                          Officer since November 1993; and
   Kansas City, MO 64108                     prior to that Senior Vice
                                             President, Merchandising and
                                             Marketing, Payless Cashways, Inc.,
                                             a retail chain, Kansas City,
                                             Missouri; Director, Commerce Bank
                                             of Kansas City; Director, Greater
                                             Kansas City Chamber of Commerce;
                                             Trustee, Rockhurst College.
 Kenneth J. Wagnon.......................... Director of Western Resources.
   Capital Enterprises, Inc.                 President, Capital Enterprises,
   300 N. Main, Suite 201                    Inc., a franchise and investment
   Wichita, KS 67202                         company, Wichita, Kansas; Director,
                                             Vanguard Airlines, Inc.; Director,
                                             Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation;
                                             Director, T-Netix, Inc.; Director,
                                             University of Kansas School of
                                             Business; Trustee, The Kansas
                                             University Endowment Association.
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                    POSITION WITH WESTERN
                                                     RESOURCES; PRINCIPAL
                                                 OCCUPATION OR EMPLOYMENT; 5-
          NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                YEAR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
          -------------------------              ----------------------------
 <C>                                         <S>
 David C. Wittig............................ Director of Western Resources.
   Western Resources, Inc.                   President, since March 1996, and
   818 S. Kansas Avenue                      previously, Executive Vice
   Topeka, KS 66612                          President, Corporate Development,
                                             of Western Resources; and prior to
                                             that, Managing Director and Co-Head
                                             of Mergers and Acquisitions,
                                             Salomon Brothers Inc.
 Steven L. Kitchen.......................... Executive Vice President and Chief
   Western Resources, Inc.                   Financial Officer of Western
   818 S. Kansas Avenue                      Resources.
   Topeka, KS 66612
 Carl M. Koupal, Jr. ....................... Executive Vice President and Chief
   Western Resources, Inc.                   Administrative Officer of Western
   818 S. Kansas Avenue                      Resources since July 1995 and
   Topeka, KS 66612                          Executive Vice President, Corporate
                                             Communications, Marketing, and
                                             Economic Development of Western
                                             Resources since January 1994; Vice
                                             President, Corporate Marketing, and
                                             Economic Development of Western
                                             Resources 1992 to 1994; Director,
                                             Economic Development, Jefferson
                                             City, Missouri, from 1985 to 1992.
 John K. Rosenberg.......................... Executive Vice President and
   Western Resources, Inc.                   General Counsel of Western
   818 S. Kansas Avenue                      Resources.
   Topeka, KS 66612
 Jerry D. Courington........................ Controller of Western Resources.
   Western Resources, Inc.
   818 S. Kansas Avenue
   Topeka, KS 66612
 Norman E. Jackson.......................... Executive Vice President of Western
   Western Resources, Inc.                   Resources.
   818 S. Kansas Avenue
   Topeka, KS 66612
</TABLE>    
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE B
 
      OWNERSHIP OF SHARES BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND ADT MANAGEMENT
   
  Each Share is entitled to one vote upon each matter presented at the ADT
Special Meeting. The ADT Proxy Statement states that, as of December 31, 1996,
there were 141,382,697 Shares outstanding, including 3,182,787 which are owned
by a subsidiary of ADT.     
   
  The following table and notes thereto, which, other than information
regarding Westar Capital and with respect to the Republic Warrant, are
reproduced from the ADT Proxy Statement, set forth certain information with
respect to beneficial ownership of Shares (i) as of December 31, 1996 by any
person known by ADT to own beneficially more than five percent of the
outstanding Shares, other than Westar Capital, and (ii) as of December 31,
1996 by (a) all directors of ADT, (b) the named directors and officers of ADT,
including three executive officers of subsidiaries of ADT and (c) all
directors and executive officers of ADT as a group. The following table also
sets forth certain information with respect to beneficial ownership of Shares
by Westar Capital as of the date of this Preliminary Prospectus. An asterisk
indicates ownership of less than one percent of outstanding Shares.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                     NUMBER OF
           NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER             SHARES BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF
             OR IDENTITY OF GROUP                  OWNED (1)(2)     CLASS (3)
           ------------------------             ------------------- ----------
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>
Westar Capital, Inc. (4).......................     38,287,111         27.1%
818 S. Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66612
M.A. Ashcroft (5)..............................     11,075,718          7.5%
J.E. Danneberg.................................            102            *
R.A. Gross.....................................          2,000            *
A.B. Henderson.................................            621            *
R.G. Lakey.....................................         15,000            *
J.S. Pasman, Jr................................          2,000            *
M.J. Richardson................................        282,837            *
S.J. Ruzika....................................      1,157,405            *
W.P. Slusser...................................          2,800            *
W.W. Stinson...................................          3,010            *
R.S. Troubh....................................          2,500            *
All directors and executive officers as a
 group, 11 persons.............................     12,543,993          8.4%
</TABLE>    
 
 (1) Includes Shares which may be acquired upon exercise of the following
     number of options to purchase Shares from ADT exercisable on or within 60
     days of December 31, 1996 held by the following persons: M.A. Ashcroft,
     9,700,000; R.A. Gross, nil; R.G. Lakey, 15,000; M.J. Richardson, 270,000
     and S.J. Ruzika, 1,141,663.
 (2) For purposes of this table, a person or group of persons is deemed to
     have "beneficial ownership" of any Shares which such person has the right
     to acquire on or within 60 days after December 31, 1996. For purposes of
     computing the percentage of outstanding Shares held by each person or
     group of persons named above, any security which such person or persons
     has or have the right to acquire on or within 60 days after December 31,
     1996 is deemed to be outstanding, but is not deemed to be outstanding for
     the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
 (3) Based upon Shares outstanding on December 31, 1996, but excluding
     3,182,787 Shares owned by a subsidiary of ADT.
 (4) Includes 500 LYONs, each of which is exchangeable for 28.23 Shares.
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
   
 (5) The number of Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Ashcroft includes 718
     Shares owned by Mr. Ashcroft's wife. If the Republic Warrant is not
     declared invalid and the 15 million Shares are issued upon the exercise
     of the Republic Warrant, Mr. Ashcroft may be deemed the beneficial owner
     of the additional 15 million Shares as Mr. Ashcroft, as Chairman of the
     ADT Board, would hold the proxy for such Shares for a period of two years
     or until such time as the Shares were transferred by Republic to a third
     party. In the event that Mr. Ashcroft is deemed to be the beneficial
     owner of the additional 15 million Shares upon the exercise of the
     Republic Warrant, the number of Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Ashcroft
     would constitute approximately 16.7% of the outstanding Shares.     
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE C
                                 ADT BYE-LAWS
 
                 BYE-LAW 104. TAKE-OVER OFFERS FOR THE COMPANY
 
  (1) (A) Where any person is or becomes interested, whether as a result of
          transactions over a period of time or not, in shares in the capital
          of the Company in circumstances in which he would be obliged to make
          or extend an offer or offers to shareholders or holders of other
          securities or rights referred to in paragraph (4) below of the
          Company under the Rules for the time being of the City Code on Take-
          overs and Mergers of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
          Northern Ireland (the "City Code", which expression shall include
          any revision or modification thereof) issued by the Panel on Take-
          overs and Mergers ("the Panel", which expression shall include any
          body which succeeds to the functions of the said Panel) if the
          Company was a company incorporated in the United Kingdom of Great
          Britain and Northern Ireland to which the City Code applied, the
          Directors may serve upon that person a notice requiring him to make
          or extend an offer or offers in writing in accordance with the
          requirements of the City Code in all respects as if the City Code
          did apply to the Company but so that references in the City Code to
          the Panel shall be construed, for the purposes of this Bye-Law, as
          if they were references to the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
(B)      Where any person has acquired, is in the process of acquiring, or
         appears to the Directors likely to acquire an interest in shares in
         the capital of the Company in circumstances in which he would be
         subject to the Rules Governing Substantial Acquisitions of Shares
         (the "SARs"), which expression shall include any revision or
         modification thereof issued by the Panel, if the Company was a
         company incorporated in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
         Northern Ireland to which the SARs applied, the Directors may serve
         upon that person a notice requiring him to comply with the provisions
         of the SARs in relation to any acquisition made (after the date of
         adoption of this paragraph (1)(B)) or proposed to be made by him and
         if that person has made (after the date of adoption of this paragraph
         (1)(B)) or subsequently makes any acquisition in contravention of the
         provisions of the SARs such a notice or a further notice issued by
         the Directors may require that person to dispose or to procure the
         disposal by any person with whom he has acted in concert of any
         interest in shares so acquired within twenty-eight days of the date
         of such notice.
 
(C)      If a notice served under paragraph (1)(B) requiring a disposal of
         shares is not complied with in accordance with its terms and has not
         been withdrawn, the Directors may, so far as they are able, dispose
         of the shares to which such notice relates at the best price
         reasonably obtainable in all the circumstances in which case they
         shall give written notice of such disposal to the person or persons
         on whom such notice was served. Except as hereinafter provided such a
         disposal shall be completed as soon as reasonably practicable after
         the giving of a notice under this paragraph (1)(C) as may in the
         opinion of the Directors be consistent with obtaining the best price
         reasonably obtainable and in any event within thirty days of expiry
         of such notice provided that a disposal under this paragraph (1)(C)
         shall be suspended during the period when dealings by the Directors
         in the Company's shares are not permitted either by law or by the
         regulations of any stock exchange upon which those shares of the
         Company which are to be disposed of are listed, but any disposal
         under this paragraph which is suspended as aforesaid shall be
         completed within thirty days after expiry of the period of such
         suspension and provided further that neither the Company nor the
         Directors shall be liable to any holder or any person having an
         interest in any share or other person for failing to obtain the best
         price so long as the Directors act in good faith within the period
         specified above.
 
(D)      For the purpose of effecting any disposal under paragraph (1)(C)
         above, the Directors may authorise in writing any officer or employee
         of the Company to execute any necessary transfer on behalf of any
         holder and may issue a new certificate to the purchaser. The net
         proceeds of such disposal shall be received by the Company, whose
         receipt shall be a good discharge for the purchase money, and shall
         be paid (without any interest being payable thereon) to the former
         holder upon surrender by him of the certificate in respect of the
         shares sold and formerly held by him.
 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
(E)      The provisions of these Bye-Laws relating to the protection of
         purchasers of shares sold under a lien or upon forfeiture shall apply
         mutatis mutandis to disposals under this Bye-Law.
 
  (2) Any notice served under paragraph (1) above may also require the person
      on whom it is served to execute an undertaking under seal in favour of
      the Directors (as trustees for all the holders of shares in the capital
      of the Company) and in a form satisfactory to the Directors to observe
      and perform the rules and requirements of the City Code or the SARs as
      the case may be as if the same were applicable to the Company and in the
      manner prescribed in paragraph (1) above.
 
  (3) Where any person is interested, whether as a result of a series of
      transactions over a period of time or not, in Common Shares which (taken
      together with shares held or acquired by persons acting in concert with
      him) represent 30 per cent. or more of all the Common Shares for the
      time being in issue and the Directors determine that it is not expedient
      to serve a notice under paragraph (1)(A) above or if any person upon
      whom such a notice is served fails within thirty days to comply with the
      same, the Directors may serve upon that person a notice requiring him to
      make an offer in writing (the "Offer"), within 30 days of the date of
      such notice on the basis set out in the following paragraphs, to the
      holders of every class of share capital of the Company (whether voting
      or non-voting) to purchase all such shares for cash on terms that
      payment in full therefor will be made within 21 days of the Offer
      becoming or being declared unconditional in all respects.
 
  (4) Where the Directors serve a notice upon any person in accordance with
    paragraph (3) above, they may also include in that notice a requirement
    that such person shall make an appropriate offer or proposal in writing
    to the holders of every class of securities convertible into, or of
    rights to subscribe for, share capital of the Company (whether such share
    capital is voting or non-voting). Such appropriate offer or proposal is
    referred to in this Bye-Law as a "Convertible Offer". The Convertible
    Offer shall be made at the same time as the Offer. The terms of the
    Convertible Offer shall be such terms as the Directors, in their absolute
    discretion, consider to be fair and reasonable having regard to the terms
    of the Offer and the Directors shall notify such terms to the person
    specified in paragraph (3) above (the "Offeror"). The Convertible Offer
    shall be conditional only upon the Offer becoming or being declared
    unconditional in all respects.
 
  (5) In addition to the Offeror, the Directors may require, in their
    absolute discretion, each of the principal members of a group of persons
    acting in concert with him and who appear to be interested in any shares
    in, or convertible securities of, the Company to make the Offer and/or
    the Convertible Offer. For the purposes of this Bye-Law, persons shall be
    deemed to be acting in concert if, pursuant to an agreement or
    understanding (whether formal or informal) they actively co-operate in
    acquiring or seeking to acquire shares in, or convertible securities of,
    the Company.
 
