KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES INC
S-4, 1996-07-30
STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING MILLS (COKE OVENS)
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<PAGE>   1
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 30, 1996
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 33-
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                             ---------------------
                                    FORM S-4
 
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                            <C>
           DELAWARE                         3315                        37-0364250
 (State or other jurisdiction   (Primary Standard Industrial         (I.R.S. Employer
      of incorporation or        Classification Code Number)      Identification Number)
          organization)
                                                               RALPH P. END
                                                    VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                                                  KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
             THREE LINCOLN CENTRE                          THREE LINCOLN CENTRE
         5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1740                  5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1740
           DALLAS, TEXAS 75240-2697                      DALLAS, TEXAS 75240-2697
                (214) 458-0028                                (214) 458-0028
 (Address, including zip code, and telephone     (Name, address, including zip code, and
                    number,                                 telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal   including area code, of agent for service)
              executive offices)
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   Copies to:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
             JAMES G. VETTER, JR.                              PETER GOLDEN
            GODWIN & CARLTON, P.C.               FRIED, FRANK, HARRIS, SHRIVER & JACOBSON
         901 MAIN STREET, SUITE 2500                        ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
           DALLAS, TEXAS 75202-3714                      NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: As promptly as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes
effective and the effective time of the proposed merger of a wholly owned
subsidiary of Registrant with DeSoto, Inc. ("DeSoto"), as described in the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of June 26, 1996 attached as
Appendix A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus forming a part 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. / /
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================
                                                  PROPOSED MAXIMUM   PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS                                OFFERING PRICE      AGGREGATE       AMOUNT OF
OF SECURITIES TO BE             AMOUNT TO BE           PER              OFFERING     REGISTRATION
  REGISTERED                     REGISTERED          UNIT(1)             PRICE           FEE

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                  <C>             <C>             <C>
Common Stock,
  $1.00 par value...............  3,500,000 Shares(1)     N.A.(2)     $27,838,105(2)   $9,599.35
=================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Represents the maximum number of shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, of
    Registrant issuable to stockholders of DeSoto upon consummation of the
    merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Registrant with and into DeSoto (the
    "Merger").
 
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the
    registration fee in accordance with Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of
    1933, as amended, and Rule 457(f)(1) thereunder on the basis of $5.9375, the
    average of the high and low sale prices of common stock, $1.00 par value, of
    DeSoto ("DeSoto Common Stock") as reported in the consolidated reporting
    system for the New York Stock Exchange on July 22, 1996, and [4,688,523],
    the maximum number of shares of DeSoto Common Stock that may be cancelled in
    the Merger.
                             ---------------------
 
     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, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                    CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FURNISHED PURSUANT
                        TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM NO.                 FORM S-4 CAPTION                      PROSPECTUS CAPTION OR PAGE
- --------  -----------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------
<S>       <C>                                              <C>
A.        INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
Item 1    Forepart of Registration Statement and Outside
          Front Cover Page of Prospectus.................  Outside Front Page of Prospectus
Item 2    Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
          Prospectus.....................................  Available Information;
                                                           Incorporation of Certain Documents
                                                             by Reference; Table of Contents
Item 3    Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
          Charges and Other Information..................  Summary; Risk Factors; The Merger
                                                             and Related Transactions;
                                                             Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
                                                             Financial Information
Item 4    Terms of Transaction...........................  Summary; The Merger and Related
                                                             Transactions; The Reorganization
                                                             Agreement; Description of
                                                             Keystone Capital Stock;
                                                             Comparison of Rights of
                                                             Stockholders of Keystone and
                                                             DeSoto
Item 5    Pro Forma Financial Information................  Summary; Unaudited Pro Forma
                                                             Consolidated Financial
                                                             Information
Item 6    Material Contacts with the Company
          Being Acquired.................................  Summary; The Merger and Related
                                                             Transactions
Item 7    Additional Information Required for Reoffering
          by Persons and Parties Deemed to be
          Underwriters...................................  Not Applicable
Item 8    Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.........  Experts
Item 9    Disclosure of Commission Position on
          Indemnification for Securities Acts
          Liabilities....................................  Comparison of Rights of
                                                           Stockholders of Keystone and DeSoto
B.        INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGISTRANT
Item 10   Information with Respect to S-3 Registrants....  Not Applicable
Item 11   Incorporation of Certain Information by
          Reference......................................  Not Applicable
Item 12   Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
          Registrants....................................  Available Information;
                                                           Incorporation of Certain Documents
                                                             by Reference; Summary; Risk
                                                             Factors; Certain Information
                                                             About Keystone; Unaudited Pro
                                                             Forma Consolidated Financial
                                                             Information
Item 13   Incorporation of Certain Information by
          Reference......................................  Available Information;
                                                           Incorporation of Certain Documents
                                                             by Reference
Item 14   Information with Respect to Registrants Other
          Than S-3 or S-2 Registrants....................  Not Applicable
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM NO.                 FORM S-4 CAPTION                      PROSPECTUS CAPTION OR PAGE
- --------  -----------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------
<S>       <C>                                              <C>
C.        INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY BEING ACQUIRED
Item 15   Information with Respect to S-3 Companies......  Not Applicable
Item 16   Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
          Companies......................................  Not Applicable
Item 17   Information with Respect to Companies Other
          Than S-3 or S-2 Companies......................  Available Information; Summary;
                                                           Risk Factors; Information About
                                                             DeSoto; Unaudited Pro Forma
                                                             Consolidated Financial
                                                             Information; DeSoto Financial
                                                             Statements
D.        VOTING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
Item 18   Information if Proxies, Consents or
          Authorizations are to be Solicited.............  Incorporation of Certain Documents
                                                           by Reference; Summary; The Keystone
                                                             Meeting; The DeSoto Meeting; The
                                                             Merger and Related Transactions;
                                                             The Reorganization Agreement;
                                                             Information About DeSoto; Certain
                                                             Information About Keystone;
                                                             Stockholder Proposals
Item 19   Information if Proxies, Consents or
          Authorizations are not to be Solicited or in an
          Exchange Offer.................................  Not Applicable
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
 
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
                              THREE LINCOLN CENTRE
                          5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1740
                            DALLAS, TEXAS 75240-2697
 
                                            , 1996
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
     A special meeting of stockholders (the "Keystone Meeting") of Keystone
Consolidated Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Keystone"), will be held
on Thursday, September 26, 1996, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of
Keystone at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas, Texas
75240-2697.
 
     At the Keystone Meeting you will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve the issuance of Keystone common stock, $1.00 par value per
share ("Keystone Common Stock") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization dated as of June 26, 1996 (the "Reorganization Agreement"),
between Keystone and DeSoto, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("DeSoto"), which
provides for the merger of DeSoto with a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary
of Keystone ("Sub"), with DeSoto surviving the merger as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Keystone (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding
share of DeSoto common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("DeSoto Common Stock"),
and the associated rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement between DeSoto
and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (other than shares owned by DeSoto or its
subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive .7465 of a share (the
"Exchange Ratio") of Keystone Common Stock; each outstanding share of DeSoto
Series B Senior Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share, will be converted
into the right to receive the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Series A
Senior Preferred Stock, no par value per share; and each outstanding option to
purchase DeSoto Common Stock will be assumed by Keystone, and at the effective
time of the Merger each such option will constitute an option to acquire for the
same aggregate exercise price such number of shares of Keystone Common Stock as
the holder would have been entitled to receive had such holder exercised such
option in full immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger. Pursuant
to a warrant conversion agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, one-half of
the warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
("DeSoto Warrants") will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of the DeSoto
Warrants will be converted into warrants to purchase 447,900 shares of Keystone
Common Stock ("Keystone Warrants") (representing the shares of DeSoto Common
Stock subject to the remaining DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio)
at an exercise price of approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise
price of a DeSoto Warrant divided by the Exchange Ratio). The Merger is
structured to qualify as a tax free reorganization pursuant to Section 368 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, the Keystone Board of Directors will be
expanded to include William Spier and William P. Lyons, two current directors of
DeSoto, in addition to the current members of the Board of Directors of
Keystone.
 
     Your Board of Directors has carefully considered the terms and conditions
of the proposed Merger and has determined that the issuance of Keystone Common
Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger is fair to, and in
the best interests of, Keystone and its stockholders. In addition, the Board of
Directors has received a written opinion from its financial advisor, PaineWebber
Incorporated, that, as of the date hereof, the consideration to be paid by
Keystone in the Merger is fair to Keystone stockholders (except for Contran
Corporation and its affiliates as to whom PaineWebber Incorporated has expressed
no opinion) from a financial point of view.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS OF KEYSTONE
APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO THE REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT.
 
     In the material accompanying this letter, you will find a Notice of Special
Meeting of Stockholders, a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the
actions to be taken by Keystone stockholders at the Keystone Meeting (as well as
the actions to be taken by the DeSoto stockholders at their special meeting) and
a proxy. The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus more fully describes the proposed
Merger and includes information about Keystone and DeSoto.
 
     All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Keystone Meeting in
person. However, whether or not you plan to attend the Keystone Meeting, please
complete, sign, date and return your proxy in the enclosed envelope. If you
attend the Keystone Meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, even though you
have previously returned your proxy. It is important that your shares be
represented and voted at the Keystone Meeting.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          Glenn R. Simmons
                                          Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                          Executive Officer
<PAGE>   5
 
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
                              THREE LINCOLN CENTRE
                          5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1740
                            DALLAS, TEXAS 75240-2697
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                        TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1996
 
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.:
 
     A special meeting of stockholders (the "Keystone Meeting") of Keystone
Consolidated Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Keystone"), will be held
on Thursday, September 26, 1996, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of
Keystone at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas, Texas
75240-2697, for the following purposes:
 
          1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of
     Keystone common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("Keystone Common Stock")
     pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of June 26,
     1996 (the "Reorganization Agreement"), between Keystone and DeSoto, Inc., a
     Delaware corporation ("DeSoto"), which provides for the merger of DeSoto
     with a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of Keystone ("Sub"), with
     DeSoto surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Keystone (the
     "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of DeSoto common
     stock, $1.00 par value per share ("DeSoto Common Stock"), and the
     associated rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement between DeSoto
     and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (other than shares owned by DeSoto or its
     subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive .7465 of a share
     (the "Exchange Ratio") of Keystone Common Stock; each outstanding share of
     DeSoto Series B Senior Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share will be
     converted into the right to receive the Exchange Ratio of a share of
     Keystone Series A Senior Preferred Stock, no par value per share; and each
     outstanding option to purchase DeSoto Common Stock will be assumed by
     Keystone, and at the effective time of the Merger each such option will
     constitute an option to acquire for the same aggregate exercise price such
     number of shares of Keystone Common Stock as the holder would have been
     entitled to receive had such holder exercised such option in full
     immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger. Pursuant to a
     warrant conversion agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, one-half of
     the warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of DeSoto Common
     Stock ("DeSoto Warrants") will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of
     the DeSoto Warrants will be converted into warrants to purchase 447,900
     shares of Keystone Common Stock ("Keystone Warrants") (representing the
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to the remaining DeSoto Warrants
     multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an exercise price of approximately
     $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price of a DeSoto Warrant
     divided by the Exchange Ratio). The Merger is structured to qualify as a
     tax free reorganization pursuant to Section 368 of the Internal Revenue
     Code of 1986, as amended.
 
          2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
     Keystone Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
     The foregoing items of business are fully described in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus accompanying this Notice.
 
     Only stockholders of record of Keystone Common Stock at the close of
business on August 23, 1996 are entitled to notice of, and will be entitled to
vote at, the Keystone Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Approval of the
issuance of shares of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares of Keystone Common Stock present in person or by proxy at the Keystone
Meeting and voting.
 
                                          BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
                                          Glenn R. Simmons
                                          Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                          Executive Officer
 
Dallas, Texas
            , 1996
 
TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE KEYSTONE MEETING, YOU ARE
URGED TO COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE
POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE KEYSTONE
MEETING IN PERSON. YOUR PROXY CAN BE WITHDRAWN BY YOU AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS
VOTED.
<PAGE>   6
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
                           900 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
                             JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60433
 
                                            , 1996
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
     A special meeting of stockholders (the "DeSoto Meeting") of DeSoto, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("DeSoto"), will be held on Thursday, September 26, 1996,
at 10:00 a.m., local time, at                          .
 
     At the DeSoto Meeting you will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as
of June 26, 1996 (the "Reorganization Agreement"), between Keystone Consolidated
Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Keystone"), and DeSoto, which
provides for the merger of DeSoto with a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary
of Keystone ("Sub"), with DeSoto surviving the merger as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Keystone (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding
share of DeSoto common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("DeSoto Common Stock"),
and the associated rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement between DeSoto
and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (other than shares owned by DeSoto or its
subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive .7465 of a share (the
"Exchange Ratio") of Keystone common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("Keystone
Common Stock"); each outstanding share of DeSoto Series B Senior Preferred
Stock, $1.00 par value per share, will be converted into the right to receive
the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Series A Senior Preferred Stock, no
par value per share; and each outstanding option to purchase DeSoto Common Stock
will be assumed by Keystone, and at the effective time of the Merger each such
option will constitute an option to acquire for the same aggregate exercise
price such number of shares of Keystone Common Stock as the holder would have
been entitled to receive had such holder exercised such option in full
immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger. Pursuant to a warrant
conversion agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, one-half of the warrants
to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock ("DeSoto
Warrants") will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of the DeSoto Warrants
will be converted into warrants to purchase 447,900 shares of Keystone Common
Stock ("Keystone Warrants") (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock
subject to the remaining DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an
exercise price of approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price
of a DeSoto Warrant divided by the Exchange Ratio). The Merger is structured to
qualify as a tax free reorganization pursuant to Section 368 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, the Keystone Board of Directors will be
expanded to include William Spier, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of DeSoto, and William P. Lyons, another current director of DeSoto, in
addition to all of the current members of the Board of Directors of Keystone.
 
     Your Board of Directors has carefully considered the terms and conditions
of the proposed Merger and has determined that the Merger is fair to, and in the
best interests of, DeSoto and its stockholders. In addition, the Board of
Directors has received a written opinion from its financial advisor, Salomon
Brothers Inc, that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio in the Merger is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
DESOTO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
     In the material accompanying this letter, you will find a Notice of Special
Meeting of Stockholders, a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the
actions to be taken by DeSoto stockholders at the DeSoto Meeting (as well as the
actions to be taken by the Keystone stockholders at their special meeting) and a
proxy. The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus more fully describes the proposed
Merger and includes information about Keystone and DeSoto.
 
     All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the DeSoto Meeting in
person. However, whether or not you plan to attend the DeSoto Meeting, please
complete, sign, date and return your proxy in the enclosed envelope. If you
attend the DeSoto Meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, even though you
have previously returned your proxy. It is important that your shares be
represented and voted at the DeSoto Meeting.
 
                                           Sincerely,
 
                                           William Spier
                                           Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                           Executive Officer
<PAGE>   7
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
                           900 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
                             JOLIET, ILLINOIS 60433
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                   TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1996
 
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF DESOTO, INC.:
 
     A special meeting of stockholders (the "DeSoto Meeting") of DeSoto, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("DeSoto"), will be held on Thursday, September 26, 1996,
at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of DeSoto at
                         , for the following purposes:
 
          1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the
     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of June 26, 1996 (the
     "Reorganization Agreement"), between Keystone Consolidated Industries,
     Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Keystone"), and DeSoto, which provides for
     the merger of DeSoto with a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of
     Keystone ("Sub"), with DeSoto surviving the merger as a wholly owned
     subsidiary of Keystone (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each
     outstanding share of DeSoto common stock, $1.00 par value per share
     ("DeSoto Common Stock"), and the associated rights issued pursuant to the
     Rights Agreement between DeSoto and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (other
     than shares owned by DeSoto or its subsidiaries) will be converted into the
     right to receive .7465 of a share (the "Exchange Ratio") of Keystone common
     stock, $1.00 par value per share ("Keystone Common Stock"); each
     outstanding share of DeSoto Senior Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per
     share ("DeSoto Preferred Stock"), will be converted into the right to
     receive the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Series A Senior Preferred
     Stock, no par value per share; and each outstanding option to purchase
     DeSoto Common Stock will be assumed by Keystone, and at the effective time
     of the Merger each such option will constitute an option to acquire for the
     same aggregate exercise price such number of shares of Keystone Common
     Stock as the holder would have been entitled to receive had such holder
     exercised such option in full immediately prior to the effective time of
     the Merger. Pursuant to a warrant conversion agreement, upon consummation
     of the Merger, one-half of the warrants to purchase an aggregate of
     1,200,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock ("DeSoto Warrants") will be
     cancelled and the remaining one-half of the DeSoto Warrants will be
     converted into warrants to purchase 447,900 shares of Keystone Common Stock
     ("Keystone Warrants") (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     subject to the remaining DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio)
     at an exercise price of approximately $9.38 per share (representing the
     exercise price of a DeSoto Warrant divided by the Exchange Ratio). The
     Merger is structured to qualify as a tax free reorganization pursuant to
     Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
          2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
     DeSoto Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
     The foregoing items of business are fully described in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus accompanying this Notice.
 
     Only stockholders of record of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred
Stock at the close of business on August 23, 1996 are entitled to notice of, and
will be entitled to vote at, the DeSoto Meeting. Approval of the Reorganization
Agreement and the Merger will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred
Stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
 
                                       BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
                                       William Spier
                                       Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
                                       Officer
 
Joliet, Illinois
               , 1996
 
TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE DESOTO MEETING, YOU ARE URGED
TO COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE
POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE DESOTO
MEETING IN PERSON. YOUR PROXY CAN BE WITHDRAWN BY YOU AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS
VOTED.
 
                        THE PROXY SOLICITOR FOR DESOTO:
 
                            GEORGESON & COMPANY INC.
 
                         CALL TOLL-FREE (800) 223-2064
<PAGE>   8
 
                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED JULY 30, 1996
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                  DESOTO, INC.
                             JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
                             ---------------------
 
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Keystone") and DeSoto, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("DeSoto") and this Prospectus of Keystone (the "Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus") is being furnished to the stockholders of Keystone, in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Keystone Board of Directors
for use at the special meeting of Keystone stockholders (the "Keystone Meeting")
to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Thursday, September 26, 1996, at Three
Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697, and at
any adjournments or postponements of the Keystone Meeting.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to the
stockholders of DeSoto, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
DeSoto Board of Directors for use at the special meeting of DeSoto stockholders
(the "DeSoto Meeting") to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Thursday,
September 26, 1996, at                                     , and at any
adjournments or postponements of the DeSoto Meeting.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes the Prospectus of
Keystone for use in connection with the offer and issuance of shares of Keystone
common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("Keystone Common Stock"), and shares of
Keystone Series A Senior Preferred Stock, no par value per share ("Keystone
Preferred Stock"), pursuant to the merger (the "Merger") of a newly formed,
wholly owned subsidiary of Keystone ("Sub") with and into DeSoto. As a result of
the Merger, DeSoto will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Keystone. Upon the
effectiveness of the Merger (the "Effective Time"), each outstanding share of
DeSoto common stock, $1.00 par value per share ("DeSoto Common Stock") (other
than shares owned by DeSoto or its subsidiaries), and the associated rights
issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement between DeSoto and Harris Trust and
Savings Bank, will be converted into the right to receive .7465 of a share of
Keystone Common Stock (the "Exchange Ratio"); each outstanding share of DeSoto
Series B Senior Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share ("DeSoto Preferred
Stock"), will be converted into the right to receive .7465 of a share of
Keystone Preferred Stock; and each outstanding option to purchase DeSoto Common
Stock will be assumed by Keystone and converted into an option to acquire for
the same aggregate exercise price such number of shares of Keystone Common Stock
as the holder would have been entitled to receive had such holder exercised such
option in full immediately prior to the Effective Time. Pursuant to a warrant
conversion agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, one-half of the warrants
to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock ("DeSoto
Warrants") will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of the DeSoto Warrants
will be converted into warrants to purchase 447,900 shares of Keystone Common
Stock ("Keystone Warrants") (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock
subject to the remaining DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an
exercise price of approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price
of a DeSoto Warrant divided by the Exchange Ratio). Based upon the number of
shares of the DeSoto Common Stock, DeSoto Preferred Stock and Keystone Common
Stock outstanding as of July 22, 1996, there will be an aggregate of
approximately 3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock issued in connection
with the Merger, representing approximately thirty eight percent (38%) of the
total number of shares of Keystone Common Stock to be outstanding immediately
after consummation of the Merger, and 435,458 shares of Keystone Preferred Stock
issued in connection with the Merger, representing one hundred percent (100%) of
the total number of shares of Keystone Preferred Stock to be outstanding
immediately after consummation of the Merger. Furthermore, as a result of the
Merger, and as soon as practicable thereafter, Keystone will merge its defined
benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan. See
"The Merger and Related Transactions -- Actions Subsequent to the
Merger -- Merger of Pension Plans." The Merger is structured to qualify as a tax
free reorganization pursuant to Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.
 
     On             , 1996, the closing sales prices on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common Stock were
$          and $          , respectively. The DeSoto Preferred Stock has not
been, and the Keystone Preferred Stock is not expected to be, listed for trading
on any stock exchange or quotation system.
 
     This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying forms of proxy
are first being mailed to stockholders of Keystone and DeSoto on or about
            , 1996.
 
     THE ABOVE MATTERS ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. THE PROPOSED MERGER IS A COMPLEX TRANSACTION, AND
STOCKHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO READ AND CONSIDER CAREFULLY THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN ITS ENTIRETY, PARTICULARLY THE MATTERS REFERRED TO ON
PAGE 21 UNDER "RISK FACTORS."
 
     THE SHARES OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER HAVE NOT
BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS; ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
    THE DATE OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS             , 1996.
 
     Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
     registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may
     not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the
     registration statement becomes effective. This prospectus shall not
     constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy
     nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State in which such
     offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
     qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
<PAGE>   9
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PAGE
                                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                                   <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION...............................................................     3
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.....................................     4
SUMMARY.............................................................................     5
RISK FACTORS........................................................................    21
THE KEYSTONE MEETING................................................................    25
THE DESOTO MEETING..................................................................    27
THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.................................................    28
THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT........................................................    42
DESCRIPTION OF KEYSTONE CAPITAL STOCK...............................................    50
INFORMATION ABOUT DESOTO............................................................    51
CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT KEYSTONE..................................................    62
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF KEYSTONE AND DESOTO.........................    70
EXPERTS.............................................................................    75
LEGAL MATTERS.......................................................................    75
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS...............................................................    75
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION..............................   P-1
DESOTO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................................   F-1
APPENDICES
     A  AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION........................................  A-CP
     B  OPINION OF PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED.........................................   B-1
     C  OPINION OF SALOMON BROTHERS INC.............................................   C-1
     D  KEYSTONE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
        1995........................................................................   D-1
     E  KEYSTONE QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,
        1996........................................................................   E-1
</TABLE>
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   10
 
     NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY KEYSTONE OR DESOTO TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION
OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES OR THE
OFFERING OF SECURITIES MADE HEREBY AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY KEYSTONE OR
DESOTO. THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS JOINT
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR A SOLICITATION OF A PROXY IN ANY JURISDICTION
WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION.
 
     NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
DISTRIBUTION OF THE SECURITIES TO WHICH THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
RELATES SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     Keystone and DeSoto are each subject to the informational requirements of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). These materials can
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at
the Commission's regional offices at Northwest Atrium Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048. Copies of these materials can also be obtained
from the Commission at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference
Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In
addition, registration statements and certain other documents filed with the
Commission through its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval
("EDGAR") system are publicly available through the Commission's site on the
Internet's World Wide Web located at http://www.sec.gov. The Registration
Statement, including all exhibits thereto and amendments thereof, has been filed
with the Commission through EDGAR.
 
     Under the rules and regulations of the Commission, the solicitation of
proxies from stockholders of DeSoto to approve and adopt the Reorganization
Agreement (as defined below) and the Merger constitutes an offering of the
Keystone Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger. Accordingly,
Keystone has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-4
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with
respect to such offering (the "Registration Statement"). This Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus constitutes the prospectus of Keystone that is filed as
part of the Registration Statement. Other parts of the Registration Statement
are omitted from this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Commission. Copies of the Registration Statement,
including the exhibits to the Registration Statement and other material that is
not included herein, may be inspected, without charge, at the offices of the
Commission referred to above, or obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at the address set forth above. The
Registration Statement and other information with respect to Keystone and DeSoto
is available for inspection at the library of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005.
 
     Statements made in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus concerning the
contents of any contract or other documents are not necessarily complete. With
respect to each contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, reference is hereby made to that exhibit for a more
complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement is hereby
qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
     All information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating
to Keystone has been supplied by Keystone, and all information relating to
DeSoto has been supplied by DeSoto.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   11
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS MAY INCORPORATE DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THERE WILL BE
PROVIDED WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON, INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, TO WHOM
A JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, UPON ORAL OR WRITTEN REQUEST OF
ANY SUCH PERSON, A COPY OF ANY OR ALL DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN
(EXCLUDING EXHIBITS UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN). WITH RESPECT TO KEYSTONE'S DOCUMENTS, REQUESTS SHOULD BE
DIRECTED TO KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC., THREE LINCOLN CENTRE, 5430
LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1740, DALLAS, TEXAS 75240-2697, ATTENTION: RALPH P. END, VICE
PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL (TELEPHONE (214) 458-0028). IN ORDER TO ENSURE
TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS IN ADVANCE OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS TO WHICH
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS RELATES, ANY SUCH REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE
BY             , 1996.
 
     KEYSTONE INCORPORATES HEREIN BY REFERENCE KEYSTONE'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM
10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND KEYSTONE'S QUARTERLY REPORT
ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996, COPIES OF WHICH ARE INCLUDED
AS APPENDICES TO THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
 
     All reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed by
Keystone pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), or 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
subsequent to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and prior to the
date of the Keystone Meeting shall be deemed incorporated by reference into this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus from the date of filing of such documents. Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in
any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
     The statements in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to matters
that are not historical facts including, but not limited to, statements found in
the "Summary," "Risk Factors," "The Merger and Related Transactions," "The
Reorganization Agreement," "Information About DeSoto," "Certain Information
About Keystone" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information"
sections are forward looking statements that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual future results to differ
materially from those expressed in such forward looking statements include, but
are not limited to, cost of raw materials, future supply and demand for Keystone
and DeSoto products (including the seasonality thereof), general economic
conditions, competitive products and substitute products, customer and
competitor strategies, the impact of pricing and production decisions,
environmental matters, government regulations and possible changes therein, and
the ultimate resolution of pending litigation and possible future litigation as
discussed in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, including, without
limitation, the sections referenced above.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   12
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
attached Appendices. The summary does not contain a complete description of the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of June 26, 1996, by and between
Keystone and DeSoto, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A (the
"Reorganization Agreement") and which is incorporated herein by reference. The
Keystone stockholders and DeSoto stockholders are urged to read carefully this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the attached Appendices in their entirety.
See "Risk Factors."
 
THE COMPANIES
 
  Keystone
 
     Keystone is a diversified mini-mill manufacturer of carbon steel rod, wire
and a wide range of wire products for a variety of end uses. Keystone owns and
operates five (5) plants located in Illinois, Texas, Arkansas and Wisconsin.
Keystone was incorporated in Delaware in 1955 and is the successor to Keystone
Steel & Wire Company which was founded in 1889. Unless otherwise indicated,
"Keystone" refers to Keystone and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Keystone's
principal executive offices are located at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ
Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697. Its telephone number is (214)
458-0028.
 
  DeSoto
 
     DeSoto manufactures household cleaning products including powdered and
liquid laundry detergents. DeSoto also performs contract manufacturing and
packaging of household cleaning products. DeSoto was incorporated in Delaware in
1927. Unless otherwise indicated, "DeSoto" refers to DeSoto and its wholly owned
subsidiaries. DeSoto's principal executive offices and its one (1) operating
facility are located at 900 East Washington Street, Joliet, Illinois 60433. Its
telephone number is (815) 727-4931.
 
  Sub
 
     Sub, a Delaware corporation, is a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of
Keystone formed for the purposes of merging with and into DeSoto (the "Merger").
Prior to the Merger, Keystone will contribute the assets and liabilities of its
Sherman Wire division to Sub. Sub's principal executive offices are located at
Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697.
Its telephone number is (214) 458-0028.
 
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
  Date; Time and Place:
 
     Keystone. The Keystone Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 26,
1996, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway,
Suite 1740, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697.
 
     DeSoto. The DeSoto Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 26, 1996, at
10:00 a.m., local time, at [To be determined].
 
  Purposes of the Special Meetings:
 
     Keystone Meeting. At the Keystone Meeting, stockholders of Keystone as of
the close of business on the Keystone Record Date (as defined below) will be
asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of Keystone
Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement.
 
     DeSoto Meeting. At the DeSoto Meeting, stockholders of DeSoto as of the
close of business on the DeSoto Record Date (as defined below) will be asked to
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Reorganization
Agreement.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   13
 
  Record Dates; Shares Outstanding and Entitled to Vote:
 
     Keystone. Holders of record of Keystone Common Stock at the close of
business on August 23, 1996 (the "Keystone Record Date"), will be entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Keystone Meeting. At the close of business on the
Keystone Record Date, there were [5,686,724] shares of Keystone Common Stock
outstanding, each of which will be entitled to one vote on each matter to be
acted upon.
 
     DeSoto. Holders of record of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock
at the close of business on August 23, 1996 (the "DeSoto Record Date"), will be
entitled to notice of and to vote at the DeSoto Meeting. At the close of
business on the DeSoto Record Date, there were [4,688,523] shares of DeSoto
Common Stock and 583,333 shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock outstanding, each of
which will be entitled to one vote on each matter to be acted upon. Shares of
DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock vote together as one class on all
matters submitted to stockholders.
 
  Quorum
 
     The required quorum for the transaction of business at both the Keystone
Meeting and the DeSoto Meeting is a majority of the shares of Keystone Common
Stock or the DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock taken together, as
the case may be, issued and outstanding on the applicable record date.
Abstentions and broker non-votes represented at the applicable meetings will be
included in determining the number of shares present for purposes of determining
the presence of a quorum.
 
  Votes Required
 
     Keystone. The approval of the issuance of the shares of Keystone Common
Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement requires the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the
Keystone Meeting and voting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included
in determining the number of shares present for purposes of determining the
presence of a quorum but not be counted as a vote for or against approval of the
issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement. The
approval by Keystone's stockholders of the issuance of shares of Keystone Common
Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement is required by the rules of the
NYSE governing corporations with securities listed on the NYSE. As of July 22,
1996, the directors and executive officers of Keystone and their affiliates had
the right to vote an aggregate of 4,163,081 shares of Keystone Common Stock,
representing approximately seventy-three percent (73%) of Keystone Common Stock
outstanding. Contran Corporation ("Contran") holds directly approximately fifty
six percent (56%) of the Keystone Common Stock outstanding as of July 22, 1996,
and is a party to an agreement with DeSoto pursuant to which Contran has agreed
to vote its shares of Keystone Common Stock in favor of the Reorganization
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, thus approval of the
issuance of shares of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement is assured.
 
     DeSoto. Approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock entitled to vote, voting together
as one class. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as
votes against the Reorganization Agreement. As of July 22, 1996, the directors
and officers of DeSoto and their affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate
of 636,079 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and an aggregate of 583,333 shares of
DeSoto Preferred Stock, representing approximately twenty-three percent (23%) of
DeSoto voting stock outstanding as of such date. Certain entities affiliated
with directors of DeSoto and a director of DeSoto collectively having the right
to vote 596,898 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and 583,333 Shares of DeSoto
Preferred Stock, representing approximately twenty-two percent (22%) of the
combined shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock outstanding as
of the DeSoto Record Date, are parties to an agreement with Keystone pursuant to
which they have agreed to vote their shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto
Preferred Stock in favor of approval and adoption of the Reorganization
Agreement. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Voting Agreements." Any
abstentions from voting thereon may be deemed a "ratification" of the Merger
under Delaware law which may provide either Keystone or DeSoto a
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   14
 
complete or partial defense to any subsequent stockholder challenges to the
Merger. Neither Keystone nor DeSoto intends to waive any rights under Delaware
law relating thereto.
 
  Effective Time of the Merger
 
     The Merger will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Merger
(the "Certificate of Merger") with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, or such later time as may be specified therein. The Certificate of
Merger is expected to be filed as soon as practicable after the satisfaction or
waiver of each of the conditions to consummation of the Merger, which is
expected to occur as soon as practicable following receipt of stockholder
approval at the Keystone and DeSoto Meetings.
 
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
 
     Keystone Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Keystone has
unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger and believes
the Merger is fair to, and in the best interests of, Keystone and its
stockholders, and unanimously recommends that Keystone stockholders vote for the
approval of the issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement. The recommendation of the Board of Directors of Keystone is based on
a number of factors described in "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Reasons
for the Merger."
 
     DeSoto Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of DeSoto has unanimously
approved the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger and believes the Merger is
fair to, and in the best interests of, DeSoto and its stockholders, and
unanimously recommends that DeSoto stockholders vote for the approval and
adoption of the Reorganization Agreement. The recommendation of the Board of
Directors of DeSoto is based on a number of factors described in "The Merger and
Related Transactions -- Reasons for the Merger."
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
     Keystone. In reaching its determination that the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, Keystone and
its stockholders, the Board of Directors of Keystone considered a number of
factors. Among those factors were the anticipated favorable effect of the Merger
on Keystone's balance sheet, the anticipated favorable effects on Keystone's
cash flows and pension expense following the merger of the Keystone defined
benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan, the
opinion of its financial advisor, the anticipated improved liquidity of the
Keystone Common Stock after the issuance of the approximately 3,500,000 shares
pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, and the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement. The reasons for the Board of Directors of Keystone approving the
Reorganization Agreement are described in "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Reasons for the Merger"; and the opinion of the financial
advisor to the Board of Directors is described in "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Opinion of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of PaineWebber
Incorporated, Financial Advisor to Keystone."
 
     DeSoto. In reaching its determination that the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, DeSoto and its
stockholders, the Board of Directors of DeSoto considered a number of factors.
Among those factors were a review of the strategic alternatives available to
DeSoto, a comparison of the likely values to be realized pursuant to these
alternatives, the opinion of its financial advisor and the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement. The reasons for the Board of Directors of DeSoto
approving the Reorganization Agreement are described in "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Reasons for the Merger"; and the opinion of the financial
advisor to the Board of Directors is described in "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Opinion of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers,
Financial Advisor to DeSoto."
 
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
 
     Keystone. At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Keystone held on June
13, 1996, PaineWebber Incorporated ("PaineWebber") delivered an oral opinion to
the Board of Directors of Keystone which was subsequently confirmed in a written
opinion dated June 26, 1996, stating the consideration to be paid by
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   15
 
Keystone in the Merger is fair to Keystone stockholders (except for Contran and
its affiliates as to whom PaineWebber has expressed no opinion) from a financial
point of view. PaineWebber has confirmed its opinion that as of the date of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the consideration to be paid by Keystone in
the Merger is fair to Keystone stockholders (except for Contran and its
affiliates) from a financial point of view. The full text of the opinion of
PaineWebber which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken is attached as Appendix B to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Keystone stockholders are urged to read the opinion
in its entirety. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Opinions of
Financial Advisors -- Opinion of PaineWebber, Financial Advisor to Keystone."
 
     DeSoto. At a meeting of the Board of Directors of DeSoto held on June 13,
1996, Salomon Brothers Inc ("Salomon Brothers") delivered an oral opinion that,
as of that date, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement was fair to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock from a financial point
of view. Salomon Brothers has confirmed its oral opinion by delivering a written
opinion dated the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus that, as of such
date, the Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock from a
financial point of view. The full text of the written opinion of Salomon
Brothers, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken by Salomon Brothers, is attached as
Appendix C to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. DeSoto stockholders are
urged to read the opinion in its entirety. See "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Opinion of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers,
Financial Advisor to DeSoto."
 
THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  Effects of the Merger
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, DeSoto will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Keystone; Keystone's Board of Directors will be increased from
seven to nine members and Keystone's Board of Directors will elect William
Spier, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto, and William
P. Lyons, another current member of the DeSoto Board of Directors, to fill the
vacancies thereby created; and as soon thereafter as practicable, Keystone's
defined benefit pension plans will be merged with and into the DeSoto defined
benefit pension plan. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Reasons for
the Merger."
 
  Conversion of Shares
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding share of DeSoto
Common Stock and the associated rights issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement
between DeSoto and Harris Trust and Savings Bank (other than shares owned by
DeSoto or its subsidiaries) will automatically be converted into the right to
receive the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Common Stock for each
outstanding share of DeSoto Common Stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of issuance
of fractional shares of Keystone Common Stock. Each then outstanding share of
DeSoto Preferred Stock will automatically be converted into the right to receive
the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Preferred Stock. Cash will be paid in
lieu of issuance of fractional shares of Keystone Preferred Stock. Because the
Exchange Ratio is fixed, the number of shares to be received by stockholders of
DeSoto upon consummation of the Merger will remain the same, regardless of
whether the market price of the Common Stock of Keystone or DeSoto increases or
decreases at any time, including after the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and after the dates of the Keystone and DeSoto Meetings.
See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Opinions of Financial Advisors" and
"Risk Factors -- Fixed Exchange Ratio."
 
  Assumption of DeSoto Options
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding option to purchase
DeSoto Common Stock (the "DeSoto Options") will be assumed by Keystone and
converted into an option to acquire that number of shares of Keystone Common
Stock equal to the number of shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to such
DeSoto Option multiplied by the Exchange Ratio. The exercise price of such
DeSoto Options shall be adjusted by dividing such exercise price by the Exchange
Ratio. To avoid fractional shares, the number of
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   16
 
shares of Keystone Common Stock subject to an assumed DeSoto Option will be
rounded up to the nearest whole share. The other terms of DeSoto Options,
including vesting schedules, will remain unchanged. Keystone will file a
Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Commission with respect to the
issuance of Keystone Common Stock upon exercise of the assumed DeSoto Options.
Keystone will apply to have the shares of Keystone Common Stock reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of DeSoto Options listed on the NYSE, subject to
notice of issuance. As of July 22, 1996, DeSoto Options to acquire an aggregate
of approximately 182,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock (approximately 136,000
equivalent shares of Keystone Common Stock) were issued and outstanding.
 
  Merger of Pension Plans
 
     The Reorganization Agreement provides that upon consummation of the Merger,
there will be no impediments to the merger of the Keystone defined benefit
pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan. It is
expected such merger will take place as soon as practicable after consummation
of the Merger. See "The Merger Agreement and Related Transactions -- Actions
Subsequent to the Merger -- Merger of Pension Plans."
 
  Voting Agreements
 
     Asgard, Ltd. (an affiliate of Anders U. Schroeder, Vice Chairman of
DeSoto), Anders U. Schroeder, Parkway M&A Capital Corporation and M&A Investment
Pte Ltd (entities having a business relationship with David M. Tobey, a director
of DeSoto) and Coatings Group, Inc (an affiliate of William Spier, Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto), collectively the owners of
596,898 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and all of the shares of DeSoto Preferred
Stock outstanding, representing approximately twenty-two percent (22%) of
DeSoto's outstanding voting stock, have entered into an agreement with Keystone;
and Contran, the direct owner of 3,155,933 shares of Keystone Common Stock,
representing approximately fifty-six percent (56%) of Keystone's outstanding
voting stock, has entered into an agreement with DeSoto, pursuant to which
agreements (the "Voting Agreements") such stockholders agreed they will (i) vote
their shares in favor of approval of the issuance of Keystone Common Stock
pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement in the case of Contran or approval and
adoption of the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger in the case of the
holders of stock of DeSoto; and (ii) not transfer any of their shares of
Keystone Common Stock or DeSoto Common Stock, as the case may be, subject to
certain exceptions. As a result of the voting agreement to which Contran is a
party, the requisite Keystone stockholder approval for the issuance of shares of
Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement is assured.
 
  Related Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
 
     At the time the Reorganization Agreement was entered into, Asgard Ltd.,
Parkway M&A Capital Corporation and Coatings Group, Inc. (the holders of all
outstanding shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock and DeSoto Warrants, collectively
the "Warrant and Preferred Stockholders"), Keystone, DeSoto and Contran, entered
into a stockholders agreement pursuant to which (i) Keystone agreed to assume
from DeSoto certain registration rights currently held by the Warrant and
Preferred Stockholders, and (ii) Keystone granted to Contran and its affiliates
the same rights with respect to registration of the Keystone Common Stock held
by Contran and its affiliates as Keystone had agreed to assume with respect to
the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders. At the same time, the Warrant and
Preferred Stockholders also entered into separate agreements with Keystone
regarding the DeSoto Warrants (the "Warrant Conversion Agreement") and the
DeSoto Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent
Agreement") pursuant to which they agreed that (i) one-half of the currently
outstanding DeSoto Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of
DeSoto Common Stock held by the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders will be
cancelled upon consummation of the Merger, (ii) the remaining DeSoto Warrants
will be converted into Keystone Warrants to purchase that number of shares of
Keystone Common Stock obtained by multiplying the number of shares of DeSoto
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the remaining DeSoto Warrants by the
Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price equal to the exercise price prior to the
Effective Time divided by the Exchange Ratio, (iii) the right of such persons to
require redemption of their DeSoto Preferred Stock
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   17
 
pursuant to the existing terms of such stock by reason of the consummation of
the Merger will be waived, (iv) the DeSoto Preferred Stock will be converted
into Keystone Preferred Stock based on the Exchange Ratio and an amount of cash
equal to accrued but unpaid dividends on the DeSoto Preferred Stock (which, as
of the Effective Time, will aggregate approximately $1,700,000), and (v) any
appraisal rights they may have as a result of their ownership of the DeSoto
Preferred Stock are waived.
 
     DeSoto has severance arrangements and policies with certain of its officers
and employees, pursuant to which DeSoto will be obligated to pay to such
officers and employees an aggregate of $110,000 upon consummation of the Merger
and up to an additional approximately $480,000 if their employment is thereafter
terminated under certain circumstances. See "The Reorganization
Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
 
     Upon the effective date of the Merger, William Spier, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto, and William P. Lyons, another current
member of the Board of Directors of DeSoto, will be appointed to the Board of
Directors of Keystone, joining the current seven members of the Keystone Board
of Directors.
 
  Representations and Covenants
 
     Under the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone and DeSoto made a number of
representations regarding their respective capital structures, operations,
financial conditions and other matters. Each party agreed as to itself and its
subsidiaries that until consummation of the Merger or the earlier termination of
the Reorganization Agreement, it will, among other things, conduct its business
and maintain its business relationships in the ordinary and usual course, and
use its best efforts to consummate the Merger. DeSoto has agreed not to solicit,
engage in discussions, negotiate with any person or facilitate the efforts of
any person other than Keystone relating to the possible acquisition of DeSoto or
any of its subsidiaries or any material portion of its or their stock or assets
(any such efforts are referred to as an "Alternative Acquisition"), except that
DeSoto's Board of Directors may provide information to and engage in
negotiations with a third party regarding an Alternative Acquisition if (i) the
Board of Directors of DeSoto receives a written proposal for an Alternative
Acquisition which proposal identifies a price or range of values to be paid for
the outstanding securities or substantially all of the assets of DeSoto, and, if
consummated, based on the advice of DeSoto's investment bankers, the Board of
Directors of DeSoto determines is financially more favorable to the stockholders
of DeSoto than the terms of the Merger (a "Superior Proposal"); (ii) the Board
of Directors of DeSoto determines, based on the advice of its investment
bankers, that such third party is financially capable of consummating such
Superior Proposal; (iii) the Board of Directors of DeSoto shall have determined,
after consultation with outside legal counsel, that the fiduciary duties of the
Board require DeSoto to furnish information to and negotiate with such third
party; and (iv) at least two (2) business days prior thereto, Keystone shall
have been notified in writing of such Superior Proposal, including all of its
terms and conditions and the foregoing determination by the Board of Directors
of DeSoto, and shall have been given copies of such proposal. DeSoto shall not
be entitled to enter into an agreement concerning an Alternative Acquisition for
a period of not less than forty-eight hours after Keystone's receipt of a copy
of such proposal and certain other information.
 