  (6) Unless the Directors otherwise agree, an offer made under paragraphs
    (3), (4) or (5) of this Bye-Law must, in respect of each class of share
    capital or convertible securities involved, be in cash or be accompanied
    by a cash alternative offer at not less than the highest price paid by
    the Offeror or any person acting in concert with it for shares or
    convertible securities of that class within the preceding 12 months. If
    such price cannot be ascertained by the Directors or if such shares or
    convertible securities have been acquired other than for cash pursuant to
    a bargain made on any recognised stock exchange or if the Directors
    consider that such highest price is, for any reason, inappropriate,
    unfair or unreasonable having regard to the size and timing of the
    relevant purchases, the relationship (if any) between the seller and
    purchaser of such shares or convertible securities or the number of
    shares or convertible securities purchased in the preceding 12 months,
    the Directors may, in any such case, fix the price at which the Offer,
    the Convertible Offer or the cash alternative offer is to be made. The
    cash Offer, the cash Convertible Offer or the cash alternative offer
    must, in each case, remain open for not less than 14 days after the date
    on which the Offer or the Convertible Offer, as the case may be, has
    become or is declared to be unconditional as to acceptances.
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
 
  (7) Any person who makes or is about to make or who is or can be required
    to make an offer under this Bye-Law or who has made such an offer which
    has lapsed, shall observe and shall procure that any persons acting in
    concert with him shall observe the rules and requirements of the City
    Code both in letter and in spirit prior to, during the pursuit of and, if
    applicable, after the failure of such an offer.
 
  (8) For the purposes of this Bye-Law, any questions or disputes arising out
    of the grant of consent by the Directors, the comparability of offers,
    the terms of offers, any question as to whether any person shall be
    regarded as acting in concert with another, any question regarding the
    interpretation or application of the City Code and the meaning of any
    terms or phrases used in this Bye-Law or the City Code shall be
    determined by the Directors in their absolute discretion.
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE D
 
                                 ADT BYE-LAWS
 
                           BYE-LAW 46. VOTING RIGHTS
 
  (1) Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any class of shares,
      at any meeting of the Company, each Member present in person shall be
      entitled to one vote on any question to be decided on a show of hands
      and each Member present in person or by proxy shall be entitled on a
      poll to one vote for each share held by him.
 
    PROVIDED THAT no Member shall be entitled (save as proxy for another
    Member) to be present or vote at any meeting, either personally or by
    proxy, or to exercise any privilege in relation to meetings of the
    Company conferred by membership, or be reckoned in a quorum:--
 
    (A) in respect of any share held by him (whether alone or jointly with
       any other person) on which there shall not have been paid all calls
       for the time being due and payable, together with interest and
       expenses (if any); or
 
    (B) in respect of any shares held by him in relation to which he or any
       person appearing to be interested in such shares has been duly served
       with a notice under paragraph (2) of this Bye-Law which:--
 
        (i) requires his or such other person to give information to the
            Company in accordance with such paragraph; and
 
        (ii) contains a statement to the effect that upon failure to supply
            such information before the expiry of a period specified in
            such notice (being such reasonable period as the Directors
            shall determine from the date of service of such notice) the
            registered holder of such shares shall not be entitled to vote
            or otherwise exercise the rights referred to in this Bye-Law
            and the person on whom such notice was served fails to supply
            such information within the period so specified.
 
      Provided that:--
 
        (a) the Company shall be entitled to serve a notice under paragraph
            (2) of this Bye-Law which fulfills sub-sub-paragraphs (i) and
            (ii) above on a person who is not the registered holder of
            shares in the Company only if the registered holder of the
            shares in question has previously been, or is simultaneously
            with the service of such a notice, served by the Company with a
            notice under paragraph (2) of this Bye-Law; and
 
        (b) the disqualification provisions of this sub-paragraph (B) shall
            take effect only upon the service on the registered holder of
            the shares in question of a notice to the effect that he has
            thereby become subject to the said disqualification for so long
            as the information requested pursuant to this sub-paragraph (B)
            has not been supplied to the Company and for a period of ninety
            days thereafter; and
 
        (c) for the purpose of this sub-paragraph (B) a person shall be
            treated as appearing to be interested in any shares if (after
            taking into account any information supplied in response to any
            notice under paragraph (2) of this Bye-Law and any other
            information) the Company knows or has reasonable cause to
            believe that the person in question is or may be interested in
            the shares.
 
    (C) in respect of any shares held by him in relation to which he or any
       person appearing to be interested in such shares has been duly served
       with a notice under Bye-Law 104 which:--
 
        (i) requires him or such other person to make an offer in
            accordance with, or otherwise comply with the terms of, such
            Bye-Law; and
 
                                      D-1
<PAGE>
 
        (ii) contains a statement to the effect that upon failure to make
             such an offer before the expiry of a period specified in such
             notice (being not less than twenty-eight days from the date of
             service of such notice) or, having made such an offer or
             acquired such shares in contravention of a notice served under
             that Bye-Law, otherwise fails to comply with the provisions of
             Bye-Law 104 the registered holder of such shares shall not be
             entitled to vote or otherwise exercise the rights referred to
             in this Bye-Law and the person on whom such notice was served
             fails to make such an offer within the period so specified or
             fails to remedy such non-compliance.
 
      Provided that:-
 
        (a) the Company shall be entitled to serve a notice under paragraph
            (2) of this Bye-Law which fulfils sub-sub-paragraphs (i) and
            (ii) above on a person who is not the registered holder of
            shares in the Company only if the registered holder of the
            shares in question has previously been, or is, simultaneously
            with the service of such a notice, served by the Company with a
            notice under Bye-Law 104; and
 
        (b) the disqualification provisions of this sub-paragraph (C) shall
            take effect only upon the service on the registered holder of
            the shares in question of a notice to the effect that he has
            thereby become subject to the said disqualification and shall
            subsist until an offer is made in accordance with Bye-Law 104
            and such offer becomes or is declared unconditional in all
            respects in accordance with its terms.
 
    (D) in respect of any shares in relation to which he and any person
       specified in paragraph (3) of this Bye-Law has been duly served with
       a notice under paragraph (3) which remains in effect.
 
  (2) (A) The Company may by notice in writing require any person whom the
         Company knows or has reasonable cause to believe to be interested in
         shares in the Company to indicate whether or not it is the case and,
         where that person holds any interest in any such shares, to give such
         further information as may be required in accordance with sub-
         paragraph (B) below.
 
    (B) Any such notice may require the person to whom it is addressed to
       give particulars of his own present interests in shares in the
       Company.
 
    (C)
      The particulars referred to above include particulars of the identity
      of persons interested in the shares in question and of whether
      persons interested in the same shares are parties to any agreement or
      arrangement relating to the exercise of any of the rights conferred
      by the holding of the shares.
 
    (D)
      A notice under this Bye-Law shall require any information given in
      response to the notice to be given in writing within such reasonable
      time as the Directors may determine and is specified in the notice.
 
    (E)
      For the purposes of this Bye-Law, a person who is interested in a
      right to subscribe for or convert into shares in the Company shall be
      deemed to be interested in shares in the Company and references to
      interests in shares shall include any interest whatsoever in such
      shares including, without limitation, a right to control directly or
      indirectly the exercise of any right conferred by the holding of
      shares alone or in conjunction with a person deemed to be acting in
      concert for the purposes of Bye-Law 104 and the interest of any
      person shall be deemed to include the interest of any other person
      deemed to be acting in concert as aforesaid.
 
    (F)
      A notice which has taken effect under this Bye-Law shall remain in
      effect in accordance with its terms following a transfer of the
      shares to which it relates unless and until the Directors determine
      otherwise and notify the registered holder accordingly.
 
    (G)
      The right to receive payments of income or capital which become due
      or payable in respect of any share during a period of
      disqualification applicable to such share under this Bye-Law shall be
      suspended during such period of disqualification without any
      liability of the Company to the
 
                                      D-2
<PAGE>
 
      Member for late payment or non-payment and the Company may retain
      such sums for its own use and benefit during such period of
      suspension and the holders of such shares may, in the discretion of
      the Directors, be excluded from participation in any further issue of
      shares by reference to an existing holding of shares at a point in
      time during such period of suspension. No trust shall be created in
      respect of any such debt, no interest shall be payable in respect of
      the same and the Company shall not be required to account for any
      money earned on such amount, which may be employed in the business of
      the Company or invested in such investments as the Directors may from
      time to time think fit.
 
  (3) (A) Where any person whether alone or in circumstances where for the
         purposes of Bye-Law 104 he is acting in concert with other persons
         acquires or has acquired interests in shares which (including the
         interests of persons with whom he is acting in concert as aforesaid)
         amount to three per cent. or more of the issued share capital of any
         class of the Company he shall within two days following the date on
         which he became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) of
         the acquisition of such an interest notify the Company of the
         existence of such interest and shall in making such notification to
         the Company also supply the particulars referred to in sub-paragraphs
         (2)(B) and (2)(C) above and so long as his interest as aforesaid
         amounts to three per cent. or more of the issued share capital of any
         class of the Company he shall notify the Company of any change in his
         interests (including the interests of persons with whom he is acting
         in concert as aforesaid) amounting to one per cent. or more of the
         issued share capital of any class of the Company within two days
         following the date on which he became aware (or ought reasonably to
         have become aware) of such change.
 
    (B)
      If any person has failed to make a notification in accordance with
      sub-paragraph (3)(A) above (notwithstanding that such notification
      has been made after the said period of two days) the Directors may
      serve a notice on such person stating that the registered holder of
      the shares in which that person is interested shall not be entitled
      to vote or otherwise exercise the rights referred to in this Bye-Law
      in respect of any shares or a number of shares specified in the
      notice held by that registered holder during the one hundred and
      eighty days following the service of such notice provided that the
      registered holder of such shares has previously been, or is
      simultaneously with the service of such a notice, served with a
      notice under this sub-paragraph.
 
    (C)
      If the Directors resolve that they have reasonable cause to believe
      that a person is or may be interested in shares of the Company or
      that any such shares are or may be shares in which any person is
      interested and that they have made reasonable enquiries to establish
      whether a person is so interested, or whether they are such shares,
      as the case may be, such person shall for the purposes of this Bye-
      Law be deemed to be interested in shares or, as the case may be, such
      shares shall be deemed to be shares in which such person is
      interested, from the date of such resolution until any such time as
      the Directors resolve otherwise.
 
    (D)
      Any belief, resolution or decision of the Directors which is held or
      made in pursuance or purported pursuance of any of the provisions of
      this Bye-Law shall be conclusive, final and binding on all persons
      concerned, and the validity of any act or thing which is done or
      caused to be done by the Directors in pursuance or purported
      pursuance of any of such provisions shall not be capable of being
      impeached by anyone on the ground that there was not any basis or
      reasonable basis on which the Directors could have arrived at any
      such belief or made any such resolution or decision, or on the ground
      that any conclusion of fact on which the Directors relied or might
      have relied for the purposes of arriving at any such belief or making
      any such resolution or decision was incorrect, or on any other ground
      whatsoever.
 
    (E)
      In calculating the number of days allowed for any notification to be
      made under this Bye-Law 46(3), any day which is a Saturday or Sunday
      shall be disregarded.
 
 
                                      D-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE E
 
                               THE COMPANIES ACT
 
                       SECTION 106. SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
 
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
 
  (1) The directors of each amalgamating company shall submit the amalgamation
for approval to a meeting of the holders of shares of the amalgamating company
of which they are directors and, subject to subsection (4), to the holders of
each class of such shares.
 
  (2) A notice of a meeting of shareholders complying with section 75 shall be
sent in accordance with that section to each shareholder of each amalgamating
company, and shall--
 
    (a) include or be accompanied by a copy or summary of the amalgamation
  agreement; and
 
    (b) subject to subsection 2A, state--
 
      (i) the fair value of the shares as determined by each amalgamating
    company; and
 
      (ii) that a dissenting shareholder is entitled to be paid the fair
    value of his shares.
 
  (2A) Notwithstanding subsection 2(b)(ii), failure to state the matter
referred to in that subsection does not invalidate an amalgamation.
 
  (3) Each share of an amalgamating company carries the right to vote in
respect of an amalgamation whether or not it otherwise carries the right to
vote.
 
  (4) The holders of shares of a class of shares of an amalgamating company
are entitled to vote separately as a class in respect of an amalgamation if
the amalgamation agreement contains a provision which would constitute a
variation of the rights attaching to any such class of shares for the purposes
of section 47.
 
  (4A) The provisions of the bye-laws of the company relating to the holding
of general meetings shall apply to general meetings and class meetings
required by this section provided that, unless the bye-laws otherwise provide,
the resolution of the shareholders or class must be approved by a majority
vote of three-fourths of those voting at such meeting and the quorum necessary
for such meeting shall be two persons at least holding or representing by
proxy more than one-third of the issued shares of the company or the class, as
the case may be, and that any holder of shares present in person or by proxy
may demand a poll.
 
  (5) An amalgamation agreement shall be deemed to have been adopted when it
has been approved by the shareholders as provided in this section.
 
  (6) Any shareholder who did not vote in favour of the amalgamation and who
is not satisfied that he has been offered fair value for his shares may within
one month of the giving of the notice referred to in subsection (2) apply to
the Court to appraise the fair value of his shares.
 
  (6A) Subject to subsection (6B), within one month of the Court appraising
the fair value of any shares under subsection (6) the company shall be
entitled either--
 
    (a) to pay to the dissenting shareholder an amount equal to the value of
  his shares as appraised by the Court; or
 
    (b) to terminate the amalgamation in accordance with subsection (7).
 
  (6B) Where the Court has appraised any shares under subsection (6) and the
amalgamation has proceeded prior to the appraisal then, within one month of
the Court appraising the value of the shares, if the amount paid to the
dissenting shareholder for his shares is less than that appraised by the Court
the amalgamated company shall pay to such shareholder the difference between
the amount paid to him and the value appraised by the Court.
 
  (6C) No appeal shall lie from an appraisal by the Court under this section.
 
  (6D) The costs of any application to the Court under this section shall be
in the discretion of the Court.
 
  (7) An amalgamation agreement may provide that at any time before the issue
of a certificate of amalgamation the agreement may be terminated by the
directors of an amalgamating company, notwithstanding approval of the
agreement by the shareholders of all or any of the amalgamating companies.
 
                                      E-1
<PAGE>
 
  Manually signed facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal will be
accepted. The Letter of Transmittal, certificates for Shares and any other
required documents should be sent or delivered by each ADT Shareholder or his
or her broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to the
Exchange Agent at one of its addresses set forth below.
 
                              THE EXCHANGE AGENT:
 
                       HARRIS TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
 
         By Hand             By Overnight Courier              By Mail
 
 
 
     Receive Window       77 Water Street, 4th Floor     Wall Street Station
  77 Water Street, 5th        New York, NY 10005            P.O. Box 1023
          Floor
 
                                                       New York, NY 10268-1023
   New York, NY 10005
 
       By Facsimile Transmission                  Telephone Number
 
   (for Eligible Institutions only)
                                            For information call collect:
 
            (212) 701-7636                         (212) 701-7618
            (212) 701-7640
         Confirm by telephone
            (212) 701-7618
 
  Any questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of the
Prospectus, the Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
may be directed to the Information Agent or the Dealer Managers at their
respective telephone numbers and locations listed below. You may also contact
your local broker, commercial bank, trust company or nominee for assistance
concerning the Offer.
 
                    The Information Agent for the Offer is:
 
 
                                   MacKenzie
                                Partners, Inc.
                              156 Fifth Avenue 
                          New York, New York 10010 
                          (800) 322-2885 (toll-free)
 
                    The Dealer Managers for the Offer are:
 
                           BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
 
                                245 Park Avenue
                           New York, New York 10167
                          (888) 221-3671 (toll-free)
 
                             CHASE SECURITIES INC.
 
                                270 Park Avenue
                           New York, New York 10017
                         (212) 270-3582 (call collect)
 
                             SALOMON BROTHERS INC
 
                           Seven World Trade Center
                           New York, New York 10048
                         (212) 783-5827 (call collect)
 
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  Article XVIII of the Western Resources Articles (Exhibit 3.1 hereto)
provides that a director of Western Resources shall not be personally liable
to Western Resources or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director except for liability (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or
a knowing violation of law, (iii) for paying a dividend or approving a stock
repurchase in violation of the KGCC, or (iv) for any transaction from which
the director derived an improper personal benefit. This provision is
specifically authorized by Section 17-6002(b)(8) of the KGCC.
 
  Section 17-6305 of the KGCC (the "Indemnification Statute") provides for
indemnification by a corporation of its corporate officers, directors,
employees and agents. The Indemnification Statute provides that a corporation
may indemnify such persons who have been, are, or may become parties to an
action, suit or proceeding due to their status as directors, officers,
employees or agents of the corporation. Further, the Indemnification Statute
grants authority to a corporation to implement its own broader indemnification
policy. Article XVIII of the Western Resources Articles (Exhibit 3.1 hereto)
requires Western Resources to indemnify its directors and officers to the
fullest extent provided by Kansas law, as the same may be amended. Further, as
is provided for in Article XVIII, Western Resources has entered into
indemnification agreements with its directors, which provide indemnification
broader than that available under Article XVIII and the Indemnification
Statute.
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                             DESCRIPTION
 -----------                             -----------
 <C>         <S>
     3.1     Restated Articles of Incorporation of Western Resources, as
             amended May 25, 1988 (filed as Exhibit 4 to Western Resources
             Registration Statement No. 33-23022).*
     3.2     Certificate of Correction to Restated Articles of Incorporation
             (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the December 1991 Form 10-K of Western
             Resources).*
     3.3     Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended May 8,
             1992 (filed electronically with Western Resources Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995).*
     3.4     Amendments to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Western
             Resources dated May 26, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 3 to Western
             Resources Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1994).*
     3.5     Certificate of Designation of Preference Stock, 8.50% Series,
             without par value, of Western Resources (filed as Exhibit 3(d) to
             Western Resources Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
             December 31, 1993).*
     3.6     Certificate of Designation of Preference Stock, 7.58% Series,
             without par value, of Western Resources (filed as Exhibit 3(c) to
             Western Resources Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
             December 31, 1993).*
     3.7     Bylaws of Western Resources, as amended May 5, 1992 (filed
             electronically with Western Resources Annual Report on Form 10-K
             for the year ended December 31, 1995).*
     5.1     Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell.***
     8.1     Tax Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell***
    21.1     Subsidiaries of Western Resources (filed as Exhibit 21 to Western
             Resources Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
             31, 1995).*
    23.1     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
    23.2     Consents of Sullivan & Cromwell (included in Exhibit 5.1).***
</TABLE>    
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
 <C>  <S>
 24.1 Powers of Attorney.**
 99.1 Form of Letter of Transmittal and instructions thereto.
 99.2 Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
 99.3 Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and
      Other Western Resources Nominees.
 99.4 Form of Letter to Clients for use by Broker, Dealers, Commercial Banks,
      Trust Companies and Other Western Resources Nominees.
 99.5 Form of Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
      Substitute Form W-9.
 99.6 Form of Summary Advertisement.
</TABLE>
- --------
  *Incorporated by reference.
 **Previously filed.
***To be filed by amendment.
 
ITEM 22. 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 and 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 percent change in the maximum aggregate
  offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
  the effective registration statement; and
 
    (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.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
 
  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
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the Registrant of expenses incurred 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 to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through
the date of responding to the request.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-
effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company
being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in
the registration statement when it became effective.
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
   
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, WESTERN
RESOURCES, INC., THE REGISTRANT, HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT TO THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED,
THEREUNDER DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF TOPEKA, STATE OF KANSAS, ON THE 25TH
DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1997.     
 
                                         Western Resources, Inc.
                                         (Registrant)
 
                                                  /s/ John E. Hayes, Jr.
                                         By:___________________________________
                                                    JOHN E. HAYES, JR.
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF
                                                    EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated.
 
             SIGNATURE                       TITLE                 DATE
 
       /s/ John E. Hayes, Jr.         Chairman of the             
- ------------------------------------   Board and Chief         February 25,
         JOHN E. HAYES, JR.            Executive Officer        1997     
                                       (Principal
                                       Executive Officer)
 
       /s/ Steven L. Kitchen          Executive Vice              
- ------------------------------------   President and           February 25,
         STEVEN L. KITCHEN             Chief Financial          1997     
                                       Officer (Principal
                                       Financial and
                                       Accounting
                                       Officer)
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
          FRANK J. BECKER
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
           GENE A. BUDIG
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
           C.Q. CHANDLER
 
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
             SIGNATURE                       TITLE                 DATE
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
        THOMAS R. CLEVENGER
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
           JOHN C. DICUS
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
          DAVID H. HUGHES
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
       RUSSELL W. MEYER, JR.
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
          JOHN H. ROBINSON
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
           LOUIS W. SMITH
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
          SUSAN M. STANTON
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
         KENNETH J. WAGNON
 
                 *                    Director
- ------------------------------------
          DAVID C. WITTIG
 
        /s/ John E. Hayes, Jr.                                    
*By: _______________________________                           February 25,
   (JOHN E. HAYES, JR. AS ATTORNEY-                             1997     
   IN-FACT FOR EACH OF THE PERSONS
              INDICATED)
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                       DESCRIPTION                         PAGE NO.
 -----------                       -----------                         --------
 <C>         <S>                                                       <C>
     3.1     Restated Articles of Incorporation of Western
             Resources, as amended May 25, 1988 (filed as Exhibit 4
             to Western Resources Registration Statement No. 33-
             23022).*
     3.2     Certificate of Correction to Restated Articles of
             Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the December
             1991 Form 10-K of Western Resources).*
     3.3     Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation, as
             amended May 5, 1992 (filed electronically with Western
             Resources Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
             December 31, 1995).*
     3.4     Amendments to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of
             Western Resources, dated May 26, 1994 (filed as Exhibit
             3 to Western Resources Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
             June 30, 1994).*
     3.5     Certificate of Designation of Preference Stock, 8.50%
             Series, without par value, of Western Resources (filed
             as Exhibit 3(d) to Western Resources Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993).*
     3.6     Certificate of Designation of Preference Stock, 7.58%
             Series, without par value, of Western Resources (filed
             as Exhibit 3(c) to Western Resources Annual Report on
             Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993).*
     3.7     Bylaws of Western Resources, as amended May 5, 1992
             (filed electronically with Western Resources Annual
             Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
             1995).*
     5.1     Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell.***
     8.1     Tax Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell.***
    21.1     Subsidiaries of Western Resources (filed as Exhibit 21
             to Western Resources Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
             year ended December 31, 1995).*
    23.1     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
    23.2     Consent of Sullivan & Cromwell (included in Exhibit
             5.1).***
    24.1     Powers of Attorney.**
    99.1     Form of Letter of Transmittal.
    99.2     Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
    99.3     Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks,
             Trust Companies and Other Western Resources Nominees.
    99.4     Form of Letter to Clients for use by Broker, Dealers,
             Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Western
             Resources Nominees.
    99.5     Form of Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
             Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9.
    99.6     Form of Summary Advertisement.
</TABLE>    
- --------
  *Incorporated by reference.
 **Previously filed.
***To be filed by amendment.
 
                                      II-6

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  
                                                               EXHIBIT 8.1     
                             
                          [FORM OF TAX OPINION]     
                                                             
                                                          February  , 1997     
   
Western Resources, Inc.,     
    
 818 S. Kansas Avenue,     
     
  Topeka, Kansas 66612     
   
Ladies and Gentlemen:     
   
  As counsel to Western Resources, Inc. in connection with its offer to
exchange cash and shares of its common stock for shares of common stock of ADT
Limited (the "Exchange Offer"), we hereby confirm to you our opinion as set
forth under the heading "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the
Preliminary Prospectus dated February  , 1997 for the Exchange Offer.     
   
  We hereby consent to the reference to us under the heading "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences" in the Preliminary Prospectus and to the filing of
this opinion as an exhibit to the related Registration Statement on Form S-4
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In giving this consent, we
do not hereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent
is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.     
                                             
                                          Very truly yours.     
       

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-4 Registration Statement of Western Resources, Inc.
regarding an offer to exchange each outstanding common share of ADT Limited,
of our reports dated January 26, 1996, incorporated by reference and included
in Western Resources, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995, and to all references to our Firm included in this
Registration Statement and related Prospectus.
                                                
                                             /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP     
 
Kansas City, Missouri
   
February 24, 1997     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1
 
                                                           LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
     
[LOGO] Western Resources     
 
 
           Dear ADT Limited Shareowner:
              
             This Letter of Transmittal enables you to exchange
           each of your Common Shares of ADT (and, if applicable,
           associated preference share purchase rights*) for $7.50
           net in cash and $15.00 of Common Stock of Western
           Resources, Inc.* Please follow the instructions in this
           letter in order to exchange your shares (and rights) and
           receive the benefits of our Offer. Simply complete and
           sign pages 2 and 3 and return your certificate(s) in the
           enclosed envelope.     
              
             Our Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on
                 , 1997 (the "Expiration Date") unless extended.
           Shares (and rights) which are tendered may be withdrawn
           at any time prior to the Expiration Date.     
 
             For further information or assistance regarding our
           Offer please call our representatives listed on the
           back.
 
             Thank you for your time and support.
 
                                         Sincerely,
 
                                         /s/ John E. Hayes, Jr.
                                         John E. Hayes, Jr.
   
 *A tender of Shares will be invalid unless accompanied by a tender of the
associated rights.     
   
** Assumes that Western Resources' average share price is greater than $29.75
   at the time of closing.     
<PAGE>
 
                    IN ORDER TO TENDER YOUR SHARES, SIMPLY:
                    
                 1. SIGN BY THE "X" IN THE BOX BELOW 2. COMPLETE THE
                 SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 ON PAGE 4.     
   