     Keystone has agreed, if the Merger is consummated, to indemnify the current
officers and directors of DeSoto with respect to any claim or liability arising
out of or pertaining to any act or omission occurring prior to the Effective
Time to the fullest extent that DeSoto could have done so on June 26, 1996.
Keystone has further agreed, for a period of six (6) years following the
Effective Time, to cause DeSoto to maintain indemnification and limitation of
liability provisions. Keystone has also agreed to (i) provide director and
officer insurance coverage, at a cost not to exceed $150,000, for the current
directors and officers of DeSoto for one year after the Effective Time for
claims made against such directors and officers relating to matters occurring
prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) provide, after the Effective Time,
director and officer insurance coverage to Keystone directors comparable to the
coverage maintained by DeSoto at the Effective Time, to the extent such coverage
may be obtainable at a comparable cost. See "The Reorganization Agreement --
Representations and Covenants."
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   18
 
  Conditions to the Merger
 
     In addition to the requirement that Keystone stockholders approve the
issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement and
DeSoto stockholders approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement, the
consummation of the Merger is subject to a number of other conditions which, if
not satisfied or waived, would cause the Merger not to be consummated and the
Reorganization Agreement to be terminated. Each party's obligation to consummate
the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things, (i) the accuracy of the
other party's representations, (ii) each party's performance of its obligations
under the Reorganization Agreement, (iii) the absence of a material adverse
change in the business, properties, assets, results of operations or financial
condition of the other party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iv) the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC") raising Keystone's borrowing
restrictions to an amount reasonably expected to enable Keystone to perform its
obligations under the Reorganization Agreement, (v) availability to Keystone of
sufficient financing in order to effect the Merger and to satisfy its
obligations and those of the surviving corporation in the Merger, (vi) receipt
of opinions of counsel in respect of certain federal income tax consequences of
the Merger, (vii) receipt of opinions dated one business day before the closing
of the Merger from the financial advisors to each of Keystone and DeSoto as to
the fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration to be paid by
Keystone and received by DeSoto stockholders, (viii) the absence of legal action
preventing consummation of the Merger, and (ix) the receipt of other documents,
including necessary consents of third parties (including governmental agencies).
Keystone's obligation to consummate the Merger is further conditioned upon,
among other things, (i) the consent by DeSoto's trade creditors to the terms of
payment contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement and (ii) the resolution on
terms satisfactory to Keystone of certain claims arising from DeSoto's
acquisition of J.L. Prescott Company. DeSoto's obligation to consummate the
Merger is further conditioned upon, among other things, (i) approval for listing
on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance of the shares of Keystone
Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the Merger and (ii) the Board of Directors
of Keystone taking appropriate action to increase the number of directors
comprising Keystone's full Board of Directors from seven to nine, and to cause
William Spier and William P. Lyons to be directors of Keystone upon the
effectiveness of the Merger. See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Conditions to
the Merger."
 
  Keystone Financing Arrangements
 
     Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone is obligated to cause
DeSoto to pay approximately $6.5 million to certain of its trade creditors who
are parties to a trade composition agreement with DeSoto, as soon as practicable
after the Effective Time, and an additional approximately $1.5 million to such
trade creditors within one year of the Effective Time. Additionally, pursuant to
the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement, Keystone is obligated,
at the Effective Time, to pay to the holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock all
the unpaid dividend arrearage, which will then amount to approximately $1.7
million.
 
     As a result of these and other transactions related to the Merger, Keystone
will require additional funding from its primary lender. In order to obtain such
additional funds, Keystone will need the PBGC's consent to an increase in
Keystone's allowable borrowings. The PBGC and Keystone's primary lender have
both verbally indicated that, upon consummation of the Merger and the merger of
the Keystone defined benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined
benefit pension plan, they will increase Keystone's allowable borrowings by $20
million.
 
  Regulatory Matters
 
     Consummation of the Merger is subject to the expiration or termination of
the applicable waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"). Notification reports were filed by Keystone and DeSoto with the
Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission under the HSR Act on July
22, 1996, and the specified waiting period requirements of the HSR Act are
expected to expire on August 21, 1996.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   19
 
  Amendment of the Reorganization Agreement
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be amended by Keystone or DeSoto at any
time before or after approval of the issuance of shares in connection with the
Merger or the Reorganization Agreement, as the case may be, by the stockholders
of Keystone and DeSoto, except that, after such stockholder approval, no
amendment may be made which by law requires the further approval of such
stockholders without obtaining such approval. In the event the parties desire to
enter into an amendment to the Reorganization Agreement that materially alters
the terms of the Merger, the parties will circulate an amended Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to solicit stockholder approval.
 
  Termination of the Reorganization Agreement
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of both
parties or by either party (i) as a result of a breach by the other party of a
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Reorganization
Agreement, or if any representation of the other party becomes untrue, in either
case which has or can reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
(as defined in the Reorganization Agreement) and which the other party fails to
cure prior to the closing of the Merger (except that no cure period is provided
for a breach which by its nature cannot be cured); (ii) if the required
approvals of the stockholders of Keystone or DeSoto are not obtained by reason
of the failure to obtain the required vote; (iii) if all the conditions for
closing the Merger are not satisfied or waived on or before December 31, 1996,
other than as a result of a breach of the Reorganization Agreement by the
terminating party or a breach by any of the principal stockholders or affiliates
of the terminating party; or (iv) if a permanent injunction or other order by a
federal or state court which would make illegal or otherwise restrain or
prohibit the consummation of the Merger is issued and has become final and
nonappealable.
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by Keystone if prior to
consummation of the Merger, DeSoto enters into an agreement with respect to an
Alternative Acquisition. The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by
DeSoto if, prior to the consummation of the Merger, DeSoto receives a Superior
Proposal and the DeSoto Board of Directors believes, after consultation with
legal counsel, that its fiduciary duties require termination of the
Reorganization Agreement (a "Superior Proposal Termination").
 
  Breakup Fees
 
     The Reorganization Agreement provides for the payment of a breakup fee of
$1 million (the "Breakup Fee") by DeSoto to Keystone if (i) the Reorganization
Agreement is terminated by Keystone where DeSoto has entered into an agreement
with respect to an Alternative Acquisition; (ii) the stockholders of DeSoto fail
to approve the Merger at a time when there is pending a proposal with respect to
an Alternative Acquisition; (iii) without the occurrence of a Keystone material
adverse change, the Board of Directors of DeSoto shall have failed to submit the
Merger to its stockholders for approval as required by, and in accordance with,
the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, or (iv) there occurs a Superior
Proposal Termination by DeSoto. The Breakup Fee is payable by Keystone to DeSoto
if, without a DeSoto material adverse change, the Board of Directors of Keystone
fails to hold a stockholders' meeting to vote on approval of the issuance of
Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement as required by,
and in accordance with the terms of, the Reorganization Agreement. Payment of
the Breakup Fee shall not be in lieu of damages incurred in the event of breach
of the Reorganization Agreement, and neither party shall be entitled to receive
the Breakup Fee if it shall have committed a material breach of the
Reorganization Agreement.
 
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
 
     The Merger is intended to qualify, and in the opinion of counsel to
Keystone and DeSoto it will qualify, as a tax-free reorganization for federal
income tax purposes, so that no gain or loss would generally be recognized by
the stockholders of DeSoto on the exchange of their DeSoto Common Stock for
Keystone Common Stock, except to the extent DeSoto stockholders receive cash in
the exchange (i.e., cash in lieu of fractional shares) and no income, gain or
loss will be recognized by Keystone or DeSoto. Consummation of the Merger is
conditioned upon delivery of opinions of counsel to this effect, dated as of the
closing date of the Merger.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   20
 
DeSoto stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the tax
consequences of the Merger. See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Certain Federal
Income Tax Matters."
 
  Accounting Treatment
 
     For financial reporting purposes, Keystone will account for the Merger by
the purchase method.
 
  Appraisal Rights
 
     Both Keystone and DeSoto are incorporated in the State of Delaware, and,
accordingly, are governed by the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation
Law (the "DGCL"). Pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, the holders of DeSoto
Common Stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger
because DeSoto Common Stock is quoted on the NYSE and such stockholders will
receive as consideration in the Merger only shares of Keystone Common Stock,
which shares will be listed on the NYSE upon the Effective Time, and cash in
lieu of fractional shares. In addition, the Keystone stockholders are not
entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL because Keystone
Common Stock is listed on the NYSE and, even though approval of such
stockholders is required for the issuance of Keystone Common Stock in the
Merger, the approval of the stockholders of Keystone is not required for the
Merger itself.
 
     Pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, the holders of the DeSoto Preferred
Stock will be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger.
However, the holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock have agreed to vote in favor
of approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement and to waive their
appraisal rights pursuant to the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent
Agreement. The Reorganization Agreement provides that, as a condition to
consummating the Merger, all terms and conditions of the Preferred Stockholder
Waiver and Consent Agreement, including such waivers, must be in full force and
effect. See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Appraisal Rights."
 
  Comparison of Rights of Stockholders
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, holders of DeSoto Common Stock will become
holders of Keystone Common Stock. As a result, their rights as stockholders,
which are now governed by the DGCL and DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws, will be governed by the DGCL and Keystone's Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws. Because of certain differences between (i) the provisions of
DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and those of Keystone, and (ii)
other rights including the anti-takeover protection afforded holders of DeSoto
Common Stock by the associated preferred share purchase rights (the "Purchase
Rights"), the rights of DeSoto stockholders after the Merger will be different
than the rights of DeSoto stockholders before the Merger. For a discussion of
various differences between the rights of stockholders of DeSoto and the rights
of stockholders of Keystone, see "Comparison of Rights of Stockholders of
Keystone and DeSoto."
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   21
 
MARKET PRICE DATA
 
     Keystone. Keystone Common Stock has been traded on the NYSE under the
symbol "KES" since the common stock of Keystone and its predecessor began
publicly trading in 1936. The following table sets forth the range of high and
low closing sale prices reported on the NYSE for Keystone Common Stock for the
periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          HIGH       LOW
                                                                         ------     ------
    <S>                                                                  <C>        <C>
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1994
      First Quarter....................................................  $12.00     $10.00
      Second Quarter...................................................   15.88      11.50
      Third Quarter....................................................   17.38      14.38
      Fourth Quarter...................................................   18.00      13.63
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995
      First Quarter....................................................  $13.88     $13.38
      Second Quarter...................................................   13.75      13.38
      Third Quarter....................................................   15.13      13.50
      Fourth Quarter...................................................   15.00      11.13
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
      First Quarter....................................................  $12.00     $10.00
      Second Quarter...................................................   10.38       9.50
      Third Quarter (through July 22, 1996)............................   10.00       9.88
</TABLE>
 
     DeSoto. DeSoto Common Stock and the associated Purchase Rights are traded
on the NYSE under the symbol "DSO." (The Purchase Rights do not trade separately
from DeSoto Common Stock and are represented by certificates for the DeSoto
Common Stock). The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing
sale prices reported on the NYSE for DeSoto Common Stock for the periods
indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          HIGH       LOW
                                                                         ------     ------
    <S>                                                                  <C>        <C>
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1994
      First Quarter....................................................  $ 8.63     $ 6.75
      Second Quarter...................................................    7.38       5.50
      Third Quarter....................................................    6.88       4.00
      Fourth Quarter...................................................    5.38       3.00
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995
      First Quarter....................................................  $ 5.38     $ 3.00
      Second Quarter...................................................    6.25       4.75
      Third Quarter....................................................    5.38       4.25
      Fourth Quarter...................................................    5.38       2.75
    Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
      First Quarter....................................................  $ 5.88     $ 3.13
      Second Quarter...................................................    6.38       5.00
      Third Quarter (through July 22, 1996)............................    6.63       5.88
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   22
 
     The following table sets forth the closing sales prices per share of
Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common Stock on the NYSE on June 26, 1996, the
last trading day before the announcement of the signing of this Reorganization
Agreement, and on                  , the latest practicable trading day before
the printing of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and the equivalent per
share prices for DeSoto Common Stock based on the Keystone Common Stock Prices:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DESOTO
                                                           KEYSTONE         DESOTO       EQUIVALENT
                                                         COMMON STOCK    COMMON STOCK     PRICE(1)
                                                         ------------    ------------    ----------
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>             <C>
June 26, 1996..........................................     $10.00          $ 6.13         $ 7.47
August   , 1996........................................
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Represents the equivalent of one share of Keystone Common Stock calculated
    by multiplying the closing sales price per share of Keystone Common Stock by
    the Exchange Ratio.
 
     Stockholders are urged to obtain current quotations for the market prices
of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common Stock. No assurance can be given as
to the market price of Keystone Common Stock or DeSoto Common Stock at the
Effective Time. Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed in the Reorganization
Agreement and neither Keystone nor DeSoto has the right to terminate the
Reorganization Agreement based on changes in the market price of either party's
stock, the market value of the shares of Keystone Common Stock that holders of
DeSoto Common Stock receive in the Merger may vary significantly from the prices
shown above.
 
     Neither Keystone nor DeSoto has paid a dividend on outstanding shares of
Keystone Common Stock or DeSoto Common Stock, as the case may be, since at least
the beginning of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and neither Keystone
nor DeSoto expects to pay a dividend on outstanding shares of Keystone Common
Stock or DeSoto Common Stock, as the case may be, in the foreseeable future.
However, the accrued dividend arrearage on the DeSoto Preferred Stock of
approximately $1,700,000 will be paid as of the Effective Time. Keystone
anticipates that it will pay timely dividends on the Keystone Preferred Stock.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   23
 
                        SELECTED KEYSTONE FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial information
of Keystone. This data has been derived in part from, and should be read in
conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements of Keystone and the
related notes thereto incorporated by reference in, and included as appendices
to, this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Results of interim periods, which
include all adjustments management considers necessary for a fair presentation
thereof, are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.
 
     The pro forma income statement data illustrates the effect of certain
adjustments to Keystone's historical consolidated financial statements that
would result from the Merger and the immediate, subsequent merger of the defined
benefit pension plans of Keystone and DeSoto as though such transactions had
occurred December 31, 1994. In addition, the pro forma income statement data
also illustrates the effect of certain adjustments to DeSoto's historical
consolidated financial statements that would result from reflecting the April
1996 sale of DeSoto's Union City, California business and the 1995 sales of
DeSoto's Thornton and South Holland, Illinois businesses as though such
transactions had occurred on December 31, 1994. The pro forma information is not
necessarily indicative of future operations or actual results had such
transactions occurred on December 31, 1994. The pro forma balance sheet data
assumes the Union City, California transaction and the Merger occurred on March
31, 1996. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         MARCH 31,
                                            --------------------------------------------------------    --------------------
                                              1991        1992        1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                            --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Income statement data:
  Net sales...............................  $302,132    $316,251    $345,186    $364,435    $345,657    $ 90,768    $ 79,463
  Gross profit............................    37,454      37,443      32,521      36,982      32,748       7,491       5,076
  Income (loss) before income taxes.......    14,820       8,340       1,130      12,389       8,078         421      (1,880)
  Income (loss) from continuing
    operations............................  $  9,769    $  5,146    $    749    $  7,561    $  4,887    $    255    $ (1,137)
  Extraordinary items(c)..................     3,502          --          --          --          --          --          --
  Cumulative effect of changes in
    accounting principles(a)..............        --     (69,949)         --          --          --          --          --
                                            --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
        Net income (loss).................  $ 13,271    $(64,803)   $    749    $  7,561    $  4,887    $    255    $ (1,137)
                                            ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Per share data:
  Earnings (loss) per common and common
    equivalent share(b):
    Continuing operations.................  $   1.75    $    .92    $    .14    $   1.35    $    .86    $    .05    $   (.20)
    Extraordinary items(c)................       .62          --          --          --          --          --          --
    Cumulative effect of changes in
      accounting principles(a)............        --      (12.53)         --          --          --          --          --
                                            --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
        Net income (loss).................  $   2.37    $ (11.61)   $    .14    $   1.35    $    .86    $    .05    $   (.20)
                                            ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
  Weighted average common and common
    equivalent shares outstanding.........     5,591       5,572       5,495       5,601       5,654       5,642       5,663
                                            ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
  Cash dividends declared.................  $     --    $     --    $     --    $     --    $     --    $     --    $     --
                                            ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Balance sheet data (at period end):
  Total assets............................  $182,077    $202,109    $206,654    $205,601    $198,822    $209,661    $203,967
  Notes payable and long-term debt........    37,290      34,485      27,190      26,054      29,945      33,060      44,261
  Noncurrent accrued pension cost.........    55,462      51,638      60,102      40,470      39,222      42,891      22,885
  Noncurrent accrued OPEB cost............     3,109      93,727      96,336      98,310      97,868      97,655      97,672
  Stockholders' equity (deficit)..........    27,149     (39,036)    (50,908)    (40,579)    (37,493)    (40,316)    (30,947)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Relates to adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
    No. 106 -- "Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" ("OPEB") and SFAS
    No. 109 -- "Employers' Accounting for Income Taxes".
 
(b) Primary and fully diluted net income (loss) per share were the same for all
    periods presented.
 
(c) Extraordinary items in 1991 relate to income tax benefits resulting from
    utilization of loss carryforwards. Subsequent to adoption of SFAS No. 109 in
    1992 such items are not classified as extraordinary items.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   24
 
                         Pro Forma Keystone Information
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          THREE
                                                                                         MONTHS
                                                                    YEAR ENDED            ENDED
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,         MARCH 31,
                                                                       1995               1996
                                                                   ------------         ---------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                <C>                  <C>
Income statement data:
  Net sales......................................................    $364,022           $  83,294
  Gross profit...................................................      38,023               5,978
  Income (loss) before income taxes..............................      12,937              (2,132)
  Net income (loss) available for common shares..................       7,391              (1,410)
  Net income (loss) per Keystone common and common equivalent
     share.......................................................    $    .80           $    (.15)
  Net income (loss) per equivalent present DeSoto common and
     common equivalent share(b)..................................         .60                (.11)
  Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
     outstanding.................................................       9,209               9,196
Balance sheet data (at period end):
  Noncurrent prepaid pension cost................................          (a)          $ 101,297
  Total assets...................................................          (a)            290,307
  Notes payable and long-term debt...............................          (a)             54,509
  Noncurrent accrued OPEB cost...................................          (a)            100,633
  Redeemable preferred stock.....................................          (a)              3,500
  Common stockholders' equity....................................          (a)             33,149
  Book value per Keystone common share...........................          (a)          $    3.61
  Book value per equivalent present DeSoto common share(b).......          (a)               2.69
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Not required pursuant to regulations of the Commission.
 
(b) Determined by multiplying the corresponding pro forma amounts by the
    Exchange Ratio.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   25
 
                         SELECTED DESOTO FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial information
of DeSoto. This summary has been derived in part from, and should be read in
conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements of DeSoto and the
related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. Results of interim periods, which include all adjustments
management considers necessary for a fair presentation thereof, are not
necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.
 
     The pro forma income statement data illustrates the effect of certain
adjustments to DeSoto's historical consolidated financial statements that would
result from reflecting the April 1996 sale of DeSoto's Union City, California
business and the 1995 sales of DeSoto's Thornton and South Holland, Illinois
businesses as though such transactions had occurred December 31, 1994. The pro
forma information is not necessarily indicative of future operations or actual
results had such transactions occurred at December 31, 1994. The pro forma
balance sheet data assumes the Union City, California transaction occurred on
March 31, 1996. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                          MARCH 31,
                                            --------------------------------------------------------     -------------------
                                             1991        1992         1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                            -------     -------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Income statement data:
  Net sales(a)............................  $58,872     $59,799     $101,175     $87,182     $52,339     $18,927     $ 5,846
  Gross profit (loss).....................    7,704       4,306        4,866       2,382      (1,730)       (516)        805
  Income (loss) before income taxes.......     (202)     (3,542)     (13,322)     (2,284)     (5,393)     (1,625)       (536)
  Income (loss) from continuing
    operations(b).........................  $  (402)    $(2,156)    $ (8,090)    $(1,635)    $(4,635)    $(1,022)    $  (334)
  Cumulative effect of changes in
    accounting principles(c)..............       --        (162)          --          --          --          --          --
                                            -------     -------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
        Net income (loss).................  $  (402)    $(2,318)    $ (8,090)    $(1,635)    $(4,635)    $(1,022)    $  (334)
                                            =======     =======     ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
Per share data:
  Loss per common and common equivalent
    share(d):
    Continuing operations.................  $  (.10)    $  (.54)    $  (1.83)    $  (.42)    $ (1.10)    $  (.24)    $  (.10)
    Cumulative effect of changes in
      accounting principles(c)............       --        (.04)          --          --          --          --          --
                                            -------     -------     --------     -------     -------     -------     -------
        Net income (loss).................  $  (.10)    $  (.58)    $  (1.83)    $  (.42)    $ (1.10)    $  (.24)    $  (.10)
                                            =======     =======     ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
  Weighted average common and common
    equivalent shares outstanding.........    4,071       4,142        4,598       4,657       4,677       4,672       4,681
                                            =======     =======     ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
  Cash dividends declared on common
    stock.................................  $   .04     $    --     $     --     $    --     $    --     $    --     $    --
                                            =======     =======     ========     =======     =======     =======     =======
Balance sheet data (at period end):
  Noncurrent prepaid pension cost.........  $21,185     $27,124     $ 32,218     $39,319     $46,913     $41,140     $48,812
  Total assets(a).........................   64,559      95,634       91,957      83,112      64,968      81,352      65,674
  Notes payable and long-term debt........   10,000       8,322        7,700       8,381          --       8,686          --
  Noncurrent accrued OPEB cost............       --       1,283        1,323       1,510       1,223       1,235       1,340
  Redeemable preferred stock..............       --       2,566        3,052       3,569       4,288       3,704       4,455
  Common stockholders' equity.............   26,993      31,473       23,141      21,249      15,934      20,091      15,465
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Operating results subsequent to November 1992 include revenues and results
    from operations of J.L. Prescott Company which was acquired on that date. In
    July 1995, DeSoto sold the Thornton and South Holland, Illinois businesses
    it had acquired from J.L. Prescott Company.
 
(b) The loss from continuing operations included net non-operating income of
    $2,420,000, $1,303,000 and $6,360,000 in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively;
    provision for restructuring of operations of $1,229,000, $2,900,000 and
    $3,100,000 in 1992, 1993 and 1995, respectively; and $3,025,000 and
    $3,059,000 of other nonrecurring charges in 1993 and 1995, respectively.
 
(c) Relates to adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
    No. 106 -- "Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" ("OPEB") and SFAS
    No. 109 -- "Accounting for Income Taxes".
 
(d) Primary and fully diluted net income were the same for all periods
    presented.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   26
 
                          Pro Forma DeSoto Information
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         THREE
                                                                  YEAR ENDED          MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,          MARCH 31,
                                                                     1995                 1996
                                                                 ------------         ------------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                              <C>                  <C>
Income statement data:
  Net sales..................................................      $ 18,098             $  3,799
  Gross profit...............................................         1,889                  301
  Income before income taxes.................................         8,521                  675
  Net income available for common shares.....................         4,699                  301
  Net income per common and common equivalent share..........      $   1.00             $    .06
  Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
     outstanding.............................................         4,677                4,681
Balance sheet data:
  Noncurrent prepaid pension cost............................           (a)             $ 48,812
  Total assets...............................................           (a)               64,907
  Noncurrent accrued OPEB cost...............................           (a)                1,340
  Redeemable preferred stock.................................           (a)                4,455
  Common stockholders' equity................................           (a)               15,735
  Book value per common share................................           (a)             $   3.36
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Not required pursuant to regulations of the Commission.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   27
 
                           COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         EQUIVALENT
                                                                            KEYSTONE       DESOTO
                                                                            PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
              BOOK VALUE PER SHARE(A)                 KEYSTONE    DESOTO    COMBINED     COMBINED(B)
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------    ------    ---------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>
March 31, 1996......................................   ($5.44)    $ 3.30      $3.61         $2.69
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         EQUIVALENT
                                                                            KEYSTONE       DESOTO
                                                                            PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
            NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE               KEYSTONE    DESOTO    COMBINED      COMBINED
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------    ------    ---------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>
Quarters ended March 31:
1996................................................   $ (.20)    $ (.10)     $(.15)        $(.11)
1995................................................      .05       (.24)       (c)           (c)
Years Ended December 31:
1995................................................   $  .86     $(1.10)     $ .80         $ .60
1994................................................     1.35       (.42)       (c)           (c)
1993................................................      .14      (1.83)       (c)           (c)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         EQUIVALENT
                                                                            KEYSTONE       DESOTO
                                                                            PRO FORMA     PRO FORMA
         CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE            KEYSTONE    DESOTO    COMBINED      COMBINED
- ----------------------------------------------------  --------    ------    ---------    -----------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>
Quarters ended:
March 31, 1996......................................   $   --     $   --      $  --         $  --
June 30, 1996.......................................       --         --         --            --
Years Ended December 31:
1995................................................   $   --     $   --      $  --         $  --
1994................................................       --         --         --            --
1993................................................       --         --         --            --
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Historical book value per share is computed by dividing common stockholders'
    equity by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of the
    period. Pro forma book value per share is computed by dividing pro forma
    common stockholders' equity by the pro forma number of shares of common
    stock outstanding at the end of the period.
 
(b) The unaudited equivalent DeSoto pro forma per share amounts are calculated
    by multiplying the Keystone combined pro forma per share amounts for each
    period by the Exchange Ratio.
 
(c) Not required pursuant to regulations of the Commission.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   28
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Each Keystone stockholder and DeSoto stockholder should carefully consider
and evaluate the following factors, among others, before voting on the matters
described herein.
 
CONTROL PERSON AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
 
     After consummation of the Merger, Contran will beneficially own, directly
and indirectly, approximately forty percent (40%) of the outstanding Keystone
Common Stock and may continue to be deemed to control Keystone. As a result, the
election of directors and taking of other corporate actions, including mergers,
requiring the approval of Keystone stockholders after the Merger may be
difficult if opposed by Contran. In addition, third parties may be discouraged
from seeking to acquire Keystone without the prior agreement of Contran. Each of
Contran and Keystone may be deemed to be controlled by Harold C. Simmons.
Certain of the officers and directors of Keystone are also officers and
directors of Contran or of entities that may be deemed to be controlled by or
affiliated with Contran or Harold C. Simmons. In addition, from time to time,
corporations that may be deemed to be controlled by or affiliated with Harold C.
Simmons, including Keystone, engage in (i) intercorporate transactions with
related companies, including guarantees, management and expense sharing
arrangements, shared fee arrangements, joint ventures, partnerships, loans,
options, advances of funds on open account, sales, leases and exchanges of
assets, including securities issued by both related and unrelated parties, and
(ii) common acquisition strategies, business combinations, reorganizations,
recapitalizations, securities repurchases, purchases and sales (and other
acquisitions and dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business
units, which transactions may involve both related and unrelated parties and may
include transactions which result in the acquisition by one related party of a
publicly-held minority equity interest in another related party. Depending upon
the business, tax and other objectives then relevant, it is possible that
Keystone might be a party to one or more such transactions in the future. The
foregoing relationships, transactions and agreements may create potential
conflicts of interest.
 
     It is the policy of Keystone to engage in transactions with related parties
on terms, in the opinion of Keystone, no less favorable to Keystone than could
be obtained from unrelated parties.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
     In considering the recommendations of the Boards of Directors of Keystone
and DeSoto with respect to the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger,
stockholders of Keystone and DeSoto should be aware that certain affiliates and
members of management of Keystone and DeSoto have interests in the Merger in
addition to the interests of holders of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common
Stock generally. Specifically, (i) pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement,
William Spier, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto,
and William P. Lyons, a member of the DeSoto Board of Directors, will be elected
to serve as directors of Keystone upon consummation of the Merger; (ii) pursuant
to the Reorganization Agreement, DeSoto Options will be assumed by Keystone and
converted into options to acquire shares of Keystone Common Stock and, prior to
the Merger, the terms of the DeSoto Options will be amended to extend the period
for exercise of the DeSoto Options until the second anniversary of the Effective
Time; (iii) DeSoto has severance agreements which obligate DeSoto to pay certain
employees and officers of DeSoto in the event of a change in control of DeSoto
and upon the subsequent termination of their employment under certain
circumstances; (iv) DeSoto Preferred Stock, which is held by affiliates of
DeSoto, will be converted into Keystone Preferred Stock and cash in an amount
equal to the accrued and unpaid dividends on the DeSoto Preferred Stock
(approximately $1.7 million as of the Effective Time) will be paid to the
holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock upon consummation of the Merger; (v)
pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement entered into in connection with the
Reorganization Agreement, Keystone has assumed certain registration rights
previously granted by DeSoto to the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders and has
granted similar registration rights to Contran and its affiliates; (vi) pursuant
to the Reorganization Agreement, if the Merger is consummated, Keystone has
agreed to indemnify the current officers and directors of DeSoto for any act or
omission occurring prior to the Merger and has also agreed to provide director
and officer insurance coverage to current officers and directors of DeSoto for
one year after the Effective Time; and (vii) Harold C. Simmons, who may be
deemed to control Keystone, is the sole member
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   29
 
of the Corporate Committee appointed by Keystone to direct the investments of
the Keystone Master Pension Trust and is the sole trustee of, and the sole
member of the trust investment committee for, The Combined Master Retirement
Trust formed by Valhi, Inc. ("Valhi"), an affiliate of Keystone, to permit the
collective investment by trusts that maintain the assets of certain employee
defined benefit pension plans adopted by Valhi and related companies, including
Keystone. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- General", "The
Reorganization Agreement -- Representations and Covenants; -- Related
Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in Matters Acted Upon" and "Information
About DeSoto -- Stock Ownership of Management and Others."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES
 
     Keystone and DeSoto are subject to federal and state "Superfund" and other
legislation that impose cleanup and remediation responsibility upon present and
former owners and operators of, and persons that generated hazardous waste
deposited upon, sites determined by state or federal regulators to contain
hazardous waste. Keystone and DeSoto have been notified by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") that each is a potentially responsible
party under the federal "Superfund" statute for the alleged release or threat of
release of hazardous waste into the environment in several instances. Most of
these situations involve cleanup of landfills and disposal facilities which
allegedly received hazardous waste generated by either Keystone or DeSoto. A
determination that Keystone or DeSoto is wholly or partially responsible for the
cleanup of hazardous waste at one or more sites under applicable laws or
regulations could require large and unanticipated expenses and possible capital
expenditures, which could have a material adverse effect on the respective
financial conditions of Keystone and DeSoto. See Note 13 to the Keystone
Consolidated Financial Statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in Appendix D, Note I
to the DeSoto Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31,
1995, and "Information About DeSoto -- Legal Proceedings; -- Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
FACTORS RELATING TO KEYSTONE
 
     Competition and Other Market Factors. The carbon steel rod, wire and wire
products markets served by Keystone are seasonal and highly competitive and
include both domestic and foreign competitors. This degree of competition is not
expected to decline in the foreseeable future as worldwide over-capacity in the
steel industry continues to exist. As a result, any significant economic
downturn in the domestic or worldwide economy could have a material adverse
effect on Keystone's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
Certain of Keystone's competitors have significantly greater financial and other
resources than Keystone, and may have lower labor costs and/or more efficient
technology, which could affect Keystone's ability to compete effectively.
 
     Scrap Steel and Other Material Costs. The principal raw material used by
Keystone in steel rod production is scrap steel. The purchase of scrap steel is
highly competitive and its price volatility is influenced by periodic shortages,
freight costs, weather and other conditions beyond the control of Keystone. The
cost of scrap steel has fluctuated significantly in the past, and may fluctuate
significantly in the future, and Keystone is not always able to pass on higher
scrap costs by increasing its selling prices. In addition to scrap steel,
Keystone's production is dependent upon the availability of certain other
materials and adequate energy supplies. Keystone's manufacturing processes
consume large amounts of energy in the form of electricity and natural gas.
Keystone purchases its electrical energy for its largest facility, located in
Peoria, Illinois, from a regulated utility under an interruptible service
contract which provides for more economical electricity rates. A significant
increase in the cost, or interruption in the supply, of such materials or energy
supplies could adversely affect Keystone's liquidity, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
     Permits. Keystone's operations are affected by a variety of environmental
laws and regulations. Many of these laws and regulations require permits to
operate the facilities to which they pertain. Denial, revocation, suspension or
expiration of such permits could impact the ability of the affected facility to
continue operations. In addition, Keystone may be subject to increasingly
stringent environmental standards in the future.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   30
 
     Plant Utilization and Capacity. The estimated annual capacity of Keystone's
rod mill currently exceeds its estimated annual billet producing capacity by
approximately 95,000 tons. As a result, Keystone has been purchasing additional
billets from other suppliers to improve utilization of its rod mill. There is no
assurance Keystone will continue to purchase billets or expand its billet
producing capacity and thus maintain higher utilization of its rod mill.
Furthermore, an economic downturn, Keystone's failure to compete effectively in
its major markets, a failure of plant or equipment requiring significant capital
expenditures or time to repair, or the other factors mentioned herein could
result in operating the rod mill and its other facilities at lower capacity
levels.
 
     Operating Results and Liquidity. Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement,
Keystone must increase its indebtedness in order to fund its obligations after
the Merger, including payment of DeSoto's trade creditors. Keystone incurs
significant ongoing costs for health and welfare benefits for current and
retired employees and for plant and equipment and may incur relatively
significant capital expenditures to upgrade its equipment over the next few
years in order to avoid possible competitive disadvantages. In addition,
potential liabilities under environmental laws and regulations with respect to
the disposal and cleanup of wastes beyond amounts already accrued could have a
material adverse effect on Keystone's liquidity, financial condition and results
of operations.
 
     Provided that Keystone is able to increase its credit availability as
contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone believes its operations
and credit facilities will generate sufficient cash flows to meet its
anticipated operating, debt service and capital needs for the foreseeable
future. This belief is based upon management's assessment of various financial
and operational factors including, but not limited to, assumptions relating to
product shipments, product mix and selling prices; production schedules;
productivity rates; raw material, electricity, labor, employee benefits, and
other fixed and variable costs; working capital changes; interest rates;
repayments of long-term debt; capital expenditures; and available borrowings
under Keystone's credit facilities. If one or more of these assessments proves
incorrect, then such events may have a material adverse effect on Keystone's
liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. See "The
Reorganization Agreement -- Keystone Financing Arrangements."
 
FIXED EXCHANGE RATIO
 
     The Exchange Ratio negotiated by Keystone and DeSoto is fixed and there
exists no condition for termination of the Merger if the stock prices of either
Keystone or DeSoto rise above or fall below a specified dollar amount. If such
fluctuations do occur, there will be no adjustment to protect either company's
stockholders who might be adversely affected by such fluctuations.
 
DESOTO FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
     DeSoto has experienced liquidity and cash flow difficulties for a number of
years and, absent consummation of the Merger, believes it will be compelled to
terminate its defined benefit pension plan in order to acquire funds to pay its
trade creditors and otherwise meet its obligations. Although consummation of the
Merger should cause DeSoto's financial condition to improve as a result of the
payment to its trade creditors and payment of its preferred dividend arrearage
as contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement, there can be no assurance that
DeSoto will not experience future losses from its operations and contingent
liabilities, including potential liabilities under environmental laws. Any such
losses would be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Keystone
for periods ending after consummation of the Merger and could reduce the
financial benefits expected to be realized by Keystone and DeSoto as a result of
the Merger.
 
     Sears, Roebuck and Co. ("Sears"), DeSoto's largest customer, currently
accounts for over 75% of DeSoto's total sales. Sales to Sears are on open
account and may be terminated at any time. The loss of Sears as a customer would
have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's current business.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   31
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Keystone has not paid cash dividends on Keystone Common Stock since 1977.
Further, Keystone is prohibited from paying dividends without its primary
lender's consent. Except for dividends with respect to the Keystone Preferred
Stock, Keystone does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable
future.
 
LACK OF LIQUIDITY OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK; PURCHASES BY SIMMONS' RELATED
PARTIES
 
     The liquidity of Keystone Common Stock may be negatively affected by the
relatively low number of shares held by nonaffiliates of Keystone and relatively
low historical trading volumes. The "public float" of Keystone Common Stock
(i.e., shares owned by nonaffiliates of Keystone) is relatively small.
Approximately 68% of the outstanding Keystone Common Stock is beneficially owned
by related parties of Harold C. Simmons (including Contran). See "Certain
Information About Keystone -- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners."
For the first six months of 1996, the average daily trading volume of Keystone
Common Stock on days that shares traded was approximately 1,500 shares or
approximately 0.03% of the outstanding Keystone Common Stock. The market price
of Keystone Common Stock, accordingly, may not be indicative of the market price
of Keystone Common Stock in a more liquid market nor of Keystone's financial
performance or business prospects.
 
     Related parties of Mr. H. Simmons (including Contran) from time to time
have purchased shares of Keystone Common Stock. Since Keystone's rights offering
completed in July 1988, such parties have increased their aggregate beneficial
ownership from approximately 57% to 68% of the outstanding Keystone Common
Stock. Such acquisitions include aggregate open-market purchases in 1995 of
87,150 shares (1.5% of the outstanding Keystone Common Stock) at an average
price of approximately $13.60 per share and aggregate open-market purchases in
1996 through the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of 33,900 shares
(0.6% of the outstanding Keystone Common Stock) at an average price of
approximately $9.93 per share. Given the relatively small public float and
relatively low daily trading volume of Keystone Common Stock, purchases by
related parties of Mr. H. Simmons (including Contran) may have had some effect
on the market price of Keystone Common Stock.
 
     Due to the factors mentioned above, the quoted market price of Keystone
Common Stock should only be one factor in analyzing the value of Keystone.
 
VOLATILITY OF MARKET PRICE OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK AFTER THE MERGER
 
     Even though after the Merger the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock
held by nonaffiliates of Keystone will increase, the market price of Keystone
Common Stock could be subject to significant price fluctuations in response to a
number of factors, including those mentioned under "-- Lack of Liquidity of
Keystone Common Stock; Purchases by Simmons' Related Parties," efforts, if any,
to purchase or sell relatively large blocks of Keystone Common Stock, investor
perceptions and general economic and other conditions. These factors may or may
not relate to Keystone's financial performance or business prospects.
 
MARKET PRICE FOR DESOTO COMMON STOCK
 
     The liquidity of DeSoto Common Stock may be negatively affected by the
relatively large number of shares held by directors, officers and related
entities as well as by certain persons unrelated to DeSoto and the resulting
negative impact on the number of shares which are actively traded. See
"Information About DeSoto -- Stock Ownership of Management and Others." As a
result, trading in shares of DeSoto Common Stock may be characterized by price
volatility, particularly, if efforts are made to buy or sell large amounts of
such shares. Therefore, the market price of DeSoto Common Stock may not
necessarily be indicative of the market price of DeSoto Common Stock in a more
liquid market or of DeSoto's financial performance or business prospects. As a
result, the quoted market price of DeSoto Common Stock should only be one factor
in analyzing the value of DeSoto.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   32
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     As a result of the Merger, it is anticipated that Keystone will issue
approximately 3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock, approximately 136,000
shares of Keystone Common Stock will be issuable upon the exercise of assumed
DeSoto Options, and 447,900 shares of Keystone Common Stock will be issuable
upon the exercise of warrants to purchase Keystone Common Stock. In general,
except for shares issuable upon the exercise of such warrants whose
transferability will be restricted by Rule 144 under the Securities Act, these
shares will be freely tradable following the Merger, subject to certain resale
restrictions for affiliates of DeSoto pursuant to Rules 144 and/or 145 under the
Securities Act. See "The Merger and Related Transactions -- Affiliates'
Restrictions on Sale of Keystone Common Stock." An aggregate of approximately
[474,833] of the shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued in the Merger will
be beneficially owned by affiliates of DeSoto and, therefore, subject to resale
restrictions. The sale of any of the foregoing shares may cause substantial
fluctuations in the price of Keystone Common Stock over short time periods.
 
ISSUANCE OF KEYSTONE PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, approximately
435,458 shares of Keystone Preferred Stock will be issued in the Merger. In the
event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Keystone, no distribution
will be made to holders of Keystone Common Stock until, among other things,
holders of Keystone Preferred Stock have received $8.0375 per share of Keystone
Preferred Stock plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not
earned or declared (the "Liquidation Preference"), to the date fixed for
liquidation, dissolution or winding up. After payment of any unpaid accumulated
dividends, the aggregate Liquidation Preference will be $3.5 million. There can
be no assurance that in the event of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of Keystone, the holders of Keystone Common Stock will receive any assets after
payment of the Liquidation Preference.
 
CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS
 
     Shares of preferred stock may be issued in the future by Keystone without
further stockholder approval and upon such terms and conditions, and having such
rights, privileges and preferences, as the Board of Directors of Keystone may
determine. The rights of the holders of Keystone Common Stock will be subject
to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred
stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could
have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of
discouraging a third party from acquiring, a majority of the outstanding voting
stock of Keystone. Keystone does not have any present plans to issue any shares
of preferred stock other than the Keystone Preferred Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger.
 
                              THE KEYSTONE MEETING
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
 
     The Keystone Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 26, 1996 at 10:00
a.m., local time, at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740, Dallas,
Texas 75240-2697.
 
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
 
     Only holders of record of Keystone Common Stock at the close of business on
the Keystone Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Keystone
Meeting. As of the close of business on the Keystone Record Date, there were
          shares of Keystone Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote, held
of record by           stockholders (although Keystone has been informed there
are in excess of           beneficial owners). A majority, or           of these
shares, present in person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business. Each Keystone stockholder is entitled to one vote
for each share of Keystone Common Stock held as of the Keystone Record Date.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   33
 
VOTING OF PROXIES
 
     The Keystone proxy accompanying this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Keystone for use at the
Keystone Meeting. Stockholders are requested to complete, sign and date the
accompanying proxy and promptly return it in the accompanying envelope or
otherwise mail it to Keystone. All proxies that are promptly executed and
returned, and that are not revoked, will be voted at the Keystone Meeting in
accordance with the instructions indicated on the proxies or, if no direction is
indicated, to approve the issuance of shares of Keystone Common Stock pursuant
to the Reorganization Agreement. Keystone's Board of Directors does not
presently intend to bring any business before the Keystone Meeting other than
the specific proposals referred to in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
specified in the notice of the Keystone Meeting. So far as is known to
Keystone's Board of Directors, no other matters are to be brought before the
Keystone Meeting. As to any business that may properly come before the Keystone
Meeting, however, it is intended that proxies, in the form enclosed, will be
voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting
such proxies. A Keystone stockholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any
time before it is exercised at the Keystone Meeting by (i) delivering to the
Secretary of Keystone (by any means, including facsimile) a written notice,
bearing a date later than the proxy, stating the proxy is revoked; (ii) signing
and so delivering a proxy relating to the same shares and bearing a later date
prior to the vote at the Keystone Meeting; or (iii) attending the Keystone
Meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the Keystone Meeting will
not, by itself, revoke a proxy).
 
VOTE REQUIRED
 
     Because the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued or
reserved for issuance in connection with the Merger will exceed twenty percent
(20%) of the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock outstanding prior to the
Merger, approval by holders of Keystone Common Stock of the proposal to issue
Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement is required under
the rules of the NYSE. Under the NYSE rules, the proposal to issue Keystone
Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement must be approved by a
majority of the votes cast at the Keystone Meeting. If the holders of Keystone
Common Stock do not vote to approve such issuance, the Merger will not be
consummated. As of July 22, 1996, the directors and executive officers of
Keystone and their affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate of 4,163,081
shares of Keystone Common Stock, representing approximately seventy-three
percent (73%) of Keystone Common Stock outstanding. Contran, holding directly
approximately fifty six percent (56%) of the Keystone Common Stock outstanding
as of July 22, 1996, is a party to an agreement with DeSoto pursuant to which
Contran has agreed to vote its shares of Keystone Common Stock in favor of the
Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, thus
insuring Keystone stockholder approval. See "The Reorganization
Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in Matters Acted
Upon -- Stockholders Agreement."
 
QUORUM; BROKER NON-VOTES
 
     The required quorum for the transaction of business at the Keystone Meeting
is a majority of the shares of Keystone Common Stock issued and outstanding on
the Keystone Record Date. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in
determining the number of shares present for purposes of determining the
presence of a quorum but will not be counted as a vote for or against approval
of the issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement. Approval of the Merger or the Reorganization Agreement is not
required under the DGCL or Keystone's Certificate of Incorporation or its
Bylaws.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND EXPENSES
 
     Keystone will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies in the enclosed
form from its stockholders. In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors,
officers and employees of Keystone may solicit proxies from stockholders by
telephone, telegram, letter, facsimile or in person. Following the initial
mailing of the proxies and other soliciting materials, Keystone will request
brokers, custodians, nominees and other record holders to forward copies of the
proxy and other soliciting materials to persons for whom they hold shares of
Keystone
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   34
 
Common Stock and to request authority for the exercise of proxies. In such
cases, Keystone, upon the request of the record holders, will reimburse such
holders for their reasonable expenses.
 
                               THE DESOTO MEETING
 
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
 
     The DeSoto Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 26, 1996 at 10:00
a.m., local time, at [to be determined].
 
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
 
     Only holders of record of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock at
the close of business on the DeSoto Record Date are entitled to notice of and to
vote at the DeSoto Meeting. As of the close of business on the DeSoto Record
Date, there were           shares of DeSoto Common Stock outstanding and
entitled to vote, held of record by           stockholders (although DeSoto has
been informed there are in excess of           beneficial owners) and 583,333
shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock outstanding and entitled to vote, held of
record by three (3) stockholders. Each DeSoto stockholder is entitled to one
vote for each share of DeSoto Common Stock and each share of DeSoto Preferred
Stock held as of the DeSoto Record Date.
 
VOTING OF PROXIES
 
     The DeSoto proxy accompanying this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of DeSoto for use at the DeSoto
Meeting. Stockholders are requested to complete, sign and date the accompanying
proxy and promptly return it in the accompanying envelope or otherwise mail it
to DeSoto. All proxies that are promptly executed and returned, and that are not
revoked, will be voted at the DeSoto Meeting in accordance with the instructions
indicated on the proxies or, if no direction is indicated, to approve and adopt
the Reorganization Agreement. DeSoto's Board of Directors does not presently
intend to bring any business before the DeSoto Meeting other than the specific
proposals referred to in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and specified in
the notice of the DeSoto Meeting. So far as is known to DeSoto's Board of
Directors, no other matters are to be brought before the DeSoto Meeting. As to
any business that may properly come before the DeSoto Meeting, however, it is
intended that proxies, in the form enclosed, will be voted in respect thereof in
accordance with the judgment of the persons voting such proxies. A DeSoto
stockholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is
exercised at the DeSoto Meeting by (i) delivering to the Secretary of DeSoto (by
any means, including facsimile) a written notice, bearing a date later than the
proxy, stating that the proxy is revoked; (ii) signing and so delivering a proxy
relating to the same shares and bearing a later date prior to the vote at the
DeSoto Meeting; or (iii) attending the DeSoto Meeting and voting in person
(although attendance at the DeSoto Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy).
 