**IMPORTANT** A TENDER OF SHARES WITHOUT A TENDER OF THE ASSOCIATED PREFERENCE
SHARE RIGHTS (THE "RIGHTS") IS INVALID. SEE PAGE 3 TO TENDER RIGHTS.     
 
 
                               PLEASE SIGN HERE.
 
 Signature(s) of Shareholder(s) X
                         ----------------------------------------------------
                         ____________________________________________________
 Dated:         , 1997
 
 (Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on
 stock certificate(s) or on a security position listing or by person(s)
 authorized to become registered holder(s) by certificate(s) and documents
 transmitted herewith. If signature is by trustees, executors,
 administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or
 others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please provide the
 following information and see Instruction 5.)
 
  I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ENCLOSED WITH AND CONSTITUTING A
   PART OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND THAT I COMPLY WITH THE SHAREHOLDER
                REPRESENTATION INCLUDED WITH SUCH INSTRUCTIONS.
 Name(s) ____________________________________________________________________
 ____________________________________________________________________________
                                 (PLEASE PRINT)
 Capacity (Full Title) ______________________________________________________
 Address ____________________________________________________________________
 City/State/Zip Code ________________________________________________________
                    ____________________________________
                      (AREA CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER)
 
 
   COMPLETE THE BOX BELOW ONLY IF YOU WISH TO TENDER LESS THAN ALL THE SHARES
                        EVIDENCED BY YOUR CERTIFICATE(S)
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      CERTIFICATES AND SHARES TENDERED (ATTACH ADDITIONAL LIST IF NECESSARY)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Certificate           Total Number of Shares                  Number of
        Number(s)*        Evidenced by Certificate(s)*           Shares Tendered**
       <S>                <C>                                    <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total Shares
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
  * Do not complete if delivering Shares by book-entry transfer.     
 ** You must indicate if you are tendering less than all Shares evidenced by
    any certificate(s) delivered to the Exchange Agent. See Instruction 4.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                     
                  IN ORDER TO TENDER YOUR RIGHTS, SIMPLY:     
                    
                 1. SIGN BY THE "X" IN THE BOX BELOW 2. COMPLETE THE
                 SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 ON PAGE 4.     
   
**IMPORTANT** A TENDER OF SHARES WITHOUT A TENDER OF THE ASSOCIATED RIGHTS IS
INVALID.     
       
                               PLEASE SIGN HERE.
    
 Signature(s) of Rights holder(s) X      
                         ----------------------------------------------------
                         ____________________________________________________
 Dated:         , 1997
    
 (Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on
 rights certificate(s) or on a security position listing or by person(s)
 authorized to become registered holder(s) by certificate(s) and documents
 transmitted herewith. If signature is by trustees, executors,
 administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or
 others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please provide the
 following information and see Instruction 5.)     
 
  I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ENCLOSED WITH AND CONSTITUTING A
   PART OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND THAT I COMPLY WITH THE SHAREHOLDER
                REPRESENTATION INCLUDED WITH SUCH INSTRUCTIONS.
 Name(s) ____________________________________________________________________
 ____________________________________________________________________________
                                 (PLEASE PRINT)
 Capacity (Full Title) ______________________________________________________
 Address ____________________________________________________________________
 City/State/Zip Code ________________________________________________________
                    ____________________________________
                      (AREA CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER)
      
   COMPLETE THE BOX BELOW ONLY IF YOU WISH TO TENDER LESS THAN ALL THE RIGHTS
                     EVIDENCED BY YOUR CERTIFICATE(S)     
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
      CERTIFICATES AND RIGHTS TENDERED (ATTACH ADDITIONAL LIST IF NECESSARY)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Certificate           Total Number of Rights                  Number of
        Number(s)*        Evidenced by Certificate(s)*           Rights Tendered**
       <S>                <C>                                    <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total Rights
</TABLE>    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
  * Do not complete if delivering Rights by book-entry transfer.     
    
 ** You must indicate if you are tendering less than all Rights evidenced by
    any certificate(s) delivered to the Exchange Agent. See Instruction 4.
        
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          THIS PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING SHAREHOLDERS.
          PLEASE FILL IN YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND SIGN BELOW.
             Please see Instruction 9 for additional information.
   
PAYER'S NAME: HARRIS TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK     
 
                        PART 1--PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR    Social Security Number
                        TIN IN THE BOX AT RIGHT AND          or Employer
                        CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND          Identification Number
                        DATING BELOW.
                                                       X                     
 SUBSTITUTE                                             --------------------- 
 FORM W-9              -------------------------------------------------------- 
                        PART 2--Certificates--Under penalties of perjury, I   
 DEPARTMENT OF          certify that:                                         
 THE TREASURY           (1) The number shown on this form is my correct         
 INTERNAL                   Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting  
 REVENUE                    for a number to be issued to me); and            
 SERVICE                 (2) I am not subject to backup withholding because     
                             (i) I am exempt from backup withholding, (ii) I    
                             have not been notified by the Internal Revenue     
                             Service (the "IRS") that I am subject to backup    
                             withholding as a result of a failure to report     
                             all interest or dividends, or (iii) the IRS has    
                             notified me that I am no longer subject to backup  
                             withholding.                                       
                        ------------------------------------------------------- 
 PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)
                                                                                
                        Certification Instructions--You must    PART 3 --
                        cross out item (2) in Part 2 above if   Awaiting
                        you have been notified by the IRS       TIN [_]
                        that you are subject to backup with-
                        holding because of under-reporting
                        interest or dividends on your tax re-
                        turn. However, if after being noti-
                        fied by the IRS that you were subject
                        to backup withholding you received
                        another notification from the IRS
                        stating that you are no longer sub-
                        ject to backup withholding, do not
                        cross out item (2).
                       --------------------------------------------------------
 
                        SIGNATURE X ________________________  DATE __________
 
                        NAME (Please Print) _________________________________
 
NOTE: Failure to complete and return this form may result in backup
      withholding of 31% of any cash payments made to you pursuant to the
      Offer. Please review the enclosed guidelines for certification of
      Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 for additional
      details.
 
 Complete the following certification ONLY if you checked the box in Part 3 of
                             Substitute Form W-9.
 
 
            CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
 
   I certify under penalties of perjury that a Taxpayer Identification
 Number has not been issued to me, and either (i) I have mailed or delivered
 an application to receive a Taxpayer Identification Number to the
 appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security
 Administration Office or (ii) I intend to mail or deliver an application in
 the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a Taxpayer
 Identification Number within 60 days, 31% of all reportable payments made
 to me thereafter will be withheld until I provide a number.
 
 ------------------------------------    ------------------------------------
              SIGNATURE                                  DATE
 
 ------------------------------------
         NAME (PLEASE PRINT)
 
                           IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
 
  Certain shareholders (including, among others, all corporations and certain
foreign individuals) are not subject to backup withholding. In order for a
foreign individual to qualify as an exempt recipient, that shareholder must
submit a Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that
individual's exempt status. A Form W-8 can be obtained from the Exchange
Agent. See the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 for additional instructions.
 
  Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of
persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax
withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be
obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.
 
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                                   OPTIONAL
   
  If you would like shares of Western Resources Common Stock and the check to
be issued for cash in an amount of $7.50 net per Share (and Right, if
applicable) and for cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, of Western
Resources Common Stock to be delivered to a different address, complete the
top box below.     
   
  If you would like shares of Western Resources Common Stock and the check to
be issued for cash in an amount of $7.50 net per Share (and Right, if
applicable) and for cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, of Western
Resources Common Stock to be issued in a different name, complete the bottom
box below. You must include a signature guarantee if you complete the box at
the bottom of the page. The signature guarantee process is more fully
described in Instructions 1 and 5.     
 
 
         SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS (See Instructions 1, 6 and 7)
    
  To be completed ONLY if certificate(s) for the Western Resources Common
 Stock and the check to be issued for cash in an amount of $7.00 net per
 Share (and Right, if applicable) and for cash in lieu of fractional shares,
 if any, of Western Resources Common Stock are to be sent to someone other
 than the undersigned, or to the undersigned at an address other than that
 shown on the address label.     
    
 Mail Western Resources Common Stock and the check to be issued for cash in
 an amount of $7.50 net per Share (and Right, if applicable) and for cash in
 lieu of fractional shares, if any, of Western Resources Common Stock to:
     
 Name _______________________________________________________________________
                            (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
 Address ____________________________________________________________________
 City/State/Zip Code ________________________________________________________
 
 
 
                        SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
                       (See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7)
    
  To be completed ONLY if certificate(s) for the Western Resources Common
 Stock and the check to be issued for cash in an amount of $7.50 net per
 Share (and Right, if applicable) and for cash in lieu of fractional shares,
 if any, of Western Resources Common Stock are to be issued in the name of
 someone other than those shown on your certificate(s).     
    
 Issue Western Resources Common Stock and the check to be issued for cash in
 an amount of $7.50 net per Share (and Right, if applicable) and for cash in
 lieu of fractional shares, if any, of Western Resources Common Stock to:
     
 Name _______________________________________________________________________
                            (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
 Address ____________________________________________________________________
 City/State/Zip Code ________________________________________________________
 ____________________________________________________________________________
             (SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
 
                           GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
 Authorized Signature _______________________________________________________
 Name _______________________________________________________________________
                            (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
 Address ____________________________________________________________________
 City/State/Zip Code ________________________________________________________
 Name of Firm ________________________________   Dated:         , 1997
 
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
                    The Information Agent for the Offer is:
 
                                    [LOGO]
                                   MACKENZIE
                                PARTNERS, INC.
                               156 Fifth Avenue 
                           New York, New York 10010 
                          (800) 322-2885 (toll-free)
 
                      The Exchange Agent for the Offer is:
 
                        HARRIS TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
 
         By Hand                                               
                           By Overnight Courier             By Mail     
 
 
 
     Receive Window        77 Water Street, 4th Floor    Wall Street Station
  77 Water Street, 5th         New York, NY 10005           P.O. Box 1023
          Floor                                        New York, NY 10268-1023
   New York, NY 10005
 
       By Facsimile Transmission                    Telephone Number
    
 (for Eligible Institutions only)     
 
                                              For information call collect
             (212) 701-7636                          (212) 701-7618
             (212) 701-7640
          Confirm by telephone
             (212) 701-7618
 
                     The Dealer Managers for the Offer are:
 
                              SALOMON BROTHERS INC
 
                            Seven World Trade Center
                            New York, New York 10048
                         (212) 783-5827 (call collect)
 
                            BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
 
                                245 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10167
                           (888) 221-3671 (toll-free)
 
                             CHASE SECURITIES INC.
 
                                270 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                         (212) 270-3582 (call collect)
<PAGE>
 
 
                          [LOGO]Western Resources(R)
 
                     INSTRUCTIONS TO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
             FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
 
  1. GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. No signature guarantee is required on the Letter
of Transmittal in cases where:
     
  (a) the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the
    Shares (and Rights, if applicable) (which term, for purposes of this
    document, shall include any participant in one of the Book-Entry Transfer
    Facilities whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner
    of Shares (and Rights, if applicable)) tendered with the Letter of
    Transmittal and such holder(s) have not completed the instruction
    entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal, or
           
  (b) such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) are tendered for the account of
    an Eligible Institution (as defined below).     
 
  Otherwise, all signatures on the Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by
a financial institution (including most banks, savings and loan associations,
brokerage houses and credit unions) which is a participant in the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion
Signature Guarantee Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (an
"Eligible Institution"). See Instruction 5.
 
  2. DELIVERY OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES OR BOOK-ENTRY
CONFIRMATIONS. The Letter of Transmittal is to be used either:
 
  (a) if certificates are to be forwarded with the Letter of Transmittal, or
 
  (b) if tenders are to be made pursuant to the procedures for tender by
    book-entry transfer set forth in "The Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in
    the Prospectus (as defined herein), unless an Agent's Message is
    utilized.
   
  Certificates for all physically tendered Shares ("Share Certificates") and
Rights ("Right Certificates"), or confirmation of any book-entry transfer into
the Exchange Agent's account at one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities of
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered by book-entry transfer, as well as
the Letter of Transmittal or facsimile thereof, properly completed and duly
executed with any required signature guarantees, and any other documents
required by the Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent
at one of its addresses set forth herein on or prior to the Expiration Date
(as defined in the Prospectus).     
   
  Shareholders whose certificates are not immediately available or who cannot
deliver their certificates and all other required documents to the Exchange
Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot complete the procedures
for book-entry transfer on a timely basis may nevertheless tender their Shares
(and Rights, if applicable) by properly completing and duly executing a Notice
of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth
in "The Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in the Prospectus.     
   
  In order to utilize the guaranteed delivery procedure: (i) your tender must
be made by or through an Eligible Institution; (ii) a properly completed and
duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery substantially in the form made
available by Western Resources must be received by the Exchange Agent on or
prior to the Expiration Date; and (iii) the Share Certificates for all
tendered Shares and Rights Certificates for all tendered Rights (or a
confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such securities into the Exchange
Agent's account at a Book-Entry Transfer Facility of Shares or Rights tendered
by book-entry transfer), in proper form for transfer, together with a properly
completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) with
any required signature guarantees (or, in the case of a book-entry delivery,
an Agent's Message) and all other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent within three New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. trading days after the date of execution of such Notice
of Guaranteed Delivery.     
   
  IF SHARE CERTIFICATES AND RIGHT CERTIFICATES ARE FORWARDED SEPARATELY TO THE
EXCHANGE AGENT, A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
MUST ACCOMPANY EACH SUCH DELIVERY.     
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
   
  THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF SHARE CERTIFICATES AND RIGHTS CERTIFICATES AND ALL
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING DELIVERY THROUGH ANY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
FACILITY, IS AT THE OPTION AND RISK OF THE TENDERING SHAREHOLDER, AND THE
DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE
AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED,
PROPERLY INSURED, IS RECOMMENDED. THE REPLACEMENT COST OF CERTIFICATES FOR
SECURITIES IS GENERALLY 2% OF MARKET VALUE. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME
SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY.     
   
  No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted and no
fractional Shares (and Rights, if applicable) will be accepted. All tendering
shareholders, by execution of the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), waive any right to receive any notice of the acceptance of their
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) for exchange.     
   
  3. INADEQUATE SPACE. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the
certificate numbers and/or the number of Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
should be listed on a separate piece of paper and returned with the Letter of
Transmittal.     
   
  4. PARTIAL TENDERS (NOT APPLICABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS WHO TENDER BY BOOK-ENTRY
TRANSFER). If fewer than all the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) evidenced
by any certificate submitted are to be tendered, fill in the number of Shares
(and Rights, if applicable) which are to be tendered in the box on page 2 (and
page 3, if applicable) of the Letter of Transmittal. In such cases, new
certificate(s) for the remainder of the Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
that were evidenced by your old certificate(s) will be sent to you, unless
otherwise indicated in the box marked "Special Delivery Instructions" on page
5 of the Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable after the Expiration
Date. All Shares (and Rights, if applicable) represented by certificates
delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless
otherwise indicated.     
   
  5. SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL; STOCK POWERS AND ENDORSEMENTS. If
the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares
(and Rights, if applicable) tendered, the signature must correspond with the
name(s) as written on the face of the certificates without alteration,
enlargement or any change whatsoever.     
   
  If any of the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered are owned of
record by two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign the Letter of
Transmittal.     
   
  If you wish to tender Shares (and Rights, if applicable) and have more than
one certificate and those certificates are registered in more than one name,
it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of
Transmittal as there are different registrations of certificates.     
 
  If the Letter of Transmittal or any certificates or stock powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, attorneys-in-fact, officers of
corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to
Western Resources of their authority so to act must be submitted.
   
  If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) transmitted with the Letter of Transmittal,
no endorsements of certificates or separate stock powers are required unless
Western Resources Common Stock or certificates for Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) not tendered or accepted are to be issued in the name of a person
other than the registered holder(s). Signatures on such certificates or stock
powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.     
 
  If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered
holder of the certificate(s) listed, the certificate(s) must be endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed exactly as the
name or names of the registered holder or holders appear on the
certificates(s). Signatures on such certificates or stock powers must be
guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
   
  6. STOCK TRANSFER TAXES. Western Resources will pay or cause to be paid any
stock transfer taxes with respect to the transfer and sale of Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) to it or its order pursuant to the Offer. If, however,
delivery of the consideration in respect of the Offer is to be made to, or (in
the circumstances permitted hereby) if certificates for Shares not tendered or
accepted are to be registered in the name of any person other than the
registered holder, or if tendered certificates are registered in the name of
any person other than the person(s) signing the Letter of Transmittal, the
tendering holder must provide satisfactory evidence of the payment of any
applicable transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or such
person) payable on account of the transfer to such person prior to the
delivery of the consideration pursuant to the Offer.     
 
  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS INSTRUCTION 6, IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY FOR
TRANSFER TAX STAMPS TO BE AFFIXED TO THE CERTIFICATES LISTED IN THE LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
   
  7. SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. If certificates for Western
Resources Common Stock and the check to be issued for cash in an amount of
$7.50 net per Share (and Right, if applicable) and for cash in lieu of
fractional shares, if any, of Western Resources Common Stock are to be issued
in the name of a person other than the signer of the Letter of Transmittal or
if certificates for Western Resources Common Stock and the check to be issued
for cash in an amount of $7.50 net per Share (and Right, if applicable) and
cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, of Western Resources Common Stock
are to be mailed to someone other than the signer of the Letter of Transmittal
or to an address other than that shown on the address label, the boxes marked
"Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on page 4
of the Letter of Transmittal should be completed.     
 
  8. REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES. Questions or requests for
assistance may be directed to, or additional copies of the Prospectus, the
Letter of Transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and other tender
offer materials may be obtained from, the Information Agent or the Dealer
Managers at their respective telephone numbers and/or addresses set forth on
the back of the Letter of Transmittal or from your broker, dealer, commercial
bank or trust company.
   
  9. SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. Each tendering shareholder is required to provide
the Exchange Agent with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN"),
generally the shareholder's social security or federal employer identification
number, on Substitute Form W-9 on page 3 of the Letter of Transmittal. If a
shareholder fails to provide a TIN to the Exchange Agent, such shareholder may
be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. In
addition, payments of cash in lieu of fractional shares of Western Resources
Common Stock that are made to such shareholder with respect to Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) accepted pursuant to the Offer may be subject to backup
withholding of 31%. The box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9 may be
checked if the tendering shareholder has not been issued a TIN and has applied
for a number or intends to apply for a number in the near future. If the box
in Part 3 is checked and the Exchange Agent is not provided with a TIN within
60 days, the Exchange Agent will withhold 31% of all payments of cash
thereafter until a TIN is provided to the Exchange Agent. The shareholder is
required to give the Exchange Agent the social security number or employer
identification number of the record owner of the Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) or of the last transferee appearing on the stock powers attached
to, or endorsed on, the Shares (and Rights, if applicable). If the Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) are in more than one name or are not in the name of the
actual owner, consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 for additional guidance on which
number to report.     
 
  IMPORTANT: THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR A FACSIMILE COPY THEREOF (TOGETHER
WITH SHARE CERTIFICATES OR CONFIRMATION OF BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND ALL OTHER
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS) OR THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY MUST BE RECEIVED BY
THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
                          SHAREHOLDER REPRESENTATION
   
  The shareholder executing the Letter of Transmittal, or on whose behalf the
Letter of Transmittal is executed (the "Tendering Shareholder"), delivers to
Western Resources, Inc., a Kansas corporation ("Western Resources"), the
above-described common shares, par value $0.10 per share (the "Shares"),
including (unless and until Western Resources and Westar Capital, Inc. declare
that the Rights Condition (as defined in the Prospectus (as defined below) is
satisfied) the associated Rights, of ADT Limited, a company incorporated under
the laws of Bermuda ("ADT"), pursuant to Western Resources' offer to exchange
$7.50 net in cash and a number of shares of common stock, par value $5.00 per
share, of Western Resources (the "Western Resources Common Stock") equal to
the Exchange Ratio (as such term is defined in the Prospectus for each
outstanding Share (and Right, if applicable), upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated       , 1997 (the
"Prospectus"), receipt of which is acknowledged, and in the Letter of
Transmittal, including the Instructions and Shareholder Representation (which
together with the Prospectus and any amendments thereto, constitute the
"Offer"). Shareholders will be required to tender one Right for each Share
tendered in order to effect a valid tender of Shares, unless the Rights Plan
Condition has been satisfied or waived. Unless the ADT Distribution Date (as
defined in the Prospectus) occurs, a tender of Shares will constitute a tender
of the associated Rights.     
   
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, subject to, and
effective upon, acceptance of the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered
with the Letter of Transmittal in accordance with the terms of the Offer, the
Tendering Shareholder sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of,
Western Resources, all right, title and interest in and to all of the Shares
(and Rights, if applicable) that are being tendered and any and all Shares
(and Rights, if applicable) and other     
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
   
securities issued or issuable in respect thereof on or after [commencement
date] (collectively, "Distributions"), and irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the Exchange Agent the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of
the Tendering Shareholder with respect to such Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) (and any Distributions), with full power of substitution (such
power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an
interest), to the full extent of the Tendering Shareholder's rights with
respect to such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) (and any Distributions), to
(a) deliver such Share and Rights Certificates (each as defined herein) (and
any Distributions) or transfer ownership of such Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) (and any Distributions) on the account books maintained by a Book-
Entry Transfer Facility, together in either such case with all accompanying
evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of Western
Resources, (b) present such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) (and any
Distributions) for transfer on the books of ADT and (c) receive all benefits
and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) (and any Distributions), all in accordance with the
terms and the conditions of the Offer.     
   
  The Tendering Shareholder irrevocably appoints the designees of Western
Resources, and each of them, the attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the
Tendering Shareholder, each with full power of substitution, to vote in such
manner as each such attorney and proxy or any substitute thereof shall deem
proper in the sole discretion of such attorney-in-fact and proxy or such
substitute, and otherwise act (including pursuant to written consent) with
respect to all the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered (and any
Distributions) which have been accepted by Western Resources prior to the time
of such vote or action, which the Tendering Shareholder is entitled to vote at
any meeting of shareholders (whether annual or special and whether or not an
adjourned meeting), of ADT or otherwise. This proxy and power of attorney is
coupled with an interest in the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) and is
irrevocable and is granted in consideration of, and is effective upon, the
acceptance of such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) (and any Distributions)
by Western Resources in accordance with the terms of the Offer. Such
acceptance for exchange shall revoke any other proxy granted by the Tendering
Shareholder at any time with respect to such Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) (and any Distributions) and no subsequent proxies will be given
(or, if given, will not be deemed effective) with respect thereto by the
Tendering Shareholder. The Tendering Shareholder understands that in order for
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) to be deemed validly tendered, immediately
upon Western Resources' acceptance of such Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
(and any Distributions) for exchange Western Resources or its designee must be
able to exercise full voting rights with respect to such Shares (and Rights,
if applicable) (and any Distributions).     
   
  The Tendering Shareholder represents and warrants that the Tendering
Shareholder has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer
the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) (and any Distributions) tendered and
that when the same are accepted for exchange by Western Resources, Western
Resources will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title thereto, free
and clear of all liens, restrictions, claims, charges and encumbrances, and
the same will not be subject to any adverse claim. The Tendering Shareholder
will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the
Exchange Agent or Western Resources to be necessary or desirable to complete
the sale, assignment, and transfer of the Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
(and any Distributions) tendered.     
   
  All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred pursuant to the Letter of
Transmittal shall not be affected by and shall survive the death or incapacity
of the Tendering Shareholder and any obligation of the Tendering Shareholder
hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives,
successors and assigns of the Tendering Shareholder. Subject to the withdrawal
rights set forth under "The Offer--Withdrawal Rights" in the Prospectus, the
tender of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) made is irrevocable.     
   
  The Tendering Shareholder understands that tenders of (and Rights, if
applicable) Shares pursuant to any one of the procedures described under "The
Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in the Prospectus and in the instructions to
the Letter of Transmittal and acceptance of such Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) will constitute a binding agreement between the Tendering
Shareholder and Western Resources upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in the Offer.     
   
  Unless otherwise indicated on page 4 of the Letter of Transmittal under
"Special Issuance Instructions," please issue the shares of Western Resources
Common Stock and the check to be issued for cash in an amount of $7.50 net per
Share (and Right, if applicable) and for cash in lieu of fractional shares, if
any, of Western Resources Common Stock in the name(s) of the registered
holder(s). Similarly, unless otherwise indicated on page 4 of the Letter of
Transmittal under "Special Delivery Instructions," please mail the Western
Resources Common Stock and the check to be issued for cash in an amount of
$7.50 net per Share and for cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, of
Western Resources Common Stock to the address of the registered holder(s). The
Tendering Shareholder recognizes that Western Resources has no obligation,
pursuant to the Special Issuance Instructions, to transfer any Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) from the name of the registered holder thereof if
Western Resources does not accept any of the Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) so tendered.     
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
                    The Information Agent for the Offer is:
 
 
                                   MacKenzie
                                Partners, Inc.
                               156 Fifth Avenue
                           New York, New York 10010
                          (800) 322-2885 (toll-free)
 
                      The Exchange Agent for the Offer is:
 
                        HARRIS TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
 
           By Hand            By Overnight Courier             By Mail
 
 
 
     Receive Window        77 Water Street, 4th Floor    Wall Street Station
  77 Water Street, 5th         New York, NY 10005
          Floor
 
                                                            P.O. Box 1023
                                                       New York, NY 10268-1023
   New York, NY 10005
 
       By Facsimile Transmission                    Telephone Number
 
    (for Eligible Institutions only)
 
                                              For information call collect
             (212) 701-7636                          (212) 701-7618
             (212) 701-7640
          Confirm by telephone
             (212)701-7618
 
                     The Dealer Managers for the Offer are:
 
                              SALOMON BROTHERS INC
 
                            Seven World Trade Center
                            New York, New York 10048
                         (212) 783-5827 (call collect)
 
                            BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
 
                                245 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10167
                           (888) 221-3671 (toll-free)
 
                             CHASE SECURITIES INC.
 