VOTE REQUIRED
 
     Pursuant to DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL, the
Reorganization Agreement must be approved by a majority of the outstanding
shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock voting together as one
class. If the holders of DeSoto do not vote to approve such transaction, the
Merger will not be consummated. As of July 22, 1996, the directors and officers
of DeSoto and their affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate of 636,079
shares of DeSoto Common Stock and all the outstanding DeSoto Preferred Stock,
representing approximately twenty-three percent (23%) of all DeSoto voting stock
outstanding as of such date. Certain entities affiliated with directors of
DeSoto and a director of DeSoto collectively having the right to vote 596,898
shares of DeSoto Common Stock and all of the outstanding shares of DeSoto
Preferred Stock, representing approximately 22% of the combined shares of DeSoto
Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock outstanding as of the DeSoto Record Date
are parties to an agreement with Keystone pursuant to which they have agreed to
vote their shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock in favor of
the approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   35
 
QUORUM; BROKER NON-VOTES
 
     The required quorum for the transaction of business at the DeSoto Meeting
is a majority of the shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock,
taken together, issued and outstanding on the DeSoto Record Date. Abstentions
and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes against the
Reorganization Agreement.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND EXPENSES
 
     DeSoto will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies in the enclosed
form from its stockholders. In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors,
officers and employees of DeSoto may solicit proxies from stockholders by
telephone, telegram, letter, facsimile or in person. Following the initial
mailing of the proxies and other soliciting materials, DeSoto will request
brokers, custodians, nominees and other record holders to forward copies of the
proxy and other soliciting materials to persons for whom they hold shares of
DeSoto Common Stock and to request authority for the exercise of proxies. In
such cases, DeSoto, upon the request of the record holders, will reimburse such
holders for their reasonable expenses. In addition, DeSoto has retained
Georgeson & Co., Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of
approximately $10,000, plus expenses.
 
                      THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
GENERAL
 
     The Reorganization Agreement provides for the merger of Sub with and into
DeSoto, with DeSoto to be the surviving corporation of the Merger. As a
consequence of the Merger, DeSoto will become a wholly owned subsidiary of
Keystone. If the requisite approvals of the stockholders of DeSoto and Keystone
are received, the Merger is expected to be consummated as soon as practicable
after the satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions to consummation of
the Merger, which is expected to occur as soon as practicable following receipt
of stockholder approval at the Keystone and DeSoto Meetings. The discussion in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of the Merger and the description of the
principal terms of the Reorganization Agreement are subject to and qualified in
their entirety by reference to the Reorganization Agreement, a copy of which is
attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix A, and
incorporated herein by reference.
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, Keystone's Board of Directors will be
increased from seven to nine members, and the Keystone Board of Directors will
elect William Spier, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
DeSoto, and William P. Lyons, another current member of the Board of Directors
of DeSoto, to fill the vacancies thereby created. The executive officers of
Keystone will remain unchanged as a result of the Merger. The stockholders of
DeSoto will become stockholders of Keystone (as described below), and their
rights will be governed by Keystone's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
As soon as practicable after the Merger, the Keystone defined benefit pension
plans will be merged with and into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan.
 
  Conversion of Shares
 
     Upon the consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding share of DeSoto
Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock, will automatically be converted into
 .7465 of a share of Keystone Common Stock and Keystone Preferred Stock,
respectively. No fractional shares of Keystone Common Stock or will be issued in
the Merger. Instead, each DeSoto stockholder who would otherwise be entitled to
receive a fractional share of Keystone Common Stock will receive an amount of
cash equal to the per share market value of Keystone Common Stock (based on the
average of the closing sales prices of Keystone Common Stock as quoted on the
NYSE during the ten trading day period ending on the closing date of the Merger)
multiplied by the fraction of a share of Keystone Common Stock to which the
stockholder would otherwise be entitled. Based upon the capitalization of DeSoto
and Keystone as of July 22, 1996, the stockholders of DeSoto will own Keystone
Common Stock representing approximately thirty-eight percent (38%) of the
Keystone Common Stock outstanding immediately after consummation of the Merger
and one hundred percent (100%) of the Keystone Preferred Stock outstanding
immediately after consummation of the Merger. Because the Exchange Ratio is
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   36
 
fixed, the number of shares to be received by stockholders of DeSoto upon
consummation of the Merger will remain the same, regardless of whether the
market price of the Common Stock of Keystone or DeSoto increases or decreases at
any time, including after the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
after the dates of the Keystone and DeSoto Meetings. See "The Merger and Related
Transactions -- Opinions of Financial Advisors" and "Risk Factors -- Fixed
Exchange Ratio."
 
  Assumption of Options and Conversion of Warrants
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, each then outstanding DeSoto Option will
be assumed by Keystone and will automatically be converted into an option to
purchase the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock determined by multiplying
the number of shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to the DeSoto Option by the
Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price equal to the exercise price of such DeSoto
Option at the time of the Merger divided by the Exchange Ratio. To avoid
fractional shares, the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock subject to an
assumed DeSoto Option will be rounded up to the nearest whole share. The other
terms of DeSoto Options, including vesting schedules, will remain unchanged.
Keystone will file a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Commission with
respect to the issuance of shares of Keystone Common Stock upon exercise of the
assumed DeSoto Options and cause such shares, upon issuance, to be listed with
the NYSE.
 
     Pursuant to the Warrant Conversion Agreement, at the Effective Time,
one-half of the DeSoto Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of
DeSoto Common Stock will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of the DeSoto
Warrants will be converted into Keystone Warrants to purchase 447,900 shares of
Keystone Common Stock (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject to
the remaining DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an exercise
price equal to approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price of
the DeSoto Warrants divided by the Exchange Ratio).
 
     As of the Record Date, DeSoto Options to acquire approximately 182,000
shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Warrants to acquire 1,200,000 shares of
DeSoto Common Stock were outstanding.
 
ACTIONS SUBSEQUENT TO THE MERGER
 
  Operation of DeSoto
 
     After consummation of the Merger, Keystone intends to continue to maintain
DeSoto as a separate subsidiary and to operate DeSoto's Joliet manufacturing
facility. Prior to the Merger, Keystone will contribute the net assets of its
Sherman Wire division to Sub. Accordingly, following the Merger, DeSoto's
operations will be comprised of DeSoto's Joliet operations and Keystone's
Sherman Wire operations.
 
  Merger of Pension Plans
 
     Keystone intends, as soon as practicable after consummation of the Merger,
to merge the Keystone defined benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto
defined benefit pension plan. Keystone believes that after such merger, it will
no longer have an unfunded pension obligation. See "Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Information."
 
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
     On January 6, 1995, William Spier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
DeSoto, sent a letter to Mr. H. Simmons, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Contran, to determine if there was any interest on the part of Keystone in a
potential transaction with DeSoto. Soon thereafter, Glenn R. Simmons, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone and Vice Chairman of Contran, contacted
Mr. Spier concerning a potential transaction.
 
     On January 11, 1995, Keystone and DeSoto executed a letter agreement,
pursuant to which the parties agreed to keep confidential any information
exchanged by the parties in connection with a possible transaction between
Keystone and DeSoto. The parties also agreed not to propose to the other's
security holders an
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   37
 
extraordinary transaction involving the two parties without the consent of the
other company's Board of Directors.
 
     On January 17, 1995, Harold Curdy, Vice President -- Finance of Keystone,
and Messrs. G. Simmons and Spier met and had preliminary discussions concerning
a potential transaction.
 
     From January 18, 1995 through June 1995, the parties performed due
diligence proceedings through meetings and phone conferences between the parties
and their respective legal and financial advisors.
 
     On June 9, 1995, Messrs. Curdy, Robert Singer, President of Keystone, and
Joseph Compofelice, an executive officer of certain companies related to
Contran, met with Mr. Spier and representatives of Salomon Brothers, DeSoto's
financial advisor, to discuss, among other things, terms of a potential
transaction. At that meeting, as a result of Keystone's due diligence to such
date, Keystone offered the following alternatives: (i) Keystone would issue
3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock for DeSoto, subject to further due
diligence by Keystone or (ii) Contran would sell its interest in Keystone to Mr.
Spier and his affiliates at a price to be determined.
 
     On July 27, 1995, Mr. Spier, in a letter to Mr. G. Simmons, indicated the
transaction to purchase Contran's interest in Keystone would not be feasible but
DeSoto would be willing to accept 4,250,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock.
 
     By letter dated August 9, 1995, Keystone notified DeSoto that Keystone was
no longer interested in pursuing discussions in respect of a possible merger of
the two companies.
 
     There were no further formal discussions between the parties until January
18, 1996, when Messrs. G. Simmons, Singer, Spier, and Curdy met to discuss the
terms of a possible merger, including the issuance of approximately 3,500,000
shares of Keystone Common Stock (the "Proposed Exchange Ratio") subject to
further due diligence, receipt of fairness opinions, and approvals by the
parties' respective Boards of Directors and stockholders and Keystone's primary
lender. Thereafter, the parties renewed due diligence proceedings.
 
     On January 23, 1996, Messrs. G. Simmons, Curdy and Spier met to discuss
terms and financial constraints on Keystone's ability to consummate the proposed
merger.
 
     On February 5, 1996, Mr. Curdy and Ms. Anne Eisele, President of DeSoto,
met to coordinate the due diligence process.
 
     On February 13, 1996, Messrs. Curdy, Spier and Ms. Eisele met with
representatives of Keystone's primary lender to discuss possible funding for
DeSoto.
 
     On March 5, 1996, Mr. Curdy met with representatives of the PBGC to discuss
the proposed merger and the subsequent merger of the Keystone and DeSoto defined
benefit pension plans.
 
     On March 13, 1996, Keystone and DeSoto issued press releases indicating
that the parties were involved in discussions about a proposed merger at the
Proposed Exchange Ratio. Thereafter, the parties continued due diligence
proceedings and began negotiating the terms of the Reorganization Agreement and
the related agreements.
 
     On June 13, 1996, the Board of Directors of Keystone met to consider the
proposed Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. At
such meeting, members of Keystone's senior management, together with Keystone's
legal and financial advisors, reviewed with the Keystone Board of Directors,
among other things, the background of the proposed transaction, the potential
benefits and risks of the transaction, including the strategic and financial
rationale, analysis of the transaction and the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement. PaineWebber delivered its oral opinion (confirmed in writing as of
the date of the Reorganization Agreement) that the consideration to be paid by
Keystone is fair, from a financial point of view, to the stockholders of
Keystone (except that as to Contran and its affiliates PaineWebber did not
express an opinion). See "-- Opinions of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of
PaineWebber, Financial Advisor to Keystone" for a discussion of the factors
considered and the analytical methods employed by PaineWebber in reaching such
conclusion. The Keystone Board of Directors unanimously approved the principal
terms of the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
The Keystone Board of Directors also
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   38
 
unanimously approved the principal terms of the Voting Agreements (including the
possible acquisition of beneficial ownership of Keystone Common Stock pursuant
thereto by DeSoto for purposes of Section 203 of the DGCL), the Warrant
Conversion Agreement, the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement,
and the Stockholders' Agreement. See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Related
Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in Matters Acted Upon."
 
     On June 13, 1996, the Board of Directors of DeSoto met to consider the
proposed Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. At
such meeting, members of DeSoto's senior management, together with DeSoto's
legal and financial advisors, reviewed with the Board, among other things, the
background of the proposed transaction, the potential benefits and risks of the
transaction, including the strategic and financial rationale, analysis of the
transaction and the terms of the Reorganization Agreement. Salomon Brothers
delivered its oral opinion (confirmed in writing as of the date of the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus) that as of that date, the Exchange Ratio was fair,
from a financial point of view, to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock. See
"-- Opinions of Financial Advisors -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers, Financial
Advisor to DeSoto" for a discussion of the facts considered and the analytical
methods employed by Salomon Brothers in reaching such conclusion. The DeSoto
Board of Directors unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby. The DeSoto Board of Directors also
unanimously approved the principal terms of the Voting Agreements and the
Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement (including the possible
acquisition by Keystone of beneficial ownership of DeSoto Common Stock and
DeSoto Preferred Stock pursuant thereto for purposes of Section 203 of the
DGCL). See "The Reorganization Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of
Certain Persons in Matters Acted Upon."
 
     Following the Keystone and DeSoto Board meetings and through June 26, 1996,
the Reorganization Agreement and the related agreements were finalized. Keystone
and DeSoto each executed the Reorganization Agreement and related agreements on
June 26, 1996, and the Reorganization Agreement was announced immediately
thereafter by the issuance of press releases.
 
     The Exchange Ratio and other terms of the Merger were determined in
arms-length negotiations between the management teams and the Boards of
Directors of the two companies. The Exchange Ratio was determined after
consideration of, among other things, the shares, options and warrants
outstanding of each company, the relative trading prices of the two companies'
stock over various periods of time, the companies' respective capital structures
and pension funding status, historical and prospective revenues and operating
profits, the respective growth rates of the two companies, the business
prospects of the combined company, the relative contributions of the two
companies to the business, liquidity and financial condition of the combined
company and consultation with the financial advisors of the companies (who
participated in discussions regarding the Exchange Ratio but did not determine
or recommend the Exchange Ratio).
 
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
  Keystone's Reasons for the Merger
 
     The Board of Directors has determined the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, which were established
through arms-length negotiations with DeSoto, are fair to, and in the best
interests of, Keystone and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Board of Directors
of Keystone has unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and
unanimously recommends the stockholders of Keystone vote FOR approval of the
issuance of shares pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement. In reaching its
determination, the Board of Directors consulted with Keystone's management, as
well as its legal counsel and financial advisor, and considered a number of
reasons and factors, including the following:
 
          (i) At March 31, 1996, Keystone's defined benefit pension plans were
     underfunded by approximately $31 million and the net pension liabilities
     adjustment in common stockholders' equity amounted to approximately $29
     million. Based on Keystone's and DeSoto's balance sheets at March 31, 1996,
     the Merger and subsequent merger of the Keystone and DeSoto defined benefit
     pension plans would result in an increase of approximately $64 million in
     Keystone's common stockholders' equity due to the issuance of approximately
     3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock and the elimination of the net
     pension
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   39
 
     liabilities adjustment. Additionally, the proposed merger of the pension
     plans would also result in the elimination of the accrued pension liability
     and recording of an approximate $101 million pension asset. See Note 2 to
     the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.
 
          (ii) The merger of the Keystone defined benefit pension plans with and
     into the DeSoto defined benefit pension plan should also result in lower
     pension contributions and pension expense than Keystone has historically
     experienced. The anticipated increase in cash flows due to lower pension
     contributions should eventually more than offset the cash payments required
     to be made as a result of the Merger. Likewise, it is expected the decrease
     in pension expense will also more than offset the increase in interest
     expense from the higher borrowings required to fund payments required by
     the Merger, thus resulting in increased earnings. See Note 2 to the
     Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information.
 
          (iii) In addition to an improved balance sheet and the anticipated
     favorable impact on cash flows and reduction in pension expense, Keystone's
     Board of Directors also believes the increased public holdings of
     Keystone's Common Stock, as a result of the issuance of approximately
     3,500,000 shares to the DeSoto stockholders, will make Keystone Common
     Stock more attractive to potential investors and increase the liquidity of
     Keystone Common Stock.
 
     In the course of its deliberations, the Board of Directors of Keystone
reviewed and considered a number of other factors relevant to the Merger with
Keystone's management. In particular, the Keystone Board considered, among other
things:
 
          (i) information concerning Keystone's and DeSoto's respective
     businesses, prospects, financial performances, liquidity, financial
     condition and operations;
 
          (ii) the comparative stock prices of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto
     Common Stock;
 
          (iii) an analysis of the respective contributions to revenues,
     operating profits, net profits and cash flows of the combined companies;
     and
 
          (iv) a presentation by PaineWebber, including the opinion of
     PaineWebber that the consideration to be paid by Keystone pursuant to the
     Merger was fair from a financial point of view to Keystone stockholders
     (other than Contran and its affiliates) as well as the underlying financial
     analysis of PaineWebber presented in connection therewith.
 
     Following its deliberations concerning such factors and its review of the
presentation and financial opinion of PaineWebber, the Board of Directors of
Keystone concluded the Merger may improve the long-term prospects of the
combined company for earnings growth, may increase stockholder value and was in
the best interest of Keystone and its stockholders from both a financial and
strategic perspective.
 
     In connection with its deliberations, the Keystone Board of Directors was
aware of the potential benefits to be received in the Merger by Contran and its
affiliates, as described in "Risk Factors -- Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger" and "The Reorganization Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of
Certain Persons in Matters Acted Upon."
 
     The Board of Directors of Keystone also considered a variety of potentially
negative factors in its deliberations concerning the Merger, including: (i) the
possible dilutive effect of the issuance of Keystone stock in the Merger; (ii)
the risk that the public market price of Keystone's stock might be adversely
affected by announcement of the Merger; (iii) the costs expected to be incurred
in connection with the Merger, including the transaction costs and payments
required by the Merger; (iv) the risk that other benefits sought to be obtained
by the Merger will not be obtained; and (v) other risks described above under
"Risk Factors."
 
     In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the proposed Merger, the Board of Directors did not find it
practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative
weights to the specific factors considered in reaching its determination, each
of which was viewed as supportive of its conclusion that the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement are fair to, and in the best interest of, Keystone and
all of its stockholders.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   40
 
     THE KEYSTONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT KEYSTONE
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO
THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
  DeSoto's Reasons for the Merger
 
     The DeSoto Board of Directors has determined the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, which were
established through arms-length negotiation with Keystone, are fair to, and in
the best interests of, DeSoto and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors of DeSoto has unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and
unanimously recommends the stockholders of DeSoto vote FOR approval and adoption
of the Reorganization Agreement. In reaching its determination, the Board of
Directors consulted with DeSoto's management, as well as its legal counsel and
financial advisor, and considered a number of reasons and factors, including the
following:
 
          (i) The conclusion that the only strategic alternatives available to
     DeSoto were either termination of DeSoto's overfunded pension plan or a
     sale of DeSoto or another extraordinary corporate transaction providing
     value to stockholders and resolving DeSoto's liquidity problems. This
     conclusion resulted from the Board's ongoing review of DeSoto's past
     performance and future prospects. DeSoto has suffered negative cash flow
     from operations (excluding one time items, such as insurance settlements)
     for a number of years and has attempted to address the resultant cash flow
     and business consequences in a number of ways. In March 1992, the DeSoto
     Board adopted a resolution eliminating the regular quarterly dividend on
     DeSoto Common Stock. In the second half of 1992, DeSoto raised $3.5 million
     through the sale of warrants and DeSoto Preferred Stock and acquired J. L.
     Prescott Company, in an effort to improve its competitive position in the
     industry and diversify its business. The results of this acquisition were
     disappointing and DeSoto attempted to explore strategic alliances with
     other companies in its industry beginning in late 1994. These efforts
     focused on promoting and leveraging DeSoto's position in the industry as
     well as on opportunities to enable it to preserve and maximize stockholder
     value. No significant transactions resulted from these efforts and, in
     order to raise cash, DeSoto, among other things, began to dispose of
     certain assets in 1995 and 1996. (These dispositions are described in the
     business description of DeSoto under "Information About DeSoto"). At the
     same time, throughout 1995 and 1996, DeSoto continued to seek out
     opportunities to maximize stockholder value, which objectives were publicly
     announced in DeSoto's periodic filings with the Commission. In light of
     DeSoto's continuing liquidity difficulties, remaining a public company
     without termination of the pension plan was not viewed as a viable
     alternative. In that regard, DeSoto's current agreement with its trade
     creditors requires either consummation of the Merger or termination of the
     pension plan. See "Information About DeSoto -- Management's Discussion and
     Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
     Capital Resources."
 
          (ii) The conclusion that the only strategic alternative identified by
     DeSoto management to termination of the pension plan is the Merger. This
     conclusion is based on the failure of discussions with a number of third
     parties in 1995 and 1996 to result in any viable proposal to acquire DeSoto
     or otherwise engage in a transaction resolving DeSoto's liquidity problems.
     The DeSoto Board of Directors took into account the amount of time that had
     transpired between the public announcement on March 13, 1996, of the terms
     of a possible transaction with Keystone and its June 13 meeting without any
     serious expression of interest from a third party regarding an alternative
     transaction.
 
          (iii) A comparison of the relative values likely to be realized by
     DeSoto stockholders pursuant to the Merger and a termination of the pension
     plan which resulted in the view that the Merger was likely to provide
     significantly greater value per share of DeSoto Common Stock in the
     foreseeable future. Although there is no assurance as to actual values of
     the consideration to be received by DeSoto stockholders pursuant to the
     Merger or of DeSoto Common Stock following a termination of the pension
     plan, a number of factors were reviewed. These included the recent trading
     ranges of Keystone Common Stock, the expected financial benefits of the
     Merger to Keystone, the high rates of taxes applicable to the surplus
     pension assets reverting to DeSoto upon a termination of the pension plan
     (which since 1990, include, in addition to federal and state income taxes,
     a federal excise tax of either 20% or 50% depending
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   41
 
     upon whether, among other things, a "qualified replacement plan" receiving
     25% of surplus plan assets is established), and the uncertainty relating to
     the business diversification opportunities for the use of excess cash
     generated by the pension plan termination (distribution to stockholders was
     not considered feasible in light of potential taxes payable by stockholders
     and the need to maintain reserves for contingencies). In the course of its
     review during 1995 and 1996 of the possibility of terminating the pension
     plan, the DeSoto Board of Directors determined that a reasonable rough
     estimate of possible ranges of values realizable through this alternative
     might be between $3 and $6 per share of DeSoto Common Stock depending upon
     values attributed to a qualified replacement plan, assumptions made
     regarding the satisfaction of contingent and other liabilities, and an
     expectation that operating losses from DeSoto's operating business would be
     eliminated, possibly through the termination of this business. This
     determination was not made with a view toward public disclosure and was
     viewed as inherently uncertain and subject to significant variation from
     actual values achievable, which may be materially higher or lower than this
     rough estimate. This broad range of values was compared with the value to
     be received pursuant to the Merger, which based on the market price of
     Keystone Common Stock as of June 12, 1996 of $10 per share, would be
     approximately $7.47 per share of DeSoto Common Stock (although the actual
     market value of the Keystone Common Stock to be received in the Merger will
     be dependent upon market conditions at the Effective Time, which may be
     materially different from the market price as of June 12, 1996). See "Risk
     Factors -- Lack of Liquidity of Keystone Common Stock; Purchase by Simmons'
     Related Parties."
 
          (iv) The terms of the Reorganization Agreement, including
 
             (a) provisions requiring confirmation of the opinion of Salomon
        Brothers as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the
        Exchange Ratio to holders of DeSoto Common Stock as of one day before
        the Effective Time; and
 
             (b) the right of DeSoto to terminate the Reorganization Agreement
        if it enters into an agreement relating to a superior proposal and to
        provide information to, and negotiate with, third parties under certain
        circumstances (the DeSoto Board did not view its obligation to pay the
        $1 million Break-up Fee to Keystone and the restrictions on its ability
        to discuss alternative transactions with third parties as unreasonably
        precluding any third party from proposing an alternative transaction).
 
          (v) The presentation of DeSoto's financial advisor, Salomon Brothers,
     and its oral opinion to the effect that, as of June 13, 1996, and based
     upon the assumptions made, matters considered and limits of review, the
     Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock from a
     financial point of view. For a summary of Salomon Brothers written opinion
     as of the date hereof and its presentation, see "-- Opinions of Financial
     Advisors -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers -- Financial Advisor to DeSoto".
 
          (vi) Information relating to the financial performance, prospects and
     business operations of each of DeSoto and Keystone.
 
          (vii) The willingness of the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders to
     accept cancellation of one-half of their warrants to purchase DeSoto Common
     Stock in order to generate additional value for other holders of DeSoto
     Common Stock and facilitate the Merger.
 
          (viii) The ability of holders of DeSoto Common Stock to continue to
     own equity in a combined Keystone/DeSoto entity which is expected to
     realize substantial financial benefits as a result of the Merger in a
     transaction which should be non-taxable to holders of DeSoto Common Stock
     for federal income tax purposes.
 
     In considering the fairness of the terms of the Reorganization Agreement to
the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors of DeSoto also
considered the following additional factors:
 
          (i) The agreement by all of the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock to
     vote in favor of the Reorganization Agreement; and
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   42
 
          (ii) Keystone's agreement to pay an amount of cash to such holders in
     an amount equal to accrued but unpaid dividends on the DeSoto Preferred
     Stock.
 
     In connection with its deliberations at its June 13, 1996 meeting, the
DeSoto Board of Directors was aware of the potential benefits to be received in
the Merger by DeSoto's officers and directors, as described under "The
Reorganization Agreement -- Related Agreements; Interests of Certain Persons in
Matters Acted Upon."
 
     In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the proposed Merger, the Board of Directors did not find it
practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative
weights to the specific factors considered in reaching its determination, each
of which was viewed as supportive of its conclusion that the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement are fair to, and in the best interest of, DeSoto and
its stockholders.
 
     THE DESOTO BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT DESOTO
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KEYSTONE BELIEVES THE MERGER IS FAIR TO, AND IN
THE BEST INTEREST OF KEYSTONE AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND, THEREFORE, UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF KEYSTONE COMMON
STOCK PURSUANT TO THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DESOTO BELIEVES THE MERGER IS FAIR TO, AND IN THE
BEST INTERESTS OF, DESOTO AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND, THEREFORE, UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT.
 
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
 
  Opinion of PaineWebber, Financial Advisor to Keystone
 
     Keystone retained PaineWebber on May 16, 1996, to provide certain
investment banking advice and services in connection with the Merger, including
rendering its opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view to
Keystone stockholders (other than Contran and its affiliates), of the
consideration to be paid by Keystone in the Merger. At the June 13, 1996 meeting
of the Keystone Board of Directors, representatives of PaineWebber made a
presentation with respect to the Merger and rendered an oral opinion to the
Keystone Board, subsequently confirmed in writing as of the date of the
Reorganization Agreement, that, based upon the facts and circumstances as they
existed at the time, and subject to certain assumptions, factors and limitations
set forth in such opinion, the consideration to be paid by Keystone in the
Merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Keystone stockholders (other
than Contran and its affiliates). No limitations were imposed by the Board upon
PaineWebber with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed by it
in rendering its opinion.
 
     The full text of PaineWebber's written opinion, dated June 26, 1996, which
sets forth, among other things, assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Appendix B to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Keystone stockholders are urged to read this opinion
in its entirety. PaineWebber did not recommend to Keystone that any specific
exchange ratios constituted the appropriate exchange ratio for the Merger.
PaineWebber's opinion is directed to the Keystone Board, addresses only the
fairness of the consideration to be paid by Keystone in the Merger to Keystone
stockholders (other than Contran and its affiliates) from a financial point of
view and does not constitute a recommendation to any Keystone stockholder as to
how such stockholder should vote at the Keystone Meeting. The opinion was
rendered to the Keystone Board for its consideration in determining whether to
approve the Reorganization Agreement. The discussion of the opinion in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the full text of the opinion.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   43
 
     In arriving at its opinion, PaineWebber, among other things: (i) reviewed,
among other public information, Keystone's Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and
related financial information for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1995
and Keystone's Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 1996; (ii)
reviewed Keystone's projections prepared by Keystone's management; (iii)
reviewed certain financial information relating to Keystone, including,
earnings, cash flow, assets and liabilities statements, furnished to PaineWebber
by Keystone; (iv) conducted discussions with senior management of Keystone
regarding (a) the Company's operations and business prospects, (b) DeSoto's
operations and business prospects and (c) certain studies prepared by Keystone
and its legal and accounting advisors relating to potential off-balance sheet
items; (v) considered the pro forma effect of the Merger on Keystone's cash flow
and earnings per share; (vi) considered the pro form balance sheet effects of
the Merger on Keystone; (vii) reviewed, among other public information, DeSoto's
Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and related financial information for the five fiscal
years ended December 31, 1995 and DeSoto's Form 10-Q for the three months ended
March 31, 1996; (viii) conducted interviews with senior management of DeSoto,
regarding DeSoto's operations, financial condition and business prospects; (ix)
reviewed the Reorganization Agreement dated June 26, 1996; and (x) reviewed such
other financial studies and analyses and performed such other investigations and
took into account such other matters as PaineWebber deemed necessary including
an assessment of regulatory, general economic, market and monetary conditions.
 
     In preparing its opinion, PaineWebber relied on the accuracy and
completeness of all information that was publicly available or supplied or
otherwise communicated to PaineWebber by or on behalf of Keystone and DeSoto,
and PaineWebber has not assumed any responsibility to independently verify such
information. PaineWebber has assumed that the projections were reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and good
faith judgments of the management of Keystone as to the future performance of
Keystone. In arriving at its opinion, PaineWebber assumed that, as a result of
the Merger and the follow on merger of the pension plans, Keystone's liabilities
calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles with
respect to its pension plan will be eliminated and that certain projected
obligations of Keystone to fund such liabilities will be reduced. PaineWebber
has not undertaken, or caused to be taken, an independent evaluation or
appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise, known or
unknown) of Keystone and DeSoto and has assumed that all material liabilities
(contingent or otherwise) are as set forth in Keystone's and DeSoto's respective
consolidated financial statements and other provided information. PaineWebber's
opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of Keystone and does not
constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of Keystone as to how such
shareholder should vote with respect to the issuance of Keystone Common Stock
pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement. PaineWebber's opinion does not address
the relative merits of the Merger and any other potential transactions or
business strategies discussed by the Board of Directors of Keystone as
alternatives to the Merger or the decision of the Board of Directors of Keystone
to proceed with consummation of the Merger.
 
     PaineWebber assumed that there has been no material change in Keystone or
DeSoto's assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or
prospects since the date of the last financial statements made available to
PaineWebber. PaineWebber assumed no responsibility to revise or update its
opinion if there is a change in the financial condition or prospects of Keystone
and DeSoto from that disclosed or projected in the information PaineWebber
reviewed as set forth above or in the general, economic or market conditions.
 
     The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to
the most appropriate and relevant quantitative methods of financial analyses and
the application of these methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore,
such an opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. Furthermore, in arriving at its fairness opinion, PaineWebber did
not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor considered by it.
Accordingly, PaineWebber believes that its analysis must be considered as a
whole and that considering any portion of such analysis and of the factors
considered, without considering all analyses and factors, could create a
misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying its opinion. In its
analyses, PaineWebber made numerous assumptions with respect to industry
performance, general business and economic conditions and other matters, many of
which are beyond the control of Keystone and DeSoto. Any estimates contained in
these analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of
future results or values, which may be, significantly more or less favorable
than as set forth
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   44
 
therein, and neither Keystone, DeSoto, nor PaineWebber assumes any
responsibility for their accuracy. In addition, analyses relating to the value
of the business do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at
which businesses may actually be sold.
 
     The following is a summary of the analyses prepared by PaineWebber in
connection with rendering its oral opinion to the Board of Directors of Keystone
on June 13, 1996.
 
     Approach to Merger Analysis. Because Keystone expressed the view that it
was undertaking the Merger primarily to eliminate the underfunding of its
defined benefit pension plans, traditional forms of valuation analysis, such as
comparable company analysis and comparable transaction analysis, were not
considered meaningful indicators of value. Therefore, PaineWebber reviewed the
fairness of the Merger through the methodologies summarized below. The financial
projections of Keystone and DeSoto that were provided to PaineWebber were
utilized and relied upon by PaineWebber in its analyses summarized below.
 
     Net Present Value (NPV). PaineWebber performed a 10-year net present value
(NPV) analysis to determine the difference between (x) the present value of the
pro forma cash flows contributed by DeSoto to Keystone, and (y) the
consideration paid by Keystone in the Merger and the liabilities assumed by the
surviving corporation to the Merger. For purposes of PaineWebber's analysis, and
based on discussions with Keystone and DeSoto management, it was assumed that
the DeSoto operating assets operate on a cash flow breakeven basis and thus have
no cash flow impact. It was also assumed that the combined pro forma pension
plan will terminate in year 10 following the Merger, and that after the Merger,
Keystone would not be subject to any cash payments for environmental liabilities
above insured and escrowed amounts. PaineWebber discounted the combined pro
forma cash flows using discount rates ranging from 7% to 8%.
 
     Based on the above analysis, PaineWebber determined that the (x) present
value of the pro forma cash flows contributed by DeSoto to Keystone pursuant to
the Merger exceeded (y) the consideration paid by Keystone in the Merger and the
liabilities assumed by the surviving corporation to the Merger by a range of
between $4.8 million and $8.4 million.
 
     Pro Forma Earnings Analysis. PaineWebber performed a five-year analysis of
the potential pro forma effect of the Merger on Keystone's earnings per share,
assuming the Merger had been completed in 1991 and that certain actuarial
assumptions for Keystone's defined benefit pension plans remained unchanged
during such five-year period. Under this analysis, Keystone would have shown
earnings per share accretion in each year ranging from a low of 5% in 1991 to a
high of 69% in 1993. As an alternative to the Merger (but using the foregoing
actuarial assumptions regarding the defined benefit pension plans), PaineWebber
assumed that Keystone sold $50 million of common equity in 1991 at prices
ranging from $9.25 to $11.25 per share for the purpose of reducing the
underfunding in its pension account. (Keystone's stock price at January 1, 1991
was $10.25.) In all instances, the Merger, if completed in 1991, would have been
more accretive on an earnings per share basis than Keystone's reported actual
earnings or the presumed sale of equity.
 
     PaineWebber also performed a three-year analysis of the potential pro forma
effect of the Merger on Keystone's earnings per share assuming the Merger is
completed in 1996 and that certain actuarial assumptions for Keystone's defined
benefit pension plans remained unchanged during such three-year period. Under
this analysis, Keystone would have shown earnings per share accretion of 317%,
59% and 7% for the years ending December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
As an alternative to the Merger (but using the foregoing actuarial assumptions
regarding the Keystone defined benefit pension plans), PaineWebber assumed that
Keystone sold $40 million of common equity in 1996 at prices ranging from $8.00
to $10.00 per share for the purpose of reducing the underfunding in its pension
account. In all instances, the Merger, if completed in 1996, was more accretive
on an earnings per share basis than Keystone's projected earnings or the
presumed sale of equity.
 
     Balance Sheet Analysis. PaineWebber reviewed the pro forma balance sheet
effects of the Merger incorporating Keystone's balance sheet as of March 31,
1996 and DeSoto's projected balance sheet as of December 31, 1996. This analysis
showed that Keystone's liabilities increased from $235 million to $277 million
while common stockholders' equity increased from a negative $31 million to a
positive $40 million.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   45
 
     Pursuant to a letter agreement dated May 16, 1996, between Keystone and
PaineWebber, Keystone has agreed to pay PaineWebber a fee of $225,000 for
rendering its opinion.
 
     In addition, Keystone has agreed to reimburse PaineWebber for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with rendering
financial advisory services, including fees and disbursements of its legal
counsel. This fee is payable regardless of the outcome of PaineWebber's opinions
and whether or not the Merger is consummated. Keystone has agreed to indemnify
PaineWebber and its directors, officers, agents, employees and controlling
persons, for certain costs, expenses, losses, claims, damages and liabilities
related to or arising out of its rendering of services under its engagement as
financial advisor.
 
     The Board of Directors of Keystone retained PaineWebber to act as its
advisor based upon PaineWebber's qualifications, experience and expertise.
PaineWebber is an internationally recognized investment banking firm and, as a
customary part of its investment banking business, is engaged in the valuation
of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
negotiated underwritings, private placements and valuations for corporate and
other purposes. PaineWebber may actively trade the equity securities of Keystone
and DeSoto for its own account and for the account of its customers and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.
 
  Opinion of Salomon Brothers, Financial Advisor to DeSoto
 
     DeSoto has retained Salomon Brothers to act as its financial advisor in
connection with the Merger. At the June 13, 1996 meeting of DeSoto's Board of
Directors, Salomon Brothers delivered its oral opinion to the Board of Directors
of DeSoto that, as of that date, the Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of
DeSoto Common Stock from a financial point of view. On the date of this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Salomon Brothers has delivered its written opinion
to the Board of Directors of DeSoto that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange
Ratio was fair to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock from a financial point of
view. No limitations were imposed by the Board of Directors of DeSoto upon
Salomon Brothers with respect to the investigations made or the procedures
followed by Salomon Brothers in rendering its opinions.
 
     The full text of the written opinion of Salomon Brothers dated as of the
date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which sets forth the assumptions
made, matters considered, and limits on the review undertaken by Salomon
Brothers in rendering its opinion, is attached as Appendix C to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. DeSoto stockholders are urged to read the opinion
carefully and in its entirety. Salomon Brothers' opinion addresses only the
fairness of the Exchange Ratio from a financial point of view to the holders of
DeSoto Common Stock as of the date of the opinion, and does not constitute a
recommendation to any stockholder of DeSoto as to how such stockholder should
vote at the DeSoto Meeting. The summary of the opinion of Salomon Brothers set
forth in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of such opinion.
 
     In arriving at its opinions, Salomon Brothers (i) reviewed the
Reorganization Agreement and its related schedules, (ii) reviewed certain
publicly available business and financial information relating to Keystone and
DeSoto, (iii) reviewed certain other information, including financial
projections, provided to Salomon Brothers by Keystone and DeSoto, (iv) reviewed
certain information relating to the defined benefit pension plans of Keystone
and DeSoto, and (v) conducted due diligence discussions with members of senior
management of both Keystone and DeSoto to discuss the past and current
operations and financial condition and prospects of Keystone and DeSoto. Salomon
Brothers also considered such other information, financial studies, analyses,
investigations and financial, economic and market criteria as it deemed
relevant.
 
     In connection with its review, Salomon Brothers did not assume any
responsibility for independently verifying any of the foregoing information and
relied on such information being complete and accurate in all material respects.
With respect to the financial projections, Salomon Brothers assumed that they
had been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the management of Keystone and DeSoto, as the case
may be, as to the future financial performance of Keystone and DeSoto, as the
case may be. Salomon Brothers did not express any opinion with respect to such
projections or the assumptions on which they are based, including assumptions
regarding the effects of any outstanding or potential litigation,
investigations, inquiries or other actions. In addition, Salomon Brothers did
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   46
 
not make an independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets of Keystone
or of DeSoto, nor was it furnished with any such appraisals. Each of Salomon
Brothers' opinions was necessarily based upon business, market, economic and
other conditions as they existed on, and could be evaluated as of, the
respective dates of such opinions, and did not address DeSoto's underlying
business decision to effect the Merger. Salomon Brothers' opinions do not imply
any conclusion as to the likely trading range for the Keystone Common Stock
following the consummation of the Merger, which may vary depending on, among
other factors, changes in interest rates, dividend rates, market conditions,
general economic conditions and other factors that generally influence the price
of securities.
 
     In connection with its opinions, Salomon Brothers performed certain
financial analyses, which were reviewed with the Board of Directors of DeSoto at
its June 13, 1996 meeting. The following is a summary of these analyses.
 
     Overview of Keystone. Salomon Brothers reviewed the business of Keystone
and its historical financial performance for the years 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994,
and 1995 and its latest twelve months ("LTM") as of March 31, 1996, including
for such periods net sales, percentage growth in net sales, cost of goods sold
("COGS"), COGS as a percentage of revenues, gross profit and gross profit
margins, selling, general and administrative expenses ("SGA") and SGA as a
percentage of revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization ("EBITDA"), EBITDA margins, earnings before interest and taxes
("EBIT"), EBIT margins, net income, capital expenditures, capital expenditures
as a percentage of revenues and of depreciation, free cash flow (net income plus
depreciation less capital expenditures), free cash flow as a percentage of
revenues, total assets, and total net capitalization (stockholders' equity plus
net debt).
 
     Comparison of Keystone to Selected Comparable Companies. Salomon Brothers
compared Keystone to a number of wire rod producers in the United States,
including GS Tech/Georgetown, North Star Steel, Raritan River Steel, American
Steel & Wire (a subsidiary of Birmingham Steel), CF&I, Northwestern Steel &
Wire, Cascade, Atlantic Steel, Connecticut Steel, Charter Steel, Laclede Steel
and Florida Steel. Of these companies, Keystone ranked fourth in terms of wire
rod capacity (after taking into account planned capacity for the other
companies). Salomon Brothers also compared certain financial and stock market
information relating to Keystone and five publicly traded mini-mill and rod and
wire companies (the "Comparable Group"), Birmingham Steel, Insteel Industries,
Laclede Steel, Northwestern Steel & Wire and Oregon Steel. This analysis
indicated that, based on weekly stock price data from June 10, 1994 through June
7, 1996, Keystone Common Stock has slightly outperformed the index of the stocks
of the Comparable Group over the last two years but has underperformed both the
index of the Comparable Group and the Standard & Poors Industrial Average for
the period from January 2, 1995 through June 10, 1996. Salomon Brothers also
compared certain stock market trading statistics for Keystone and the Comparable
Group), the ratio of market price to LTM earnings per share (which was 16.4x in
the case of Keystone and a median of 17.8x for the Comparable Group), the ratio
of market price to earnings per share for 1996 (which was 24.4x in the case of
Keystone and a median of 20.4x for the Comparable Group), the ratio of market
price to estimated 1997 earnings per share (which was 8.0x in the case of
Keystone and a median of 8.1x for the Comparable Group), and estimated five year
growth rates (which was not applicable for Keystone and a median of 11% for the
Comparable Group). Salomon Brothers also reviewed certain company valuation
statistics, including the ratio of "firm value" (the market value of equity plus
book value of debt and minority interests plus liquidation value of preferred
stock less excess cash) to LTM sales (which was 1.3x in the case of Keystone and
a median of .5x for the Comparable Group), the ratio of firm value to LTM EBITDA
as adjusted to reflect non-cash charges for pension and similar liabilities
(which was 9.6x in the case of Keystone and a median of 10.1x for the Comparable
Group), the ratio of firm value to LTM EBIT (which was 10.9x in the case of
Keystone and a median of 18.1x for the Comparable Group), and the ratio of firm
value as adjusted to include employee-related liabilities to LTM EBITDA after
adjusting for non-cash pension and similar liabilities (which was 6.0x in the
case of Keystone and a median of 7.8x for the Comparable Group). Salomon
Brothers compared certain operating performance statistics, including LTM EBITDA
margin (which was 6.5% for Keystone and a median of 7.5% for the Comparable
Group), LTM EBIT margin (which was 2.8% for Keystone and a median of 3.6% for
the Comparable Group), three-year historical sales growth (which was 0.0% for
Keystone and a median of 2.7% for the Comparable Group), and three-year
historical EBITDA growth (which was 11.6% for
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   47
 
Keystone and a median of 10.5% for the Comparable Group). Sources of earnings
per share estimates were Institutional Brokers Estimate System and First Call,
which are data services that monitor and publish compilations of earnings
estimates produced by selected research analysts regarding companies of interest
to institutional investors.
 
     Comparative Valuation Analysis. Salomon Brothers reviewed aggregate equity
values which could be realized by holders of DeSoto Common Stock pursuant to the
two strategic alternatives available to the Company, the Merger and termination
of DeSoto's pension plan. Salomon Brothers noted that based on the market price
of a share of DeSoto Common Stock on June 10, 1996 of $6.125, the market
capitalization of all DeSoto Common Stock was approximately $28.7 million. As
more fully described below, termination of the pension plan was estimated to
produce an aggregate value of approximately $5.3 million and the Merger would,
under various analyses, result in estimated aggregate values for DeSoto Common
Stock of between $27 million and $35 million, based on certain assumptions.
 
     Valuation of Pension Plan Termination. Salomon Brothers calculated a net
value of between approximately $5 million and $5.5 million for DeSoto Common
Stock in the aggregate as a result of a termination of DeSoto's defined benefit
pension plan. This calculation was based upon a number of assumptions and
estimates, including the establishment of a "qualified replacement plan" to
which 25% of the surplus plan assets would be transferred and to which no value
was assigned in this valuation. Based upon approximately $159 million in plan
assets as of March 31, 1996 and an estimated cost of $81 million purchasing
annuities to satisfy plan obligations and the transfer of $19.5 million to a
qualified replacement plan, approximately $58.5 million of surplus assets would
revert to DeSoto on a pre-tax basis. After use of available net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $20 million and the payment of federal income
taxes at an assumed rate of 35%, federal excise taxes at a rate of 20%, and
state income taxes at a rate of 4%, approximately $31.8 million of the surplus
reversion would remain. After application of these reversionary assets to
satisfy DeSoto's creditors and to redeem the DeSoto Preferred Stock in July
1997, approximately $14.5 million would remain. Salomon Brothers then calculated
a present discounted value of estimated payments DeSoto would be required to
make in respect of continued negative cash flow from DeSoto's operating business
and third party claims and contingent liabilities, including environmental
liabilities, employing weighted average costs of capital of between 14% and 18%
ranging between $9.4 million and $9.0 million. A range of aggregate equity
values between $5.0 and $5.5 million resulted (or between $1.07 and $1.18 per
share of DeSoto Common Stock). The assumptions employed in this analysis are not
necessarily indicative of actual costs and liabilities which would result from
termination of the DeSoto pension plan and, therefore, are not necessarily
indicative of actual values which would be realized by the holders of DeSoto
Common Stock in this situation.
 