                                270 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                         (212) 270-3582 (call collect)

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.2
 
                         NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
 
               OFFER TO EXCHANGE EACH OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARE 
          (INCLUDING THE ASSOCIATED PREFERENCE SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS)
 
                                      OF
 
                                  ADT LIMITED
 
                                      FOR
 
                          $7.50 NET PER SHARE IN CASH
 
                                      AND
 
                            $15.00 OF COMMON STOCK
                            (SUBJECT TO ADJUSTMENT)
 
                                      OF
 
                            WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
 
                   (NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
 
  As set forth in "The Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in the Prospectus,
dated     , 1997 (the "Prospectus"), this form or one substantially equivalent
hereto must be used to accept the Offer (as defined below) if certificates for
common shares, par value $0.10 per share (the "Shares"), of ADT Limited, a
company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda ("ADT"), including the
associated preference share purchase rights (the "Rights") issued pursuant to
the Rights Agreement, dated as of November 6, 1996, between ADT and Citibank,
N.A., New York branch, as Rights Agent, are not immediately available, if the
certificates and all other required documents cannot be delivered to the
Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus), or
if the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely
basis. Such form may be delivered by hand or transmitted by telegram,
facsimile transmission or mail to the Exchange Agent, and must include a
guarantee by an Eligible Institution (as defined in the Prospectus). See "The
Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in the Prospectus.
 
                     The Exchange Agent for the Offer is:
 
                       HARRIS TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
 
         By Hand             By Overnight Courier              By Mail
 
 Receive Window 77 Water
  Street, 5th Floor New
     York, NY 10005
                 77 Water Street, 4th Floor New York NY 10005
                                                      Wall Street Station P.O.
                                                        Box 1023 New York, NY
                                                             10268-1023
 
 
 
 
       By Facsimile Transmission                  Telephone Number
 
   (for Eligible Institutions only)
 
                                         For information call collect (212)
            (212) 701-7636                            701-7618
            (212) 701-7640
         Confirm by telephone
            (212) 701-7618
 
 
                               ----------------
 
  DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS
SET FORTH ABOVE, OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION
OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE, WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
 
  THIS FORM IS NOT TO BE USED TO GUARANTEE SIGNATURES. IF A SIGNATURE ON A
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS REQUIRED TO BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION
UNDER THE INSTRUCTIONS THERETO, SUCH GUARANTEE SIGNATURE MUST APPEAR IN THE
APPLICABLE SPACE PROVIDED IN THE SIGNATURE BOX ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
<PAGE>
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
   
  The undersigned hereby tenders to Western Resources, Inc., a Kansas
corporation, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Prospectus, dated       , 1997 and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which
together constitute the "Offer"), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the
number of Shares (and associated Rights, if applicable) shown in the Box below
pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth under "The Offer--
Procedure for Tendering" in the Prospectus.     
 
             Shares
         
             Rights     
             
CERTIFICATE NOS. FOR SHARES (IF             NAME(S) OF RECORD HOLDER(S)
AVAILABLE) __________________________       ___________________________________
 
 
_____________________________________       ___________________________________
                                                  (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
CERTIFICATE NOS. FOR RIGHTS (IF
AVAILABLE) _____________________     
 
                                            ADDRESS(ES) _______________________
   
_________________________________           ___________________________________
                                                                     (ZIP CODE)
                                            AREA CODE AND TEL. NO(S). _________
CHECK ONE BOX IF SHARES AND RIGHTS
WILL BE TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY
TRANSFER:     
 
                                            ___________________________________
 
 
[_] THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY            SIGNATURE(S) ______________________
 
[_] PHILADELPHIA DEPOSITORY TRUST           ___________________________________
COMPANY
 
 
                                            DATED ______________________ , 1997
ACCOUNT NUMBER ______________________
 
                    THE GUARANTEE BELOW MUST BE COMPLETED.
                                   GUARANTEE
                   (NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
   
  The undersigned, a financial institution which is a participant in the
Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange
Medallion Signature Guarantee Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program,
guarantees (a) that the above named person(s) has (have) a "net long position"
in the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered hereby within the meaning
of Rule 14e-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (b)
to deliver to the Exchange Agent, at one of its addresses set forth above,
certificates representing the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered
hereby, in proper form for transfer, or confirmation of book-entry transfer of
such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) into the Exchange Agent's accounts at
The Depository Trust Company or the Philadelphia Depository Trust Company, in
each case with delivery of a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal (or a facsimile copy thereof), or an Agent's Message (as defined
in the Prospectus) in the case of book-entry transfer, and any other documents
required by the Letter of Transmittal, within three (3) New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. trading days of the date hereof.     
 
NAME OF FIRM ________________________       ___________________________________
                                                  (AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE)
 
 
ADDRESS _____________________________
                                            TITLE _____________________________
 
 
_____________________________________
                           (ZIP CODE)       NAME ______________________________
                                                  (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
 
 
AREA CODE AND TEL. NO. ______________
                                            DATED          , 1997
   
NOTE: DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES (AND RIGHTS, IF APPLICABLE) WITH
       THIS NOTICE. SHARE CERTIFICATES (AND RIGHTS CERTIFICATES, IF
       APPLICABLE) SHOULD BE SENT WITH YOUR LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.     
 
                                       2

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.3
 
                             SALOMON BROTHERS INC
                           Seven World Trade Center
                           New York, New York 10005
                         (212) 783-5827 (call collect)
 
                                                CHASE SECURITIES INC.
       BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
                                                   270 Park Avenue
            245 Park Avenue                   New York, New York 10017
       New York, New York 10167             (212) 270-3582 (call collect)
      (888) 221-3671 (toll-free)
 
                OFFER TO EXCHANGE EACH OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARE
          (INCLUDING THE ASSOCIATED PREFERENCE SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS)
                                      OF
                                  ADT LIMITED
                                      FOR
                          $7.50 NET PER SHARE IN CASH
                                      AND
                            $15.00 OF COMMON STOCK
                            (SUBJECT TO ADJUSTMENT)
                                      OF
                            WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
 
   THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON
      , 1997, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). SHARES
 WHICH ARE TENDERED PURSUANT TO THE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR
 TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Bank  Trust Companies and Other Western
Resources Nominees:
   
  We have been appointed by Western Resources, Inc., a Kansas corporation
("Western Resources"), to act as Dealer Managers in connection with Western
Resources' offer to exchange $7.50 net in cash and a number of shares of
common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of Western Resources (the "Western
Resources Common Stock") equal to the Exchange Ratio (as such term is defined
in the Prospectus (as defined below)) for each outstanding common share, par
value $0.10 per Share (each, a "Share" and collectively, the "Shares"), of ADT
Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda ("ADT"), including
the associated preference share purchase rights (the "Rights") issued pursuant
to the Rights Agreement, dated as of November 6, 1996, between ADT and
Citibank, N.A., New York branch, as Rights Agent, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus, dated      , 1997 (the
"Prospectus"), and in the related Letter of Transmittal (which together
constitute the "Offer"), enclosed herewith.     
   
  THE OFFER IS CONDITIONED UPON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MINIMUM TENDER
CONDITION, THE WESTERN RESOURCES SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL CONDITION, THE ADT
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL CONDITION, THE RIGHTS PLAN CONDITION, THE ADT BYE-LAW
CONDITION, THE REPUBLIC WARRANT CONDITION AND THE REGULATORY APPROVAL
CONDITION (IN EACH CASE AS DEFINED IN THE PROSPECTUS). SEE "THE OFFER--
CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER--MINIMUM TENDER CONDITION," "--WESTERN RESOURCES
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL CONDITION," "--ADT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL CONDITION," "--
RIGHTS PLAN CONDITION," "--ADT BYE-LAW CONDITION," "--REPUBLIC WARRANT
CONDITION," "--REGULATORY APPROVAL CONDITION," AND "--CERTAIN OTHER CONDITIONS
OF THE OFFER" IN THE PROSPECTUS.     
<PAGE>
 
  Shareholders will be required to tender one Right for each Share tendered in
order to effect a valid tender of Shares, unless the Rights Plan Condition has
been satisfied or waived. Unless the ADT Distribution Date (as defined in the
Prospectus) occurs, a tender of Shares will constitute a tender of the
associated Rights. See "The Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in the Prospectus.
   
  For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you hold
Shares registered in your name or in the name of your nominees, or who hold
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) registered in their own names, we are
enclosing the following documents:     
 
    1. Prospectus, dated    ;
     
    2. Letter of Transmittal (together with accompanying Substitute Form W-9)
  to be used by holders of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) in accepting
  the Offer and tendering Shares (and Rights, if applicable);     
     
    3. Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to be used to accept the Offer if
  certificates for Shares (and Rights, if applicable) are not immediately
  available, if time will not permit all required documents to reach the
  Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus)
  or if the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely
  basis;     
     
    4. A letter which may be sent to your clients for whose accounts you hold
  Shares (and Rights, if applicable) registered in your name or in the name
  of your nominees, with space provided for obtaining such clients'
  instructions with regard to the Offer;     
 
    5. Guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service for Certification of
  Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9; and
 
    6. A return envelope addressed to the Exchange Agent.
   
  Western Resources will not pay any fees or commissions to any broker or
dealer or any other person (other than the fees of the Dealer Managers and the
Information Agent as described in the Prospectus) in connection with the
solicitation of tenders of Shares and Rights pursuant to the Offer. Western
Resources will, however, upon request, reimburse you for customary mailing and
handling expenses incurred by you in forwarding the enclosed materials to your
clients. Western Resources will pay or cause to be paid any stock transfer
taxes with respect to the transfer and sale of Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) to it or its order pursuant to the Offer, subject to Instruction 6
of the Letter of Transmittal.     
 
  YOUR PROMPT ACTION IS REQUESTED. WE URGE YOU TO CONTACT YOUR CLIENTS AS
PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT
5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON       , 1997, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
   
  In order to take advantage of the Offer, a duly executed and properly
completed Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof), with any required
signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message in connection with a book-entry
transfer, and any other required documents, should be sent to the Exchange
Agent, and certificates evidencing the tendered Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) should be delivered or such Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
should be tendered by book-entry transfer, all in accordance with the
instructions set forth in the Letter of Transmittal and the Prospectus.     
   
  If holders of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) wish to tender Shares (and
Rights, if applicable), but it is impracticable for them to forward their
certificates or other required documents prior to the Expiration Date, a
tender may be effected by following the guaranteed delivery procedures
specified under "The Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in the Prospectus.     
 
  Any inquiries you may have with respect to the Offer should be addressed to
the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent at their respective addresses and
telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of the Prospectus.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
  Additional copies of the enclosed materials may be obtained from the
undersigned or by calling the Information Agent, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., at
(800) 322-2885 (toll free), or from brokers, dealers, commercial banks or
trust companies.
 
                             Very truly yours,
 
                             Salomon Brothers Inc
                                     Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
                                              Chase Securities Inc.
 
 
   NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU
 OR ANY OTHER PERSON AS AN AGENT OF WESTERN RESOURCES, THE DEALER MANAGERS,
 THE EXCHANGE AGENT OR THE INFORMATION AGENT, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF ANY OF THE
 FOREGOING, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR
 USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM IN
 CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS AND THE
 STATEMENTS CONTAINED THEREIN.
 
 
                                       3

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.4
 
                OFFER TO EXCHANGE EACH OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARE
          (INCLUDING THE ASSOCIATED PREFERENCE SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS)
 
                                      OF
 
                                  ADT LIMITED
 
                                      FOR
 
                          $7.50 NET PER SHARE IN CASH
 
                                      AND
 
                            $15.00 OF COMMON STOCK
                            (SUBJECT TO ADJUSTMENT)
 
                                      OF
 
                            WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
 
 
 
   THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON
      , 1997 UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). SHARES
 WHICH ARE TENDERED PURSUANT TO THE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR
 TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
To Our Clients:
   
  Enclosed for your consideration are the Prospectus dated      , 1997 (the
"Prospectus") and the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute
the "Offer") in connection with the offer by Western Resources, Inc., a Kansas
corporation ("Western Resources"), to exchange $7.50 net in cash and a number
of shares of common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of Western Resources
(the "Western Resources Common Stock") equal to the Exchange Ratio (as defined
in the Prospectus) for each outstanding common share, par value $0.10 per
share (each, a "Share" and collectively, the "Shares"), of ADT Limited, a
company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda ("ADT"), including the
associated preference share purchase rights (each, a "Right" and collectively,
the "Rights") issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement, dated as of November 6,
1996, between ADT and Citibank, N.A., New York branch, as Rights Agent, upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer. Shareholders
will be required to tender one Right for each Share tendered in order to
effect a valid tender of Shares, unless the Rights Plan Condition (as defined
in the Prospectus) has been satisfied or waived. Unless the ADT Distribution
Date (as defined in the Prospectus) occurs, a tender of Shares will constitute
a tender of the associated Rights.     
   