     Merger Valuation. Salomon Brothers reviewed the values of the consideration
to be paid to all holders of DeSoto Common Stock in the Merger based upon
"exchange ratio," "public market," and "discounted cash flow" analyses.
 
     Exchange Ratio Analysis. Based upon a market price per share for Keystone
Common Stock on June 10, 1996 of $10, the issuance of an aggregate of 3,500,000
shares of Keystone Common Stock to the holders of DeSoto Common Stock, Salomon
Brothers calculated an aggregate value of $35 million for the Merger. This
represented a 22% premium to the $6.125 per share market price of DeSoto Common
Stock and a 560% premium to the value calculated for the pension plan
termination described above ("Plan Termination Value").
 
     Public Market Analysis. Salomon Brothers analyzed possible trading market
values for shares of Keystone Common Stock following the Merger, after taking
into account the merger of the pension plans of the two companies and assumed
cost savings of $1 million per year. The analysis indicated that as a result of
the Merger earnings per share for Keystone Common Stock would be $.87 for LTM
and 1996, based upon projections of Keystone management as adjusted downward by
Salomon Brothers. (This analysis indicated that the Merger would result in 41.8%
earnings per share accretion for Keystone Common Stock for the LTM.) Based on a
market price per share of Keystone Common Stock of $10 on June 10, 1996, the
price to earnings multiple for Keystone Common Stock was approximately 16.3x for
LTM earnings per share. Based on price to earnings multiples ranging from 10x to
12.5x calculated 1996 earnings per share; Salomon Brothers
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   48
 
calculated an aggregate common equity value for Keystone following the Merger of
between $80.4 million and $100.5 million (or an implied per share price for
Keystone Common Stock ranging from $8.75 to $10.93). The share of this equity
value allocated to holders of DeSoto Common Stock in the Merger would be between
$30.6 million and $38.3 million. This would result in a premium to DeSoto's
current market capitalization ranging from 27.5% to 59.4%, and to Plan
Termination Value ranging from 477.7% to 622.1%. In arriving at these estimates
of possible trading values for Keystone Common Stock, Salomon Brothers advised
the DeSoto Board that these estimated ranges of possible trading values were
relevant only to the trading of the stock on a fully distributed basis and after
adequate dissemination of financial and operating information relating to
Keystone. Salomon Brothers advised that trading in Keystone Common Stock for a
period following the Merger could be characterized by a redistribution of such
securities among the stockholders of DeSoto immediately preceding the Merger and
other investors and, accordingly, such securities may be subject to downward
price pressures during this period resulting in trading prices below the
estimated ranges. In addition, in connection with this presentation, Salomon
Brothers advised the DeSoto Board that any estimate of trading ranges is
speculative, and subject to uncertainties and contingencies, all of which are
difficult to predict and beyond the control of Salomon Brothers. Therefore, the
actual trading prices of the Keystone Common Stock may be outside the estimated
range and will depend upon, and fluctuate with, changes in interest rates,
market conditions, the condition and prospects, financial and otherwise, of
Keystone and other factors which generally influence the prices of securities.
 
     Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Salomon Brothers calculated ranges of equity
value for Keystone following the Merger based upon the value, discounted to the
present, of its fiscal year end five-year stream of projected cash flow and
projected fiscal year 2000 terminal values based upon a range of multiples of
projected fiscal year 2000 earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation.
Salomon Brothers applied discount rates ranging from 12% to 14% and multiples
for terminal values ranging from 6x to 8x EBITDA. Based on this analysis,
Salomon Brothers calculated a discounted cash flow value of all Keystone Common
Stock ranging from $70.6 million to $119.8 million. The present value of the
Keystone Common Stock to be received by holders of DeSoto Common Stock in the
Merger would range from $26.8 million to $45.5 million based upon this analysis
(or a range of $7.67 to $13.01 per share of DeSoto Common Stock). This analysis
indicated that the premium of the discounted cash flow value to DeSoto's current
market capitalization ranged from 8% to 43% and the premium to the Plan
Termination Value ranged from 485% to 674%.
 
     In connection with its opinion dated as of the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, Salomon Brothers reviewed the analyses used to render its
June 13, 1996 oral opinion to the DeSoto Board of Directors in order to confirm
that no changes had occurred which would materially impact the opinion.
 
     The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting
portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering
the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes
underlying the opinions of Salomon Brothers. In arriving at its fairness
determination, Salomon Brothers considered the results of all such analyses and
did not assign relative weights to any of the analyses.
 
     The analyses were prepared solely for the purpose of Salomon Brothers
providing its opinions to the DeSoto Board of Directors as to the fairness from
a financial point of view of the Exchange Ratio to holders of DeSoto Common
Stock and do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at
which businesses or securities actually may be sold, which are inherently
subject to uncertainty. Any estimates incorporated in the analyses performed by
Salomon Brothers are not necessarily indicative of actual past or future values
or results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than any such
estimates. No public company utilized as a comparison is identical to Keystone
or the business segment for which a comparison is being made. Accordingly, an
analysis of publicly traded comparable companies is not mathematical; rather it
involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the comparable companies and other
factors that could affect the public trading value of the comparable companies
to which they are being compared. In connection with the analyses, Salomon
Brothers made, and were provided estimates and forecasts by DeSoto and Keystone
management based upon, numerous assumptions with respect to industry
performance, general business and economic conditions and other matters, many of
which are beyond the control of Keystone and DeSoto. Similarly, analyses based
upon
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   49
 
forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative of actual future
results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by
such analyses. Because such analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty,
being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control of DeSoto and
Keystone or their respective advisors, none of Keystone, DeSoto, Salomon
Brothers or any other person assumes responsibility if future results or actual
values are materially different from these forecasts or assumptions. The
opinions of Salomon Brothers necessarily were based on the economic, market and
other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to them as
of, the dates of their opinions. The foregoing summary is qualified by reference
to the written opinion of Salomon Brothers set forth in Appendix C to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
     As described above, the opinions and presentation of Salomon Brothers to
the DeSoto Board of Directors were only one of a number of factors taken into
consideration by the DeSoto Board of Directors in making its determination to
approve the Reorganization Agreement. In addition, the terms of the Merger were
determined through negotiations between Keystone and DeSoto and were approved by
the DeSoto Board of Directors. The decision to enter into the Reorganization
Agreement and to accept the Exchange Ratio was solely that of the DeSoto Board
of Directors.
 
     The Board of Directors of DeSoto selected Salomon Brothers to act as its
financial advisor and render a fairness opinion because Salomon Brothers is an
internationally recognized investment banking firm with substantial expertise in
transactions similar to the Merger. As part of its investment banking business,
Salomon Brothers regularly engages in the valuation of business and other
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions and for other purposes.
 
     With respect to Salomon Brothers' services as a financial advisor to DeSoto
in connection with the Merger, DeSoto has agreed to pay Salomon Brothers a fee
of $250,000, payable upon the earlier to occur of the consummation of the Merger
or termination of DeSoto's pension plan. This fee is payable regardless of the
outcome of Salomon Brothers' opinions and whether or not the Merger is
consummated. DeSoto also has agreed to reimburse Salomon Brothers for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of its
legal counsel) and to indemnify Salomon Brothers and certain related persons
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities
laws, arising out of its engagement.
 
     In the ordinary course of its business, Salomon Brothers may actively trade
in the securities of Keystone and DeSoto for its own account and for the
accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short
position in such securities.
 
                          THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS
 
     Under the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone and DeSoto made a number of
representations regarding their respective capital structures, operations,
financial conditions and other matters. Each party agreed as to itself and its
subsidiaries that until consummation of the Merger or the earlier termination of
the Reorganization Agreement, it will, among other things, conduct its business
and maintain its business relationships in the ordinary and usual course, and
use its best efforts to consummate the Merger. DeSoto has agreed not to solicit,
engage in discussions, negotiate with any person or facilitate the efforts of
any person other than Keystone relating to an Alternative Acquisition, except
that DeSoto's Board of Directors may provide information to and engage in
negotiations with a third party regarding an Alternative Acquisition if (i) the
Board of Directors of DeSoto receives a Superior Proposal; (ii) the Board of
Directors of DeSoto determines, based on the advice of its investment bankers,
that such third party is financially capable of consummating such Superior
Proposal; (iii) the Board of Directors of DeSoto shall have determined, after
consultation with outside legal counsel, that the fiduciary duties of the Board
require DeSoto to furnish information to and negotiate with such third party;
and (iv) at least two (2) business days prior thereto, Keystone shall have been
notified in writing of such Superior Proposal, including all of its terms and
conditions and the foregoing determination by the Board of Directors of DeSoto,
and shall have been given copies of such proposal. DeSoto shall not be entitled
to enter into an agreement concerning an Alternative Acquisition for a
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   50
 
period of not less than forty-eight hours after Keystone's receipt of a copy of
such proposal and certain other information.
 
     Keystone has agreed, if the Merger is consummated, to indemnify the current
officers and directors of DeSoto with respect to any claim or liability arising
out of or pertaining to any act or omission occurring prior to the Effective
Time to the fullest extent that DeSoto could have done so on June 26, 1996.
Keystone has further agreed, for a period of six (6) years following the
Effective Time, to cause DeSoto to maintain indemnification and limitation of
liability provisions. Keystone has also agreed to (i) provide director and
officer insurance coverage, at a cost not to exceed $150,000, for the current
directors and officers of DeSoto for one year after the Effective Time for
claims made against such directors and officers relating to matters occurring
prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) provide, after the Effective Time,
director and officer insurance coverage to Keystone directors comparable to the
coverage maintained by DeSoto at the Effective Time, to the extent such coverage
may be obtainable at a comparable cost.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
 
     In addition to the requirement that Keystone stockholders approve the
issuance of Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement and
DeSoto stockholders approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement, the
consummation of the Merger is subject to a number of other conditions which, if
not satisfied or waived, would cause the Merger not to be consummated and the
Reorganization Agreement to be terminated. Each party's obligation to consummate
the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things, (i) the accuracy of the
other party's representations, (ii) each party's performance of its obligations
under the Reorganization Agreement, (iii) the absence of a material adverse
change in the business, properties, assets, results of operations or financial
condition of the other party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iv) the
PBGC raising Keystone's borrowing restrictions to an amount reasonably expected
to enable Keystone to perform its obligations under the Reorganization
Agreement, (v) availability to Keystone of sufficient financing in order to
effect the Merger and to satisfy its obligations and those of the surviving
corporation in the Merger, (vi) receipt of opinions of counsel in respect of
certain federal income tax consequences of the Merger, (vii) receipt of opinions
dated one business day before the closing of the Merger from the financial
advisors to each of Keystone and DeSoto as to the fairness from a financial
point of view of the consideration to be paid by Keystone and received by DeSoto
stockholders, (viii) the absence of legal action preventing consummation of the
Merger, and (ix) the receipt of other documents, including necessary consents of
third parties (including governmental agencies).
 
     Keystone's obligation to consummate the Merger is further conditioned upon,
among other things, (i) the consent by DeSoto's trade creditors to the term of
repayment contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement and (ii) the resolution
on terms satisfactory to Keystone of certain claims arising from DeSoto's
acquisition of J.L. Prescott Company.
 
     DeSoto's obligation to consummate the Merger is further conditioned upon,
among other things (i) approval for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
notice of issuance, of the shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to the Merger, and (ii) the Board of Directors of Keystone taking appropriate
action to increase the number of directors comprising Keystone's full Board of
Directors from seven to nine, and to cause William Spier and William P. Lyons to
be directors of Keystone upon the effectiveness of the Merger. At any time on or
prior to the Merger, to the extent legally allowed, Keystone or DeSoto, without
approval of the stockholders of such respective companies, may waive compliance
with any of the agreements or satisfaction of any of the conditions contained in
the Reorganization Agreement for the benefit of that company.
 
HSR ACT
 
     Transactions such as the Merger are reviewed by the Department of Justice
and the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") to determine whether they comply
with applicable antitrust laws. Under the provisions of the HSR Act, the Merger
may not be consummated until such time as certain information has been furnished
to the Department of Justice and the FTC and the specified waiting period
requirements of the
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   51
 
HSR Act have been satisfied. Notification reports were filed by Keystone and
DeSoto with the Department of Justice and the FTC under the HSR Act on July 22,
1996, and the specified waiting period requirements of the HSR Act are expected
to expire on August 21, 1996.
 
     At any time before or after the Effective Time of the Merger, the
Department of Justice, the FTC, state attorneys general or a private person or
entity could challenge the Merger under the antitrust laws and seek, among other
things, to enjoin the Merger or to cause Keystone to divest itself, in whole or
in part, of DeSoto. Based on information available to them, Keystone and DeSoto
believe that the Merger will not violate federal or state antitrust laws.
However, there can be no assurance that a challenge to the Merger on antitrust
grounds will not be made or that, if such a challenge is made, Keystone and
DeSoto would prevail or would not be required to accept certain conditions,
possibly including certain divestitures or hold-separate agreements in order to
consummate the Merger.
 
     Keystone and DeSoto are aware of no other governmental or regulatory
approvals required for consummation of the Merger, other than compliance with
applicable securities and "blue sky" laws of the various states.
 
RELATED AGREEMENTS; INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS ACTED UPON
 
     In considering the recommendations of the Boards of Directors of Keystone
and DeSoto with respect to the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger,
stockholders of Keystone and DeSoto should be aware that certain affiliates and
members of management of Keystone and DeSoto have interests in the Merger in
addition to the interests of holders of Keystone Common Stock and DeSoto Common
Stock generally. See "Risk Factors -- Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger."
 
  Warrant Conversion Agreement
 
     Pursuant to the Warrant Conversion Agreement, upon consummation of the
Merger, one-half of the DeSoto Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,200,000
shares of DeSoto Common Stock will be cancelled and the remaining one-half of
the DeSoto Warrants will be converted into warrants to purchase 447,900 shares
of Keystone Common Stock (representing the shares of DeSoto Common Stock subject
to the remaining DeSoto Warrants multiplied by the Exchange Ratio) at an
exercise price of approximately $9.38 per share (representing the exercise price
of a DeSoto Warrant divided by the Exchange Ratio).
 
  Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement
 
     The Warrant and Preferred Stockholders have entered into a Preferred
Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement with Keystone, pursuant to which they
agreed their DeSoto Preferred Stock will be converted in the Merger into
Keystone Preferred Stock (at the Exchange Ratio of a share of Keystone Preferred
Stock for each share of DeSoto Preferred Stock) and cash in an amount equal to
accrued and unpaid dividends on the DeSoto Preferred Stock (which, as of the
Effective Time, will aggregate approximately $1.7 million), and that they will
waive their right to require redemption of the DeSoto Preferred Stock as a
result of the consummation of the Merger. The Warrant and Preferred Stockholders
have agreed to (i) waive any appraisal rights such owner may have under the DGCL
as a result of the Merger, and (ii) vote their shares of DeSoto Common Stock and
DeSoto Preferred Stock in favor of approval and adoption of the Reorganization
Agreement.
 
  Stockholders Agreement
 
     At the time the Reorganization Agreement was entered into, Keystone, the
Warrant and Preferred Stockholders, DeSoto and Contran entered into a
Stockholders Agreement pursuant to which (i) Keystone agreed to assume from
DeSoto certain registration rights currently held by the Warrant and Preferred
Stockholders as they relate to Keystone Common Stock to be acquired by such
persons in the Merger, and (ii) Keystone granted to Contran and its affiliates
the same rights as Keystone had assumed with respect to the Warrant and
Preferred Stockholders. These rights provide that the Warrant and Preferred
Stockholders and Contran and certain of its affiliates, respectively, each will
have the right to (i) require two registrations of
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   52
 
Keystone Common Stock held by such party on an appropriate registration
statement, with the expenses for the first such registration by the respective
parties being paid by Keystone, and (ii) include for resale shares of Keystone
Common Stock held by such party in a registration statement prepared by
Keystone, to the extent such included shares would not adversely affect any
securities offering by Keystone. Keystone also agreed not to grant any party
rights superior to those being granted to the parties to the Stockholders
Agreement.
 
  Severance Arrangements
 
     DeSoto has agreements with four employees relating to a change in control
of DeSoto, including the Merger, and severance. Pursuant to one of these
agreements, Anne Eisele, President and Chief Financial Officer of DeSoto, will
receive her salary, currently $160,000 annually, and continued medical, dental
and insurance benefits for a period of two (2) years if, after a change of
control, her employment is terminated under certain circumstances, and any such
payments to Ms. Eisele would be in lieu of other severance payments. Under
another of these contracts, Fred Flaxmayer, Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer of DeSoto, is entitled to receive a $50,000 bonus within thirty (30)
days of a change of control of DeSoto and, if his employment is terminated under
certain circumstances, within one (1) year of a change of control, Mr. Flaxmayer
will receive severance payments equal to nine (9) months of his annual salary of
$90,000 and payments under DeSoto's normal severance policy. Two other employees
of DeSoto have agreements providing for the payment of bonuses aggregating
$60,000 within thirty days of a change of control of DeSoto and, if their
employment is terminated under certain circumstances within one year of a change
in control, severance payments aggregating approximately $70,000. Accordingly,
the maximum amount payable pursuant to these four agreements is approximately
$590,000.
 
  Voting Agreements
 
     The Warrant and Preferred Stockholders and Anders U. Schroeder,
collectively the owners of 596,898 shares of DeSoto Common Stock and 583,333
shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock, representing approximately twenty two percent
(22%) of DeSoto's outstanding voting stock, have entered into an agreement with
Keystone; and Contran, the direct owner of 3,155,933 shares of Keystone Common
Stock, representing approximately fifty six percent (56%) of Keystone's
outstanding voting stock, has entered into an agreement with DeSoto, pursuant to
which such stockholders have agreed they will (i) vote their shares in favor of
approval of the issuance of shares pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, in
the case of Contran, or in favor of approval and adoption of the Reorganization
Agreement, in the case of the Warrant and Preferred Stockholders and Mr.
Schroeder, and (ii) not transfer any of their shares of Keystone Common Stock or
DeSoto Common Stock or DeSoto Preferred Stock, as the case may be, subject to
certain exceptions.
 
  Options
 
     Upon consummation of the Merger, DeSoto Options will be assumed by Keystone
and converted into options to acquire shares of Keystone Common Stock, See "The
Merger and Related Transactions -- General -- Assumption of Options and
Conversion of Warrants." Prior to the Merger, the terms of the DeSoto Options
will be amended to permit the exercise of the DeSoto Options until the second
anniversary of the Effective Time. Currently, the DeSoto Options generally
expire 90 days after termination of employment with DeSoto. Pursuant to the
Reorganization Agreement, the converted DeSoto Options will be registered under
the Securities Act on a Registration Statement on Form S-8. As of July 22, 1996,
directors and officers held DeSoto Options to purchase an aggregate of 125,800
shares of DeSoto Common Stock.
 
AMENDMENT OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be amended by Keystone or DeSoto at any
time before or after approval of the issuance of shares in connection with the
Merger or the Reorganization Agreement, as the case may be, by the stockholders
of Keystone and DeSoto, except that, after such stockholder approval, no
amendment may be made which by law requires the further approval of such
stockholders without obtaining such approval. In the event the parties desire to
enter into an amendment to the Reorganization Agreement
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   53
 
that materially alters the terms of the Merger, the parties will circulate an
Amended Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to solicit stockholder approval.
 
TERMINATION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of both
parties or by either party (i) as a result of a breach by the other party of a
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Reorganization
Agreement, or if any representation of the other party becomes untrue, in either
case which has or can reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
(as defined in the Reorganization Agreement) and which the other party fails to
cure prior to the closing of the Merger (except that no cure period is provided
for a breach which by its nature cannot be cured); (ii) if the required
approvals of the stockholders of Keystone or DeSoto are not obtained by reason
of the failure to obtain the required vote; (iii) if all the conditions for
closing the Merger are not satisfied or waived on or before December 31, 1996,
other than as a result of a breach of the Reorganization Agreement by the
terminating party or a breach by any of the principal stockholders or affiliates
of the terminating party; or (iv) if a permanent injunction or other order by a
federal or state court which would make illegal or otherwise restrain or
prohibit the consummation of the Merger is issued and has become final and
nonappealable.
 
     The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by Keystone if prior to
consummation of the Merger, DeSoto enters into an agreement with respect to an
Alternative Acquisition. The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated by
DeSoto if, prior to the consummation of the Merger, DeSoto receives a Superior
Proposal and there occurs a Superior Proposal Termination.
 
  Breakup Fees
 
     The Reorganization Agreement provides for the payment of the Breakup Fee of
$1 million by DeSoto to Keystone if (i) the Reorganization Agreement is
terminated by Keystone where DeSoto has entered into an agreement with respect
to an Alternative Acquisition; (ii) the stockholders of DeSoto fail to approve
the Merger at a time when there is pending a proposal with respect to an
Alternative Acquisition; (iii) without the occurrence of a Keystone material
adverse change, the Board of Directors of DeSoto shall have failed to submit the
Merger to its stockholders for approval as required by, and in accordance with,
the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, or (iv) there occurs a Superior
Proposal Termination by DeSoto. The Breakup Fee is payable by Keystone to DeSoto
if, without a DeSoto material adverse change, the Board of Directors of Keystone
fails to hold a stockholders' meeting to vote on approval of the issuance of
Keystone Common Stock pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement as required by,
and in accordance with the terms of, the Reorganization Agreement. Payment of
the Breakup Fee shall not be in lieu of damages incurred in the event of breach
of the Reorganization Agreement, and neither party shall be entitled to receive
the Breakup Fee if it shall have committed a material breach of the
Reorganization Agreement.
 
KEYSTONE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
 
     Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, Keystone is obligated to cause
DeSoto to pay approximately $6.5 million to certain of its trade creditors who
are parties to a trade composition agreement with DeSoto, as soon as practicable
after the Effective Time, and an additional approximately $1.5 million to such
trade creditors within one year of the Effective Time. Additionally, pursuant to
the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement, Keystone is obligated,
at the Effective Time, to pay to the holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock all
unpaid dividend arrearage, which will then amount to approximately $1.7 million.
 
     As a result of these and other transactions related to the Merger, Keystone
will require additional funding from its primary lender. In order to obtain such
additional funds, Keystone will need the PBGC's consent to an increase in
Keystone's allowable borrowings. The PBGC and Keystone's primary lender have
verbally indicated that, upon consummation of the Merger and the merger of the
Keystone defined benefit pension plans with and into the DeSoto defined benefit
pension plan, it will increase Keystone's allowable borrowings by $20 million.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   54
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
 
     The following discussion summarizes the material federal income tax
considerations relevant to the exchange of DeSoto Common Stock for Keystone
Common Stock pursuant to the Merger. This summary is based upon opinions of
counsel delivered by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson and Godwin &
Carlton, P.C. which are included as Exhibits to the Registration Statement of
which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part (the "Tax Opinions") that
the Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a "Reorganization").
 
     DeSoto stockholders should be aware this discussion does not deal with all
federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to particular
stockholders of DeSoto subject to special treatment under certain federal income
tax laws, such as stockholders who are banks, insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, dealers in securities, or non-United States persons, and persons
who do not hold their DeSoto Common Stock as capital assets, or who acquired
their shares in connection with stock options or stock purchase plans or in
other compensatory transactions. In addition, the following discussion does not
address the tax consequences of the Merger under foreign, state or local tax
laws. ACCORDINGLY, DESOTO STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE
APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE
MERGER IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE EFFECT OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE
IN THE TAX LAWS.
 
     Subject to the limitations and qualifications referred to herein,
qualification of the Merger as a Reorganization will result in the following
federal income tax consequences to the DeSoto Common Stockholders:
 
          (a) No gain or loss will be recognized by holders of DeSoto Common
     Stock upon the receipt of Keystone Common Stock in exchange for DeSoto
     Common Stock pursuant to the Merger (except to the extent of cash received
     in lieu of a fractional share of Keystone Common Stock);
 
          (b) The aggregate tax basis of the Keystone Common Stock received by
     DeSoto stockholders in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax
     basis of DeSoto Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor, less the tax
     basis, if any, allocated to fractional share interests;
 
          (c) The holding period of the Keystone Common Stock received by DeSoto
     stockholders pursuant to the Merger will include the period for which
     DeSoto Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor was held, provided the
     DeSoto Common Stock is held by the DeSoto stockholders as a capital asset
     at the Effective Time; and
 
          (d) A cash payment received by a holder of DeSoto Common Stock in lieu
     of a fractional share will be treated as if such fractional share had been
     issued to such holder in the Merger and then redeemed by Keystone for the
     cash received. A stockholder of DeSoto receiving such cash will generally
     recognize gain or loss upon such payment, equal to the difference (if any)
     between such stockholder's basis in the fractional share and the amount of
     cash received. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the DeSoto
     Common Stock was held as a capital asset at the Effective Time, and will be
     long-term capital gain or loss if the DeSoto Common Stock was held for more
     than one (1) year.
 
     In addition, the exchange of shares pursuant to the Merger will constitute
a change of ownership with respect to DeSoto, and thereafter, the future
utilization of the net operating losses of DeSoto existing at the Effective Time
may be limited by operation of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.
 
     Neither Keystone nor DeSoto will recognize income, gain or loss as a result
of the consummation of the Merger.
 
     No ruling has been or will be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS") in connection with the Merger. DeSoto stockholders should be aware
the Tax Opinions do not bind the IRS and the IRS is
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   55
 
therefore not precluded from successfully asserting a contrary opinion. The Tax
Opinions are also subject to certain assumptions, and are subject to the truth
and accuracy of certain representations made by Keystone, DeSoto and certain
stockholders of DeSoto regarding, among other things, the presence of a
continuing interest in DeSoto by DeSoto stockholders through their ownership of
Keystone Common Stock following the Merger. If the facts as represented are not
accurate, the Merger may fail to qualify as a Reorganization. In such case, a
DeSoto stockholder would recognize gain or loss equal to the fair market value
of the Keystone Common Stock received, less such stockholder's basis in the
DeSoto shares surrendered. The consummation of the Merger is conditioned on (i)
the receipt by Keystone of a supplementary opinion of Godwin & Carlton, P.C. as
of the Effective Time confirming that the Merger will qualify as a
Reorganization, and (ii) the receipt by DeSoto of a supplementary opinion of
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson as of the Effective Time confirming
that the Merger will qualify as a Reorganization.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     For financial reporting purposes, Keystone will account for the Merger by
the purchase method.
 
AFFILIATES' RESTRICTIONS ON SALE OF KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK
 
     The approximately 3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock to be issued in
the Merger will have been registered under the Securities Act by a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 and the Keystone Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the DeSoto Options assumed by Keystone pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement
is expected to be registered under the Securities Act by a Registration
Statement on Form S-8, thereby allowing those shares to be traded without
restriction by all former holders of DeSoto who (i) are not deemed to be
"affiliates" (as that term is defined in Rule 145 under the Securities Act) of
DeSoto at the time of DeSoto Meeting, and (ii) do not become affiliates of
Keystone after the Merger. The shares of Keystone Preferred Stock and the shares
of Keystone Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Keystone Warrants will
not be registered under the Securities Act and the transferability of such
shares will be restricted by Rule 144 under the Securities Act. DeSoto
stockholders who are identified by DeSoto as its affiliates will be so advised
prior to the Merger.
 
     Sales by affiliates of DeSoto prior to the Merger and affiliates of
Keystone (before and after the Merger) must be made in accordance with Rules 144
or 145, or as otherwise permitted under the Securities Act. The volume
limitations of Rules 144 and 145 should not impose any material limitation on
any DeSoto stockholder who owns less than one percent of Keystone's outstanding
Common Stock after the Merger unless, pursuant to Rule 144, such stockholder's
shares are required to be aggregated with those of other stockholders. Under the
Stockholders' Agreement certain affiliates of DeSoto and related entities have
rights to require Keystone to register shares of Keystone Common Stock they
acquire.
 
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
     Both Keystone and DeSoto are incorporated in the State of Delaware, and,
accordingly, are governed by the provisions of the DGCL. Pursuant to Section 262
of the DGCL, the holders of DeSoto Common Stock are not entitled to appraisal
rights in connection with the Merger because DeSoto Common Stock is quoted on
the NYSE and such stockholders will receive as consideration in the Merger only
shares of Keystone Common Stock, which shares will be listed on the NYSE upon
the closing of the Merger, and cash in lieu of fractional shares. In addition,
the Keystone stockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights under Section 262
of the DGCL because Keystone Common Stock is listed on the NYSE and, even though
approval of such stockholders is required for the issuance of Keystone Common
Stock in the Merger, the approval of the stockholders of Keystone is not
required for the Merger itself.
 
     Pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL, the holders of the DeSoto Preferred
Stock will be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Merger.
However, the holders of the DeSoto Preferred Stock have agreed to waive their
appraisal rights pursuant to the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent
Agreement. The Reorganization Agreement provides that, as a condition to
consummating the Merger, all terms and
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   56
 
conditions of the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement, including
such waivers, must be in full force and effect.
 
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
 
     As soon as practicable after the Effective Time of the Merger, Keystone
will cause Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. (the "Exchange Agent")
to mail to each stockholder of record of DeSoto Common Stock a letter of
transmittal with instructions to be used by such stockholder in surrendering
certificates which, prior to the Merger, represented shares of DeSoto Common
Stock in exchange for certificates representing shares of Keystone Common Stock.
Letters of transmittal will also be available as soon as practicable after the
Effective Time of the Merger at the offices of the Exchange Agent. After the
Effective Time of the Merger, there will be no further registration of transfers
on the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation of shares of DeSoto
Common Stock or Preferred Stock which were outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time of the Merger. SHARE CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE SURRENDERED FOR
EXCHANGE PRIOR TO APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT AND THE
MERGER BY THE KEYSTONE AND DESOTO STOCKHOLDERS.
 
     Upon the surrender of a DeSoto Common Stock certificate to the Exchange
Agent or to such other agent as may be appointed by Keystone together with a
duly executed letter of transmittal, the holder of such certificate will be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor the number of shares of Keystone Common
Stock to which the holder of DeSoto Common Stock is entitled pursuant to the
provisions of the Reorganization Agreement. In the event of a transfer of
ownership of DeSoto Common Stock which is not registered in the transfer records
of DeSoto, a certificate representing the appropriate number of shares of
Keystone Common Stock may be issued to a transferee if the certificate
representing such DeSoto Common Stock is presented to the Exchange Agent,
accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and
to evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid, along with
a duly executed letter of transmittal.
 
     Until a certificate representing DeSoto Common Stock has been surrendered
to the Exchange Agent, each such certificate will be deemed at any time after
the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender
the number of shares of Keystone Common Stock to which the DeSoto stockholder is
entitled under the Reorganization Agreement. Upon consummation of the Merger,
every share of DeSoto Common Stock will cease to be traded on the NYSE, and
there will be no further market for DeSoto Common Stock.
 
     Pursuant to the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement, the
holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock have agreed to tender their certificates, duly
endorsed, to Keystone at the Effective Time. At such time, Keystone will deliver
to such holders the Keystone Preferred Stock with a legend restricting the
transferability of such stock and such holders will receive a cash payment for
their fractional interests.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   57
 
                     DESCRIPTION OF KEYSTONE CAPITAL STOCK
 
     Keystone is authorized by its Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Keystone Certificate") to issue 12,000,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock and
500,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value, issuable in series.
 
     Designation of Keystone Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement, 440,000 of the 500,000 shares of preferred stock of Keystone will be
designated as Series A Senior Preferred Stock. Keystone may redeem the Keystone
Preferred Stock, in whole or, from time to time in part, at a cash redemption
price equal to the Liquidation Preference (as defined below) (i) at any time
after July 21, 1997, or (ii) at any time if a majority of the Keystone Board of
Directors determines that redemption of the Keystone Preferred Stock is
necessary or appropriate to facilitate the Company's acceptance of a proposal to
acquire all of the Keystone Common Stock and at such time at least two-thirds of
the then outstanding shares of Keystone Preferred Stock are owned by the
original purchasers of such shares. Keystone must redeem the Keystone Preferred
Stock at a cash redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference, to the
maximum extent legally permissible (i) on July 1, 2000; (ii) 30 days after a
change of control of Keystone; or (iii) if, within ten days after the exercise
of any warrants to purchase Keystone Common Stock by any of the Warrant and
Preferred Stockholders, such exercising Warrant and Preferred Stockholders
holding at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares of Keystone
Preferred Stock request redemption at fair market value in writing, provided,
however that Keystone will be required to redeem Keystone Preferred Stock only
to the extent that redemption payments are equal to the aggregate cash proceeds
to Keystone upon the exercise of such warrants.
 
     Liquidation Rights. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of Keystone, no distribution will be made to holders of Keystone Common Stock
until holders of Keystone Preferred Stock have received $8.0375 per share plus
all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not earned or declared (the
"Liquidation Preference"), to the date fixed for liquidation dissolution or
winding up. After satisfaction of the Liquidation Preference, holders of
Keystone Common Stock will be entitled pro rata to all the remaining assets
available for distribution to stockholders and no additional distributions will
be made to the holders of Keystone Preferred Stock.
 
     Dividend Rights. Dividends are payable to holders of Keystone Preferred
Stock quarterly, at the rate of eight percent (8%) of the sum of the Liquidation
Preference of each share of Keystone Preferred Stock. If such dividends are in
arrears for four (4) quarterly periods at any time, dividends for any subsequent
quarterly periods are payable to holders of Keystone Preferred Stock at the rate
of ten percent (10%) of the sum of the Liquidation Preference of each share of
Keystone Preferred Stock, until the dividend arrearage exists for less than four
(4) quarterly periods. Holders of Keystone Common Stock are entitled to receive
dividends when, as and if declared by the Keystone Board of Directors out of
funds legally available therefor.
 
     Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by law or the Keystone
Certificate, holders of Keystone Common Stock and Keystone Preferred Stock are
entitled to one vote in respect of each share of such stock on all matters voted
upon by the stockholders and will vote together as one class. Holders of
Keystone Common Stock and Keystone Preferred Stock are not entitled to
cumulative voting in election of directors. Accordingly, the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of Keystone Common Stock and Keystone
Preferred Stock are entitled to elect all the directors.
 
     If any amount equal to the full accrued dividends for two or more quarterly
dividend periods shall not have been paid to holders of any shares of Keystone
Preferred Stock or any required redemption payments shall not have been paid,
holders of a majority of the Keystone Preferred Stock shall have, in addition to
any other voting rights, the exclusive right, voting separately as a single
class, to elect two additional directors of Keystone.
 
     Miscellaneous. Holders of Keystone Common Stock and Keystone Preferred
Stock are not entitled to preemptive rights. The outstanding shares of Keystone
Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Outstanding shares of Keystone
Common Stock are listed on the NYSE.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   58
 
                            INFORMATION ABOUT DESOTO
 
BUSINESS
 
     DeSoto was incorporated in 1927 under the laws of Delaware. DeSoto's
principal executive offices and its only remaining operating facility are
located at 900 East Washington Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60433.
 
     DeSoto currently operates in one industry segment, the manufacturing and
packaging of household products, primarily powdered and liquid laundry
detergents. Such operations include contract manufacturing and packaging of
household cleaning products. During 1996, DeSoto has operated facilities in
Joliet, Illinois and Union City, California. In April 1996, DeSoto announced the
sale of the domestic business and assets of its laundry detergent manufacturing
and distribution operations at its Union City facility to Star Pacific, Inc.
Star Pacific has subleased the Union City facility from DeSoto.
 
     In July 1995, DeSoto announced the transfer and assignment of various
operations and assets involved in its former Thornton and South Holland,
Illinois businesses to two separate buyers. DeSoto assigned to the buyers the
rights to certain customers with respect to these businesses. Both transactions
also provided for DeSoto to receive royalties and other earn-out opportunities
over a three-year period in one case and over a four-year period in the other
case. The initial proceeds from these transactions were utilized to reduce
DeSoto's debt to its primary secured lender. For additional information, see
Note O of the Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended December 31, 1995.
 
     Customers. DeSoto's sales include private label sales (including control
brands) and contract manufacturing. As a result of the 1996 disposition of the
Union City operations, DeSoto's current sales are primarily to Sears. DeSoto
expects that, in the foreseeable future, sales to Sears will represent in excess
of 75% of DeSoto's total sales. Although DeSoto has been a supplier of Sears
branded home laundry products for over 30 years, sales are currently conducted
on open account and Sears could terminate its relationship with DeSoto at any
time. The loss of Sears as a customer would have a material adverse effect on
DeSoto's current business.
 
     During 1995, DeSoto had four customers that accounted for approximately 55%
of sales; Sears (20%), Kmart (10%), Procter & Gamble (13%) and Benckiser (12%).
As a result of the 1995 and 1996 sales of certain businesses referred to above,
Kmart, Procter & Gamble and Benckiser are no longer customers of DeSoto. In
1994, Sears (16%), Kmart (15%) and Procter & Gamble (10%) accounted for an
aggregate of 41% of DeSoto's sales. In 1993, Sears (14%), Lever Brothers Company
("Lever") (11%) and Kmart (10%) accounted for an aggregate of 35% of DeSoto's
sales.
 
     DeSoto manufactures its products on a make and ship basis and carries a
minimal buffer inventory for its private label accounts; therefore, finished
inventory levels are generally relatively nominal. Generally, DeSoto extends
standard industry terms to its customers.
 
     Distribution. DeSoto's private label and control label products are sold in
retail stores, including mass merchants and service centers. DeSoto primarily
uses its own sales force to sell its products. Products produced under contract
manufacturing agreements are generally distributed under arrangements made by
the purchaser.
 
     Raw Materials. The primary raw materials used in DeSoto's products include
soda ash, surfactants, brighteners and packaging materials. In general, raw
materials and energy supplies have been available to DeSoto in adequate
quantities to meet the needs of its business and DeSoto believes raw materials
and energy supplies will, in general, be available to meet its anticipated
requirements for the foreseeable future.
 
     Competition. DeSoto faces significant competition in the household
detergent market. The top five domestic producers are the major national brand
detergent manufacturers and account for approximately 73% of industry sales. The
private label market represents approximately 3% of the household detergent
market and there are also approximately ten major second tier domestic
producers, including DeSoto, that compete within this 3% portion of the market.
Several of these second tier producers also participate in the contract
packaging portion of the industry. DeSoto competes on the basis of price,
service and product quality and believes there
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   59
 
is a heavy emphasis on price in the marketplace. DeSoto believes it has
expertise in a broad array of detergent products and offers experience in
contract packaging with major companies.
 
     As part of its quality control program, DeSoto subjects raw materials and
packaging components to quality tests upon purchase. Company products are made
to predetermined specifications with quality tests conducted during production.
 
     Research and Development. During 1996, DeSoto anticipates its expenditures
on Company-sponsored research relating to the development of new products or the
improvement of existing products will be less than the $218,000 expended during
1995. See Note A of the Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated Financial Statements for
the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
     Patents, Licenses, Franchises and Concessions. In the opinion of DeSoto's
management, no material patents, licenses, franchises or concessions are held by
DeSoto. In addition, DeSoto has no licenses with foreign manufacturers.
 
     Environmental Compliance. DeSoto believes its current operating facilities
are in material compliance with all presently applicable federal, state and
local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Capital expenditures of
DeSoto attributable to compliance with such laws were not material in 1995 and
DeSoto anticipates such expenditures to be not material in 1996. For additional
information regarding accruals relating to environmental compliance with respect
to certain of DeSoto's former operations, see Note I of the Notes to DeSoto's
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
"-- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
     Seasonality. DeSoto does not believe its business is seasonal; however,
promotional activities of its customers can result in increased sales during
specific time frames.
 
     Employees. DeSoto had approximately 60 employees as of June 30, 1996, of
whom approximately 38 are represented by the United Paperworkers International
Union, AFL-CIO and its Local 903 (the "Paperworkers Union") and the District No.
55 of the International Association of Machinists, and Aerospace Workers,
AFL-CIO (the "Machinists Union"). The current collective bargaining agreements
with the Paperworkers Union and the Machinists Union expire in November 1996 and
August 1999, respectively. DeSoto believes its labor relations are satisfactory.
 
PROPERTIES
 
     DeSoto's current manufacturing and warehousing operations are located in a
160,000 square foot facility in Joliet, Illinois. At March 31, 1996,
approximately 61% of this facility was used for warehousing and administrative
purposes. The property is well maintained and in good operating condition. In
general, DeSoto believes the facility is adequate for current production as well
as for a material increase in production.
 
     In 1992, DeSoto sold three of its operating facilities (buildings and land)
to its defined benefit pension plan (the "DeSoto Pension Plan") and entered into
10-year leases by which DeSoto leased the facilities from the DeSoto Pension
Plan. This transaction included DeSoto's facilities in Joliet, Illinois,
Columbus, Georgia, and Union City, California. DeSoto ceased operations at the
Columbus, Georgia plant in March 1994 and the facility has been subleased to an
unrelated third party through September 30, 1997. In December 1994, DeSoto sold
its operating facility (building and land) in South Holland, Illinois, to the
DeSoto Pension Plan and leased it back. DeSoto ceased operations at the South
Holland, Illinois facility in October 1995. For further information regarding
these transactions, refer to "-- Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note C of the Notes to
DeSoto's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     DeSoto has been identified by governmental regulatory authorities as one of
the parties potentially responsible for the cleanup costs at a number of waste
disposal sites, several of which are on the EPA
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   60
 
Superfund priority list. In addition, damages are being claimed against DeSoto
in private actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of
certain other waste disposal sites. See also "-- Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note I of the
Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December
31, 1995.
 
     Lundman Development Corporation v. DeSoto, Inc. DeSoto was served with a
summons and complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Wisconsin. The complaint alleges, inter alia, that DeSoto violated
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
("CERCLA") with respect to property DeSoto once owned in Fredonia, Wisconsin.
DeSoto has denied the allegations in the complaint. Motions for summary judgment
are pending, and a September 1996 trial date has been set.
 
     West County Landfill v. Raychem International et al. DeSoto was served with
an amended complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California, alleging, inter alia, that DeSoto violated CERCLA with
respect to the West County Landfill in California. DeSoto denied the allegations
in the amended complaint. The action has been settled on terms which are not
material to DeSoto.
 
     Ninth Avenue Remedial Group et al v. Allis-Chambers Corporation et
al. DeSoto was named in a complaint filed in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Indiana. The complaint alleges DeSoto and numerous
other parties are jointly and severally responsible under CERCLA for the cleanup
and future cleanup of the site. Also, the EPA issued an administrative order
against DeSoto under Section 106(a) of CERCLA demanding that DeSoto undertake
remediation at the Ninth Avenue site. DeSoto has responded that it intends to
comply with all terms of the order. The matter is in the discovery stage.
 
     United States of America v. Alzo et al. DeSoto was named in a complaint
filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The complaint, filed on behalf of the EPA, alleges, inter alia, that DeSoto and
four other parties are responsible under Section 107 of CERCLA for costs the EPA
incurred at the Metamora Landfill site in Lapeer, Michigan. The complaint also
seeks a declaration under Section 113 of CERCLA that DeSoto is liable for the
EPA's future costs that may be incurred at this site. DeSoto's defense in this
action has been assumed by the company and its principal shareholder from which
DeSoto purchased certain assets of the business which is alleged by the EPA to
be partially responsible for the alleged contamination at this site. The former
owners of the company have also agreed to indemnify DeSoto with respect to the
claims asserted in the complaint.
 
     DeSoto received a unilateral Administrative Order issued by the EPA under
Section 106 of CERCLA, alleging DeSoto is a potentially responsible party in
connection with the Marina Cliffs site in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DeSoto
presently believes it has no liability for the claims made relating to the site.
 
     An insurance carrier to a third party has asserted a claim against DeSoto
for property damage allegedly incurred when a fertilizer product manufactured by
the third party, containing a chemical sold to that party by one of DeSoto's
discontinued operations, allegedly caused, or promoted, a fungus infection
resulting in failure of certain tomato crops in the United Kingdom. The damages
alleged are approximately $1.4 million. DeSoto's defense, with a reservation of
rights, has been undertaken by one of its insurance carriers.
 
     In re DeSoto, Inc. Shareholder Litigation. There are several shareholder
actions pending in the Delaware courts relating to various proposals of Sutton
Holding Corp. to acquire DeSoto in the period 1989 to 1991. These actions, all
of which were consolidated, have not been actively pursued and it appears the
case was removed from the court's calendar; however, the plaintiffs recently
served a discovery request upon DeSoto. DeSoto believes these actions are not
material.
 
     DeSoto was named as a defendant in an action brought by Liberty Mutual
Insurance Company ("Liberty") in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois,
seeking declaratory relief with respect to insurance coverage previously
purchased by DeSoto from Liberty, that Liberty had no insurance obligation to
DeSoto with respect to environmental sites and litigation where DeSoto has been
named as a defendant or been identified as a potentially responsible party.
DeSoto moved to dismiss on the grounds that DeSoto had previously filed a more
comprehensive action in the federal district court in New Jersey. In December
1995, the state court ruled in favor of DeSoto and dismissed the action.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   61
 
     In August 1995, DeSoto commenced an action in the federal court in New
Jersey, seeking contract and declaratory relief with respect to insurance
coverage that DeSoto purchased from Liberty. The matter is now in the pre-trial
discovery state.
 