  Shareholders whose certificates evidencing Shares ("Share Certificates")
(and Rights, if applicable ("Rights Certificates") are not immediately
available or who cannot deliver their Share Certificates and, if applicable,
Rights Certificates, and all other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot
complete the procedure for delivery by book-entry transfer to the Exchange
Agent's account at a Book-Entry Transfer Facility (as defined in "The Offer--
Exchange of Shares; Delivery of Western Resources Common Stock and Cash
Consideration" in the Prospectus) on a timely basis and who wish to tender
their Shares (and Rights, if applicable) must do so pursuant to the guaranteed
delivery procedure described in "The Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in the
Prospectus. See Instruction 2 of the Letter of Transmittal. Delivery of
documents to a Book-Entry Transfer Facility in accordance with the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility's procedures does not constitute delivery to the Exchange
Agent.     
   
  THIS MATERIAL IS BEING FORWARDED TO YOU AS THE BENEFICIAL OWNER OF SHARES
(AND RIGHTS, IF APPLICABLE) HELD BY US FOR YOUR ACCOUNT BUT NOT REGISTERED IN
YOUR NAME. WE ARE THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF SHARES (AND RIGHTS, IF APPLICABLE)
HELD BY US FOR YOUR ACCOUNT. A TENDER OF SUCH SHARES (AND RIGHTS, IF
APPLICABLE) CAN     
<PAGE>
 
   
BE MADE ONLY BY US AS THE HOLDER OF RECORD AND PURSUANT TO YOUR INSTRUCTIONS.
THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS FURNISHED TO YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY AND
CANNOT BE USED BY YOU TO TENDER SHARES (AND RIGHTS, IF APPLICABLE) HELD BY US
FOR YOUR ACCOUNT.     
   
  Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish to have us
tender on your behalf any or all of the Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
held by us for your account, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Offer.     
 
  Please note the following:
     
    1. Western Resources is offering to acquire each outstanding Share (and
  associated Right, if applicable) in exchange for a number of shares of
  Western Resources Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio and the Cash
  Consideration (each as defined in the Prospectus).     
     
    2. The Offer is being made for all of the outstanding Shares (and
  associated Rights, if applicable).     
 
    3. The Offer and withdrawal rights will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern
  time, on      , 1997, unless the Offer is extended.
     
    4. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, the Minimum Tender
  Condition, the Western Resources Shareholder Approval Condition, the ADT
  Shareholder Approval Condition, the Rights Plan Condition, the ADT Bye-Law
  Condition, the Republic Warrant Condition and the Regulatory Approval
  Condition (in each case as defined in the Prospectus). See "The Offer--
  Conditions of the Offer--Minimum Tender Condition," "--Western Resources
  Shareholder Approval Condition," "--ADT Shareholder Approval Condition,"
  "--The Rights Plan Condition," "--The ADT Bye-Law Condition," "--The
  Republic Warrant Condition," "--Regulatory Approval Condition" and "--
  Certain Other Conditions of the Offer" in the Prospectus.     
     
    5. Tendering shareholders will not be obligated to pay brokerage fees or
  commissions or, subject to Instruction 6 of the Letter of Transmittal,
  stock transfer taxes on the transfer of Shares pursuant to the Offer.     
   
  The Offer is made solely by the Prospectus, dated      , 1997, and the
related Letter of Transmittal and any amendments thereto and is being made to
all holders of Shares (and Rights, if applicable). The Offer is not being made
to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance
thereof would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.
However, Western Resources may, in its sole discretion, take such action as it
may deem necessary to make the Offer in any such jurisdiction and extend the
Offer to holders of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) in such jurisdiction.
In any jurisdiction where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the
Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer shall be deemed to
be made on behalf of Western Resources by Salomon Brothers Inc, Bear, Stearns
& Co. Inc. and Chase Securities Inc., as Dealer Managers, or one or more
registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.
       
  If you wish to have us tender any or all of your Shares (and Rights, if
applicable), please so instruct us by completing, executing, detaching and
returning to us the instruction form contained in this letter. An envelope in
which to return your instructions to us is enclosed. If you authorize the
tender of your Shares (and Rights, if applicable), all such Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) will be tendered unless otherwise indicated in such
instruction form. PLEASE FORWARD YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
TO ALLOW US AMPLE TIME TO TENDER SHARES (AND RIGHTS, IF APPLICABLE) ON YOUR
BEHALF PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE OFFER.     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.5
 
            GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
                         NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
 
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE
PAYER.-- Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens:
i.e., 000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated
by only one hyphen: i.e. 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the
number to give the payer.
 
- -----------------------------------        -----------------------------------
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            GIVE THE
                            SOCIAL SECURITY
FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT:   NUMBER OF--
- --------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>
 1. An individual's         The individual
    account
 2. Two or more             The actual owner
    individuals (joint      of the account
    account)                or, if combined
                            funds, the first
                            individual on
                            the account(1)
 3. Custodian account of a  The minor(2)
    minor
    (Uniform Gift to
    Minors Act)
 4.a. The usual revocable   The grantor-
   savings trust account    trustee(1)
   (grantor is also
   trustee)
b. So-called trust account  The owner (3)
   that is not a legal or
   valid trust under State
   law
 5. Sole proprietorship     The owner
    account
- --------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           GIVE THE
                           SOCIAL SECURITY
FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT:  NUMBER OF--
 
<S>                        <C>
 6. A valid trust,         The legal entity
    estate, or pension     (Do not furnish
    trust                  the identifying
                           number of the
                           personal
                           representative
                           or trustee
                           unless the legal
                           entity itself is
                           not designated
                           in the account
                           title.)(4)
 7. Corporate account      The corporation
 8. Partnership account    The partnership
    held in the name of
    the business
 9. Association, club,     The organization
    religious,
    charitable, or
    other tax-exempt
    organization
10. A broker or            The broker or
    registered nominee     nominee
11. Account with the       The public
    Department of          entity
    Agriculture in the
    name of a public
    entity (such as a
    State or local
    government, school
    district, or
    prison) that
    receives an
    agricultural
    program payment
</TABLE>
 
                                           -----------------------------------
 
(1) List and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish.
(2) Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's social security number.
(3) Show the name of the owner. The name of the business or the "doing business
    as" name may also be entered. Either the social security number or the
    employer identification number may be used.
(4) List and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust.
 
NOTE: If no name is circled when there is more than one name, the number will
      be considered to be that of the first name listed.
<PAGE>
 
            GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
                         NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
                                    PAGE 2
OBTAINING A NUMBER
If you don't have a taxpayer identification number or you don't know your
number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, or
Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office
of the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service and
apply for a number.
 
PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL dividend and
interest payments and on broker transactions include the following:
 . A corporation.
 . A financial institution.
 . An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), or an individual
   retirement plan, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7).
 . The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
 . A State, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or
   any subdivision or instrumentality thereof.
 . A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government, or
   any agency or instrumentality thereof.
 . An international organization or any agency, or instrumentality thereof.
 . A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the U.S. or
   a possession of the U.S.
 . A real estate investment trust.
 . A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).
 . An exempt charitable remainder trust, or a non-exempt trust described in
   section 4947(a)(1).
 . An entity registered at all times under the Investment Company Act of
   1940.
 . A foreign central bank of issue.
Payments of dividends and patronage dividends not generally subject to backup
withholding include the following:
 . Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441.
 . Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the U.S.
   and which have at least one nonresident partner.
 . Payments of patronage dividends where the amount received is not paid in
   money.
 . Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
 . Payments made to a nominee.
Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the
following:
 . Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. Note: You may
   be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more and is
   paid in the course of the payer's trade or business and you have not
   provided your correct taxpayer identification number to the payer.
 . Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends under
   section 852).
 . Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to nonresident aliens.
 . Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451.
 . Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
 . Payments made to a nominee.
Exempt payees described above should file the Substitute Form W-9 to avoid
possible erroneous backup withholding. Complete the Substitute Form W-9 as
follows:
ENTER YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WRITE "EXEMPT" ON THE FACE OF THE
FORM, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE FORM TO THE PAYER.
 Certain payments other than interest dividends, and patronage dividends, that
are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to backup
withholding. For details, see the regulations under sections 6041, 6041A(a),
6042, 6044, 6045, 6049, 6050A and 6050N and the regulations thereunder.
 
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE.--Section 6109 requires most recipients of dividend,
interest, or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payers
who must report the payments to IRS. IRS uses the numbers for identification
purposes. Payers must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are
required to file tax returns. Beginning January 1, 1984, payers must generally
withhold 31% of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a
payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a payer.
Certain penalties may also apply.
 
PENALTIES
(1) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.--If you
fail to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payer, you are
subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due
to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
(2) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING.--If you
make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no imposition
of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.
(3) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION.--Willfully falsifying
certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including
fines and/or imprisonment.
(4) MISUSE OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS.--If the payer discloses or uses
taxpayer identification numbers in violation of Federal law, the payer may be
subject to civil and criminal penalties.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE
SERVICE.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.6
 
This announcement is neither an offer to exchange nor a solicitation of an
offer to exchange Shares. The Offer is made solely by the Prospectus, dated
     , 1997, and the related Letter of Transmittal, and is not being made to,
nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Shares in any
jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or the acceptance thereof would
not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction
where securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offer to be made by a
licensed broker or dealer, the Offer shall be deemed to be made on behalf of
Western Resources, Inc. by Salomon Brothers Inc, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and
Chase Securities Inc. or one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed
under the laws of such jurisdiction.
 
                          NOTICE OF OFFER TO EXCHANGE
                         EACH OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARE
          (INCLUDING THE ASSOCIATED PREFERENCE SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS)
 
                                      OF
 
                                  ADT LIMITED
 
                                      FOR
 
                          $7.50 NET PER SHARE IN CASH
 
                                      AND
 
                            $15.00 OF COMMON STOCK
     
  (SUBJECT TO DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENT ONLY IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED BELOW)
                                         
                                      OF
 
                            WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
 
  Western Resources, Inc., a Kansas corporation ("Western Resources"), and
Westar Capital, Inc. a Kansas corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
Western Resources ("Westar Capital"), hereby offer, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated      , 1997 (the
"Prospectus"), and in the related Letter of Transmittal (collectively, the
"Offer"), to exchange $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 in shares of common stock,
par value $5.00 per share, of Western Resources ("Western Resources Common
Stock"), subject to adjustment as described below, for each outstanding common
share, par value $0.10 per share (each a "Share" and collectively, the
"Shares"), of ADT, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda ("ADT"),
including the associated preference share purchase rights (each, a "Right" and
collectively, the "Rights") issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement, dated as
of November 6, 1996, between ADT and Citibank, N.A., New York branch, as
Rights Agent (the "Rights Agreement"), validly tendered on or prior to the
Expiration Date and not properly withdrawn. Unless the context otherwise
requires and unless and until the Rights are redeemed, all references to
Shares shall include the associated Rights. All references herein to Rights
shall include all benefits that may inure to holders of the Rights pursuant to
the Rights Agreement. Each Share validly tendered on or prior to the
Expiration Date and not properly withdrawn will be entitled to receive $7.00
net in cash (the "Cash Consideration") and that number of shares of Western
Resources Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio (as defined below) (the
"Stock Consideration" and, together with the Cash Consideration, the "Offer
Consideration").
   
  The term "Exchange Ratio" means the quotient (rounded to the nearest
1/100,000) determined by dividing $15.00 by the average of the high and low
sales prices of Western Resources Common Stock (as reported on the New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") Composite Transactions reporting system as
published in The Wall Street Journal or, if not published therein, in another
authoritative source) (the "Western Resources Average Price") on each of the
twenty consecutive trading days ending with the third trading day immediately
preceding the Expiration Date; provided that the Exchange Ratio shall not be
greater than 0.50420. Pursuant to the Exchange Ratio, each Share will be
exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock
as long as the Western Resources Average Price is $29.75 or higher. If the
Western Resources Average Price is less than $29.75, each Share will be
exchanged for $7.50 net in cash and less than     
<PAGE>
 
   
$15.00 of Western Resources Common Stock. Western Resources Common Stock is
listed for trading under the symbol "WR" on the NYSE. On    , 1997, the
closing price of the Western Resources Common Stock on the NYSE was $   .
Based on such closing price, the Exchange Ratio would be     and each Share
would be converted into $7.50 net in cash and $15.00 of Western Resources
Common Stock. The Exchange Ratio will change as the market price of the
Western Resources Common Stock changes. ADT Shareholders may call (800)
any time on or after the date hereof through the Expiration Date for the
current Exchange Ratio calculated based on the then-current Western Resources
Average Price for the twenty consecutive trading days ending with the third
trading day immediately preceding the date the call is placed. The actual
Western Resources Average Price and Exchange Ratio will be calculated as of
the third trading day immediately prior to the Expiration Date, as described
above, and a press release will be issued announcing the actual Exchange Ratio
prior to the opening of the second trading day prior to the Expiration Date
(as it may be extended from time to time).     
 
 
  THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON
                        , 1997 , UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
   
  The purpose of the Offer is to enable Western Resources to obtain control of
ADT. Western Resources presently intends, following consummation of the Offer,
to propose and seek to have ADT effect an amalgamation of a newly created
subsidiary of Western Resources incorporated under the laws of Bermuda with
and into ADT, with the amalgamated company operating under the name of ADT
(the "Amalgamation"). In the Amalgamation, each then outstanding Share (other
than Shares owned by Western Resources or any of its affiliates, Shares held
in the treasury of ADT (if ADT is so authorized) or by any subsidiary of ADT
and Shares owned by ADT Shareholders who perfect appraisal rights under
Bermuda law) would be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive the Offer
Consideration. ADT has not agreed to provide Western Resources with all
information that might be relevant to the structuring of the Amalgamation.
Western Resources therefore reserves the right to change the structure of the
Amalgamation upon receipt of such information.     
   
  Western Resources' obligation to exchange the Offer Consideration for Shares
pursuant to the Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, the
satisfaction or, where applicable, waiver of the following conditions: (i)
there being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date a
number of Shares which, together with Shares owned by Western Resources and
its affiliates, will constitute at least a majority of the total number of
outstanding Shares on a fully diluted basis (as though all options or other
securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Shares had been
so converted, exercised or exchanged) as of the date the Shares are accepted
for exchange by Western Resources pursuant to the Offer, (ii) approval of the
issuance of shares of Western Resources Common Stock in connection with the
Offer and the Amalgamation and approval of an amendment to the Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Western Resources to increase the number
of shares of Western Resources Common Stock authorized for issuance, by the
holders (voting as a single class) of a majority of the shares of Western
Resources Common Stock and Western Resources preferred stock outstanding on
the applicable record date, (iii) the approval by a majority of those Shares
voted at a special meeting of ADT Shareholders, which has been requisitioned
by Westar Capital pursuant to Section 74 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda,
as amended and Bye-Law 42 of the ADT Bye-Laws, of the following actions: (A)
the removal, pursuant to Section 93 of the Companies Act and Bye-Law 71 of the
ADT Bye-Laws, of all of the present members of the Board of Directors of ADT
(the "ADT Board") and any person or persons elected or designated by any of
such directors to fill any vacancy or newly created directorship, (B) the
reduction of the number of seats on the ADT Board to two and (C) the election
of Steven L. Kitchen and Steven A. Millstein (the "Western Resources
Nominees") as the directors of ADT (or, if either Western Resources Nominee is
unable to serve as a director of ADT due to death, disability or otherwise,
any other person designated as a Western Resources Nominee by Western
Resources), (iv) the ADT Board having redeemed the Rights or amended the
Rights Agreement so that the Rights are inapplicable to the acquisition of
Shares pursuant to the Offer, or Western Resources being otherwise satisfied
in its sole discretion that the Rights are invalid or are not applicable to
the acquisition of Shares pursuant to the Offer, (v) Western Resources and
Westar Capital being satisfied, in their sole discretion, that the provisions
of Bye-Law 104 and Bye-Law 46 of the ADT Bye-Laws do not and will not apply to
Western Resources, Westar Capital or the acquisition of Shares pursuant to the
Offer     
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
   
so as (A) to require Western Resources or Westar Capital to comply with the
provisions of Bye-Law 104 of the ADT Bye-Laws or (B) to prevent Western
Resources, Westar Capital or any of their affiliates from voting Shares owned
by any of them at any time, (vi) the receipt by Westar Capital of a final
judgment from a court of competent jurisdiction declaring the Republic Warrant
(as defined in the Prospectus) invalid or the expiration of the Republic
Warrant prior to the Expiration Date without having been exercised, and (vii)
all regulatory approvals required to consummate the Offer having been obtained
and remaining in full force and effect, all statutory waiting periods in
respect thereof having expired and no such approval containing any conditions
or restrictions which the Western Resources Board of Directors determines will
or could be expected materially to impair the strategic and financial benefits
expected to result from the Offer.     
   
  The term "Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on      , 1997,
unless and until Western Resources, in its sole discretion, shall have
extended the period of time during which the Offer is open, in which event the
term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest time and date at which the Offer,
as so extended by Western Resources, will expire.     
   
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (including, if the
Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension
or amendment), Western Resources will accept for exchange, and will exchange,
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) validly tendered and not properly withdrawn
as promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date. In addition, subject
to applicable rules of the Commission, Western Resources expressly reserves
the right to delay acceptance of or the exchange of Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) in order to comply with any applicable law. In all cases, exchange
of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered and accepted for exchange
pursuant to the Offer will be made only after receipt by Harris Trust Company
of New York (the "Exchange Agent") of certificates for such Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) (or a confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such
Shares (and Rights, if applicable) into the Exchange Agent's account at The
Depository Trust Company or the Philadelphia Depository Trust Company
(collectively, the "Book-Entry Transfer Facilities")), a properly completed
and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other
required documents.     
   
  For purposes of the Offer, Western Resources will be deemed to have accepted
for exchange Shares (and Rights, if applicable) validly tendered and not
withdrawn as, if and when Western Resources gives oral or written notice to
the Exchange Agent of its acceptance of the tenders of such Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) pursuant to the Offer. Delivery of Western Resources
Common Stock and Cash Consideration in exchange for Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) pursuant to the Offer and cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Western Resources Common Stock will be made by the Exchange Agent as soon as
practicable after receipt of such notice. The Exchange Agent will act as agent
for tendering ADT Shareholders for the purpose of receiving Western Resources
Common Stock, the Cash Consideration and cash to be paid in lieu of fractional
shares of Western Resources Common Stock from Western Resources and
transmitting such Western Resources Common Stock and cash to tendering ADT
Shareholders. Under no circumstances will interest with respect to fractional
shares be paid by Western Resources by reason of any delay in making such
exchange.     
   
  Tenders of Shares (and Rights, if applicable) made pursuant to the Offer are
irrevocable, except that Shares (and Rights, if applicable) tendered pursuant
to the Offer may be withdrawn pursuant to the procedures set forth in the
Prospectus at any time prior to the Expiration Date and, unless theretofore
accepted for exchange and exchanged by Western Resources for the Offer
Consideration pursuant to the Offer, may also be withdrawn at any time after
     , 1997.     
   
  For a withdrawal to be effective, a written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile
transmission notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the Exchange
Agent at one of its addresses set forth on the back cover of the Prospectus,
and must specify the name of the person having tendered the Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) to be withdrawn, the number of Shares (and Rights, if
applicable) to be withdrawn and the name of the registered holder, if
different from that of the person who tendered such Shares (and Rights, if
applicable). The signature(s) on the notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed
by a financial institution (including most banks, savings and loan
associations and brokerage houses) which is a participant in the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion
Signature Program or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (an "Eligible
Institution") unless such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) have been
tendered for the     
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
   
account of any Eligible Institution. If Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
have been tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry tender as set
forth in the Prospectus, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and
number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with
the withdrawn Shares (and Rights, if applicable) and must otherwise comply
with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures. If certificates have been
delivered or otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent, the name of the
registered holder and the serial numbers of the particular certificates
evidencing the Shares (and Rights, if applicable) withdrawn must also be
furnished to the Exchange Agent as aforesaid prior to the physical release of
such certificates.     
 
  All questions as to the form and validity (including time of receipt) of any
notice of withdrawal will be determined by Western Resources, in its sole
discretion, which determination shall be final and binding. Neither Western
Resources, the Exchange Agent, the Information Agent, the Dealer Managers nor
any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or
irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or will incur any liability for
failure to give any such notification. Any Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
properly withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for
purposes of the Offer. However, withdrawn Shares (and Rights, if applicable)
may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under the
caption "The Offer--Procedure for Tendering" in the Prospectus at any time
prior to the Expiration Date. A withdrawal of Shares shall also constitute a
withdrawal of the associated Rights. Rights may not be withdrawn unless the
associated Shares are also withdrawn.
   
  Subject to the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, Western
Resources expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, at any time or
from time to time, to delay acceptance for, exchange of, or, regardless of
whether such Shares (and Rights, if applicable) were theretofore accepted for
exchange, exchange of, any Shares, exchange of, pursuant to the Offer, or to
terminate the Offer and not accept for exchange or exchange any Shares (and
Rights, if applicable) not theretofore accepted for exchange, or exchanged,
upon the failure of any of the conditions of the Offer to be satisfied and to
waive any condition (other than the Western Resources Shareholder Approval
Condition, the Regulatory Approval Condition and the condition relating to the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement (each as defined in the
Prospectus)) or otherwise amend the Offer in any respect, by giving oral or
written notice of such delay, termination or amendment to the Exchange Agent
and by making a public announcement thereof.     
 
  The information required to be disclosed by paragraph (e)(1)(vii) of Rule
14d-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), is incorporated herein by reference.
 
  Requests have been made to ADT pursuant to Rule 14d-5 under the Exchange Act
and Section 66 of the Companies Act for the use of ADT's shareholder lists and
security position listings for the purpose of disseminating the Offer to
holders of Shares. The Prospectus, the related Letter of Transmittal and other
relevant materials will be mailed to record holders of Shares, and will be
furnished to brokers, dealers, banks, trust companies and similar persons
whose names, or the names of whose nominees, appear on the shareholder lists,
or if applicable, who are listed as participants in a clearing agency's
security position listing, for subsequent transmittal to beneficial owners of
Shares, by Western Resources following receipt of such lists or listings from
ADT or by ADT, if ADT so elects.
 
  The Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal contain important information
that should be read before any decision is made with respect to the Offer.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to or additional
copies of the Prospectus, the Letter of Transmittal, the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery or other Offer documents may be obtained from the Information Agent
or the Dealer Managers at their respective telephone numbers and addresses set
forth below or from your broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company.
Copies of the foregoing will be furnished at Western Resources' expense. No
fees or commissions will be payable to brokers, dealers or other persons other
than the Dealer Managers and the Information Agent for soliciting tenders of
Shares pursuant to the Offer.
 
                    The Information Agent for the Offer is:
 
 
                          [LOGO]   MACKENZIE 
                                PARTNERS, INC.
      
   156 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10010 (800) 322-2885 (toll-free)     
 
                    The Dealer Managers for the Offer are:
 
                             SALOMON BROTHERS INC
 
                           Seven World Trade Center
                           New York, New York 10048
                         (212) 783-5827 (call collect)
 
                           BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
 
                                245 Park Avenue
                           New York, New York 10167
                          (888) 221-3671 (toll-free)
 
                             CHASE SECURITIES INC.
 
                                270 Park Avenue
                           New York, New York 10017
                         (212) 270-3582 (call collect)
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                       INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE
 
                OFFER TO EXCHANGE EACH OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARE
          (INCLUDING THE ASSOCIATED PREFERENCE SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS)
 
                                      OF
 
                                  ADT LIMITED
 
                                      FOR
 
                          $7.50 NET PER SHARE IN CASH
 
                                      AND
 
                            $15.00 OF COMMON STOCK
                            (SUBJECT TO ADJUSTMENT)
 
                                      OF
 
                            WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
   
  The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed
Prospectus, dated      , 1997 (the "Prospectus"), and the related Letter of
Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer") relating to the Offer by
Western Resources, Inc., a Kansas corporation ("Western Resources"), to
exchange $7.50 net in cash and a number of shares of common stock, par value
$5.00 per share, of Western Resources equal to the Exchange Ratio (as defined
in the Prospectus) for each outstanding common share, par value $0.10 per
share (collectively, the "Shares"), of ADT Limited, a company incorporated
under the laws of Bermuda, including the associated preference share purchase
rights (each, a "Right" and collectively, the "Rights") issued pursuant to the
Rights Agreement, dated as of November 6, 1996, between ADT and Citibank,
N.A., New York branch, as Rights Agent.     
 
  You are instructed to tender to Western Resources the number of Shares, and
associated Rights, indicated below (or, if no number is indicated below, all
Shares, and associated Rights) that are held by you for the account of the
undersigned, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Offer.
 
 
 
   Number of Shares, and associated                     SIGN HERE
       Rights, to be tendered*
 
                                          _____________________________________
 
 
                    Shares
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                                      Signature(s)
                 Rights     
 
 
                                          _____________________________________
Account Number: _____________________
 
 
                                          _____________________________________
Dated: _______________________ , 1997     Please Print Name(s) and Address(es)
                                                          Here
 
                                          _____________________________________
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                            Area Code and Telephone Number(s)
 
                                          _____________________________________
                                              Tax Identification or Social
                                                   Security Number(s)
 
- --------
* Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all of your Shares (and
  associated Rights) held by us for your account are to be tendered.
 
                                       6


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