     Fort Dearborn Lithograph Co. has filed suit against DeSoto in the Circuit
Court of Cook County, Illinois, seeking to collect allegedly unpaid invoices for
goods and services, of approximately $500,000. The final disposition of this
action has been stayed, based on a payment arrangement made with this creditor.
 
     Liquid Container, L.P. has filed suit against DeSoto in the Circuit Court
of Cook County, Illinois, claiming breach of contract and damages relating to a
transaction involving, in part, DeSoto's former blow molding operations. DeSoto
has asserted a number of defenses and counterclaims. The action is in the early
stages of pre-trial discovery.
 
     Rooney v. DeSoto, Inc., et al. This action was filed in 1991 in the
District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, by various emergency healthcare
providers against DeSoto, among others, claiming damages for alleged personal
injuries purportedly related to an industrial accident involving a DeSoto
employee at its former facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The case has now been set
for trial in the fall of 1996.
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
 
  Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
     DeSoto continues to experience losses from operations and negative
operating and financing cash flows. As part of a continuing effort to manage its
accounts payable and cash flow requirements, DeSoto, as of January 1996,
executed a Trade Composition Agreement (the "Trade Composition Agreement") with
its trade creditors as represented by a committee of six major trade creditors
and an agent for DeSoto's trade creditors (the "Trade Agent"). The Trade
Composition Agreement includes a form of Standstill Agreement (the "Standstill
Agreement") to be executed by DeSoto's trade creditors related to accounts
payable existing as of September 22, 1995. Under the Standstill Agreement, if
certain conditions are met, the creditors who are party to such agreement
("Qualified Trade Creditors") have agreed not to initiate litigation or other
efforts to collect amounts owed to them. As part of the Trade Composition
Agreement, DeSoto initiated the termination of its overfunded defined benefit
pension plan to be effective upon the receipt of appropriate governmental
approvals. DeSoto has agreed to pay each Qualified Trade Creditor the balance
owed to that creditor, plus interest from July 1, 1996, at a rate of 8% per
annum, within 10 days of receipt of the reverted excess DeSoto Pension Plan
assets. The Trade Composition Agreement stipulates DeSoto may suspend efforts to
terminate its defined benefit pension plan if DeSoto enters into a binding
agreement for a merger, asset sale or similar transaction, involving
substantially all of DeSoto's assets, if such binding agreement provides that
all Qualified Trade Creditors will be paid in full. The Trade Composition
Agreement provides that upon the receipt (the "Requisite Consent Amount") by the
Trade Agent and DeSoto of executed Standstill Agreements from trade creditors
holding at least 80% in dollar amounts of the outstanding trade claims as
reflected on DeSoto's books and records (other than amounts owed to Procter &
Gamble and Witco Chemical), DeSoto agreed to execute and deliver a security
agreement (the "Security Agreement") granting a security interest and lien on
all of DeSoto's assets to collateralize the obligations of DeSoto to the
Qualified Trade Creditors. As a result of the Reorganization Agreement, DeSoto
is no longer pursuing the pension plan termination. If the Merger is not
consummated, DeSoto will reinstate the pension plan termination process.
 
     On or about May 9, 1996, under the Trade Composition Agreement, the Trade
Agent and DeSoto received the Requisite Consent Amount and thereafter, on July
18, 1996, DeSoto executed the Security Agreement. The Trade Agent is expected to
execute the Security Agreement. The Security Agreement provides that DeSoto may
consummate the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement
provided that DeSoto provides assurances reasonably satisfactory to the Trade
Agent that the provisions of the Reorganization Agreement relating to payment of
DeSoto's trade creditors will be satisfied. See "The Reorganization
Agreement -- Keystone Financing Agreements."
 
     As a result of its liquidity problems, DeSoto is currently operating on a
cash on delivery or limited credit basis with respect to purchases of supplies
and raw materials. DeSoto has been able to operate within these
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   62
 
constraints and expects to be able to continue to do so for the foreseeable
future. DeSoto currently has no outstanding secured debt or revolving credit
arrangements. DeSoto also expects to fund operations in 1996 with proceeds from
insurance and other settlements and spot factoring of accounts receivable. The
disposition of businesses during 1995 and 1996 and the resulting shut-down of
certain operating facilities are expected to reduce the cash required to fund
remaining operations in the future.
 
     DeSoto reported negative operating cash flows of approximately $1.1 million
during the first quarter of 1996 which was primarily funded by the proceeds from
the sale, in February 1996, of machinery and equipment formerly used at
facilities sold in 1995. The Company has also factored certain accounts
receivable from time to time to address short-term cash requirements. Proceeds
of $1.6 million were received from factoring during the first quarter of 1996,
of which $624,000 related to invoices due after March 31, 1996. The proceeds
from the sale of DeSoto's Union City, California facility in April 1996 did not
have a material impact on DeSoto's cash flows or financial position. See also
"Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Information."
 
     Accounts receivable at March 31, 1996 increased versus December 31, 1995,
reflecting higher end-of-period sales in the 1996 first quarter versus the 1995
fourth quarter. The increase in trade receivables is net of the factored
accounts receivable as discussed above.
 
     The decline in property, plant and equipment during the first quarter of
1996 reflects the sale of machinery and equipment in February 1996 as discussed
above. The balance of the reduction in property, plant and equipment represents
depreciation.
 
     Reserves and liabilities related to restructuring programs increased during
the first quarter of 1996 due to provisions for expenses related to the
disposition of the Union City, California operations. Significant components of
this accrual include the write-down of property, plant and equipment to net
realizable value, future rental commitments on a leased warehouse and severance
pay.
 
     Cash flows from operations in 1995 were a positive $1 million and included
cash proceeds of $6.1 million from insurance settlements related to the cost of
cleanup at certain hazardous waste sites. Cash flows from operations also
reflects the impact of no longer carrying receivables or inventory related to
the businesses sold during 1995.
 
     Accounts receivable at December 31, 1995, when compared to December 31,
1994, also reflects a reduction in trade accounts receivable due to the impact
of reduced sales resulting in part from the business dispositions. Inventory
levels have declined during the same time period due in part to lower
requirements stemming from the lower sales levels as well as the continued
impact of a product rationalization/inventory control program.
 
     The decline in DeSoto's property, plant and equipment during 1995 reflects
the 1995 business dispositions, the sale of equipment no longer used in
operations as well as the write-down to net realizable value of property, plant
and equipment at DeSoto's former South Holland facility. In addition, the excess
of depreciation over capital expenditures in 1995 contributed to the overall
reduction in net property, plant and equipment.
 
     The decline in other noncurrent assets during 1995 was due primarily to the
third quarter write-off of approximately $3.3 million of goodwill related to the
businesses sold by DeSoto during 1995. This write-off of goodwill was partially
offset by a minimum long-term royalty receivable of $1.5 million recorded as
part of the sale of the businesses.
 
     Reserves and liabilities related to restructuring programs increased during
1995 primarily due to provisions for expenses related to the disposition, and
related shutdown, of DeSoto's South Holland facility. Significant components of
this accrual include future rental payments to the DeSoto Pension Plan and
future real estate taxes on the property.
 
     DeSoto has been identified by governmental regulatory authorities as one of
the parties potentially responsible for the cleanup costs at a number of waste
disposal sites and for certain alleged contamination. In addition, damages are
being claimed against DeSoto in private actions for alleged personal injury or
property damages in the case of some of the waste disposal sites. Accruals have
been made for the estimated costs of
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   63
 
DeSoto's expected resulting liability. These estimates are subject to numerous
variables, the effects of which are difficult to measure, including the stage of
the investigations, the nature of potential remedies, the joint and several
liability with other potentially responsible parties and other issues.
Accordingly, these waste site accruals represent DeSoto's best estimate of its
potential exposure. It is the opinion of DeSoto's management, after evaluating
the variables discussed above, as well as the anticipated time frame for
remediation, that the resolution of environmental liabilities will not have a
material adverse effect on DeSoto's financial position, results of operations or
liquidity. Of the $2 million accrued as a current liability at March 31, 1996
for waste site cleanup, $755,000 is fully funded by a trust fund which is
included in restricted short-term investments in DeSoto's balance sheet. This
fund was established in 1990 as part of the sale of specific discontinued
operations of DeSoto and may be accessed by DeSoto and, in certain
circumstances, a certain purchaser of the discontinued operations. An additional
current waste site liability of $29,000 is covered by funds from an escrow fund
which DeSoto received in 1993 and placed in a restricted cash account to
collateralize certain waste site cleanup obligations. In 1995, DeSoto paid out
approximately $2.3 million on waste site related liabilities, excluding legal
and administrative costs; and of this amount, $1.1 million and $29,000 was
disbursed, respectively, from the trust fund and restricted cash account
discussed above. Based upon currently available information, DeSoto's management
is unable to determine the timing of future payments for that portion of the
waste site liability which has been classified as long-term. For additional
information regarding DeSoto's waste site cleanup liability, refer to Note I of
the Notes to DeSoto's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended
December 31, 1995.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Quarter Ended March 31, 1996 Versus Quarter Ended March 31, 1995
 
     DeSoto's 1996 first quarter net revenues were $5.8 million versus $18.9
million in the 1995 first quarter. Gross profit for the 1996 first quarter was
$805,000 versus a loss in 1995 of $516,000. Results of operations for the first
quarter of 1995 include DeSoto's former Thornton and South Holland businesses
which were sold in July 1995 and both periods include the Union City business
sold in April 1996. The businesses sold in 1995 accounted for approximately
$11.8 million of net revenues in the 1995 first quarter. The change in customer
mix resulting from the sales of these businesses contributed to the 1996
increase in gross profit.
 
     Sales to Sears in the first quarter of 1996 were flat when compared to the
same period of 1995 as volume increases in the first quarter of 1996 were offset
by a decline in selling prices. Contract packaging revenues declined in the
first quarter of 1996 versus the 1995 comparable period largely due to a change
in the manner of doing business with Procter & Gamble. The Procter & Gamble
business in 1995 included packaging materials that had been purchased by DeSoto
on behalf of Procter & Gamble. However, in 1996 the packaging materials were
furnished by Procter & Gamble which resulted in a corresponding decrease in
revenues and cost of sales. A temporary change in Procter & Gamble's purchasing
pattern resulted in increased first quarter 1996 volume and gross profit, as
compared to the 1995 first quarter, at DeSoto's Union City, California facility.
Sales by DeSoto to Procter & Gamble were discontinued as of April 1996 upon
disposition of the Union City facility. First quarter revenues in 1996 related
to the Union City operations were $2 million.
 
     Selling, general and administrative costs and nonrecurring expense were $3
million in the 1996 first quarter versus $2.8 million in the comparable 1995
quarter. This increase primarily reflects provisions in the first quarter of
1996 for expenses related to the disposition of the Union City facility offset
by the elimination of administrative personnel and other costs as a result of
the 1995 business dispositions. Significant components of the 1996 provisions
include the write-down of fixed assets to net realizable value, future rental
commitments on a leased warehouse and severance pay.
 
     Interest expense in the 1995 first quarter related to borrowings repaid in
September 1995 when DeSoto's credit facility with its primary secured lender was
terminated. Nonoperating income in the first quarter of 1995 primarily resulted
from royalty income related to technology sold by DeSoto in 1990.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   64
 
  1995 versus 1994
 
     Results of operations for 1995 reflect the disposition of DeSoto's Thornton
and South Holland, Illinois businesses in July 1995. These businesses accounted
for approximately $27.2 million of net revenues in 1995 versus $51.7 million of
net revenues during 1994.
 
     Overall net revenues in 1995 decreased approximately 40% versus the prior
year. Net revenues from the continuing business in 1995 (excluding the 1995
business dispositions) decreased approximately 29% from 1994. This decline can
be attributed largely to a decrease in sales to two customers: Sears and Lever.
Sales to Sears in 1995 were approximately $3.5 million lower than the previous
year; a decrease of approximately 25%. This decline was partially attributable
to promotional activity in 1994 as well as competitive pressures that had a
negative impact on sales in general. Sales to Lever in 1994 included
approximately $2.0 million of sales of autodish gel and concentrated fabric
softener and $1.3 million of sales of fabric softener sheets. Lever transferred
this business out of DeSoto during the second and third quarters of 1994 and
DeSoto no longer manufactures either product.
 
     Sales to Kmart in 1995 were approximately $8.2 million lower than sales in
1994. Sales were made to Kmart as part of the businesses which were sold in July
of 1995. Approximately $3.4 million of the decline in sales to Kmart occurred
before the disposition of these businesses.
 
     The 1995 decline in gross profit from the 1994 level resulted from pricing
pressures, changes in product and customer mix, reduced volume, increased
packaging costs and unrecovered fixed costs at certain of DeSoto's operating
facilities. In addition, DeSoto continued to manufacture products through
October 1995 for the buyer of one of the businesses it sold in 1995. These
products were sold to the buyer at prices that approximated cost.
 
     Selling, general and administrative costs declined approximately 15% in
1995 versus 1994. This decline reflects the elimination of administrative
personnel subsequent to the business dispositions in 1995 as well as continued
cost containment efforts. Selling, general and administrative expenses in 1994
also included the operation of DeSoto facilities in Columbus, Georgia, which
closed in March 1994, and Stone Mountain, Georgia, which closed in July 1994.
 
     Nonrecurring expense in 1995 included a net loss on the sale of the
Thornton and South Holland, Illinois businesses (including the write-off of
related goodwill of $3.3 million) and a $3.1 million provision for costs
associated with the resulting closure of operating facilities due to these
dispositions.
 
     Interest expense in 1995 related to borrowings repaid in September 1995
when DeSoto's credit facility with its primary secured lender was terminated.
Nonoperating income in 1995 included approximately $6.1 million from insurance
settlements and approximately $244,000 of royalty income related to technology
sold by DeSoto in 1990.
 
  1994 Versus 1993
 
     In 1994, DeSoto's net revenues decreased approximately 14% from 1993. This
decrease was primarily the result of lower sales to Lever and the loss of a
customer to which DeSoto made $5 million in sales during 1993. Other losses of
existing business and gains of new business for the most part offset each other.
The 1993 revenues also included approximately $3.1 million in sales related to a
former business of DeSoto, the assets and business of which were sold in
December 1993. Sales to Lever declined approximately $7 million versus 1993 as a
result of Lever transferring its autodish gel business to one of Lever's own
production facilities and its fabric sheet business to another company during
1994.
 
     The 1994 decline in gross profit as compared to 1993 was attributable to
changes in customer and product mix. Competitive pricing pressures in the
marketplace depressed pricing. New business obtained in 1994 was, in most cases,
at a lower gross profit than the lost business it replaced. There was also
continued pressure to participate in advertising and promotional support of
various customers resulting in a negative impact on gross profit.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   65
 
     Selling, general, and administrative costs in 1994 were reduced
significantly from 1993 levels. Approximately $1.2 million of this reduction
related to the fact that 1993 results included an entire year of expenses
related to the former business of DeSoto which was sold in December 1993. The
shutdown of DeSoto's Columbus and Stone Mountain, Georgia facilities also
resulted in a reduction in selling, general and administrative costs of
approximately $500,000 in 1994. The disposition of DeSoto's former headquarters
facility in 1993 resulted in the elimination of approximately $750,000 in
carrying costs in 1993. In 1993 there was a significant reduction in legal fees
and outside professional fees resulting from the settlement of various
outstanding legal matters and reflected DeSoto's continued focus on cost control
and containment across all functions of DeSoto.
 
     Nonoperating income in 1994 included the settlement of arbitration related
to a portion of a business sold in 1990. Other components of nonoperating income
included a settlement related to fees paid for professional services and royalty
income related to technology sold by DeSoto in 1990.
 
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
 
     The following table sets forth certain information as of June 30, 1996
(except as otherwise indicated) regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of
voting stock of DeSoto held by (i) directors, (ii) each person or entity known
to DeSoto who beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding DeSoto Common
Stock or DeSoto Preferred Stock, (iii) the officers of DeSoto, and (iv) all
directors and officers of DeSoto as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each
person or entity has sole voting and investment power of the shares listed. For
purposes of this table, shares which are not outstanding but which are subject
to DeSoto Options or DeSoto Warrants are deemed to be outstanding for purposes
of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of the class owned by the
holder of the DeSoto Options or DeSoto Warrants but are not deemed to be
outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class owned by
other persons.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            COMBINED
                                                                                                          OWNERSHIP OF
                                                                                                             DESOTO
                                 AMOUNT AND                                                                COMMON AND
                                 NATURE OF           APPROXIMATE       AMOUNT AND                        PREFERRED STOCK
                                 BENEFICIAL         PERCENTAGE OF      NATURE OF         APPROXIMATE
      NAME OF INDIVIDUAL        OWNERSHIP OF         OUTSTANDING       BENEFICIAL        PERCENT OF        APPROXIMATE
           OR ENTITY               DESOTO              DESOTO         OWNERSHIP OF       OUTSTANDING     PERCENT OF ALL
           OR NUMBER            COMMON STOCK           COMMON       DESOTO PREFERRED       DESOTO            DESOTO
           IN GROUP             (SHARES)(1)             STOCK        STOCK (SHARES)    PREFERRED STOCK    VOTING STOCK
- ------------------------------- ------------        -------------   ----------------   ---------------   ---------------
<S>                             <C>                 <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>
Sutton Holding Corp.(2)........   1,797,089(3)          30.5%            583,333(4)         100.0%             36.8%(5)
William Spier..................     809,840(6)          15.4%            259,259(7)          44.4%             18.4%
The Gabelli Group(8)...........     460,100(8)           9.8%                  0                 0              8.7%
Anders U. Schroeder............     639,470(9)          12.5%            194,444(10)         33.3%             14.6%
Pioneering Management
  Corp.(11)....................     459,400(11)          9.8%                  0                 0              8.7%
LL Capital Partners,
  L.P.(12).....................     276,700(12)          5.9%                  0                 0              5.2%
Dimensional Fund Advisors
  Inc.(13).....................     242,300(13)          5.2%                  0                 0              4.6%
Anne E. Eisele.................      36,374(14)           *                    0                 0               *
William P. Lyons...............      30,000(15)           *                    0                 0               *
Daniel T. Carroll..............       8,500(16)           *                    0                 0               *
David M. Tobey.................       8,000(17)           *                    0(18)             0(18)           *  (19)
Paul E. Price..................       5,200(20)           *                    0                 0               *
All directors and officers as a
  group (9 persons)............   1,969,079(21)         32.7%            583,333              100%             38.6%(21)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
  *  Denotes less than 1%
 
 (1) The information under this caption is based on representations made to
     DeSoto by individual directors and/or filings made with the Commission.
 
 (2) Sutton Holding Corp., a New York corporation ("Sutton"), is part of a group
     filing a joint Schedule 13D with respect to ownership of shares of DeSoto
     Common Stock that includes Anders U. Schroeder, an affiliate of William
     Spier, and parties having a business relationship with David Tobey. Sutton
     is owned by Asgard Ltd. (an affiliate of Anders U. Schroeder) ("Asgard"),
     Parkway M&A Capital Corporation ("Parkway"), M&A Investment Pte Ltd ("M&A")
     (entities having a business
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   66
 
     relationship with David Tobey), and an individual having no other
     relationship with DeSoto. Messrs. Spier, Schroeder and Tobey are directors
     and officers of Sutton. Sutton's address is 101 East 52nd Street, 11th
     Floor, New York, New York 10022. Mr. Schroeder and the affiliated entity
     have ceased to be a part of the group filing the joint Schedule 13D as of
     July   , 1996.
 
 (3) Sutton is the record owner of 100 shares of DeSoto Common Stock. The stock
     ownership reported in the table for Sutton also includes the stock
     ownership of the other parties to the Schedule 13D referred to in Note 2 as
     follows: Coatings Group, Inc. ("Coatings Group") beneficially owns 779,840
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock, of which 246,507 shares are currently
     outstanding and 533,333 shares are issuable upon DeSoto Warrants
     beneficially owned by Coatings Group; Anders U. Schroeder and an affiliated
     entity beneficially own 618,970 shares of DeSoto Common Stock, of which
     218,970 shares are currently outstanding and 400,000 are issuable upon the
     exercise of DeSoto Warrants beneficially owned by the affiliate of Mr.
     Schroeder (DeSoto Options granted to Mr. Schroeder pursuant to the DeSoto
     1992 Stock Plan have not been included in the foregoing or in the ownership
     for Sutton reported in the table); Parkway beneficially owns 350,811 shares
     of DeSoto Common Stock, of which 84,144 are currently outstanding and
     266,667 are issuable upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants beneficially owned by
     Parkway; and M&A beneficially owns 47,368 shares of DeSoto Common Stock,
     all of which are currently outstanding. Consequently, Sutton and these
     related parties currently beneficially own an aggregate of 597,089
     currently outstanding shares of DeSoto Common Stock and 1,200,000 shares of
     DeSoto Common Stock issuable upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants having an
     exercise price of $7.00 per share, representing the 1,797,089 shares of
     DeSoto Common Stock reported in the table. (DeSoto Options granted pursuant
     to the DeSoto 1992 Stock Plan to affiliates of any of these parties have
     not been included in these numbers.)
 
 (4) Parties related to Sutton own all of the shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock
     reported in the table. Coatings Group owns 259,259 of such shares, an
     affiliate of Anders U. Schroeder owns 194,444 of such shares, and Parkway
     owns 129,630 of such shares.
 
 (5) Represents shares of DeSoto Common Stock and DeSoto Preferred Stock
     currently owned by parties referred to in Note 2 and 1,200,000 shares of
     Common Stock issuable upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants owned by such
     parties as described in Note 3.
 
 (6) Mr. Spier's stock ownership includes 246,507 currently outstanding shares
     of DeSoto Common Stock and 533,333 shares of DeSoto Common Stock issuable
     upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants owned by Coatings Group, a corporation of
     which Mr. Spier is President and Chairman of the Board, and DeSoto Options
     to purchase 30,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock which are currently
     exercisable and were granted pursuant to the DeSoto 1992 Stock Plan. (The
     Coatings Group stock ownership also has been included in the stock
     ownership reported for Sutton. See Note 3.) The listed shares do not
     include the 100 shares owned by Sutton or 100 shares held by Mr. Spier's
     father-in-law, as to which Mr. Spier may be deemed the beneficial owner.
 
 (7) All such shares are owned by Coatings Group. See Note 3.
 
 (8) As reported by Mario J. Gabelli and various entities which he directly or
     indirectly controls and for which he acts as chief investment officer (the
     "Gabelli Group") its members include the following: Gabelli Funds, Inc.
     ("GFI"), GAMCO Investors, Inc. ("GAMCO"), Gabelli Securities, Inc. ("GSI"),
     Gabelli & Company, Inc. ("Gabelli & Company"), Gabelli Performance
     Partnership ("GPP"), GLI, Inc. ("GLI"), The Gabelli Associates Fund
     ("Gabelli Associates"), Gabelli Associates Limited ("GAL"), The Gabelli &
     Company, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan, Gabelli International Limited ("GIL"),
     Gabelli International II Limited ("GIL II"), Mario J. Gabelli ("Mr.
     Gabelli"), Lynch, Safety Railway and Western New Mexico. The address of
     Mario J. Gabelli and the Gabelli Group is c/o J. Hamilton Crawford, Jr.,
     Gabelli Funds, Inc., One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1434. Based
     on information in Amendment No. 24 to Schedule 13D, dated July 9, 1996, the
     Gabelli Group owns its shares of DeSoto Common Stock as follows: Mario J.
     Gabelli, 7,500 shares; GAMCO, 446,100 shares; GSI, 10,000 shares; and GIL
     II, 6,500 shares. Each of the above persons or entities has sole voting and
     dispositive power over its shares, except that GAMCO does not have
     authority to vote 52,500 reported shares.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   67
 
 (9) Mr. Schroeder's stock ownership includes stock owned by Asgard. Asgard, a
     corporation affiliated with Mr. Schroeder, owns 218,970 currently
     outstanding shares of DeSoto Common Stock, 194,444 shares of DeSoto
     Preferred Stock and beneficially owns 400,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     issuable upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants. (Asgard's stock ownership has
     been included in the stock ownership reported for Sutton. See Note 3.) Also
     includes DeSoto Options to purchase 20,500 shares of DeSoto Common Stock,
     which are currently exercisable and were granted pursuant to the De Soto
     1992 Stock Plan.
 
(10) All such shares are owned by Asgard, a corporation affiliated with Mr.
     Schroeder.
 
(11) Based on information in a Schedule 13G, dated as of January 26, 1996. The
     address of Pioneering Management Corporation is 60 State Street, Boston,
     Massachusetts 02109.
 
(12) Based on information in Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13D filed jointly by LL
     Capital Partners, L.P. and its general partner Lance Lessman, dated as of
     December 1, 1995. The address of LL Capital Partners, L.P. is 375 Park
     Avenue, New York, New York 10152.
 
(13) Based on information in a Schedule 13G, dated as of February 7, 1996, filed
     by Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. ("Dimensional"), a registered investment
     advisor, Dimensional is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 242,300
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock, all of which shares are held in portfolios
     of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., a registered open-end investment
     company, or in series of the DFA Investment Trust Company, a Delaware
     business trust, or the DFA Group Trust and DFA Participation Group Trust,
     investment vehicles for qualified employee benefit plans, all of which
     Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. serves as investment manager. Dimensional
     disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares.
 
(14) Includes shares of DeSoto Common Stock held in Ms. Eisele's account in the
     DeSoto Stock Ownership Plus Plan and DeSoto Options to purchase 30,000
     shares of DeSoto Common Stock which are currently exercisable and were
     granted pursuant to the DeSoto 1992 Stock Plan.
 
(15) Includes 25,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock owned by the William P. Lyons
     and Co., Inc. Pension Trust, the only participant and beneficiary of which
     is Mr. Lyons. Also includes DeSoto Options to purchase 5,000 shares of
     DeSoto Common Stock, which are currently exercisable and were granted
     pursuant to the DeSoto 1992 Stock Plan.
 
(16) Includes DeSoto Options to purchase 4,500 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     which are currently exercisable and were granted pursuant to the DeSoto
     1992 Stock Plan.
 
(17) Includes DeSoto Options to purchase 5,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock,
     which are currently exercisable and were granted pursuant to the 1992 Stock
     Plan. Does not include the stock ownership of Parkway and M&A. See Note 3.
 
(18) Does not include the 129,630 shares owned by Parkway. See Note 4.
 
(19) Does not include stock ownership of Parkway and M&A. See Note 3.
 
(20) Includes DeSoto Options to purchase 5,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock
     which are currently exercisable and were granted pursuant to the DeSoto
     1992 Stock Plan.
 
(21) Includes 1,490 shares of DeSoto Common Stock beneficially held in the
     DeSoto Stock Ownership Plus Plan for the account of executive officers.
     Also includes stock ownership of Sutton to the extent not otherwise
     included in the beneficial ownership of directors and officers, DeSoto
     Options held by directors and officers if exercisable within 60 days and
     shares issuable upon exercise of DeSoto Warrants. (Without inclusion of
     such Sutton stock ownership, directors and officers, as a group, would own
     (i) 1,570,800 shares of DeSoto Common Stock, representing approximately
     27.3% of the outstanding shares of DeSoto Common Stock, (ii) 453,703 shares
     of DeSoto Preferred Stock, representing approximately 7.5% of all such
     shares, and (iii) approximately 31.9% of all voting stock.)
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   68
 
DESOTO DIRECTORS WHO WILL BE KEYSTONE DIRECTORS
 
     Set forth below is certain information, as of the date hereof, about
William Spier and William P. Lyons, each of whom will be elected to serve as a
director of Keystone upon consummation of the Merger.
 
     WILLIAM P. LYONS, age 54, has been a director of DeSoto since 1991. Mr.
Lyons has also been Chairman of JVL Corp. (a manufacturer of generic and
over-the-counter pharmaceutical products) since 1992, President and Chief
Executive Officer of William P. Lyons and Co., Inc. (an investment firm) since
1975 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Duro Test Corp. (a manufacturer
of specialty lighting products) from 1988 to 1991. Mr. Lyons also is a director
of Holmes Protection Group, Inc., Lydell, Inc., and Video Lottery Technologies,
Inc.
 
     WILLIAM SPIER, age 61, has been a director of DeSoto since 1991 and
Chairman of DeSoto since 1991. Mr. Spier has also been Chief Executive Officer
of DeSoto from 1991 to January 1994 and from September 1995 to present,
President and Chairman of Sutton (a corporation formed for the purpose of
acquiring DeSoto) from 1989 to present, and a private investor from 1982 to
present. Mr. Spier also is a director of Geotek Communications, Inc., Holmes
Protection Group, Inc. and Video Lottery Technologies, Inc.
 
     The following table sets forth certain information for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 concerning the compensation paid by DeSoto to
William Spier. (Mr. Spier has not received cash compensation from DeSoto in
1994, 1995, and 1996.) Mr. Lyons, as a director who is not an employee of
DeSoto, receives the same compensation from DeSoto as other directors who are
not DeSoto employees. Directors who are not employees of DeSoto are paid an
annual retainer of $6,000 and, in addition, receive $800 for each meeting of the
DeSoto Board or committee thereof attended. In addition, under the terms of the
DeSoto 1992 Stock Plan, each non-employee director receives an initial grant of
DeSoto Options to purchase 3,000 shares of DeSoto Common Stock upon becoming a
director and, thereafter, annual grants of DeSoto Options to purchase 500 shares
of DeSoto Common Stock.
 
                       DESOTO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     LONG-TERM
                                                                                    COMPENSATION
                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                       AWARDS
                                                                    ANNUAL          ------------
                                                                 COMPENSATION        SECURITIES
                                                               -----------------     UNDERLYING
                 NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                   YEAR      SALARY      OPTIONS(#)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----     --------    ------------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>         <C>
William Spier................................................. 1995     $     --       10,000
Chairman of the Board                                          1994           --       10,000
and Chief Executive Officer                                    1993      123,750       10,000
</TABLE>
 
     Mr. Spier served as Chief Executive Officer of DeSoto until December 13,
1993, and effective as of September 1, 1995, Mr. Spier was again appointed Chief
Executive Officer of DeSoto.
 
     Shown below is information with respect to DeSoto Options granted during
the year ended December 31, 1995 to William Spier under the DeSoto 1992 Stock
Plan, which provides, among other things, for the grant of DeSoto Options.
 
                          DESOTO OPTION GRANTS IN 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           POTENTIAL
                                        NUMBER OF      PERCENTAGE                                       REALIZABLE VALUE
                                          DESOTO        OF TOTAL                                        AT ASSUMED RATES
                                         OPTIONS         DESOTO                                          OF STOCK PRICE
                                         GRANTED        OPTIONS                                         APPRECIATION FOR
                                        (IN COMMON      GRANTED       EXERCISE                           OPTION TERM(B)
                                          SHARES      TO EMPLOYEES      PRICE         EXPIRATION       ------------------
                                           (A))         IN 1995       PER SHARE          DATE            5%         10%
                                        ----------    ------------    ---------    ----------------    -------    -------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>             <C>          <C>                 <C>        <C>
William Spier(c)......................    10,000          50.0%         $4.38      November 8, 2005    $27,514    $69,740
</TABLE>
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   69
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Stock appreciation rights may not be granted under the DeSoto 1992 Stock
    Plan.
 
(b) Under the rules and regulations of the Commission, the potential realizable
    value of a grant is the product of (i) the difference between (x) the
    product of the per share market price of the time of grant and the sum of 1
    plus the adjusted stock price appreciation rate (the assumed rates of
    appreciation compounded annually over the term of the options) and (y) the
    per share exercise price of the DeSoto Option and (ii) the number of
    securities underlying the grant at year-end. Assumed annual rates of stock
    price appreciation of 5% and 10% are specified by the Commission and are not
    intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the price of
    the shares of DeSoto Common Stock. (For example, if the price of shares of
    DeSoto Common Stock remained at the exercise price of the DeSoto Options,
    (i.e., a 0% appreciation rate), the potential realized value of the grant
    would be $0.) The actual performance of such shares may be significantly
    different from the rates specified by the Commission.
 
(c) This grant was made as of November 8, 1995 with an exercise price equal to
    the market price at that time. The DeSoto Options were immediately
    exercisable.
 
     The following table provides certain information with respect to the number
and value of unexercised options outstanding as of December 31, 1995.
 
 AGGREGATED 1995 DESOTO OPTIONS EXERCISED IN 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1995 DESOTO
                                 OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED              VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                       DESOTO OPTIONS                     IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                     (IN COMMON SHARES)                  DESOTO OPTIONS
                               SHARES                               AT DECEMBER 31, 1995            AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 (A)
                             ACQUIRED ON                       ------------------------------     ----------------------------
                              EXERCISE      VALUE RECEIVED     EXERCISABLE      UNEXERCISABLE     EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
                             -----------    --------------     -----------      -------------     -----------    -------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>                <C>              <C>               <C>            <C>
William Spier...............      --              --              30,000              0               $--             $--
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Calculated by determining the difference between the fair market value of
    the DeSoto Common Stock underlying the options on December 31, 1995 ($3.50,
    the closing price on the NYSE -- Composite Transactions) and the exercise
    price of the DeSoto Options on that date.
 
                       CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT KEYSTONE
 
KEYSTONE MANAGEMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      NAME                   AGE                    TITLE
    ---------------------------------------- ---   ----------------------------------------
    <S>                                      <C>   <C>
    Glenn R. Simmons........................ 68    Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                                   Executive Officer
    J. Walter Tucker, Jr. .................. 70    Vice Chairman of the Board
    Thomas E. Barry......................... 52    Director
    Paul M. Bass, Jr. ...................... 60    Director
    David E. Connor......................... 70    Director
    Donald A. Sommer........................ 67    Director
    Richard N. Ullman....................... 61    Director
    Robert W. Singer........................ 59    President and Chief Operating Officer
    Harold M. Curdy......................... 49    Vice President -- Finance and Treasurer
    Bert E. Downing, Jr. ................... 40    Corporate Controller
    Ralph P. End............................ 58    Vice President and General Counsel
    Bill J. Johnson......................... 59    President, Sherman Wire Division
    Sandra K. Myers......................... 52    Corporate Secretary
</TABLE>
 
     GLENN R. SIMMONS is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer of Keystone and has served in such capacities since 1987 but has been a
director of Keystone since 1986. Mr. Simmons has served as Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Contran since prior to 1991. Mr. Simmons has been a
director of Contran and an executive officer and/or director of various
companies related to Contran since
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   70
 
prior to 1991. He is Vice Chairman of the Board of Valhi and Valcor, Inc. and a
director of NL Industries, Inc. ("NL") and Tremont Corporation ("Tremont"), all
of which companies may be deemed to be affiliates of Keystone. Mr. G. Simmons is
also the brother of Harold C. Simmons. Mr. G. Simmons' term as a director
expires at Keystone's 1999 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     J. WALTER TUCKER, JR. is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Keystone and has served in such capacity since 1987 but has been a director of
Keystone since 1971. Mr. Tucker has served as a director, President, and
Treasurer of Tucker & Branham, Inc., a privately owned real estate, mortgage
banking and insurance firm since prior to 1991. Mr. Tucker is also a director of
SunTrust Banks, Inc., Columbian Mutual Life Insurance Company and Valhi. He has
also been an executive officer and/or director of various companies related to
Valhi and Contran since 1982. Mr. Tucker's spouse is a first cousin of Donald A.
Sommer. Mr. Tucker's term as a director expires at Keystone's 1999 annual
meeting of stockholders.
 
     THOMAS E. BARRY has been a director of Keystone since 1989 and is Vice
President for Executive Affairs at Southern Methodist University and has been a
Professor of Marketing in the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern
Methodist University since prior to 1991. Mr. Barry's term as a director expires
at Keystone's 1997 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     PAUL M. BASS, JR. has been a director of Keystone since 1989 and is Vice
Chairman of First Southwest Company, a privately owned investment banking firm,
and has served as a director since prior to 1991. Mr. Bass is also Chairman of
Richman Gordman Half Price Stores, Inc., Chairman of MorAmerica Private Equities
Company, director of First Madison Bank and Chairman of the Audit Committee and
director of Source Services, Inc. Mr. Bass is currently serving as a member of
the Executive Committee of Zale-Lipshy University Hospital and as Chairman of
the Board of Trustees of Southwestern Medical Foundation. Mr. Bass' term as a
director expires at Keystone's 1998 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     DAVID E. CONNOR has been a director of Keystone since 1992 and is President
of David E. Connor and Associates, advisers to commerce and industry, in Peoria,
Illinois and has served in such capacity since prior to 1991. He is a director
of Cilcorp, Inc., Peoria, Illinois, and Chairman of the Board of First Midwest
Bankshares, Quincy, Illinois. He is also director of Heartland Community Health
Clinic, Peoria, Illinois, Museum Trustees of America, Washington, D.C., and a
trustee of Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Connor's term as a director
expires at Keystone's 1998 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     DONALD A. SOMMER has been a director of Keystone since 1962 and served as a
Vice President of Keystone prior to his retirement in 1982. Mr. Sommer is a
first cousin to the spouse of J. Walter Tucker, Jr. Mr. Sommer's term as a
director expires at Keystone's 1998 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     RICHARD N. ULLMAN has been a director of Keystone since 1992 and is
President of Federal Companies, a privately held commercial warehouse and
transportation company in Peoria, Illinois, and has served in such capacity
since prior to 1991. He is a director of First of America Bank -- Illinois, N.A.
and Cilcorp, Inc. and is also serving as director of Children's Hospital of
Illinois at St. Francis, director of St. Francis Medical Center, and a trustee
of Bradley University, all located in Peoria. Mr. Ullman's term as a director
expires at Keystone's 1997 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
     ROBERT W. SINGER is President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company
and has served in that capacity since prior to 1991. He has served as Vice
President of Valhi and Contran since prior to 1991.
 
     HAROLD M. CURDY is Vice President -- Finance and Treasurer of the Company
and has served in such capacities since prior to 1991.
 
     BERT E. DOWNING, JR. is Corporate Controller of the Company and has served
in such capacity since December 1993. From prior to 1991 to December 1993, Mr.
Downing served as Senior Manager in the Dallas office of Ernst & Young, a public
accounting firm.
 
     RALPH P. END has served as Vice President and General Counsel since 1991
and as the Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Company since prior
to 1991.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   71
 
     BILL J. JOHNSON has served as President, Sherman Wire, a division of the
Company, since February 1995. Mr. Johnson served as Vice President & General
Manager, Sherman Wire, since prior to 1991.
 
     SANDRA K. MYERS is Corporate Secretary of the Company and Executive
Secretary of Contran and has served in both capacities since prior to 1991.
 
     All of the executive officers of Keystone serve at the pleasure of the
Keystone Board of Directors.
 
CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     As set forth under the caption "-- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners," Harold C. Simmons, through Contran and other entities, may be deemed to
own beneficially approximately 68% of Keystone Common Stock and, therefore, may
be deemed to control Keystone. Certain officers and directors of Keystone are
also officers and directors of Contran or of entities that may be deemed to be
controlled by or affiliated with Contran or Harold C. Simmons. Keystone and
other entities that may be deemed to be controlled by or affiliated with Mr.
Simmons sometimes engage in (i) intercorporate transactions with related
companies, including guarantees, management and expense sharing arrangements,
shared fee arrangements, joint ventures, partnerships, loans, options, advances
of funds on open account, and sales, leases and exchanges of assets, including
securities issued by both related and unrelated parties, and (ii) common
acquisition strategies, business combinations, reorganizations,
recapitalizations, securities repurchases and purchases and sales (and other
acquisitions and dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business
units, which transactions may involve both related and unrelated parties and may
include transactions that result in the acquisition by one related party of a
publicly-held minority equity interest in another related party. Depending on
the business, tax and other objectives then relevant, it is possible that
Keystone might be a party to one or more of such transactions in the future. In
connection with these activities, Keystone may consider issuing additional
equity securities or incurring additional indebtedness. Keystone's acquisition
activities have in the past and may in the future include participation in the
acquisition or restructuring activities conducted by other companies that may be
deemed to be controlled by Harold C. Simmons. The foregoing relationships,
transactions and agreements may create potential conflicts of interest. It is
the policy of Keystone to engage in transactions with related parties on terms,
in the opinion of Keystone, no less favorable to Keystone than could be obtained
from unrelated parties.
 
     No specific procedures are in place that govern the treatment of
transactions among Keystone and its related entities, although such entities may
implement specific procedures as appropriate for particular transactions. In
addition, under applicable principles of law, in the absence of stockholder
ratification or approval by directors who may be deemed disinterested,
transactions involving contracts among companies under common control must be
fair to all companies involved. Furthermore, directors and officers owe
fiduciary duties of good faith and fair dealing to all stockholders of the
companies for which they serve.
 
     Glenn R. Simmons, J. Walter Tucker, Jr., and Sandra K. Myers are not
salaried employees of Keystone. Keystone has contracted with Contran, on a fee
basis payable in quarterly installments, to provide certain administrative and
other services to Keystone in addition to the services of Mr. G. Simmons and Ms.
Myers, including consulting services of Contran executive officers pursuant to
the Intercorporate Services Agreement between Contran and Keystone, (the
"Intercorporate Services Agreement"). The fee incurred during 1995 was $500,000.
Keystone compensates Tucker & Branham, Inc. for certain consulting services of
Mr. Tucker on an hourly basis as his services are requested. The fees paid
Tucker & Branham, Inc. during 1995 were $50,000.
 
     Certain of Keystone's property, liability and casualty insurance risks are
partially insured or reinsured by a captive insurance subsidiary of Valhi. The
premiums and claims paid in connection therewith were approximately $39,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
     Aircraft services were purchased from Valhi in the amount of $150,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   72
 
     In the opinion of Keystone management and the Keystone Board of Directors,
the terms of the transactions described above were no less favorable to Keystone
than those that could have been obtained from an unrelated entity.
 
CERTAIN LITIGATION
 
     Harold C. Simmons, Glenn R. Simmons and certain companies related to
Keystone are parties to the litigation described below.
 
     In November 1991, a purported derivative complaint was filed in the Court
of Chancery of the State of Delaware, New Castle County, (Alan Russell Kahn v.
Tremont Corporation, et al., No. 12339), in connection with the purchase by
Tremont of 7,800,000 shares of NL Common Stock from Valhi (the "NL Stock
Purchase"). In addition to Valhi, the complaint named as defendants Tremont and
the members of Tremont's Board of Directors, including Glenn R. Simmons and
Harold C. Simmons. The complaint alleged, among other things, that the NL Stock
Purchase constituted a waste of Tremont's assets and that Tremont's Board of
Directors had breached its fiduciary duties to Tremont's public stockholders. A
trial on this matter was held in June 1995 and in March 1996 the court issued
its opinion ruling in favor of the defendants and concluded that the NL Stock
Purchase did not constitute an overreaching by Valhi, that Tremont's purchase
price in the NL Stock Purchase was fair and that in all other respects the NL
Stock Purchase was fair to Tremont. The plaintiffs have filed an appeal of the
Court of Chancery's ruling.
 
MANAGEMENT SECURITY OWNERSHIP
 
     As of June 30, 1996, Keystone's directors, the executive officers named in
the Keystone Summary Compensation Table below, and the Keystone directors and
executive officers as a group, beneficially owned, as defined by the rules of
the Commission, the shares of Keystone Common Stock shown in the following
table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AMOUNT AND NATURE
                                                                 OF BENEFICIAL
                                                                   OWNERSHIP
                                                                  OF KEYSTONE        PERCENT OF
                    NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                    COMMON STOCK(1)       CLASS(2)
    ---------------------------------------------------------  -----------------     ----------
    <S>                                                        <C>                   <C>
    Thomas E. Barry(5).......................................         4,100               --
    Paul M. Bass, Jr.(3)(5)..................................         6,500               --
    David E. Connor(5).......................................         4,500               --
    Harold M. Curdy(5).......................................        16,501               --
    Ralph P. End(5)..........................................         3,414               --
    Bill J. Johnson..........................................         6,535               --
    Glenn R. Simmons(4)(5)...................................        63,600               --
    Robert W. Singer(5)......................................        28,770               --
    Donald A. Sommer(5)......................................        32,964               --
    J. Walter Tucker, Jr. ...................................       153,450              2.7%
    Richard N. Ullman(5).....................................         4,500               --
    All Keystone directors and executive officers as a group
      (13 persons)(3)(4)(5)..................................       332,338              6.1%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) All beneficial ownership is sole and direct except as otherwise set forth
    herein. Information as to the beneficial ownership of Keystone Common Stock
    has either been furnished to Keystone by or on behalf of the indicated
    persons or is taken from reports on file with the Commission.
 
(2) Percentage omitted if less than 1%.
 
(3) Includes 2,500 shares of Keystone Common Stock held in discretionary
    accounts by First Southwest Company, a licensed broker-dealer, on behalf of
    certain of its clients, as to which Mr. Bass has voting and dispositive
    authority. Mr. Bass serves as Vice Chairman of First Southwest Company. As
    a result of the
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   73
 
     foregoing, Mr. Bass may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such
     shares. However, Mr. Bass disclaims all such beneficial ownership.
 
(4)  Glenn R. Simmons is the brother of Harold C. Simmons. See footnote (1) to
     the table under "-- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners."
 
(5)  Includes shares that such person or group could acquire upon the exercise
     of options exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1996 by Messrs. Barry,
     Bass, Connor, Sommer and Ullman for the purchase of 4,000 shares each, and
     named executive officers, Messrs. Curdy, End, Johnson, Simmons and Singer,
     for the purchase of 3,000, 900, 2,340, 22,500, and 6,000 shares,
     respectively, and the Keystone directors and executive officers as a group
     for the purchase of 56,740 shares under Keystone's stock option plans.
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
     The following table sets forth the stockholders known to Keystone to be the
beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Keystone Common Stock outstanding as of
the Record Date.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
                                                             BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
                    NAME AND ADDRESS OF                               OF                   PERCENT
                     BENEFICIAL OWNER                        KEYSTONE COMMON STOCK         OF CLASS
- -----------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------         --------
<S>                                                          <C>                           <C>
Harold C. Simmons..........................................        3,888,033(1)(2)           68.4%
5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700
Dallas, Texas 75240
The Killen Group...........................................          324,825                  5.7%
1189 Lancaster Avenue
Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The shares of Keystone Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Harold C.
    Simmons includes 3,155,933, 326,050, 250,000, 115,550 and 30,000 shares of
    Keystone Common Stock held by Contran, NL, The Harold Simmons Foundation,
    Inc. (the "Foundation"), The Contran Deferred Compensation Trust No. 2 (the
    "Deferred Compensation Trust") and The Combined Master Retirement Trust (the
    "Master Trust"), respectively.
 
    Contran and NL directly hold approximately 55.5% and 5.7%, respectively, of
    the outstanding Keystone Common Stock. Valhi and Tremont are the holders of
    approximately 55.2% and 17.7%, respectively, of the outstanding common stock
    of NL. Contran holds, directly or indirectly through related entities,
    approximately 91.4% and 44.1% of the outstanding common stock of Valhi and
    Tremont, respectively. Substantially all of Contran's outstanding voting
    stock is held by trusts established for the benefit of Harold C. Simmons'
    children and grandchildren (together, the "Trusts"), of which Mr. Simmons is
    the sole trustee. As sole trustee of each of the Trusts, Mr. Simmons has the
    power to vote and direct the disposition of the shares of Contran stock held
    by each of the Trusts; however, Mr. Simmons disclaims beneficial ownership
    thereof.
 
    Harold C. Simmons is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
    Officer of Valhi and Contran and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
    Officer of certain related entities through which Contran may be deemed to
    control Valhi. Additionally, he is Chairman of the Board of NL and is a
    director of Tremont.
 
    The Master Trust holds approximately 0.5% of the outstanding shares of
    Keystone Common Stock. The Master Trust is a trust formed by Valhi to permit
    the collective investment by trusts that maintain the assets of certain
    employee benefit plans adopted by Valhi and related companies, including
    Keystone. Harold C. Simmons is sole trustee of the Master Trust and sole
    member of the Trust Investment Committee for the Master Trust. The trustee
    and members of the Trust Investment Committee for the Master Trust are
    selected by Valhi's board of directors. Harold C. Simmons and Glenn R.
    Simmons are members of Valhi's board of directors and are both participants
    in one or more of the employee benefit plans that invest through the Master
    Trust; however, both such persons disclaim beneficial ownership of the
    shares of Keystone Common Stock held by the Master Trust, except to the
    extent of their respective vested beneficial interests therein.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   74
 
    The Foundation holds approximately 4.4% of the outstanding shares of Common
    Stock. The Foundation is a tax-exempt foundation organized and existing
    exclusively for charitable purposes. Harold C. Simmons is Chairman of the
    Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation.
 
    The Deferred Compensation Trust holds approximately 2.0% of the outstanding
    shares of Keystone Common Stock. NationsBank of Texas, N.A. serves as
    trustee of the Deferred Compensation Trust (the "Trustee"). Contran
    established the Deferred Compensation Trust as an irrevocable "rabbi trust"
    to assist Contran in meeting certain deferred compensation obligations that
    it owes to Harold C. Simmons. If the Deferred Compensation Trust assets are
    insufficient to satisfy such obligations, Contran must satisfy the balance
    of such obligations. Pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Compensation
    Trust, Contran (i) retains the power to vote the shares held by the Deferred
    Compensation Trust, (ii) shares dispositive power over such shares with the
    Trustee and (iii) may be deemed the indirect beneficial owner of such
    shares.
 
    By virtue of the holding of such offices, the stock ownership as described
    above and his service as trustee as described above, Harold C. Simmons may
    be deemed to control such entities and Mr. Simmons and such entities may be
    deemed to possess indirect beneficial ownership of certain shares of
    Keystone Common Stock held by such entities. However, Mr. H. Simmons
    disclaims such beneficial ownership of the shares of Keystone Common Stock
    beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by such entities.
 
    Certain information contained in this footnote is based on information
    provided to Keystone by Valhi, Contran and certain of their affiliates.
 
(2) The shares of Keystone Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Harold C.
    Simmons also includes 10,500 shares of Keystone Common Stock held by Mr. H.
    Simmons' wife, with respect to all of which Mr. Simmons disclaims beneficial
    ownership.
 
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
 
     Directors of Keystone who are not salaried employees of Keystone receive an
annual retainer of $12,000. Such directors also receive a fee of $450 per day
for each Keystone Board of Directors meeting and/or committee meeting requiring
attendance in person. Directors are also reimbursed for reasonable expenses
incurred in attending Keystone Board of Directors and/or committee meetings. On
May 5, 1992, the Keystone stockholders approved the Keystone Consolidated
Industries, Inc. 1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan ("Keystone
Director Plan"), which provides that each non-employee director will be granted
an option to purchase 1,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock on the third
business day after Keystone issues its press release summarizing Keystone's
annual financial results for the prior fiscal year. The exercise price of the
options will be equal to the last reported sale price of Keystone Common Stock
on the NYSE Composite Tape on the date of grant. Options granted pursuant to the
Keystone Director Plan become exercisable one year after the date of grant and
expire on the fifth anniversary following the date of grant. Mr. G. Simmons'
services are made available to Keystone pursuant to the Intercorporate Services
Agreement. In addition to director services, Mr. Tucker provides certain
consulting services to Keystone for which Keystone pays a company related to Mr.
Tucker. See "-- Certain Business Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   75
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
    
    The following table summarizes all compensation paid to Keystone's chief
executive officer and to each of Keystone's four most highly compensated
executive officers other than the chief executive officer (collectively, the
"Keystone named executive officers") for services rendered in all capacities to
Keystone for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993.
 
                      KEYSTONE SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        LONG-TERM
                                                                                       COMPENSATION
                                                                                 ------------------------
                                                                                          AWARDS
                                                                                 ------------------------
                                                                                 RESTRICTED    SECURITIES
                                                     ANNUAL COMPENSATION           STOCK       UNDERLYING     ALL OTHER
                                                -----------------------------      AWARDS       OPTIONS      COMPENSATION
         NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION            YEAR    SALARY($)    BONUS($)      ($)(1)         (#)           ($)(2)
- ----------------------------------------------  ----    ---------    --------    ----------    ----------    ------------
<S>                                             <C>     <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
Glenn R. Simmons(3)                             1995     123,077          --           --            --             --
Chief Executive Officer                         1994     175,000          --           --            --             --
                                                1993     149,596          --           --        12,500             --
Robert W. Singer(4)                             1995     170,000      62,500           --            --          7,425
President                                       1994     225,000     150,000           --            --          6,690
                                                1993     200,000     150,000       25,625        10,000          8,994
Harold M. Curdy                                 1995     132,000      60,000           --            --          7,425
Vice President -- Finance & Treasurer           1994     132,000     125,000           --            --          6,690
                                                1993     125,000      56,250       19,475         5,000          8,362
Ralph P. End                                    1995      93,000      30,000           --            --          6,559
Vice President and General Counsel              1994      93,000      35,000           --            --          5,762
                                                1993      90,000      30,000       10,250         1,500          5,353
Bill J. Johnson                                 1995     101,642      16,716           --            --          7,425
President -- Sherman Wire Division              1994      96,560      70,500           --         2,100          6,642
                                                1993      93,404      20,976       21,525         2,500          6,695
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The dollar value of the reported grants of restricted Keystone Common Stock
    is based on the last reported sales price per share on the date of grant of
    Keystone Common Stock as reported by the NYSE Composite Tape. The reported
    shares of restricted Keystone Common Stock vest at a rate of 40% after six
    months from the date of award, 30% after eighteen months from the date of
    the award and 30% after thirty months from the date of the award. Dividends
    on all shares of restricted Keystone Common Stock are paid at the same time
    and at the same rate as dividends on unrestricted Keystone Common Stock, if
    declared.
 
    The total number of shares of restricted Keystone Common Stock awarded to
    each named executive officer and the aggregate number and value of each
    named executive officer's holdings of restricted Keystone Common Stock as of
    December 31, 1995 (at which time the market value was $11.50 per share based
    on the last reported sales price per share of Keystone Common Stock as 
    reported by the NYSE Composite Tape) were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        NON-VESTED
                                                         SHARES OF           VALUE OF NON-
                                                        RESTRICTED         VESTED RESTRICTED
                                                      KEYSTONE COMMON       KEYSTONE COMMON
                                                        STOCK AS OF           STOCK AS OF
                 NAME OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER           DECEMBER 31, 1995     DECEMBER 31, 1995
        -------------------------------------------  -----------------     -----------------
        <S>                                          <C>                   <C>
        Glenn R. Simmons...........................          --                 $    --
        Harold M. Curdy............................         550                   6,325
        Ralph P. End...............................         300                   3,450
        Bill J. Johnson............................         600                   6,900
        Robert W. Singer...........................         750                   8,625
</TABLE>
 
(2) Amounts contributed by Keystone to Keystone's 401(k) Plan for the benefit of
    such executive officer.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   76
 
(3)  Glenn R. Simmons, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
     Keystone, is not a salaried employee of Keystone. The reported salary
     represents an allocation of his time devoted to Keystone business under the
     Intercorporate Services Agreement. See "-- Certain Business Relationships
     and Related Transactions" above.
 
(4)  The amounts shown in the table as compensation for Mr. Singer represent the
     full amount paid by Keystone for services rendered to Keystone during 1995,
     less the portion of such compensation that is either credited or reimbursed
     to Keystone for services Mr. Singer rendered to Valhi pursuant to the
     Intercorporate Services Agreement. Mr. Singer's Keystone compensation
     excludes $55,000 as salary and $62,500 as bonus for services rendered by
     Mr. Singer to Valhi during 1995.
 
     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Keystone named executive officers concerning unexercised Keystone stock options
at December 31, 1995. No Keystone stock options or Keystone stock appreciation
rights were exercised during 1995.
 
         AGGREGATED KEYSTONE OPTIONS/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                     AND FY-END KEYSTONE OPTION/SAR VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NUMBER OF SECURITIES              VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                             UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED                 IN-THE-MONEY
                                              KEYSTONE OPTIONS/SARS            KEYSTONE OPTIONS/SARS
                                                  AT FY-END(#)                    AT FY-END($)(2)
                                         -------------------------------    ----------------------------
                   NAME                  EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE(1)    EXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
    -----------------------------------  -----------    ----------------    -----------    -------------
    <S>                                  <C>            <C>                 <C>            <C>
    Glenn R. Simmons...................     14,000           13,500            13,750          20,625
    Harold M. Curdy....................      2,000            3,000             5,500           8,250
    Ralph P. End.......................        600              900             1,650           2,475
    Bill J. Johnson....................      1,420            3,180             3,275           6,225
    Robert W. Singer...................      4,000            6,000            11,000          16,500
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1)  Options vest 20%, 40%, 60% and 100% on the first, second, third, and fourth
     anniversary of the date of grant, respectively.
 
(2)  The values shown in the table are based on the $11.50 per share closing
     price of the Keystone Common Stock on December 31, 1995 as reported by the
     NYSE Composite Tape, less the exercise price of the options.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
     Except for Mr. Sommer who retired as Vice President of Keystone in 1982, no
member of the Keystone Compensation Committee is or has been an officer or
employee of Keystone or any of its subsidiaries. In 1995, no executive officer
of Keystone served on the compensation committee or as a director of another
entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Keystone's Compensation
Committee or Board of Directors.
 
PENSION PLAN
 
     Keystone maintains several qualified, noncontributory defined benefit plans
which provide defined retirement benefits to eligible employees including
executive officers. Normal retirement age under the Company's pension plans is
age 65. Under the plans covering salaried employees, including officers, the
defined benefit for an individual is based on a straight life annuity. An
individual's monthly benefit is the sum of the following: (i) for credited
service prior to January 1, 1981, the amount determined by his or her average
monthly cash compensation for the five years of his or her highest earnings
prior to January 1, 1981, multiplied by 1.1%, multiplied by the years of
credited service, plus (ii) for each year of service between 1980 and 1989, the
amount determined by the sum of 1.2% multiplied by his or her average monthly
cash compensation that year up to the social security wage base and 1.75%
multiplied by his or her average monthly cash compensation that year in excess
of the social security wage base, plus (iii) for each year subsequent to 1989,
the amount determined by 1.2% multiplied by his or her average monthly cash
compensation that year, but not less than $14.00 per month.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   77
 
     The estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement at normal retirement
age for each of the salaried Keystone named executive officers, assuming
continued employment with Keystone until normal retirement age at current salary
levels are: Harold M. Curdy, $46,786; Ralph P. End, $27,937; Robert W. Singer,
$27,401; and Bill J. Johnson, $28,145. Glenn R. Simmons does not participate in
the Keystone Pension Plan.
 
                    COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
                              KEYSTONE AND DESOTO
 
     The rights of Keystone's stockholders are governed by its Certificate of
Incorporation, its Bylaws ("Keystone Bylaws") and the laws of the State of
Delaware. The rights of DeSoto stockholders are governed by its Certificate of
Incorporation, its Bylaws ("DeSoto Bylaws") and the laws of the State of
Delaware. After the Effective Time of the Merger, the rights of DeSoto
stockholders who become Keystone stockholders will be governed by the Keystone
Certificate of Incorporation, Keystone Bylaws and the laws of the State of
Delaware. In most respects, the rights of Keystone stockholders and DeSoto
stockholders are similar. The following is a summary of the material differences
between the rights of Keystone stockholders and the rights of DeSoto
stockholders under their respective Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
  Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
     Amendments of the Certificate of Incorporation for each of Keystone and
DeSoto requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock; provided, however, that any amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation of DeSoto that adversely affects the powers, preferences or
special rights of the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock requires the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock of DeSoto (the "Series A Preferred"), and the affirmative vote of seventy
five percent (75%) of each class or series of outstanding stock of DeSoto is
required to amend certain other provisions, including those relating to
classification of the Board of Directors, removal of directors only for cause,
and the prohibition on the taking of action by stockholders other than at a
meeting of stockholders. No shares of the Series A Preferred are outstanding.
 
     The Keystone Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation provide that the
Keystone Bylaws may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors or by the
stockholders. The DeSoto Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation also provide
that the DeSoto Bylaws may be amended or repealed by the Board of Directors or
by the stockholders.
 
  Dividends and Distributions
 
     Keystone. Subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding shares of
preferred stock, if any, the holders of shares of Keystone Common Stock shall be
entitled to receive such dividends if as and when declared by the Board of
Directors. In the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation of Keystone,
and subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding shares of preferred
stock, if any, the holders of shares of Keystone Common Stock shall be entitled
to receive pro rata all of the remaining assets of Keystone available for
distribution to its stockholders. No shares of Keystone Preferred Stock are
currently outstanding.
 
     DeSoto. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred
stock ranking prior and superior to the shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock, if
any, the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive the
Liquidation Preference of each share of Keystone Preferred Stock. If such
dividends are in arrears for four (4) quarterly periods at any time, dividends
for any subsequent quarterly periods are payable to holders of DeSoto Preferred
Stock at the rate of ten percent (10%) of the sum of the Liquidation Preference
of each share of DeSoto Preferred Stock, until dividend arrearages exist for
less than four (4) quarterly periods. Holders of DeSoto Common Stock are
entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the DeSoto Board of
Directors out of funds legally available therefor.
 
     In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of DeSoto, no distribution
shall be made to the holders of shares ranking junior to the DeSoto Preferred
Stock unless the holders of DeSoto Preferred Stock shall have received an amount
equal to the Liquidation Preference to the date of such payment. In the event
DeSoto
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   78
 
does not have sufficient assets to pay the Liquidation Preference, the remaining
assets of DeSoto shall be distributed pro rata among the holders of DeSoto
Preferred Stock.
 
  Anti-Takeover Provisions
 
     Neither the Keystone Certificate of Incorporation nor Bylaws contain
specific anti-takeover provisions; however, the Keystone Certificate of
Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 500,000 shares of preferred stock, the
rights, preferences, powers and restrictions of which may be determined by the
Board of Directors without stockholder approval. Pursuant to the terms of the
Merger, approximately 435,458 shares of Keystone Preferred Stock will be issued.
The Board of Directors has the ability to designate a series of Preferred Stock
with rights, preferences, powers and restrictions that would make a change in
control of Keystone not approved by the Board of Directors difficult and
therefore, less likely. In addition, on September 22, 1995, Keystone's
Certificate of Incorporation was amended and restated to increase the authorized
Keystone Common Stock from 9,000,000 to 12,000,000 shares. Shares of authorized
and unissued Keystone Common Stock could be issued in one or more transactions
which also would make a change in control of Keystone more difficult, and
therefore less likely. Any such issuance of additional stock could have the
effect of diluting the earnings per share and book value per share of
outstanding shares of Keystone Common Stock, and such additional shares could be
used to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain
control of Keystone. In addition, the Board of Directors of Keystone is divided
into three classes, which together with the provisions of the DGCL restricting
the removal of directors described below could delay a change in a majority of
the board for at least two annual meetings. Following consummation of the
Merger, the provisions in the Keystone Preferred Stock requiring redemption of
such stock following a change of control may also have an anti-takeover effect.
See "Description of Keystone Capital Stock."
 
     DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, the rights, preferences, powers and restrictions of which may
be determined by the Board of Directors without stockholder approval. To date,
DeSoto has designated 583,333 shares of preferred stock as Series B Senior
Preferred Stock (defined above as "DeSoto Preferred Stock"), all of which are
outstanding. The dividends payable on the DeSoto Preferred Stock, as described
above under "Dividends and Distributions," as well as the required redemption of
such stock upon a change in control could make a change in control of DeSoto not
approved by the Board of Directors difficult and, therefore, less likely. In
connection with the Rights Plan described below, DeSoto designated 200,000
shares of Series A Preferred Stock, none of which are outstanding. In addition,
the Board of Directors has the ability to designate the rights, preferences,
powers and restrictions of the remaining shares of authorized preferred stock
that would make a change in control of DeSoto without the approval of the Board
of Directors even more difficult and less likely.
 
     DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain provisions
which might make a change of control of DeSoto which is not approved by the
Board of Directors more difficult. DeSoto's Board of Directors is divided into
three classes, which, as is the case with Keystone, could delay a change in a
majority of the Board. The Bylaws of DeSoto require stockholders wishing to
nominate persons for election as directors to satisfy certain advance notice and
disclosure requirements. DeSoto's Certificate of Incorporation contains a
provision permitting removal of directors only for cause. DeSoto's Certificate
of Incorporation also contains a provision that provides that certain business
combination transactions (each a "Business Combination"), including mergers, of
DeSoto with any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the
Shares (a "New Substantial Stockholder") or an affiliate of such person,
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the Voting Stock
(the "Supermajority Vote"), unless (i) the Business Combination shall have been
approved by three-fourths of the Whole Board of Directors of the Company and by
a majority of the Continuing Directors (as defined below) of DeSoto (together,
the "Required Approvals"), or (ii) the Price Requirement and the Procedure
Requirements (as defined below) are met. "Continuing Director" is defined as any
director who is unaffiliated with the New Substantial Stockholder and (i) was a
director prior to the time that the New Substantial Stockholder became such, or
(ii) who was designated as a Continuing Director by at least a majority of
Continuing Directors (but not less than one Continuing Director) and
three-fourths of the Whole Board. "Whole Board" is defined as the total number
of directors which DeSoto would have if there were no vacancies. The Price
Requirement is that the consideration to be received per share of DeSoto
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   79
 
Common Stock by holders of shares in such Business Combination be at least equal
to the highest of the following: (i) the highest per share price (including
brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers' fees and with
appropriate adjustments for reclassifications) paid by the New Substantial
Stockholder of any shares acquired by it; (ii) the highest fair market value per
share at any time after the New Substantial Stockholder became such; or (iii)
the highest preferential amount per share to which the holders of shares are
entitled in the event of a voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
DeSoto. The Procedure Requirements include the following, among others: (i) the
consideration payable to stockholders must be in cash or in the same form as was
previously paid by the Substantial Stockholder in its acquisition of shares; and
(ii) after the New Substantial Stockholder has become such and prior to the
consummation of the Business Combination, except as approved by at least a
majority of the Continuing Directors and three-fourths of the Whole Board (x)
there shall have been no failure to pay, at least once during each fiscal
quarter of the Company, dividends on the DeSoto Common Stock at a rate per share
at least equal to that paid per share during the fiscal quarter prior to the New
Substantial Stockholder becoming such and (y) an increase in such quarterly rate
of dividends as necessary to reflect any reclassification or similar transaction
which has the effect of reducing the number of outstanding shares. This
provision can be amended or repealed only by the affirmative vote of holders of
at least 75% of the voting stock of DeSoto, unless such amendment or repeal is
first approved by at least a majority of the Continuing Directors and
three-fourths of the Whole Board.
 
     Accordingly, holders of DeSoto Common Stock who become holders of Keystone
Common Stock as a result of the Merger will no longer be afforded certain
protections afforded by, or be subject to, these provisions in DeSoto's
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
  Stockholder Inspection Rights
 
     The Bylaws of Keystone and DeSoto each provide that a complete list of
stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders, arranged in
alphabetical order and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of
shares registered in his or her name, shall be open to the examination of any
stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business
hours for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting. The stockholder
list shall also be open to examination during the meeting by any stockholder
present at the meeting.
 
  Stockholder Meetings
 
     The Bylaws of DeSoto provide that special meetings of stockholders may be
called by stockholders holding in the aggregate shares representing not less
than a majority of each class or series of stock issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote at the meeting. Under the Keystone Bylaws, special meetings of
stockholders may only be called by the Chairman of the Board, President or Board
of Directors of Keystone.
 
     The Certificate of Incorporation of DeSoto prohibits the taking of
stockholder action without a meeting. The Certificate of Incorporation of
Keystone does not prohibit the taking of stockholder action without a meeting.
 
  Director Nominations
 
     The Keystone Bylaws currently provide for a five to nine member Board of
Directors; there are currently seven members of the Board of Directors which
shall be expanded to nine members effective upon consummation of the Merger. The
Directors are divided into three classes, with staggered three year terms. One
class of Directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders for a
three year term and until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
 
     The DeSoto Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall be eleven,
which number may be changed by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. The
DeSoto Board of Directors currently consists of seven members. The Directors are
divided into three classes, with staggered three year terms. One class of
Directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders and each
director shall hold office for a three year term and until his or her successor
is duly elected and qualified.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   80
 
  State Antitakeover Statutes
 
     Both Keystone and DeSoto are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Section
203 of the DGCL would prohibit a "business combination" (as defined in Section
203, generally including mergers, sales and leases of assets, issuances of
securities and similar transactions) by the subject company or a subsidiary with
an "interested stockholder" (as defined in Section 203, generally the beneficial
owner of 15 percent or more of the subject company's voting stock) within three
years after the person or entity becomes an interested stockholder, unless (i)
prior to the person or entity becoming an interested stockholder, the business
combination or the transaction pursuant to which such person or entity became an
interested stockholder shall have been approved by the Board of Directors of the
subject company, (ii) upon the consummation of the transaction in which the
person or entity became an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder
holds at least 85 percent of the voting stock of the subject company (excluding
for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding, shares held by
persons who are both officers and directors of the subject company and shares
held by certain employee benefit plans), or (iii) the business combination is
approved by the Board of Directors of the subject company, and by the holders of
at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the subject company,
excluding shares held by the interested stockholder.
 
  Rights Plan
 
     Keystone does not have a rights plan.
 
     On February 20, 1989, DeSoto's Board of Directors declared a dividend of
one Purchase Right for each outstanding share of DeSoto voting stock. The
dividend was payable to holders of record of shares on March 3, 1989, and the
board authorized the issuance of additional Purchase Rights for DeSoto Common
Stock issued after that date. Each Purchase Right entitles the holder thereof to
buy from DeSoto one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock at a
price of $140 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"),
subject to adjustment. As currently in effect, in the event that (i) any person
acquires 25% or more of the outstanding shares of DeSoto voting stock (an
"Acquiring Person"), (ii) DeSoto is the surviving corporation in a merger with
an Acquiring Person and the shares of DeSoto voting stock are not changed or
exchanged, (iii) an Acquiring Person engaged in one of a number of specified
self-dealing transactions, or (iv) during such time as there is an Acquiring
Person, an event occurs (including a reverse stock split) which results in such
Acquiring Person's ownership interest being increased by more than 1%, each
holder of a Purchase Right (other than Purchase Rights beneficially owned by the
Acquiring Person, which will thereafter be void) will thereafter have the right
to receive upon exercise of a Purchase Right that number of shares of DeSoto
Common Stock which, at that time, would have a market value of two times the
Purchase Price. In the event that DeSoto is acquired in a merger or other
business combination transaction, each Purchase Right will entitle its holder to
purchase, at the Purchase Price, that number of shares of common stock of the
acquiring company which at the time of such transaction would have a market
value of two times the Purchase Price.
 
     DeSoto is entitled to redeem the Purchase Rights at $.01 per Purchase Right
at any time prior to a person becoming an Acquiring Person. The Purchase Rights
will not be exercisable until the earlier of (i) the tenth day after the public
announcement that a person has acquired beneficial ownership of 25% or more of
the outstanding shares of DeSoto voting stock, or (ii) the tenth business day
(or such later date as is determined by DeSoto's Board of Directors prior to
such time as any person becomes an Acquiring Person) after the commencement of,
or announcement of an intention to commence, an offer the consummation of which
would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 25% or more of
the outstanding shares of DeSoto voting stock. The Purchase Rights are intended
to deter takeovers which are not in the best interests of DeSoto and its
stockholders. In connection with the Reorganization Agreement, the Board of
Directors took appropriate action to assure that the execution of the
Reorganization Agreement and the related agreements and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated thereby will not cause the Purchase Rights to become
exercisable or distributed.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   81
 
  Indemnification
 
     Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may, and the Keystone
Bylaws provide that Keystone shall, indemnify any person made a party to an
action by reason of the fact that he or she was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the corporation or was serving at the request of the corporation in a
similar capacity, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or
her in connection with such action if he or she acted in good faith and in a
manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action (other
than an action by or in the right of the corporation), has no reasonable cause
to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Determination of indemnification
shall be made by (i) the corporation's Board of Directors by a majority vote of
a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action or, (ii) if
such a quorum is not obtainable, or even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested
directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or
(iii) by the corporation's stockholders.
 
     The DGCL provides that a corporation may, and the Keystone Bylaws provide
that Keystone shall, indemnify any person made a party to an action by or in the
right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the
fact that he or she was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation or was serving at the request of the corporation in a similar
capacity, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in
connection with such action if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he
or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of
the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of
any matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery, or the
court in which such action was brought, shall determine that such person is
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such
other court shall deem proper.
 
     The DeSoto Certificate of Incorporation provides that directors, officers
and certain other persons will be indemnified to the fullest extent authorized
by Delaware law. The DeSoto Bylaws require DeSoto to pay all expenses incurred
by a director or officer in defending any proceeding within the scope of the
indemnification provisions as such expenses are incurred in advance of its final
disposition, subject to certain conditions. The Keystone Bylaws contain a
comparable provision regarding the advancement of expenses, except that such
advancement may only be made upon receipt of an undertaking by the affected
officer or director that he or she will repay such amounts advanced if it is
ultimately determined that he or she was not entitled to indemnification under
the Keystone Bylaws.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that in
the opinion of the Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
 
  Election of Directors
 
     Under the Bylaws of each of Keystone and DeSoto, the Board of Directors has
the right to fill any vacancy created on the Board caused by death, resignation,
removal or otherwise, and newly created directorships. Under the provisions of
the DGCL and the Keystone Certificate of Incorporation, any director or the
entire Board of Directors of Keystone may be removed, with or without cause, by
the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of
directors. Under the provisions of the DGCL and the DeSoto Certificate of
Incorporation, directors may be removed from office only for cause.
 
                                       74
<PAGE>   82
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of Keystone at December 31, 1994 and 1995,
and the related consolidated statements of operations and changes in
stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows of Keystone for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 (including the notes thereto),
incorporated by reference from Keystone's Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been
audited by Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent auditors, as set forth in
their report thereon appearing therein and incorporated by reference herein.
Such consolidated financial statements of Keystone are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     The consolidated balance sheets of DeSoto as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995
included in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and elsewhere in this
Registration Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto. Reference
is made to said report which includes an explanatory paragraph that describes
matters impacting DeSoto's ability to continue as a going concern. Such
consolidated financial statements are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said
reports.
 
     Representatives of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P. are expected to be present at
the Keystone Meeting, and representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to
be present at the DeSoto Meeting. In each case, such representatives will have
the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to
be available to respond to appropriate questions.
 
     Richard Holmes of Arthur Andersen LLP, acting as a representative of
DeSoto's trade creditors, is required, pursuant to the terms of DeSoto's
agreement with its trade creditors, to agree on behalf of such trade creditors
to the terms of the Reorganization Agreement as such terms relate to such trade
creditors.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby and the federal
income tax consequences in connection with the Merger will be passed upon for
Keystone by Godwin & Carlton, P.C.
 
     The federal income tax consequences in connection with the Merger will be
passed upon for DeSoto by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson.
 
                             STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
     Keystone stockholders may submit proposals on matters appropriate for
stockholder action at Keystone's annual meetings, subject to regulations adopted
by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Keystone presently intends to call
the next annual meeting during                     . For such proposals to be
considered for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to
the 1997 annual meeting, they must be received by the Company not later than
               , 1997. Such proposals should be addressed to Secretary, Keystone
Consolidated Industries, Inc., Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite
1740, Dallas, Texas 75240.
 
     Any DeSoto stockholder who intends to present a proposal at the 1996 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and have it included in DeSoto's proxy statement for
that meeting must submit it to DeSoto by the close of business on the date which
is 120 calendar days in advance of the first anniversary of November 27, 1995,
unless the date of the 1996 Annual Meeting changes by more than 30 days from the
date of the 1995 Annual Meeting, in which case proposals must be received by
DeSoto a reasonable time before the release of the proxy statement. In addition,
a stockholder who otherwise intends to present business at the 1996 Annual
Meeting must comply with the requirements set forth in DeSoto's bylaws. Among
other things, to bring business before an annual meeting, a stockholder must
give written notice complying with the bylaws to the Secretary of DeSoto sixty
(60) days in advance of the meeting if the meeting is to be held on the first
Friday of May or, if the meeting is to be held on some other date, no later than
seven days following the date on which notice of the meeting is first given to
stockholders.
 
                                       75
<PAGE>   83
 
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The accompanying unaudited pro forma Keystone financial statements set
forth the pro forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of Keystone as of March
31, 1996, and the pro forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1996.
These pro forma financial statements are presented to illustrate the effect of
certain adjustments to the historical consolidated financial statements that
result from the Merger between Keystone and DeSoto and the immediate, subsequent
merger of the two companies' defined benefit pension plans under the assumptions
and estimates set forth in the notes thereto. Keystone will account for the
Merger by the purchase method.
 
     The accompanying unaudited pro forma DeSoto financial statements set forth
the pro forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of DeSoto as of March 31,
1996, and the pro forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
year ended December 31, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1996. These
pro forma financial statements are presented to illustrate the effect of certain
adjustments to the historical DeSoto consolidated financial statements that
result from recording the April 1996 sale of DeSoto's Union City, California
business and the 1995 sales of DeSoto's businesses in Thornton and South
Holland, Illinois under the assumptions and estimates set forth in the notes
thereto.
 
     The accompanying Keystone and DeSoto pro forma condensed consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the respective
companies' historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The
pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are presented for
informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of actual results
had the foregoing transactions occurred as described in the preceding
paragraphs, nor do they purport to represent results of future operations of the
merged companies.
 
                                       P-1
<PAGE>   84
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                    INDEX OF PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.:
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet -- March 31, 1996..........   P-3
  Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet...................   P-4
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations -- Year ended
     December 31, 1995................................................................   P-6
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations -- Three months
     ended March 31, 1996.............................................................   P-7
  Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations........   P-8
DeSoto, Inc.:
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet -- March 31, 1996..........   P-9
  Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet...................  P-10
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations -- Year ended
     December 31, 1995................................................................  P-11
  Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations -- Three months
     ended March 31, 1996.............................................................  P-12
  Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations........  P-13
</TABLE>
 
                                       P-2
<PAGE>   85
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 MARCH 31, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PRO FORMA          PRO FORMA
                                                                 HISTORICAL     DESOTO      ---------------------     PRO FORMA
                                                                  KEYSTONE     NOTE 2(A)    NOTE 2    ADJUSTMENTS    CONSOLIDATED
                                                                 ----------    ---------    ------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>          <C>       <C>            <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents....................................   $     --     $      3                $      --       $      3
  Restricted cash and short-term investments...................         --        1,199                       --          1,199
  Notes and accounts receivable................................     42,017        5,248                       --         47,265
  Inventories..................................................     33,539          424                       --         33,963
  Deferred income taxes........................................      4,211        2,039                       --          6,250
  Prepaid expenses and other...................................      1,522          246                       --          1,768
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
        Total current assets...................................     81,289        9,159                       --         90,448
Property, plant and equipment, net.............................     87,678          649      (d)            (649)        87,678
Unrecognized net pension obligation............................      7,972           --      (e)          (7,972)            --
Prepaid pension cost...........................................         --       48,812      (d)          42,150
                                                                                             (e)          10,335        101,297
Deferred income taxes..........................................     20,179           --      (f)         (20,179)            --
Restricted investments.........................................         --        3,821                       --          3,821
Other..........................................................      6,813        2,466      (d)          (2,466)
                                                                                             (g)             250          7,063
Investment in DeSoto...........................................         36           --      (b)          35,000
                                                                                             (c)             714
                                                                                             (d)         (35,750)            --
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
                                                                  $203,967     $ 64,907                $  21,433       $290,307
                                                                  ========      =======                  =======       ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Notes payable and current long-term debt.....................   $ 34,064     $     --      (c)       $     714
                                                                                             (g)           1,750       $ 36,528
  Accounts payable.............................................     26,245       13,909      (g)          (8,000)        32,154
  Accrued pension cost.........................................      8,501           --      (e)          (8,501)            --
  Accrued OPEB cost............................................      7,776          435                       --          8,211
  Other accrued liabilities....................................     18,530       10,039      (d)             815         29,384
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
        Total current liabilities..............................     95,116       24,383                  (13,222)       106,277
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
Noncurrent liabilities:
  Long-term debt...............................................     10,197           --      (g)           7,784         17,981
  Deferred income taxes........................................         --       10,995      (d)          14,273
                                                                                             (e)           4,653
                                                                                             (f)         (20,179)         9,742
  Accrued pension cost.........................................     22,885           --      (e)         (22,885)            --
  Accrued OPEB cost............................................     97,672        1,340      (d)           1,621        100,633
  Negative goodwill............................................         --           --      (d)           1,982          1,982
  Other........................................................      9,044        7,999                       --         17,043
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
        Total noncurrent liabilities...........................    139,798       20,334                  (12,751)       147,381
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
Keystone mandatory redeemable preferred stock, no par value,
  500,000 shares authorized, none issued (pro
  forma -- 435,458)............................................         --           --      (b)           4,455
                                                                                             (d)             329
                                                                                             (g)          (1,284)         3,500
DeSoto mandatory redeemable preferred stock, no par value,
  583,333 shares authorized, issued and outstanding (pro
  forma -- none)...............................................         --        4,455      (b)          (4,455)            --
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
                                                                        --        4,455                     (955)         3,500
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
Common stockholders' equity (deficit):
  Keystone common stock, $1 par value, 12,000,000 shares
    authorized; 5,688,558 shares issued at stated value (pro
    forma -- 9,188,558)........................................      6,413           --      (b)           3,500          9,913
  DeSoto common stock..........................................         --        5,619      (d)          (5,619)            --
  Additional paid-in capital...................................     20,484        1,000      (b)          31,500
                                                                                             (d)          (1,000)        51,984
  Net pension liabilities adjustment...........................    (29,096)          --      (e)          29,096             --
  Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)......................    (28,736)      42,764      (d)         (42,764)       (28,736)
  Keystone treasury stock -- 1,134 shares......................        (12)          --                       --            (12)
  DeSoto treasury stock -- 933,251 shares (pro
    forma -- none).............................................         --      (33,648)     (d)          33,648             --
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
        Total stockholders' equity (deficit)...................    (30,947)      15,735                   48,361         33,149
                                                                  --------      -------                  -------       --------
                                                                  $203,967     $ 64,907                $  21,433       $290,307
                                                                  ========      =======                  =======       ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                          Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
                                       P-3
<PAGE>   86
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
       NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March
31, 1996 reflects the adjustments necessary to record the Merger of Keystone and
DeSoto and the immediate, subsequent merger of the two companies' defined
benefit pension plans as though such transactions had occurred on March 31,
1996. The Merger is accounted for by the purchase method.
 
NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS:
 
(a)  Includes pro forma adjustments to record the April 1996 sale of DeSoto's
     Union City, California business. See DeSoto pro forma financial statements
     on pages P-9 to P-13.
 
(b)  Keystone issues 3,500,000 shares of Keystone Common Stock,at a price of $10
     per share in exchange for the 4,688,523 outstanding shares of DeSoto Common
     Stock. In addition, Keystone issues 435,458 shares of Keystone Preferred
     Stock ($8.0375 mandatory redemption value on July 1, 2000), in exchange for
     the 583,333 outstanding shares of DeSoto Preferred Stock.
 
(c)  Keystone incurs $750,000 in Merger related costs, $36,000 of which had been
     incurred at March 31, 1996.
 
(d)  Allocate purchase price as follows.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                             --------------
        <S>                                                                                  <C>
        PURCHASE PRICE TO BE ALLOCATED
          3,500,000 shares of Keystone common stock at $10 per share;......................     $ 35,000
          435,458 shares of Keystone preferred stock with mandatory redemption value of
            $8.0375 per share..............................................................        3,500
          Estimated transaction costs......................................................          750
                                                                                                 -------
                                                                                                  39,250
                                                                                                 -------
        PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION
          Historical DeSoto common equity..................................................       15,735
          Eliminate historical DeSoto preferred stock......................................        3,171
                                                                                                 -------
                                                                                                  18,906
          Purchase price allocation adjustments:
            Adjust DeSoto pension cost to excess of pension plan assets over related
             projected benefit obligation..................................................       42,150
            Accrue DeSoto severance liability..............................................         (815)
            Adjust DeSoto OPEB liability to accumulated benefit obligation.................       (1,621)
            Eliminate DeSoto net property, plant and equipment.............................         (649)
            Eliminate DeSoto other noncurrent assets.......................................       (2,466)
            Record related deferred tax liability, at effective federal and state rate of
             39%,..........................................................................      (14,273)
                                                                                                 -------
                                                                                                  41,232
                                                                                                 -------
                Recorded negative goodwill.................................................     $ (1,982)
                                                                                                 =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       P-4
<PAGE>   87
                                                                              

            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET -- (CONTINUED)

(e)  Elimination of Keystone's additional minimum pension liability, 
     unrecognized net pension obligation, SFAS 87 equity adjustment and related
     deferred income taxes and increase in the aggregate projected benefit
     obligation due to conforming mortality assumptions, all as a result of
     merging Keystone's and DeSoto's defined benefit pension plans. The merger
     of the pension plans results in a pro forma funded status as follows.
     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                IMPACT OF MERGER OF
                                                            HISTORICAL         ---------------------
                                                       --------------------    KEYSTONE/    PENSION
                                                       KEYSTONE     DESOTO      DESOTO       PLANS      PRO FORMA
                                                       --------    --------    ---------    --------    ---------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
        Plan assets..................................  $151,513    $159,057     $    --     $     --    $310,570
        Projected benefit obligation.................   192,190      68,095          --       18,290     278,575
                                                       --------    --------     -------     --------    --------
        Plan assets in excess of (exceeded by)
          projected benefit obligation...............   (40,677)     90,962          --      (18,290)     31,995
        Unrecognized net loss (gain) from experience
          different from actuarial assumptions.......    43,094     (34,871)     34,871       18,290      61,384
        Unrecognized net obligation (asset)..........     7,918      (7,953)      7,953           --       7,918
        Additional minimum liability.................   (41,721)         --          --       41,721          --
        Other........................................        --         674        (674)          --          --
                                                       --------    --------     -------     --------    --------
          Prepaid (accrued) pension cost.............   (31,386)     48,812      42,150       41,721     101,297
        Less current portion.........................     8,501          --          --       (8,501)         --
                                                       --------    --------     -------     --------    --------
          Noncurrent prepaid (accrued) pension
            cost.....................................  $(22,885)   $ 48,812     $42,150     $ 33,220    $101,297
                                                       ========    ========     =======     ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
(f)  Reclassification of net noncurrent deferred income taxes.
 
(g)  Keystone's term loan is restructured and increased by $7,784,000 (to a
     total of $20 million), at a cost of $250,000. The net term loan proceeds of
     $7,534,000, along with $1,750,000 of additional borrowings under Keystone's
     revolving credit facility, are used to fund $8 million of payments to
     DeSoto's trade creditors and payment of the dividend arrearage on DeSoto
     Preferred Stock of $1,284,000.
     
                                       P-5
<PAGE>   88
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        PRO FORMA           PRO FORMA
                                           HISTORICAL     DESOTO      ---------------------     PRO FORMA
                                           KEYSTONE     NOTE 2 (A)    NOTE 2    ADJUSTMENTS    CONSOLIDATED
                                           ---------    ----------    ------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>
Revenues and other income................  $ 345,924     $ 18,098                 $    --        $364,022
                                            --------      -------                 -------        --------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold.....................    312,909       16,209       (c)          (205)
                                                                        (d)           968
                                                                        (g)        (3,882)        325,999
  Selling, general and administrative....     21,552          131       (b)           (99)
                                                                        (c)          (178)
                                                                        (d)           108
                                                                        (g)          (432)         21,082
  Retirement security program............         --       (6,846)      (d)         2,532
                                                                        (g)         4,314              --
  Interest...............................      3,385           83       (e)           536           4,004
                                            --------      -------                 -------        --------
                                             337,846        9,577                   3,662         351,085
                                            --------      -------                 -------        --------
     Income before income taxes..........      8,078        8,521                  (3,662)         12,937
Provision for income taxes...............      3,191        3,315       (f)        (1,467)          5,039
                                            --------      -------                 -------        --------
Net income...............................      4,887        5,206                  (2,195)          7,898
Dividends on preferred stock.............         --          507                      --             507
                                            --------      -------                 -------        --------
Net income available for common shares...  $   4,887     $  4,699                 $(2,195)       $  7,391
                                            ========      =======                 =======        ========
Net income per common and common
  equivalent share.......................  $     .86                                             $    .80
                                            ========                                             ========
Weighted average common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding..........      5,654                                                9,209
                                            ========                                             ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                                       P-6
<PAGE>   89
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                       THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       PRO FORMA            PRO FORMA
                                        HISTORICAL       DESOTO       ----------------------      PRO FORMA
                                         KEYSTONE      NOTE 2 (A)     NOTE 2     ADJUSTMENTS     CONSOLIDATED
                                        ----------     ----------     ------     -----------     ------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>             <C>
Revenues and other income.............   $ 79,495       $  3,799                   $    --         $ 83,294
                                         --------        -------                   -------         --------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold..................     74,387          3,498       (c)             (41)
                                                                       (d)             242
                                                                       (g)            (770)          77,316
  Selling general and
     administrative...................      6,021          1,286       (b)             (25)
                                                                       (c)             (20)
                                                                       (d)              27
                                                                       (g)             (86)           7,203
  Retirement security program.........         --         (1,660)      (d)             804
                                                                       (g)             856               --
  Interest............................        967             --       (e)             (60)             907
                                         --------        -------                   -------         --------
                                           81,375          3,124                       927           85,426
                                         --------        -------                   -------         --------
     Income (loss) before income
       taxes..........................     (1,880)           675                      (927)         ( 2,132)
Provision (benefit) for income
  taxes...............................       (743)           263       (f)            (353)            (833)
                                         --------        -------                   -------         --------
Net income (loss).....................     (1,137)           412                      (574)          (1,299)
Dividends on preferred stock..........         --            111                        --              111
                                         --------        -------                   -------         --------
Net income (loss) available for common
  shares..............................   $ (1,137)      $    301                   $  (574)        $ (1,410)
                                         ========        =======                   =======         ========
Net income (loss) per common and
  common equivalent share.............   $   (.20)                                                 $   (.15)
                                         ========                                                  ========
Weighted average common and common
  equivalent shares outstanding.......      5,663                                                     9,196
                                         ========                                                  ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                                       P-7
<PAGE>   90
 
            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND
                       THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1996 have
been prepared assuming the Merger of Keystone and DeSoto and the immediate,
subsequent merger of the two companies' defined benefit pension plans occurred
on January 1, 1995. The Merger is accounted for by the purchase method.
 
NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS:
 
(a) Includes pro forma adjustments to reflect the effect of certain DeSoto
    businesses sold in 1995 and 1996 as if such sales had occurred on December
    31, 1994. See DeSoto pro forma financial statements on pages P-9 to P-13.
 
(b) Amortization of negative goodwill by the straight-line method over 20 years.
 
(c) Reduction in depreciation expense resulting from amortization of purchase
    accounting basis difference over average remaining life of two years.
 
(d) Increase in pension expense due to conforming Keystone and DeSoto mortality
    assumptions and purchase accounting adjustments relating to DeSoto's
    defined benefit pension plan.
 
(e) Impact on interest expense based on changes in average outstanding debt
    levels using weighted average interest rates of 9.9% in 1995 and 9.4% in
    1996, as follows.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              THREE MONTHS
                                                              YEAR ENDED         ENDED
                                                             DECEMBER 31,      MARCH 31,
                                                                 1995             1996
                                                             ------------     ------------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                                  <C>              <C>
        Increase (decrease) in average outstanding debt
          levels related to:
          Payment to DeSoto trade creditors................    $  8,000         $ 10,000
          Payment of DeSoto preferred stock dividends......       1,500            1,600
          Reduced defined benefit pension contributions....      (6,300)         (15,800)
          Payment of financing and transaction costs.......       1,000            1,000
          Other............................................       1,100              500
                                                               --------         --------
                                                               $  5,300         $ (2,700)
                                                               ========         ========
</TABLE>
 
(f) Income tax expense of pro forma adjustments (c) through (e) at assumed
    effective federal and state rate of 39%.
 
(g) Reclassification.
 
                                       P-8
<PAGE>   91
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
            UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 MARCH 31, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                    ---------------------     PRO FORMA
                                                      HISTORICAL    NOTE 2    ADJUSTMENTS    CONSOLIDATED
                                                      ----------    ------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.........................   $      13     (a)         $ 150
                                                                     (b)          (360)
                                                                     (c)           200         $      3
  Restricted cash and short-term investments........       1,199                    --            1,199
  Notes and accounts receivable.....................       5,248     (a)           200
                                                                     (c)          (200)           5,248
  Inventories.......................................         395     (a)            29              424
  Deferred income taxes.............................       2,039                    --            2,039
  Prepaid expenses and other........................         246                    --              246
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
          Total current assets......................       9,140                    19            9,159
Property, plant and equipment, net..................       1,435     (a)          (786)             649
Restricted investments..............................       3,821                    --            3,821
Prepaid pension costs...............................      48,812                    --           48,812
Other...............................................       2,466                    --            2,466
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
                                                       $  65,674                 $(767)        $ 64,907
                                                        ========                 =====         ========

                                  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..................................   $  13,909                 $  --         $ 13,909
  Accrued OPEB cost.................................         435                    --              435
  Other accrued liabilities.........................      10,806     (a)          (407)
                                                                     (b)          (360)          10,039
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
          Total current liabilities.................      25,150                  (767)          24,383
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
Noncurrent liabilities:
  Deferred income taxes.............................      11,265     (d)          (270)          10,995
  Accrued OPEB cost.................................       1,340                    --            1,340
  Other.............................................       7,999                    --            7,999
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
          Total noncurrent liabilities..............      20,604                  (270)          20,334
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
Mandatory redeemable preferred stock................       4,455                    --            4,455
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock......................................       5,619                    --            5,619
  Additional paid-in capital........................       1,000                    --            1,000
  Retained earnings.................................      42,494     (d)           270           42,764
  Treasury stock....................................     (33,648)                   --          (33,648)
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
          Total stockholders' equity................      15,465                   270           15,735
                                                        --------                 -----         --------
                                                       $  65,674                 $(767)        $ 64,907
                                                        ========                 =====         ========
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                          Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
                                       P-9
<PAGE>   92
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
       NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 MARCH 31, 1996
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS:
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet of DeSoto,
Inc. as of March 31, 1996 has been prepared by the management of DeSoto and
reflects the following pro forma adjustments necessary to record the sale of
DeSoto's Union City, California business which was sold in April 1996 as though
such transaction had occurred on March 31, 1996:
 
(a)  Union City inventory and property, plant and equipment sold for $150,000 in
     cash and a $200,000 note receivable net of liabilities assumed of $907,000.
 
(b)  Pay accrued vacation and severance to Union City employees.
 
(c)  Factor receivables.
 
(d)  Adjust deferred tax liability.
 
                                      P-10
<PAGE>   93
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                    ---------------------     PRO FORMA
                                                      HISTORICAL    NOTE 2    ADJUSTMENTS    CONSOLIDATED
                                                      ----------    ------    -----------    ------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>
Revenues and other income...........................   $ 52,339       (d)      $ (34,241)      $ 18,098
                                                        -------                 --------        -------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold................................     54,069       (d)        (37,860)        16,209
  Selling, general and administrative...............      9,963       (b)         (3,673)
                                                                      (c)         (6,159)           131
  Retirement security program.......................     (6,846)                      --         (6,846)
  Interest..........................................        546       (a)           (463)            83
                                                        -------                 --------        -------
                                                         57,732                  (48,155)         9,577
                                                        -------                 --------        -------
     Income (loss) before income taxes..............     (5,393)                  13,914          8,521
Provision (benefit) for income taxes................       (758)      (e)          4,073          3,315
                                                        -------                 --------        -------
Net income (loss)...................................     (4,635)                   9,841          5,206
Dividends on preferred stock........................        507                       --            507
                                                        -------                 --------        -------
Net income (loss) available for common shares.......   $ (5,142)               $   9,841       $  4,699
                                                        =======                 ========        =======
Net income (loss) per common and common equivalent
  share.............................................   $  (1.10)                               $   1.00
                                                        =======                                 =======
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
  outstanding.......................................      4,677                                   4,677
                                                        =======                                 =======
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                                      P-11
<PAGE>   94
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                       THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PRO FORMA
                                                                  ----------------------      PRO FORMA
                                                   HISTORICAL     NOTE 2     ADJUSTMENTS     CONSOLIDATED
                                                   ----------     ------     -----------     ------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>        <C>             <C>
Revenues and other income........................   $  5,846        (d)        $(2,047)        $  3,799
                                                                               -------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of goods sold.............................      5,041        (d)         (1,543)           3,498
  Selling, general and administrative............      3,001        (b)         (1,715)           1,286
  Retirement security program....................     (1,660)                       --           (1,660)
                                                                               -------
                                                       6,382                    (3,258)           3,124
                                                                               -------
     Income (loss) before income taxes...........       (536)                    1,211              675
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.............       (202)       (e)            465              263
                                                                               -------
Net income (loss)................................       (334)                      746              412
Dividends on preferred stock.....................        111                        --              111
                                                                               -------
Net income (loss) available for common shares....   $   (445)                  $   746         $    301
                                                                               =======
Net income (loss) per common and common
  equivalent share...............................   $   (.10)                                  $    .06
Weighted average common and common equivalent
  shares outstanding.............................      4,681                                      4,681
</TABLE>
 
            See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
                                      P-12
<PAGE>   95
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                          NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND
                       THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1996 have
been prepared by the management of DeSoto and reflect the adjustments necessary
to record the April 1996 sale of DeSoto's Union City, California business and
the 1995 sales of DeSoto's businesses in Thornton and South Holland, Illinois as
though such transactions had occurred on December 31, 1994.
 
NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS:
 
(a) Sale proceeds used to reduce debt resulting in decreased interest expense.
 
(b) Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased due to reduced sales
    personnel, facility expense, amortization of goodwill and corporate
    overhead.
 
(c) Eliminate loss on sale of facilities of $6,159,000.
 
(d) Eliminate sales and cost of sales related to the sold facilities.
 
(e) Income tax expense calculated at an assumed rate of 39%.
 
                                      P-13
<PAGE>   96
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                      INDEX TO DESOTO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants..............................................   F-2
Consolidated statements of operations.................................................   F-3
Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity.......................................   F-4
Consolidated balance sheets...........................................................   F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows.................................................   F-6
Notes to consolidated financial statements............................................   F-7
Quarterly revenues and earnings data (1995 versus 1994)...............................  F-21
QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
Consolidated condensed statements of operations.......................................  F-22
Consolidated condensed balance sheets.................................................  F-23
Consolidated condensed statements of cash flows.......................................  F-24
Notes to consolidated condensed financial statements..................................  F-25
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   97
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of DeSoto, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of DeSoto,
Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995.
These financial statements are the responsibility of DeSoto's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of DeSoto, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
     The accompanying financial statements for 1995 have been prepared assuming
that DeSoto will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note B to the
financial statements, DeSoto has suffered recurring losses from operations and
negative operating and financing cash flows, and has contingent liabilities
related to environmental matters, income taxes and the 1992 acquisition of J.L.
Prescott Company, that collectively raise substantial doubt about its ability to
continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are
also described in Note B. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois,
March 25, 1996
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   98
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                                1995        1994         1993
                                                              --------     -------     --------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                          AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>         <C>
NET REVENUES................................................  $ 52,339     $87,182     $101,175
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of sales.............................................    54,069      84,800       96,309
  Selling, administrative and general.......................    10,164      11,889       18,794
  Retirement security program...............................    (6,846)     (6,495)      (4,753)
  Nonrecurring expense......................................     6,159          --        5,925
                                                              --------     -------     --------
          TOTAL OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES................    63,546      90,194      116,275
                                                              --------     -------     --------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS........................................   (11,207)     (3,012)     (15,100)
                                                              --------     -------     --------
OTHER CHARGES AND CREDITS:
  Interest expense..........................................       546         575          642
  Nonoperating expense......................................        --          --        1,601
  Nonoperating income.......................................    (6,360)     (1,303)      (4,021)
                                                              --------     -------     --------
Loss before Income Taxes....................................    (5,393)     (2,284)     (13,322)
Benefit for Income Taxes....................................      (758)       (649)      (5,232)
                                                              --------     -------     --------
NET LOSS....................................................    (4,635)     (1,635)      (8,090)
Dividends on Preferred Stock................................      (507)       (319)        (302)
                                                              --------     -------     --------
Net Loss Available for Common Shares........................  $ (5,142)    $(1,954)    $ (8,392)
                                                              ========     =======     ========
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE...................................  $  (1.10)    $ (0.42)    $  (1.83)
                                                              ========     =======     ========
Average Common Shares Outstanding...........................     4,677       4,657        4,598
                                                              ========     =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   99
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         COMMON
                                                         STOCK                    RETAINED    TREASURY
                                                      $1 PAR VALUE    WARRANTS    EARNINGS     STOCK
                                                      ------------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE, January 1, 1993............................     $5,619        $1,000     $ 61,722    $(36,868)
  Net loss..........................................         --            --       (8,090)         --
  Accrued dividends -- redeemable preferred stock...         --            --         (302)         --
  Accretion of redeemable preferred stock to
     liquidation preference.........................         --            --         (185)         --
  Shares issued under employee stock options........         --            --       (1,017)      1,262
                                                         ------        ------      -------    --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1993..........................      5,619         1,000       52,128     (35,606)
  Net loss..........................................         --            --       (1,635)         --
  Accrued dividends -- redeemable preferred stock...         --            --         (319)         --
  Accretion of redeemable preferred stock to
     liquidation preference.........................         --            --         (198)         --
  Shares issued under employee stock options and
     other grants...................................         --            --       (1,182)      1,442
                                                         ------        ------      -------    --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1994..........................      5,619         1,000       48,794     (34,164)
  Net loss..........................................         --            --       (4,635)         --
  Accrued dividends -- redeemable preferred stock...         --            --         (507)         --
  Accretion of redeemable preferred stock to
     liquidation preference.........................         --            --         (212)         --
  Shares issued under employee stock options and
     other grants...................................         --            --         (232)        271
                                                         ------        ------      -------    --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1995..........................     $5,619        $1,000     $ 43,208    $(33,893)
                                                         ======        ======      =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   100
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                 -------------------
                                                                                                  1995        1994
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                                                      DOLLARS)
<S>                                                                                              <C>         <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash...........................................................................................  $    51     $ 1,702
Restricted cash................................................................................       29          58
Restricted short-term investments, at cost (approximates market)...............................    1,180         710
Trade accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts and notes of $367 in
  1995 and $1,819 in 1994......................................................................    4,764      11,848
Inventories, net:
  Finished goods...............................................................................      405       4,331
  Raw materials and work-in-process............................................................      380       4,182
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                     785       8,513
Deferred income taxes..........................................................................    2,049       3,295
Prepaid expenses and other assets..............................................................      231         215
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total Current Assets...................................................................    9,089      26,341
RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS, at cost (approximates market)..........................................    3,770       4,666
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST:
Land and improvements..........................................................................       --          --
Buildings and improvements.....................................................................       --          90
Machinery and equipment........................................................................   14,440      22,783
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                  14,440      22,873
Less accumulated depreciation..................................................................   11,830      14,905
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                   2,610       7,968
PREPAID PENSION COSTS..........................................................................   46,913      39,319
OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS.......................................................................    2,586       4,818
                                                                                                 -------     -------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................................................................  $64,968     $83,112
                                                                                                 =======     =======
                                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable...............................................................................  $14,263     $14,961
Revolving credit agreement.....................................................................       --       8,381
Waste site cleanup.............................................................................    2,025       2,522
Reserves and liabilities related to restructuring programs.....................................    3,226       1,884
Other liabilities..............................................................................    4,500       5,725
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total Current Liabilities..............................................................   24,014      33,473
WASTE SITE CLEANUP -- LONG-TERM................................................................    5,269       6,744
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES..........................................................................   11,461      13,392
CONTINGENCIES AND LITIGATION (Note J)..........................................................       --          --
POST RETIREMENT AND POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS...................................................    1,223       1,510
LONG-TERM DEFERRED GAIN........................................................................    2,779       3,175
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK; series B senior preferred, 583,333 shares authorized, issued and
  outstanding, $6 per share liquidation preference.............................................    4,288       3,569
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY:
Common stock, $1 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; issued -- 5,619,274..................    5,619       5,619
Warrants.......................................................................................    1,000       1,000
Retained earnings..............................................................................   43,208      48,794
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                  49,827      55,413
Less treasury stock, at cost (940,067 shares in 1995 and 947,567 shares in 1994)...............   33,893      34,164
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                  15,934      21,249
                                                                                                 -------     -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.....................................................  $64,968     $83,112
                                                                                                 =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   101
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                 1995        1994        1993
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss......................................................  $(4,635)    $(1,635)    $(8,090)
Non-cash items:
  Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets -- net of deferred
     credit...................................................    4,177        (457)     (1,434)
  Depreciation and amortization...............................    1,397       2,920       4,148
  Pension income..............................................   (7,594)     (7,101)     (5,094)
  Deferred income taxes.......................................     (685)      1,390         407
  Other non-cash items........................................       38         174          --
                                                                -------     -------     -------
     Net non-cash items.......................................   (2,667)     (3,074)     (1,973)
Changes in assets and liabilities resulting from operating
  activities:
  Net (increase) decrease in trade accounts and notes
     receivable...............................................    5,719        (406)      5,666
  Net (increase) decrease in inventories......................    4,585       1,933      (3,195)
  Net decrease in other non-current assets....................    1,344       1,102       1,237
  Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities................   (2,142)     (2,284)      2,930
  Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable.................     (698)     (4,040)      2,422
  Net (increase) decrease in other current assets.............     (458)       (185)      1,183
  Net (increase) decrease in refundable income taxes..........       --       6,697      (4,185)
  Other.......................................................       --          16          (1)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities............    1,048      (1,876)     (4,006)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of liquid laundry detergent and fabric
     softener sheet businesses................................    5,305          --          --
  Proceeds from sale of assets................................      622       3,803       4,285
  Additions to property, plant and equipment..................     (245)     (1,021)     (1,021)
  Net cash from waste site escrow.............................       --          --         917
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net cash flows from investing activities......................    5,682       2,782       4,181
                                                                -------     -------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Additions (payments) under revolving credit agreement.......   (8,381)        681       1,500
  Proceeds from shares issued from treasury stock.............       --          70         245
  Payment of mortgage loan....................................       --          --      (2,122)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities............   (8,381)        751        (377)
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..........   (1,651)      1,657        (202)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year............    1,702          45         247
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year..............  $    51     $ 1,702     $    45
                                                                =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   102
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
A. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of DeSoto and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
     Short-Term Investments. For purposes of the statements of cash flows,
DeSoto considers all investments purchased with a maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents.
 
     Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
computed on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for all inventories. The cost
of products includes raw materials, direct labor and operating overhead. If the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of inventory accounting had been used for all
of DeSoto's inventories, inventories would have been $1,493,000 and $1,889,000
higher than reported at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
     Property and Depreciation. Property is recorded at cost. Repairs and
maintenance are charged to expense. Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment is provided by charges to earnings based on the estimated useful lives
of the assets, computed primarily on accelerated methods. Useful lives are 10-40
years for buildings and improvements and 10 years for machinery and equipment.
 
     Goodwill and Amortization. Goodwill represented the excess of cost over the
fair value of net assets acquired, and was being amortized by the straight-line
method over 40 years until the related businesses were sold in 1995. This
goodwill was written off in 1995 as a result of the disposition of the liquid
detergent and fabric softener sheet businesses in 1995.
 
     Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1994 and
1993 financial statements and footnotes to conform with current year
presentation.
 
     Revenue. Revenue is recognized at the time goods are shipped.
 
     Research and Development. Research and development costs are charged to
expense. These charges were $218,000 in 1995, $345,000 in 1994, and $665,000 in
1993.
 
     Income Taxes. Income taxes are provided based on the liability method of
accounting pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Deferred income taxes are recorded to
reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax
basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each
year-end.
 
     Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     DeSoto's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995 have
been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of
assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of
business. DeSoto has incurred operating losses of $11.2 million, $3.0 million,
and $15.1 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively; and cash flows from
operations have been $1.0 million, $(1.9) million and $(4.0) million in 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively. Cash flows from operations in 1995, however,
included the cash proceeds from insurance settlements of $6.1 million, and $10.0
million from the reduction of working capital.
 
     In addition to operating and financing cash flow losses, DeSoto continues
to be party to environmental exposures as discussed in Note I, has received a
notice of tax deficiencies from the IRS as discussed in Note F, and has a
contingent liability related to the 1992 Prescott acquisition as discussed in
Note L. Although management has used the best information available to record
the estimated liabilities for these
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   103
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
matters, actual outcomes could differ from recorded amounts. Additionally, the
timing of cash required to satisfy these obligations could significantly impact
DeSoto's cash flows in 1996.
 
     As part of DeSoto's continuing effort to manage its accounts payable and
cash flow requirements, DeSoto has been negotiating a Trade Composition
Agreement and a related Security Agreement with its trade creditors as
represented by a committee of six major creditors of DeSoto. The proposed
agreements include a standstill agreement related to accounts payable existing
as of September 22, 1995. Also, as part of the proposed Trade Composition
Agreement, DeSoto initiated the termination of its overfunded pension plan to be
effective contingent upon the receipt of appropriate governmental approvals. For
further information regarding the plan termination, refer to Note C to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Under the standstill agreement, if certain
conditions are met, the creditors who sign the agreement agree not to initiate
litigation or other efforts to collect amounts owed to them. DeSoto has agreed
to pay each Qualified Trade Creditor (as defined) the balance owed to that
creditor within 10 days of receipt of the reverted excess pension plan assets.
If payment is not made by July 1, 1996, interest would accrue from that date at
8% per annum on the outstanding balance. The proposed Security Agreement would
grant a security interest and lien on all of DeSoto's assets to secure the
obligations of DeSoto to the Qualified Trade Creditors. The proposed Trade
Composition Agreement further stipulates that DeSoto may suspend efforts to
terminate its pension plan if DeSoto enters into a binding agreement for a
merger, asset sale or similar transaction, involving substantially all of
DeSoto's assets, which provides that all Qualified Trade Creditors will be paid
in full. DeSoto and its creditors have been operating within the understanding
outlined above. The actual Standstill Agreement document was circulated for
signatures on March 11, 1996 and final execution of the documents has not yet
been completed. DeSoto is continuing to pursue, with the assistance of its
investment bankers, a possible business combination; however, there can be no
assurance as to the outcome of such efforts. For further information regarding a
possible business combination, refer to Note P to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
C. PENSION AND EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLANS
 
     DeSoto's retirement security program includes a noncontributory defined
benefit pension plan and an employee investment plan covering substantially all
employees except certain hourly-rated employees; DeSoto also contributes to
union sponsored plans. DeSoto's pension plan benefits are principally based on
the employee's compensation and years of service. DeSoto's funding policy is to
contribute annually at a rate that is intended to remain at a level percentage
of compensation for the covered employees. DeSoto was not required to make
contributions to DeSoto sponsored pension plan in 1995, 1994 and 1993 due to the
plan's overfunded status.
 
     In January 1996, DeSoto announced that it had notified the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation of its intention to terminate the pension plan to be
effective contingent upon the receipt of appropriate governmental approvals.
DeSoto further intends to use 25% of the excess assets in the pension plan to
fund a replacement plan and purchase an annuity contract to cover accrued plan
benefits. The remaining excess plan assets will be subject to a 20% federal
excise tax and federal and state income taxes. If more than 75% of the excess
assets were reverted to DeSoto from the plan, such reversion would be subject to
a 50% federal excise tax and federal and state income taxes. DeSoto intends to
utilize the reversionary funds to satisfy, among other things, various creditor
obligations and stabilize ongoing operations. As an alternative to termination
of the pension plan, DeSoto is also continuing to pursue a possible business
combination, in its ongoing efforts to preserve and maximize shareholder values;
however, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of such efforts. For
further information regarding the possible business combination, refer to Note P
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     DeSoto makes contributions to the employee investment plan in cash or
Company stock in an amount equal to 30% of employee deposits up to 5% of such
employee's gross pay.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   104
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The costs of the pension and employee investment plans are summarized as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ---------------------------------
                                                              1995        1994       1993
                                                            --------    --------    -------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
    Noncontributory Retirement plans:
    Service cost -- benefits earned during the period.....  $    527    $    671    $   492
    Interest cost on projected benefit obligation.........     5,089       4,978      5,012
    Actual return on assets -- (favorable) unfavorable....   (30,841)      3,962     (8,652)
    Net amortization and deferral.........................    17,803     (16,824)    (2,053)
                                                            --------    --------    -------
                                                              (7,422)     (7,213)    (5,201)
    Employee Investment Plan..............................        35          84         47
    Contributions to Union Sponsored Plans................       242         313        288
                                                            --------    --------    -------
    Total income from pension and employee investment
      plans...............................................  $ (7,145)   $ (6,816)   $(4,866)
                                                            ========    ========    =======
</TABLE>
 
     The change in the net amortization and deferral from 1993 to 1994 and from
1994 to 1995 was primarily due to the difference between the actual return on
Plan assets, which was favorable in 1995 and unfavorable in 1994, versus the
expected return on Plan assets. Under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 87, the difference between the actual and expected return on
assets is deferred and amortized over subsequent periods.
 
     The pension plans assets at December 31, 1995 are invested in United States
Treasury Notes, corporate bonds and notes, investment partnerships, United
States Treasury Securities, time deposits, commercial paper, interest rate
futures, forward exchange contracts, foreign currency, certain real estate
operated by DeSoto, various mutual funds invested in bonds, equity and real
estate, mortgages and other short-term investments. The pension plan's funded
status and amounts recognized in DeSoto's balance sheets at December 31 are
presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995         1994
                                                                     --------     --------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                              <C>          <C>
    Actuarial present value of vested benefit obligation...........  $ 65,719     $ 57,540
                                                                     ========     ========
    Accumulated benefit obligation.................................  $ 65,877     $ 57,702
                                                                     ========     ========
    Plan assets at fair value......................................  $162,017     $135,764
    Actuarial present value of projected benefit obligation........    66,832       59,471
                                                                     --------     --------
    Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation..........    95,185       76,293
    Unrecognized net gain..........................................   (40,595)     (27,707)
    Prior service costs............................................     2,064        2,259
    Unrecognized net asset.........................................    (9,741)     (11,526)
                                                                     --------     --------
    Prepaid pension cost recognized on the balance sheet...........  $ 46,913     $ 39,319
                                                                     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial
present value of the projected benefit obligation was 7.5% in 1995 and 8.9% in
1994. The rate of increase in future compensation levels used in determining the
actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation was 5.0% in 1995 and
1994. The expected long-term rate of return on assets used in determining
pension income was 8.0% in 1995 and 7.0% in 1994.
 
     In October 1992, DeSoto completed the sale of its real properties in
Joliet, Illinois, Columbus, Georgia, and Union City, California, to a real
property trust created by DeSoto's pension plan. This trust paid approximately
$6.5 million in cash for the properties and entered into a ten-year lease of the
properties to DeSoto. DeSoto's initial annualized rental obligation was
$707,000. The amount paid to DeSoto by the trust
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   105
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
and DeSoto's annual rental obligation were based upon an independent appraisal
and approved by DeSoto's Board of Directors.
 
     Effective January 1, 1994, the DeSoto Salaried Plan, Hourly Plan and J. L.
Prescott Plan were merged into the DeSoto Employee Retirement Plan. This action
resulted in a combination of the assets of each of these plan into one trust
fund. The method of calculating benefits under each of these plans remained
unchanged.
 
     In March 1994, DeSoto ceased operations at the Columbus, Georgia facility.
Effective October 1, 1994, DeSoto entered into an agreement to sublease the
facility for a term of three years. The subtenant makes monthly rental payments
directly to the pension trust; DeSoto continues to make monthly rental payments
to the pension trust for the amount by which DeSoto's initial rental obligation
exceeds the subtenant's rental obligation.
 
     In December 1994, DeSoto sold its real property located in South Holland,
Illinois, to the real property trust of DeSoto's pension plan. The trust paid
$4,117,000 in cash for the properties and has entered into a ten-year lease of
the properties to DeSoto. DeSoto's annualized rental obligation (net of receipts
from subtenants) is approximately $898,000 including the South Holland facility.
The amount paid to DeSoto by the trust and DeSoto's annual rental obligation
were based upon an independent appraisal and approved by DeSoto's Board of
Directors.
 
D. POST RETIREMENT AND OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
 
     DeSoto provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired
employees on a contributory basis. Substantially all of DeSoto's employees,
except certain hourly-rated employees, may become eligible for such benefits if
they reach qualifying retirement age while working for DeSoto. Such benefits and
similar benefits for active employees are administered by two outside companies
whose administrative fees are based upon number of participants and claims
processed. The health care program is self funded by DeSoto with purchased stop
loss coverage for claims over certain levels. Life insurance benefits are funded
by policies for which DeSoto pays premiums. In certain cases the participants
also contribute to the premium payment. The following table presents the costs
of accruing the postretirement insurance benefits in 1995, 1994, and 1993:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1995     1994     1993
                                                                    ----     ----     ----
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                           DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
    Service cost -- benefits attributed to service during the
      period......................................................  $ 31     $ 14     $  4
    Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit
      obligation..................................................   289      130      109
    Amortization of unrecognized net loss.........................   115        7       --
                                                                    ----     ----     ----
    Net periodic postretirement benefit cost......................  $435     $151     $113
                                                                    ====     ====     ====
</TABLE>
 
     The following table presents the components of DeSoto's post-retirement
benefit obligation and the amount recognized in DeSoto's balance sheets at
December 31,
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1995       1994
                                                                         ------     ------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                             DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                                  <C>        <C>
    Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation:
      Current retirees.................................................  $2,831     $2,819
      Active plan participants.........................................     373        393
                                                                         ------     ------
              Total....................................................   3,204      3,212
    Unrecognized net loss..............................................   1,621      1,687
                                                                         ------     ------
    Accrued post-retirement liability recognized on the balance
      sheet............................................................  $1,583     $1,525
                                                                         ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   106
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The assumed health care cost trend rate used to measure the expected cost
of benefits covered by the plan was 7% and 8% as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to measure the accumulated
post-retirement insurance obligation was 7.5% for 1995 and 9.0% for 1994. A one
percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate for each
future year would have resulted in additional obligation of $288,000 at December
31, 1995 and would have increased the aggregate service and interest cost by
$29,000 in 1995.
 
     DeSoto adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112,
"Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits" effective January 1, 1994.
The impact of adoption was not material to DeSoto's financial position or
results of operations.
 
E. REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT AND OTHER DEBT
 
     On November 12, 1992, in conjunction with the acquisition of J. L. Prescott
Company ("Prescott"), DeSoto entered into an amended credit agreement with
Harris Trust and Savings Bank and two additional banks. The agreement had
originally provided for a two-year revolving credit facility of up to
$20,000,000. Effective October 1, 1993, the credit facility was reduced to
$15,000,000 per conditions set in the November 12, 1992 amendment. The
termination date of this amended agreement was originally October 31, 1994. In
March 1994, the facility was further amended setting a termination date of
January 1, 1995. Effective with the March 1994 amendment, DeSoto paid $2,700,000
of the outstanding debt upon the receipt of its income tax refund for fiscal
year 1993. Up to the March 1994 amendment, the revolver carried an interest rate
equal to either the prime rate of Harris Trust and Savings Bank plus 1 1/4% or
the IBOR rate plus 3 1/2% (as amended in the third quarter of 1993). Effective
in March 1994, the interest rate became the prime rate of Harris Trust and
Savings plus 2%.
 
     On December 7, 1994, DeSoto entered into a revolving credit facility with
CIT. The agreement provided for up to $14,000,000 under a revolving credit
facility. The funds available for borrowing were based on a formula which
included specified percents of accounts receivable and inventory. The interest
rate on the facility was prime plus 1 1/4%. Commitment fees under the revolving
credit facility were calculated at 1/4 of one percent per annum of the average
unused and available portion of the facility. The facility was collateralized by
substantially all of DeSoto's assets. A portion of the line of credit was
available in the form of letters of credit. As of September 30, 1995, the
revolving credit agreement was terminated and DeSoto had no outstanding
borrowing as of that date.
 
     Cash payments for interest were $546,000 in 1995, $575,000 in 1994 and
$535,000 in 1993.
 
F. INCOME TAXES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995     1994      1993
                                                                 -----    -----    -------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                          <C>      <C>      <C>
    The benefit for income taxes is comprised of:
      Federal Income Taxes:
      Currently Refundable.....................................  $  --    $  --    $(4,808)
      Deferred.................................................   (608)    (493)       249
                                                                 -----    -----    -------
      Federal Income Taxes.....................................   (608)    (493)    (4,559)
      State and Local Income Taxes.............................   (150)    (156)      (673)
                                                                 -----    -----    -------
              Total Income Tax Benefit.........................  $(758)   $(649)   $(5,232)
                                                                 =====    =====    =======
</TABLE>
 
     Net cash refunds of income taxes were $0 in 1995, $8,742,000 in 1994 and
$1,446,000 in 1993.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   107
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective
tax rate is presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1995      1994      1993
                                                                  -----     -----     -----
    <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
    Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate...........................  (35.0)%   (35.0)%   (34.0)%
    Effect of:
      Write off of Goodwill.....................................   22.0        --        --
      Effect of Tax Rate Changes on Deferred Taxes..............   (0.9)      7.6        --
      State Income Taxes, Net...................................   (0.9)     (3.6)     (3.4)
      E.P.A. Fine...............................................     --       0.3       0.3
      Other.....................................................    0.7       2.3      (2.2)
                                                                  -----     -----     -----
    Effective Rate..............................................  (14.1)%   (28.4)%   (39.3)%
                                                                  =====     =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
     The components of the net deferred income tax asset and liability were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       -------------------
                                                                        1995        1994
                                                                       -------     -------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                            DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                                <C>         <C>
    Current Deferred Tax Asset:
      Restructuring and Cost Containment.............................  $ 1,899     $   917
      Inventory......................................................      531       1,989
      Retirement Security Program....................................      272         315
      Insurance......................................................      210         441
      Valuation Reserves.............................................      144         844
      Vacation Pay...................................................      137         225
      Other..........................................................   (1,144)     (1,436)
                                                                       -------     -------
              Total Current Deferred Tax Asset.......................  $ 2,049     $ 3,295
                                                                       =======     =======
    Long Term Deferred Tax Liability:
      Prepaid Pension................................................  $18,390     $15,570
      Other Reserves.................................................    3,919       3,092
      Restricted Investments.........................................    1,773       2,129
      Depreciation...................................................    1,287       2,413
      Net Operating Loss Carryforward................................   (7,681)     (3,889)
      Waste Site Cleanup.............................................   (2,859)     (3,669)
      Deferred Gain -- Sale of Assets................................   (1,091)     (1,255)
      Post Retirement Insurance......................................     (658)       (624)
      State and Local Income Taxes...................................     (459)       (480)
      Valuation Reserves.............................................     (377)       (404)
      Other..........................................................     (783)        509
                                                                       -------     -------
              Total Long-Term Deferred Tax Liability.................  $11,461     $13,392
                                                                       =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1995, DeSoto had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $22.0 million. These carryforwards expire between 2007 and 2010.
 
     DeSoto has received a Report of Tax Examination Changes from the Internal
Revenue Service that proposes adjustments resulting in additional taxes due of
$6.5 million and penalties of $1.4 million, as well as an unspecified amount of
interest for the years 1990 through 1993. DeSoto has filed a formal appeal of
the proposed adjustments. DeSoto believes that the resolution of this matter
will not have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's financial position or
results of operations, although the timing of cash required to settle any
amounts ultimately due could have a significant impact on DeSoto's cash flows.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   108
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
G. LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
     DeSoto leases certain facilities and equipment under lease agreements which
are classified as operating leases. These leases are for remaining periods
ranging from one to ten years and in some instances include renewal provisions
at the option of DeSoto. Rental expense was $1,592,000 in 1995, $1,652,000 in
1994 and $2,107,000 in 1993.
 
                               RENTAL COMMITMENTS
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      TOTAL
                                                                      ------
                <S>                                                   <C>
                1996..............................................    $1,267
                1997..............................................     1,263
                1998..............................................     1,101
                1999..............................................     1,098
                2000..............................................     1,098
                2001-2004.........................................     2,978
                                                                      ------
                                                                      $8,805
                                                                      ======
</TABLE>
 
H. SEGMENT REPORTING
 
     DeSoto operates in one industry segment, the manufacture of detergent.
DeSoto also performs contract manufacturing and packaging of detergents.
DeSoto's products are sold in retail stores, including mass merchants and
service centers, throughout the United States. DeSoto's revenues are derived
from several customers. There are five customers which each have accounted for
more than 10% of DeSoto's revenues as indicated below. DeSoto no longer does
business with Kmart or Benckiser as a result of the transactions disclosed in
Note O to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   % OF CONSOLIDATED NET
                                                                          REVENUES
                                                                 --------------------------
                                                                 1995       1994       1993
                                                                 ----       ----       ----
    <S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>
    Sears, Roebuck & Co........................................   20%        16%        14%
    Kmart......................................................   10%        15%        10%
    Procter & Gamble...........................................   13%        10%        *
    Benckiser..................................................   12%        *          *
    Lever Brothers.............................................   *          *          11%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
*   Less than 10% of consolidated net sales.
 
     From time to time, DeSoto enters into manufacturing and packaging
agreements with its contract packaging customers. These contracts include
product specifications, production procedures and other general terms. The
contracts do not obligate the customer to make any purchases.
 
I.  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
     DeSoto has been identified by government authorities as one of the parties
potentially responsible for the cleanup costs of waste disposal sites, many of
which are on the U.S. EPA's Superfund priority list, and for certain alleged
contamination. In addition, damages are being claimed against DeSoto in private
actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of certain
other waste disposal sites. The waste disposal sites relate to DeSoto's
discontinued operations. DeSoto's potential responsibility in connection with
these sites generally depends upon, among other things, whether it, directly or
through third parties, engaged in the business of waste disposal or storage,
shipped waste to the sites and, in those cases in which DeSoto did so ship
waste, the relative amount and/or composition of waste material attributable to
DeSoto as compared to the
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   109
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
waste material attributable to other solvent parties. Typically, DeSoto is one
of numerous parties involved in actions or proceedings relating to these waste
disposal sites and its obligations in connection with its share of cleanup and
other costs extend over a number of years rather than being payable at one time.
 
     DeSoto believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may
incur with respect to the sites. DeSoto provides a reserve for the lower end of
an estimated range of total loss from $7.3 to $21.6 million (after considering
information provided by independent legal counsel). These estimates are subject
to numerous variables, the effects of which are difficult to measure, including
the stage of the investigations, the nature of potential remedies, the joint and
several liability with other potentially responsible parties and other issues.
Accordingly, the reserves represent DeSoto's best estimates of its potential
exposure at this time. The reserve balance was $7.3 million as of December 31,
1995 and $9.3 million as of December 31, 1994. In 1995, DeSoto paid out
approximately $2.3 million on waste site related liabilities, excluding legal
and administrative costs; of this amount $1.1 million was disbursed from the
trust discussed below and $29,000 was disbursed from the restricted cash account
discussed below.
 
     Actual costs to be incurred in future periods may vary from the estimates.
DeSoto's potential liability may be materially impacted in the future as a
result of final determinations of the extent of environmental damage, the share
of the cost of cleanup technology which is ultimately chosen, the extent of the
cleanup required, the solvency of other potentially responsible parties, changes
in law and unanticipated awards of damages for personal injury or property
damages. In addition, DeSoto has not reduced its estimates of liability to
reflect the possible proceeds of insurance coverage which may be applicable to
these costs. DeSoto from time to time engages in discussions with insurance
carriers regarding Company claims in this regard and DeSoto may pursue
litigation if no satisfactory resolution of the claims is reached. DeSoto
reached settlements with two insurance carriers in 1995 regarding the cost of
cleanup at certain waste disposal sites. As a result of these settlements,
DeSoto received proceeds in 1995 totaling approximately $6.1 million.
 
     In connection with DeSoto's acquisition of Prescott in November 1992,
DeSoto assumed the cleanup obligations of Prescott under New Jersey's
Environmental Cleanup and Responsibility Act ("ECRA"). Pursuant to an agreement
with certain former owners of Prescott, DeSoto in 1993 received funds to offset
the cost of the cleanup previously held in escrow for the benefit of Prescott.
(DeSoto has placed these funds in a restricted cash account to secure its
cleanup obligations.) DeSoto currently expects that these funds will fully cover
the costs of cleanup required by New Jersey. The remaining liability related to
this site is included in the ranges above. The remaining funds are shown on the
balance sheet under the caption, restricted cash.
 
     Under the terms of the 1990 consumer paint asset purchase agreement with
Sherwin-Williams, $6.0 million of the sale's proceeds were used to establish a
trust fund to fund potential clean-up liabilities. The trust agreement expires
on October 26, 2000, or when the trust is depleted, whichever occurs first. A
portion of the trust has been set aside with respect to a specific site; the
agreement governing that portion of the trust expires on October 26, 2008.
DeSoto has access to the trust fund, subject to the other party's approval, for
any expenses or liabilities incurred by DeSoto regarding environmental claims
relating to the sites identified in the trust agreement. Sherwin-Williams has
access to the trust fund, subject to the other party's approval, for any
expenses or liabilities incurred as a result of DeSoto's failure to meet its
obligations relating to the sites identified in the agreement. DeSoto was
reimbursed $1,095,000 in 1995 and $145,000 in 1994 from the trust to cover waste
site payments. The balance in the trust fund, primarily invested in United
States Treasury securities and classified as a restricted investment on the
balance sheet, as of December 31, 1995 was $4,524,000. Of the estimated range of
total loss noted above, $2.3 to $5.0 million relate to sites which are covered
by the escrow account. The accrued waste site cleanup liability that was covered
by the trust at December 31, 1995 was $2,346,000 of which $755,000 was
classified as current.
 
     Under the terms of the 1990 industrial coatings business purchase
agreement, DeSoto had delivered to the Valspar Corporation an irrevocable
standby letter of credit in the amount of $2.0 million. The letter of credit was
delivered to secure DeSoto's obligation to indemnify Valspar for certain
environmental matters. DeSoto reached a settlement with Valspar in 1994 under
which the letter of credit was terminated.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   110
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     In December 1993, DeSoto transferred approximately $9.0 million of
liabilities for certain of its clean-up costs and related expenses at certain
waste disposal sites to DeSoto Environmental Management, Inc. (DEMI), a
subsidiary of DeSoto. DeSoto remains liable for the potential environmental
clean-up costs if DEMI is unable to satisfy the obligations. The purpose of DEMI
is to provide focused, strategic management of the environmental liabilities and
the related clean-up costs. DeSoto and certain members of DeSoto's management
and consultants are stockholders in DEMI. Refer to Note K of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
 
     It is the opinion of management, after evaluating the variables discussed
above as well as the anticipated time frame for remediation, that the resolution
of the waste site liability will not have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's
financial position, cash flows or results of operations.
 
J.  CONTINGENCIES & LITIGATION
 
     As previously reported, there are several shareholder actions still pending
in the Delaware courts relating to various proposals of Sutton Holding Corp. to
acquire DeSoto in the period 1989 to 1991. These actions, all of which
consolidated, have not been actively pursued and it appears the case was removed
from the courts calendar; however, the plaintiffs recently served a discovery
request upon DeSoto. DeSoto believes that these actions are not material.
 
     See Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information
regarding the Contingent Value Rights ("CVR's") which were issued by DeSoto to
the sellers in connection with DeSoto's acquisition of J.L. Prescott Company in
November 1992.
 
     DeSoto is also a party to other litigation arising out of the ordinary
conduct of its business or results of current and discontinued operations.
 
     DeSoto believes that the disposition of all such actions, individually and
in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on DeSoto's financial
position, cash flows, or results of operations.
 
K.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     In December 1993, DeSoto completed a number of transactions involving
certain of its subsidiaries and officers and directors. J.L. Prescott Company, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of DeSoto, paid off a portion of intercompany
obligations to DeSoto by means of the issuance of a ten-year, $9 million
principal amount, promissory note. DeSoto used this note to purchase 100 shares
of a non-voting class of common stock of another of its subsidiaries, DeSoto
Environmental Management, Inc. ("DEMI"). (This class of common stock is entitled
to 15% of the dividends or other distributions made to all classes of common
stock.) As part of the sale of stock to DeSoto, DEMI assumed up to a maximum of
$9 million of certain of DeSoto's possible clean-up costs and related expenses
at waste disposal sites. DeSoto remains liable for these possible environmental
clean-up costs if DEMI is unable to satisfy these obligations. DeSoto
subsequently sold at a price of $1 per share the shares of non-voting common
stock of DEMI to Anders Schroeder (Vice Chairman) (33 shares), William Spier
(Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) (33 shares), Anne Eisele (President and
Chief Financial Officer) (20 shares), and Irving Kagan (Special Counsel) (14
shares). Messrs. Schroeder and Spier subsequently sold 8 shares and 9 shares,
respectively, of their common stock to John Phillips upon his becoming President
and Chief Executive Officer in 1994. Mr. Phillips sold his shares back to
Messrs. Spier and Schroeder upon his resignation in 1995. Each of these persons
agreed that upon complete satisfaction of DeSoto's existing environmental
clean-up liabilities or when that person ceases to be an officer, director or
consultant of DeSoto, the DEMI shares held by that person would be repurchased
by DeSoto at the greater of $1 per share or the per share book value of DEMI. As
a general matter, the value of this DEMI stock will be dependent upon the
ability of DEMI, which has no other significant business or assets, to satisfy
DeSoto's existing environmental liabilities for less than $9 million, which was
the approximate minimum amount included in the 1994 estimated range of
environmental liability. Consequently, the holders of this DEMI stock have a
direct incentive to minimize the costs of satisfying environmental liabilities.
In any event, DeSoto will
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   111
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
retain 85% of the savings below the 1994 estimated minimum costs and savings
which do not reduce the liabilities below such estimated minimum will accrue
entirely to DeSoto. This transaction was approved by a unanimous vote of all
disinterested directors.
 
     In November 1992, DeSoto announced the completion of the sale of certain
real properties to a trust created by DeSoto's Pension Plans. In 1993, certain
of these assets were repurchased from the Pension Plans by DeSoto and then sold
to an unrelated third party. In 1994, DeSoto's facility in South Holland,
Illinois, was sold to the real property trust of DeSoto's Pension Plans. Refer
to Note C of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further
information.
 
     In July 1992, DeSoto entered into an agreement with parties related to
Sutton Holding Corp. ("Sutton"), which as of December 31, 1995 and in
conjunction with parties related to Sutton, owns 14% of DeSoto's outstanding
common stock and approximately 23% of all of DeSoto's outstanding voting stock,
providing for a cash purchase of newly issued DeSoto securities. The investment
resulted in Sutton's acquiring 583,333 shares of a new series of DeSoto senior
preferred stock and warrants to acquire 1.2 million shares of common stock.
Refer to Note L of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further
information regarding this transaction.
 
L. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     As of December 31, 1995, there were 5,619,274 shares of common stock issued
of which 940,067 shares were held as treasury stock. DeSoto's common stock has a
$1 par value per share, and there are 20,000,000 shares authorized.
 
     In July 1992, DeSoto entered into an agreement with parties related to
Sutton Holding Corp. ("Sutton"), providing for a $3.5 million cash purchase of
newly issued DeSoto securities. The investment resulted in Sutton's acquisition
of 583,333 shares of a new series of DeSoto senior preferred stock and warrants
to acquire 1.2 million shares of common stock per approval of DeSoto's
stockholders at the 1993 Annual Meeting.
 
     The DeSoto senior preferred pays 8% quarterly cumulative dividends (which
increase to 10% if dividends earned remain unpaid for more than one year), has
one vote per share (voting with common stock as a single class), has a
liquidation preference of $6.00 per share, must be redeemed by DeSoto at
liquidation preference after eight years and may be redeemed at DeSoto's option
after five years. The carrying amount of the preferred shares on the balance
sheet represents the proceeds received upon issuance (net of related expenses)
plus accretion to the redemption value of the shares in five years. The carrying
value has also been increased by cumulative dividends not currently declared.
The warrants have a term of six years and are exercisable at $7.00 per share of
common stock.
 
     Dividends have not been paid on the preferred stock since the date of
issuance. In addition, dividends may not be declared on the common stock while
dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears. At December 31, 1995 unpaid
dividends on the preferred totaled approximately $1,197,000.
 
     The purchase price of $3.5 million for the new securities was allocated by
DeSoto, upon the advice of an independent financial advisor, as $2.5 million for
the preferred stock and $1.0 million for the warrants. The valuation took into
account the terms of the purchase agreement and applied customary financial
analyses used in such transactions to those terms.
 
     The agreement with Sutton resulted from negotiations between Sutton and a
Special Committee of DeSoto's Board of Directors comprised of persons
unaffiliated with Sutton. The Special Committee was represented by independent
legal counsel and received an opinion from an independent financial advisor,
selected by the Committee, that the arrangements with Sutton are fair, from a
financial point of view, to the stockholders of DeSoto (other than those related
to Sutton).
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   112
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Sutton includes entities affiliated with William Spier, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of DeSoto, and Anders Schroeder, Vice Chairman of DeSoto, and
entities represented by David Tobey, a director of DeSoto.
 
     In 1992, DeSoto also amended the terms of its stockholder rights plan to
permit the parties related to Sutton to increase their ownership of common
shares and other voting securities to approximately 38.2% of DeSoto's
outstanding voting power (whether by exercise of warrants or acquisitions of
common shares in the market or otherwise). In addition, the plan was amended to
permit any stockholder to acquire up to 25% of DeSoto's outstanding voting power
(as compared to the previous 20% limit).
 
     As a result of the $3.5 million purchase of senior preferred stock, parties
related to Sutton now hold securities representing approximately 23% of DeSoto's
currently outstanding voting securities. If securities issuable upon exercise of
warrants are included, parties related to Sutton would own approximately 38% of
the outstanding voting power of DeSoto.
 
     In connection with the 1992 Prescott acquisition, DeSoto also issued
522,775 shares of DeSoto common stock, which were held in treasury, and agreed
to make a per share payment at the end of three years equal to the difference,
if any, between $12 and the highest 60-day average trading price, if lower than
$12 per share, of DeSoto common stock during the second and third years
following the acquisition, with a maximum obligation of $6 per share (the
"Contingent Value Rights" or "CVR's"). The payment shall be subject to reduction
as provided by the Agreement which governs the payment (the "Agreement"). Per
the Agreement, the payment, if any, shall be made in cash to the extent not
prohibited (as defined in the Agreement). Any payment not made in cash is to be
made by issuance of DeSoto securities and/or DeSoto common stock in that order.
As of the measurement date of the Agreement (November 12, 1995), the amount
calculated as payable under the terms of the Agreement, before the deduction of
amounts DeSoto believes are appropriate and permitted under the terms of the
Agreement, is $1,934,000; after applying such deductions DeSoto believes it is
not required to make any payment, although certain CVR holders contend
otherwise, and accordingly, no obligation has been recorded related to the
Agreement. DeSoto intends to vigorously defend its position in this matter,
which may include additional claims by DeSoto. DeSoto has reached agreement with
the holder of one-half of the outstanding CVRs which, among other things,
provides that no amounts are owed by DeSoto in respect of the CVRs owned by that
holder.
 
M.  STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK GRANTS
 
     Shares of stock and stock options have been granted to certain employees,
consultants, and nonemployee directors under the stock plan adopted in 1992. The
options granted to employees and consultants are qualified stock options (ISO)
and the options granted to non employee directors are nonqualified options. The
ISO options vest equally over the three years subsequent to the first
anniversary of the grant date and are exercisable for a period of 10 years from
the grant date. The nonqualified options are exercisable immediately upon grant
and are exercisable for a period of 10 years from the grant date. All options
have been granted at the prices equal to the fair market value of the stock on
the dates the options were granted. At December 31, 1995, 50,500 of the 400,000
shares of stock available for options or grants under DeSoto's stock option plan
remained available for grants. Options which are terminated, lapsed or expired
shall again become available for issuance under the stock option plan.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   113
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Stock options have been granted and exercised as set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 OUTSTANDING       OPTION PRICE        EXERCISABLE
                                                   OPTIONS        PER SHARE-RANGE        OPTIONS
                                                 -----------      ---------------      -----------
    <S>                                          <C>              <C>                  <C>
    December 31, 1993..........................    181,500         5.875 - 10.125         83,833
      Options granted..........................    122,000            5.50 - 7.00         27,000
      Options that became exercisable..........         --            7.00 - 9.00         60,333
      Options exercised........................    (10,000)                  7.00        (10,000)
      Options lapsed and canceled..............    (29,000)          5.875 - 9.00        (19,000)
    December 31, 1994..........................    264,500          5.50 - 10.125        142,166
      Options granted..........................     27,000          4.375 - 4.750         27,000
      Options that became exercisable..........         --           6.625 - 9.00        122,334
      Options lapsed and cancelled.............    (35,000)          6.625 - 9.00        (35,000)
                                                  --------                              --------
    December 31, 1995..........................    256,500         4.375 - 10.125        256,500
                                                  ========                              ========
</TABLE>
 
     During 1994, 30,000 shares of common stock were granted to an officer of
DeSoto at no cost. All granted shares vested in 1994. The average market price
of the common stock at the close of business on the vesting dates in 1994 was
$5.81. An additional 20,000 shares of common stock were granted to officers of
DeSoto in 1994. Of those shares, 7,500 shares vested in 1995 and 5,000 shares
were canceled in 1995; the remaining shares vest over the period from 1996 to
1998. The average market price of the common stock at the close of business on
the vesting date in 1995 was $5.13.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   114
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
N. OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE
 
     The following are components of the respective captions in the statements
of operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995       1994       1993
                                                              -------    -------    -------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
    <S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
    Nonrecurring expense:
      Provision for restructuring due to disposition of
         liquid laundry and fabric softener sheet
         businesses.........................................  $ 3,100    $    --    $    --
      Loss on disposition of liquid laundry detergent and
         fabric softener sheet businesses...................    3,059         --         --
      Provision for shutdown of Columbus, Georgia Plant.....       --         --      2,000
      Loss on disposition of Jean Sorelle...................       --         --      1,331
      Write-down of machinery and equipment held for
         resale.............................................       --         --      1,194
      Provision for manufacturing and product
         rationalization....................................       --         --        900
      Settlement of lawsuit (including plaintiff's legal
         fees)..............................................       --         --        369
      Other.................................................       --         --        131
                                                              -------    -------    -------
              Total.........................................  $ 6,159    $    --    $ 5,925
                                                              =======    =======    =======
    Nonoperating expense:
      Provision for waste site cleanup......................  $    --    $    --    $ 1,467
      Other.................................................       --         --        134
                                                              -------    -------    -------
              Total.........................................  $    --    $    --    $ 1,601
                                                              =======    =======    =======
    Nonoperating income:
      Insurance settlements.................................  $(6,067)   $    --    $  (232)
      Royalties.............................................     (244)      (222)       (53)
      Arbitration settlement -- discontinued operations.....       --       (837)        --
      Reimbursement of legal fees...........................       --       (244)        --
      Sale of land and building.............................       --         --     (3,235)
      Pension settlement -- discontinued operations.........       --         --       (454)
      Other.................................................      (49)                  (47)
                                                              -------    -------    -------
              Total.........................................  $(6,360)   $(1,303)   $(4,021)
                                                              =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
O. DISPOSITIONS
 
     On July 21, 1995, DeSoto announced the transfer and assignment of various
operations and assets involved in its liquid detergent and fabric softener dryer
sheet businesses to two separate buyers. DeSoto assigned the rights to certain
customers with respect to these businesses. DeSoto also sold other assets which
included certain accounts receivable, inventory and machinery and equipment. The
proceeds of these transactions were utilized to reduce DeSoto's senior debt owed
to CIT. Both transactions also provide for DeSoto to receive royalties and other
earn-out opportunities over a three-year period in one case and over a four-year
period in the other case.
 
     DeSoto recorded a net loss on the sale of the liquid detergent and fabric
softener sheet businesses (including the write-off of related goodwill). DeSoto
also recorded a charge of $3.1 million in the third quarter relative to costs
associated with the closure of operating facilities relative to these
transactions. Significant components of the charge included severance, rent,
real estate taxes and amounts to reduce assets to their net realizable value.
The non-recurring expense of $6,159,000 reflects the net impact of these
transactions.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   115
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The following information is provided on a pro forma basis to illustrate
the effect of certain adjustments to the historical consolidated financial
statements that would have resulted from the above dispositions if such
transactions had occurred on January 1, 1994. The results are not necessarily
indicative of actual results had the foregoing transactions occurred as
described above, nor do they purport to represent results of future operations
of DeSoto.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     ---------------------
                                                                      1995          1994
                                                                     -------       -------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS
                                                                       EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                     AMOUNTS -- UNAUDITED)
    <S>                                                              <C>           <C>
    Net revenues...................................................  $25,082       $35,424
                                                                     =======       =======
    Net earnings...................................................  $ 2,682       $ 1,037
                                                                     =======       =======
    Net earnings per common share..................................  $  0.47       $  0.21
                                                                     =======       =======
</TABLE>
 
     The following table summarizes the non-cash aspects of the sale of the
liquid detergent and fabric softener sheet businesses:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                           <C>
    Net selling prices of businesses sold.......................................  $6,782
    Minimum royalty to be paid over a four-year period..........................   1,477
                                                                                  ------
    Cash received as part of the transactions...................................  $5,305
                                                                                  ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   116
 
QUARTERLY REVENUES AND EARNINGS DATA (1995 VERSUS 1994)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995
                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                                FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH
                                               QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER     TOTAL
                                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Revenues.................................. $18,927    $16,314    $11,132    $ 5,966    $52,339
                                               =======    =======    =======     ======    =======
Gross Profit.................................. $  (516)   $   (58)   $(1,093)   $   (63)   $(1,730)
                                               =======    =======    =======     ======    =======
Net Earnings (Loss)........................... $(1,022)   $ 2,897    $(6,146)   $  (364)   $(4,635)
                                               =======    =======    =======     ======    =======
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.......... $ (0.24)   $  0.60    $ (1.33)   $ (0.13)   $ (1.10)
                                               =======    =======    =======     ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1994
                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                                FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH
                                               QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER     TOTAL
                                               -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Revenues.................................. $23,640    $22,286    $21,394    $19,862    $87,182
                                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Gross Profit.................................. $   977    $   639    $   543    $   223    $ 2,382
                                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Net Earnings (Loss)........................... $    51    $  (744)   $  (782)   $  (160)   $(1,635)
                                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.......... $ (0.01)   $ (0.18)   $ (0.19)   $ (0.05)   $ (0.42)
                                               =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
NOTES: In the third quarter of 1995, DeSoto completed the transfer and
       assignment of various operations and assets involved in its liquid
       detergent and fabric softener dryer sheet businesses to two separate
       buyers.
 
       The results for the second quarter of 1995 include $6.1 million of
       non-operating income.
 
       The results for the fourth quarter of 1994 include $2.9 million of
       income from DeSoto's retirement plans. The results for the first
       quarter of 1994 include $1.1 million of nonoperating income.
 
       The quarterly information presented above is unaudited.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   117
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                MARCH 31,
                                                                           -------------------
                                                                            1996        1995
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS
                                                                                 EXCEPT
                                                                           PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>
NET REVENUES.............................................................  $ 5,846     $18,927
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of sales..........................................................    5,041      19,443
  Selling, administrative and general....................................    1,439       2,815
  Retirement security program............................................   (1,660)     (1,682)
  Nonrecurring expense...................................................    1,562          --
                                                                           -------     -------
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES.......................................    6,382      20,576
                                                                           -------     -------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS.....................................................     (536)     (1,649)
OTHER CHARGES AND CREDITS:
  Interest expense.......................................................       --         247
  Nonoperating income....................................................       --        (271)
                                                                           -------     -------
Loss before Income Taxes.................................................     (536)     (1,625)
Benefit for Income Taxes.................................................     (202)       (603)
                                                                           -------     -------
NET LOSS.................................................................     (334)     (1,022)
Dividends on Preferred Stock.............................................     (111)        (83)
                                                                           -------     -------
Net Loss Available for Common Shares.....................................  $  (445)    $(1,105)
                                                                           =======     =======
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE................................................  $ (0.10)    $ (0.24)
                                                                           =======     =======
Average Common Shares Outstanding........................................    4,681       4,672
                                                                           =======     =======
Dividends Declared per Common Share......................................       --          --
                                                                           =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   118
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     MARCH 31,
                                                                       1996           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)           1995
                                                                    -----------       ------------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S>                                                                 <C>               <C>
Current Assets:
  Cash............................................................    $    13           $     51
  Restricted cash.................................................         19                 29
  Restricted short-term investments...............................      1,180              1,180
  Trade accounts and notes receivable-net.........................      5,248              4,764
  Inventories -- net:
     Finished goods...............................................        169                405
     Raw materials and work-in-process............................        226                380
                                                                      -------            -------
                                                                          395                785
  Deferred income taxes...........................................      2,039              2,049
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......................        246                231
                                                                      -------            -------
          Total Current Assets....................................      9,140              9,089
Restricted Investments............................................      3,821              3,770
Property, Plant and Equipment -- net..............................      1,435              2,610
Prepaid Pension...................................................     48,812             46,913
Other Non-Current Assets..........................................      2,466              2,586
                                                                      -------            -------
                                                                      $65,674           $ 64,968
                                                                      =======            =======
                               LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Accounts payable................................................    $13,909           $ 14,263
  Reserves and liabilities related to restructuring programs......      4,529              3,226
  Waste site clean-up.............................................      2,025              2,025
  Other...........................................................      4,687              4,500
                                                                      -------            -------
          Total Current Liabilities...............................     25,150             24,014
Waste site clean-up -- long-term..................................      5,319              5,269
Post Retirement and Post Employment Insurance.....................      1,340              1,223
Deferred Income Taxes.............................................     11,265             11,461
Long-Term Deferred Gain...........................................      2,680              2,779
Redeemable Preferred Stock........................................      4,455              4,288
Common Stock and Other Stockholders' Equity.......................     15,465             15,934
                                                                      -------            -------
                                                                      $65,674           $ 64,968
                                                                      =======            =======
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   119
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                               MARCH 31,
                                                                         ---------------------
                                                                          1996          1995
                                                                         -------       -------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS OF
                                                                               DOLLARS)
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss...............................................................  $  (334)      $(1,022)
Non-cash items:
  Depreciation and amortization........................................      115           441
  Pension income.......................................................   (1,899)       (1,821)
  Deferred income taxes................................................     (186)         (603)
  Amortization of deferred gain........................................      (99)          (99)
  Other non-cash items.................................................       33            --
                                                                          ------        ------
  Net non-cash items...................................................   (2,036)       (2,082)
Changes in assets and liabilities resulting from operating activities:
  Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities.........................    1,656          (399)
  Net (increase) decrease in inventories...............................      390           665
  Net (increase) decrease in other non-current assets..................       69           (39)
  Net (increase) decrease in trade accounts and notes receivable.......     (484)        2,046
  Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable..........................     (354)          198
  Net (increase) decrease in other current assets......................       (5)          227
  Other................................................................       --            (5)
                                                                          ------        ------
Net cash flows from operating activities...............................   (1,098)         (411)
                                                                          ------        ------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment..................    1,060            --
  Additions to property, plant and equipment...........................       --          (108)
                                                                          ------        ------
     Net cash flows from investing activities..........................    1,060          (108)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Additions to borrowing under Revolving Credit Agreement..............       --           305
                                                                          ------        ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents...................      (38)         (214)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.......................       51         1,702
                                                                          ------        ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.............................  $    13       $ 1,488
                                                                          ======        ======
</TABLE>
 
     See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   120
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal
recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of
operations for the periods indicated.
 
     The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1996 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
 
A. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     The reader is directed to Note A of the Notes to DeSoto's Financial
Statements included in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for details of the
accounting policies followed by DeSoto.
 
B. INCOME TAXES
 
     The provision (benefit) for income taxes is computed at the current
estimated effective income tax rate for the year.
 
C. INVENTORY VALUATION
 
     Inventory at March 31, 1996 is valued at the last-in, first-out (LIFO)
method of inventory accounting. If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of
inventory accounting had been used for all of DeSoto's inventories, inventories
would have been $1,493,000 higher than reported at both March 31, 1996 and
December 31, 1995.
 
D. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
     During the first quarter of 1996, DeSoto sold certain of its accounts
receivable to fund short-term cash requirements. Proceeds of $1,170,000 were
received during the quarter of which $624,000 related to invoices due after
March 31, 1996. The accounts receivable sold were excluded from Trade Accounts
and Notes Receivable on the balance sheet as of March 31, 1996. DeSoto has
retained the risk of loss in the event of nonpayment of the receivables. DeSoto
does not believe, however, that there is significant risk in the collectibility
of the receivables.
 
E. DISPOSITIONS
 
     On July 21, 1995, DeSoto announced the transfer and assignment of various
operations and assets involved in its liquid detergent and fabric softener dryer
sheet businesses to two separate buyers. DeSoto assigned the rights to certain
customers with respect to these businesses. DeSoto also sold other assets which
included certain accounts receivable, inventory and machinery and equipment. The
proceeds of these transactions were utilized to reduce DeSoto's senior debt owed
to CIT. Both transactions also provide for DeSoto to receive royalties and other
earn-out opportunities over a three-year period in one case and over a four-year
period in the other case.
 
     The statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1995
includes the results of operations of these businesses.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   121
 
                         DESOTO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The following information is provided on a pro forma basis to illustrate
the effect of certain adjustments to the historical consolidated financial
statements that would have resulted from the above dispositions if such
transactions had occurred on January 1, 1995. The results are not necessarily
indicative of actual results had the foregoing transactions occurred as
described above, nor do they purport to represent results of future operations
of DeSoto.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          MARCH 31, 1995
                                                                  ------------------------------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                      AMOUNTS -- UNAUDITED)
    <S>                                                           <C>
    Net revenues................................................              $7,078
                                                                              ======
    Net earnings................................................              $ (322)
                                                                              ======
    Net earnings per common share...............................              $(0.09)
                                                                              ======
</TABLE>
 
     On April 11, 1996, DeSoto announced that it had sold the domestic business
and assets of its laundry detergent manufacturing and distribution operations,
at its Union City, California, plant, to Star Pacific, Inc. The buyer will
continue production under a sublease of the plant from DeSoto. DeSoto will
retain its international detergent business at the Union City facility, under a
production arrangement with Star Pacific.
 
     A charge of $1.6 million was recorded in the 1996 first quarter related to
the costs associated with the Union City disposition. This provision included
the write-down of fixed assets to net realizable value, future rental
commitments on a leased warehouse, and severance pay. The provision is reflected
on the statement of operations as nonrecurring expense and the accrual is
included with restructuring reserves on the balance sheet.
 
F. NONOPERATING INCOME
 
     Nonoperating income during the first quarter of 1995 resulted primarily
from royalty income related to technology sold by DeSoto in 1990.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   122
 
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
                                    BETWEEN
 
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                      AND
 
                                  DESOTO, INC.
 
                                  DATED AS OF
 
                                 JUNE 26, 1996
 
                                      A-CP
<PAGE>   123
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          ----
<S>   <C>     <C>                                                                         <C>
1.    PLAN OF REORGANIZATION............................................................   A-1
      1.1     The Merger................................................................   A-1
              (a) Conversion of Shares of DSO Common Stock..............................   A-1
              (b) Conversion of Shares of DSO Preferred Stock...........................   A-2
              (c) Adjustments for Capital Changes.......................................   A-2
              (d) Dissenting Shares.....................................................   A-2
              (e) Conversion of KCI Sub Common Stock....................................   A-2
      1.2     Fractional Shares.........................................................   A-2
      1.3     DSO Options...............................................................   A-2
              (a) Conversion............................................................   A-2
              (b) Registration..........................................................   A-3
      1.4     Effects of the Merger.....................................................   A-3
      1.5     Registration on Form S-4..................................................   A-3
2.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DSO.............................................   A-3
      2.1     Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power......................   A-4
      2.2     Capital Structure.........................................................   A-4
              (a) Stock and Options.....................................................   A-4
              (b) DEMI..................................................................   A-4
              (c) Warrants..............................................................   A-4
              (d) No Other Commitments..................................................   A-4
      2.3     Authority.................................................................   A-5
              (a) Corporate Action......................................................   A-5
              (b) No Conflict...........................................................   A-5
              (c) Governmental Consents.................................................   A-5
      2.4     SEC Documents.............................................................   A-6
              (a) SEC Reports...........................................................   A-6
              (b) Financial Statements..................................................   A-6
      2.5     Information Supplied......................................................   A-6
      2.6     Compliance with Applicable Law............................................   A-6
      2.7     Litigation and Legal Matters..............................................   A-7
      2.8     ERISA and Other Compliance................................................   A-7
      2.9     Labor Matters.............................................................   A-9
      2.10    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities........................................  A-10
      2.11    Absence of Certain Changes or Events......................................  A-10
      2.12    No Default................................................................  A-11
      2.13    Certain Agreements........................................................  A-11
      2.14    Taxes.....................................................................  A-11
      2.15    Intellectual Property.....................................................  A-12
      2.16    Fees and Expenses.........................................................  A-12
      2.17    Environmental Matters.....................................................  A-13
      2.18    Interested Party Transactions.............................................  A-14
      2.19    Contracts.................................................................  A-14
      2.20    Title to Properties.......................................................  A-15
      2.21    Insurance.................................................................  A-15
      2.22    Board Approval............................................................  A-15
      2.23    Vote Required.............................................................  A-15
      2.24    Disclosure................................................................  A-15
      2.25    Fairness Opinion..........................................................  A-16
      2.26    Restrictions on Business Activities.......................................  A-16
</TABLE>
 
                                       A-i
<PAGE>   124
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          ----
<S>   <C>     <C>                                                                         <C>
      2.27    DSO Rights Agreement......................................................  A-16
      2.28    Propriety of Past Payments................................................  A-16
3.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF KCI.............................................  A-16
      3.1     Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power......................  A-16
      3.2     Capital Structure.........................................................  A-16
              (a) Stock and Options.....................................................  A-16
              (b) No Other Commitments..................................................  A-17
      3.3     Authority.................................................................  A-17
              (a) Corporate Action......................................................  A-17
              (b) No Conflict...........................................................  A-17
              (c) Governmental Consents.................................................  A-18
      3.4     SEC Documents.............................................................  A-18
              (a) SEC Reports...........................................................  A-18
              (b) Financial Statements..................................................  A-18
      3.5     Information Supplied......................................................  A-18
      3.6     Compliance with Applicable Law............................................  A-19
      3.7     Litigation and Legal Matters..............................................  A-19
      3.8     ERISA and Other Compliance................................................  A-19
      3.9     Labor Matters.............................................................  A-21
      3.10    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities........................................  A-22
      3.11    Absence of Certain Changes or Events......................................  A-22
      3.12    No Default................................................................  A-23
      3.13    Certain Agreements........................................................  A-23
      3.14    Taxes.....................................................................  A-23
      3.15    Intellectual Property.....................................................  A-24
      3.16    Fees and Expenses.........................................................  A-24
      3.17    Environmental Matters.....................................................  A-24
      3.18    Interested Party Transactions.............................................  A-25
      3.19    Contracts.................................................................  A-25
      3.20    Title to Properties.......................................................  A-26
      3.21    Insurance.................................................................  A-26
      3.22    Board Approval............................................................  A-26
      3.23    Vote Required.............................................................  A-26
      3.24    Disclosure................................................................  A-26
      3.25    Fairness Opinion..........................................................  A-27
      3.26    Restrictions on Business Activities.......................................  A-27
      3.27    Propriety of Past Payments................................................  A-27
4.    DSO COVENANTS.....................................................................  A-27
      4.1     Advice of Changes.........................................................  A-27
      4.2     Maintenance of Business...................................................  A-27
      4.3     Conduct of Business.......................................................  A-27
      4.4     Stockholder Approval......................................................  A-28
      4.5     Prospectus/Proxy Statement................................................  A-28
      4.6     Regulatory Approvals......................................................  A-28
      4.7     Necessary Consents........................................................  A-28
      4.8     Access to Information.....................................................  A-28
      4.9     Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent......................................  A-30
      4.10    No Other Negotiations.....................................................  A-30
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-ii
<PAGE>   125
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          ----
<S>   <C>     <C>                                                                         <C>
5.    KCI COVENANTS.....................................................................  A-31
      5.1     Advice of Changes.........................................................  A-31
      5.2     Maintenance of Business...................................................  A-31
      5.3     Conduct of Business.......................................................  A-31
      5.4     Stockholder Approval......................................................  A-33
      5.5     Prospectus/Proxy Statement................................................  A-33
      5.6     Regulatory Approvals......................................................  A-33
      5.7     Necessary Consents........................................................  A-33
      5.8     Access to Information.....................................................  A-33
      5.9     Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent......................................  A-33
      5.10    Listing...................................................................  A-33
      5.11    Nomination of Directors...................................................  A-33
      5.12    Executive Committee.......................................................  A-34
      5.13    Director and Officer Indemnification......................................  A-34
      5.14    DSO Trade Debt............................................................  A-34
6.    CLOSING MATTERS...................................................................  A-34
      6.1     The Closing...............................................................  A-34
      6.2     Exchange of Certificates..................................................  A-34
              (a) Exchange Agent........................................................  A-34
              (b) Exchange Procedures...................................................  A-35
              (c) Distributions with Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates..............  A-35
              (d) No Further Ownership Rights to DSO Stock..............................  A-35
              (e) Termination of Exchange Fund..........................................  A-36
              (f) No Liability..........................................................  A-36
      6.3     Assumption of Options.....................................................  A-36
7.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF DSO........................................  A-36
      7.1     Accuracy of Representations and Warranties................................  A-36
      7.2     Covenants.................................................................  A-36
      7.3     Absence of Material Adverse Change........................................  A-36
      7.4     Compliance with Law.......................................................  A-36
      7.5     Government Consents.......................................................  A-36
      7.6     The Form S-4..............................................................  A-36
      7.7     Documents.................................................................  A-36
      7.8     Stockholder Approval......................................................  A-37
      7.9     KCI Approval..............................................................  A-37
      7.10    No Legal Action...........................................................  A-37
      7.11    Election of DSO Designees to Board of Directors of KCI....................  A-37
      7.12    Tax Opinions..............................................................  A-37
      7.13    Legal Opinion.............................................................  A-37
      7.14    Listing...................................................................  A-37
      7.15    PBGC......................................................................  A-37
      7.16    Financing.................................................................  A-37
      7.17    Fairness Opinion..........................................................  A-37
8.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF KCI........................................  A-37
      8.1     Accuracy of Representations and Warranties................................  A-37
      8.2     Covenants.................................................................  A-38
      8.3     Absence of Material Adverse Change........................................  A-38
      8.4     Compliance with Law.......................................................  A-38
      8.5     Government Consents.......................................................  A-38
      8.6     Form S-4..................................................................  A-38
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-iii
<PAGE>   126
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
                                                                                          ----
<S>   <C>     <C>                                                                         <C>
      8.7     Documents.................................................................  A-38
      8.8     Stockholder Approval......................................................  A-38
      8.9     DSO Approval..............................................................  A-38
      8.10    No Legal Action...........................................................  A-38
      8.11    Tax Opinions..............................................................  A-38
      8.12    Legal Opinion.............................................................  A-39
      8.13    Agreement of Warrantholders...............................................  A-39
      8.14    Financing.................................................................  A-39
      8.15    Amendment of DSO Retirement Plan..........................................  A-39
      8.16    No Pending Termination....................................................  A-39
      8.17    PBGC......................................................................  A-39
      8.18    Approval of Change of Control.............................................  A-39
      8.19    Preferred Stockholders Consents...........................................  A-39
      8.20    Prescott Obligation.......................................................  A-39
      8.21    Fairness Opinion..........................................................  A-39
      8.22    Lender Consent............................................................  A-39
      8.23    Trade Creditor Agreement..................................................  A-39
      8.24    Merger of Pension Plans...................................................  A-39
9.    TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT; BREAK UP FEES...........................................  A-39
      9.1     Termination...............................................................  A-39
      9.2     Notice of Termination.....................................................  A-40
      9.3     Effect of Termination.....................................................  A-40
      9.4     Breakup Fee...............................................................  A-40
10.   SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.............................  A-41
11.   MISCELLANEOUS.....................................................................  A-41
      11.1    Governing Law.............................................................  A-41
      11.2    Assignment; Binding Upon Successors and Assigns...........................  A-41
      11.3    Severability..............................................................  A-41
      11.4    Counterparts..............................................................  A-41
      11.5    Other Remedies............................................................  A-41
      11.6    Amendment and Waivers.....................................................  A-41
      11.7    Expenses..................................................................  A-41
      11.8    Attorney's Fees...........................................................  A-42
      11.9    Notices...................................................................  A-42
      11.10   Construction of Agreement.................................................  A-42
      11.11   No Joint Venture..........................................................  A-42
      11.12   Further Assurances........................................................  A-43
      11.13   Absence of Third Party Beneficiary Rights.................................  A-43
      11.14   Public Announcement.......................................................  A-43
      11.15   Entire Agreement..........................................................  A-43
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-iv
<PAGE>   127
 
                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
     THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (this "Agreement") is entered
into as of this 26th day of June, 1996, by and between KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED
INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("KCI"), and DESOTO, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("DSO").
 
                                    RECITALS
 
     A. The parties intend that, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, DSO will consolidate with a wholly owned subsidiary of KCI (the "KCI
Sub") in a statutory merger (the "Merger") with DSO being the surviving
corporation of the Merger (the "Surviving Corporation"), all pursuant to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement and the applicable provisions of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the "Delaware Law"). Upon the
effectiveness of the Merger, all the capital stock of DSO outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.1) will be
converted into capital stock of KCI, and KCI will assume all outstanding options
to purchase shares of common stock of DSO, as provided in this Agreement.
 
     B. The Merger is intended to be treated as a tax-free reorganization
pursuant to the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
     C. It is the intention and desire of KCI and DSO, immediately after the
Effective Time to cause a merger of the pension plans of KCI and DSO.
 
     The parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
 
     1. PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
 
          1.1  The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
     Agreement, the Merger will occur pursuant to this Agreement and in
     accordance with applicable provisions of the Delaware Law as follows:
 
             (a) Conversion of Shares of DSO Common Stock. Each share of DSO
        Common Stock, $1.00 par value, including the associated rights (the
        "Associated Rights") issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement (the
        "Rights Agreement") between DSO and Harris Trust and Savings Bank
        (collectively the "DSO Common Stock"), issued and outstanding
        immediately prior to the date and time of filing of a Certificate of
        Merger (the "Certificate of Merger") with the Secretary of State of
        Delaware (the "Effective Time") will by virtue of the Merger and at the
        Effective Time, and without further action on the part of any holder
        thereof, be converted into the right to receive .7465 of a share (the
        "Exchange Ratio") of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable KCI
        Common Stock, $1.00 par value (the "KCI Common Stock"). Shares of DSO's
        capital stock held by DSO in its treasury will not be deemed outstanding
        for purposes of this Agreement and will not be converted into shares of
        KCI Common Stock, cash or any other property and will be cancelled as of
        the Effective Time. No holder of shares of DSO Common Stock shall have
        any rights as a stockholder of KCI prior to the date of issuance to such
        holder of a certificate or certificates representing shares of KCI
        Common Stock.
 
             (b) Conversion of Shares of DSO Preferred Stock. Each share of DSO
        Series B Senior Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value (the "DSO Preferred
        Stock" and collectively with the DSO Common Stock, the "DSO Stock"),
        issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will by
        virtue of the Merger and at the Effective Time, and without further
        action on the part of any holder thereof, be converted into the right to
        receive the Exchange Ratio of a share of validly issued, fully paid and
        nonassessable KCI Series A Senior Preferred Stock, no par value, as
        contemplated by the Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement
        of even date herewith (the "KCI Preferred Stock" and collectively with
        the KCI Common Stock, the "KCI Stock"). No holder of shares of DSO
        Preferred Stock shall have any rights as a stockholder of KCI prior to
        the date of issuance to such holder of a certificate or certificates
        representing shares of KCI Preferred Stock.
 
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             (c) Adjustments for Capital Changes. If, prior to the Effective
        Time, DSO or KCI recapitalizes through a subdivision of its outstanding
        shares into a greater number of shares, or a combination of its
        outstanding shares into a lesser number of shares, or reorganizes,
        reclassifies or otherwise changes its outstanding shares into the same
        or a different number of shares of other classes, or declares a dividend
        on its outstanding shares payable in shares of its capital stock or
        securities convertible into shares of its capital stock, then the
        Exchange Ratio, as applicable, will be adjusted appropriately so as to
        maintain the relative proportionate interests of the holders of the
        shares of DSO Stock and the holders of the shares of KCI Stock.
 
             (d) Dissenting Shares. Holders of shares of DSO Common Stock who
        dissent from the Merger are not entitled to rights of appraisal under
        Section 262 of the Delaware Law by virtue of Section 262(b)(1) of the
        Delaware Law.
 
             (e) Conversion of KCI Sub Common Stock. Each share of common stock
        of KCI Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
        Time will by virtue of the Merger and at the Effective Time, and without
        further action on the part of any holder hereof, be converted into one
        share of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable common stock of
        the Surviving Corporation.
 
          1.2  Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of KCI Common Stock will
     be issued in connection with the Merger, but in lieu thereof each holder of
     DSO Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a
     share of KCI Common Stock will receive from the Exchange Agent (as defined
     in Section 6.2), at such time as such holder shall receive a certificate
     representing shares of KCI Common Stock as contemplated by Section 6.2, an
     amount of cash equal to the per share market value of KCI Common Stock
     (based on the average of the closing sale prices of KCI Common Stock during
     the ten (10) trading day period ending on the Closing Date (as defined in
     Section 6.1) as reported in the Wall Street Journal) multiplied by the
     fraction of a share of KCI Common Stock to which such holder would
     otherwise have been entitled. The fractional interests of each DSO
     stockholder will be aggregated so that no DSO stockholder will receive cash
     in an amount equal to or greater than the value of one full share of KCI
     Common Stock (other than those holding shares as nominees or in similar
     capacity, in which case, each interest of a beneficial owner shall be
     aggregated separately). KCI shall provide sufficient funds to the Exchange
     Agent to make the payments contemplated by this Section 1.2.
 
          1.3  DSO Options.
 
             (a) Conversion. At the Effective Time, each of the then outstanding
        options to purchase DSO Common Stock (the "DSO Options") will by virtue
        of the Merger, and without any further action on the part of any holder
        thereof, be converted into an option to purchase that number of shares
        of KCI Common Stock determined by multiplying the number of shares of
        DSO Common Stock subject to such DSO Option at the Effective Time by the
        Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share of KCI Common Stock equal
        to the exercise price per share of such DSO Option immediately prior to
        the Effective Time divided by the Exchange Ratio and rounded up to the
        nearest whole cent (provided, however, in the case of any DSO Options to
        which Section 421 of the Code applies by reason of its qualification
        under Section 422 or Section 423 of the Code, the option price, the
        number of shares purchasable pursuant to such DSO Options and the terms
        and conditions of exercise of such DSO Options shall be determined in
        order to comply with Section 424 of the Code). If the foregoing
        calculation results in an assumed DSO Option being exercisable for a
        fraction of a share of KCI Common Stock, then the number of shares of
        KCI Common Stock subject to such option will be rounded up to the
        nearest whole number of shares. The term, exercisability, vesting
        schedule, status as an "incentive stock option" under Section 422 of the
        Code, if applicable, and all other terms and conditions of the DSO
        Options shall be as set forth in the DSO Disclosure Schedule (as defined
        in Article 2). Continuous employment with DSO or any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 2.1) will be credited to an optionee
        of DSO for purposes of determining the number of shares of KCI Common
        Stock subject to exercise under DSO Options converted into options to
        purchase KCI Common Stock (the "KCI Converted Options"). Each
 
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        KCI Converted Option shall otherwise be subject to the terms and
        conditions as were applicable to such converted DSO Option under the
        applicable DSO Plan (as defined in Section 2.2).
 
             (b) Registration. To the extent a registration statement on Form
        S-8 is available, KCI will cause the KCI Common Stock issuable upon
        exercise of the KCI Converted Options to be registered on Form S-8
        promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as
        soon as practicable after the Effective Time and will use its best
        efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement or
        registration statements for so long as the KCI Converted Options shall
        remain outstanding. With respect to those individuals who subsequent to
        the Merger will be subject to the reporting requirements under Section
        16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
        Act"), KCI shall administer, to the extent reasonably practicable, the
        DSO Plans (as defined in Section 2.2(a)) assumed pursuant to the Merger
        and this Section 1.3 in a manner that complies with the rules
        promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. KCI will reserve a
        sufficient number of shares of KCI Common Stock for issuance upon
        exercise of the KCI Converted Options.
 
          1.4  Effects of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the Certificate of
     Merger shall be filed as contemplated by Section 1.1(a), the effect of
     which shall be as follows: (a) each share of KCI Common Stock outstanding
     immediately prior to the Effective Time will continue to be an identical
     outstanding share of KCI Common Stock; (b) each share of DSO Stock and each
     DSO Option outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be
     converted as provided in Sections 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 hereof; (c) each share
     of KCI Sub Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
     will be converted as provided in Section 1.1(e) hereof; (d) the Certificate
     of Incorporation, Bylaws, directors and officers of the Surviving
     Corporation will be as provided in the Certificate of Merger; and (e) the
     Merger will, from and after the Effective Time, have all of the effects
     provided by applicable law, including, without limitation, the Delaware
     Law.
 
          1.5  Registration on Form S-4. The KCI Stock to be issued in the
     Merger shall be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
     (the "Securities Act"), on a Form S-4 registration statement promulgated by
     the SEC (the "Form S-4"). As promptly as practicable after the date of this
     Agreement, KCI and DSO shall prepare and file with the SEC the Form S-4,
     together with the prospectus/joint proxy statement to be included therein
     (the "Prospectus/Proxy Statement") and any other documents required by the
     Securities Act or the Exchange Act, in connection with the Merger. Each of
     KCI and DSO shall use its best efforts to respond promptly to any comments
     of the SEC and to have the Form S-4 declared effective under the Securities
     Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and to cause the
     Prospectus/Proxy Statement to be mailed to each company's stockholders at
     the earliest practicable time. Each party shall as promptly as practicable
     furnish to the other party all information concerning such party and its
     stockholders as may be reasonably required in connection with any action
     contemplated by this Section 1.5. The Prospectus/Proxy Statement and Form
     S-4 shall comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements
     of law. Each of KCI and DSO will notify the other promptly of the receipt
     of any comments from the SEC or its staff and of any request by the SEC or
     its staff for amendments or supplements to the Form S-4 or the
     Prospectus/Proxy Statement or for additional information and will supply
     the other with copies of all correspondence with the SEC or its staff with
     respect to the Form S-4, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement or any amendments
     or supplements thereto. Whenever any event occurs which should be set forth
     in an amendment or supplement to the Form S-4 or the Prospectus/Proxy
     Statement, KCI or DSO, as the case may be, shall promptly inform the other
     of such occurrence and cooperate in filing as promptly as practicable with
     the SEC or its staff, and/or mailing to stockholders of KCI and DSO, such
     amendment or supplement.
 
     2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DSO
 
          Except as set forth in a schedule dated the date of this Agreement and
     delivered by DSO to KCI concurrently herewith (the "DSO Disclosure
     Schedule") or as disclosed in the Recent DSO SEC Documents (as defined in
     Section 2.4), DSO represents and warrants to KCI as set forth below. In
     this Agreement, any reference to any event, change or effect being
     "material" with respect to any entity or
 
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     group of entities means any material event, change or effect related to the
     condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets, liabilities,
     businesses, operations, results of operations or prospects of such entity
     or group of entities taken as a whole. In this Agreement, the term
     "Material Adverse Effect" used in connection with a party or any of such
     party's subsidiaries means any event, change or effect that is materially
     adverse to the condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets,
     liabilities, businesses, operations, results of operations or prospects of
     such party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
 
          2.1  Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power. DSO and
     each of its subsidiaries, including corporations, partnerships, trusts or
     any other type of entity (the "DSO Subsidiaries") is duly organized,
     validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its
     incorporation or organization, has all requisite corporate power and
     authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
     business as now being conducted, and is duly qualified and in good standing
     to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or
     the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification
     necessary or where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material
     Adverse Effect. The DSO Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and
     correct list of the DSO Subsidiaries. DSO has made available to KCI or its
     counsel complete and correct copies of the Certificates or Articles of
     Incorporation and Bylaws of DSO and each of the DSO Subsidiaries, in each
     case as amended to the date of this Agreement.
 
          2.2  Capital Structure.
 
             (a) Stock and Options. The authorized capital stock of DSO consists
        of 20,000,000 shares of DSO Common Stock, and 583,333 shares of DSO
        Preferred Stock. At the close of business on June 17, 1996, 4,688,523
        shares of DSO Common Stock were issued and outstanding, 583,333 shares
        of DSO Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding, 930,751 shares of
        DSO Common Stock were held by DSO in its treasury, and 120,500 shares of
        DSO Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the
        outstanding DSO Options. All outstanding shares of DSO Stock are validly
        issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to preemptive
        rights. All outstanding shares of DSO Common Stock, including treasury
        shares, and all shares reserved for issuance have been listed on the New
        York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"). All outstanding shares of the capital
        stock of each of the DSO Subsidiaries are validly issued, fully paid and
        nonassessable and are owned by DSO or one of the DSO Subsidiaries free
        and clear of any liens, security interests, pledges, agreements, claims,
        charges or encumbrances . DSO has made available to KCI, a true and
        correct copy of its 1992 Stock Plan and the DeSoto Stock Ownership Plus
        Plan (collectively, the "DSO Plans"), and a complete and correct list of
        each DSO Option outstanding as of the date hereof, including the name of
        the holder of each such DSO Option, the DSO Plan pursuant to which each
        such DSO Option was issued, the security and number of shares covered by
        each such DSO Option, the per share exercise price of each such DSO
        Option and the vesting schedule applicable to each such DSO Option.
 
             (b) DEMI. As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of
        DeSoto Environmental Management, Inc. ("DEMI") consists of one hundred
        (100) shares of Class A Common Stock, one hundred (100) shares of Class
        B Common Stock, and one hundred (100) shares of preferred stock. At the
        close of business on June 12, 1996, one (1) share of Class A Common
        Stock was held by DSO, one hundred (100) shares of Class B Common Stock
        were held by directors and officers of DSO as set forth on the
        Disclosure Schedule, and no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
 
             (c) Warrants. As of the date hereof warrants to purchase an
        aggregate of 1,200,000 shares of DSO Common Stock (the "DSO Warrants")
        were outstanding. As of the date hereof, 1,200,000 shares of DSO Common
        Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the DSO Warrants.
 
             (d) No Other Commitments. Except for the DSO Options, the DSO
        Warrants and the Contingent Value Rights issued in connection with the
        acquisition of J.L. Prescott Company, there are no options, warrants,
        calls, rights, commitments, conversion rights or agreements of any
        character to which DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a party or by
        which DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries is bound, obligating DSO or any
        of the DSO Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell,
 
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        or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, any shares of capital stock of
        DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries or securities convertible into or
        exchangeable for shares of capital stock of DSO or any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries, or obligating DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries to grant,
        extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment,
        conversion right or agreement. Except for the parties affiliated with
        Sutton Holding Corp. who have previously filed a Schedule 13-D with
        respect to DSO, there are no voting trusts or other agreements or
        understandings to which DSO or any DSO Subsidiary is a party or, as of
        the date hereof, of which DSO has knowledge, with respect to the voting
        of the capital stock of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries.
 
        2.3  Authority.
 
             (a) Corporate Action. DSO has the requisite corporate power and
        authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to approval of this
        Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of DSO, to perform its
        obligations hereunder and to consummate the Merger and the other
        transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery
        of this Agreement by DSO and, subject to approval of this Agreement and
        the Merger by the stockholders of DSO, the consummation by DSO of the
        Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
        authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of DSO. This
        Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by DSO, and this
        Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of DSO, enforceable in
        accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may be
        subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar
        laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors' rights generally
        and (ii) general equitable principles.
 
             (b) No Conflict. Subject to approval of this Agreement and the
        Merger by the stockholders of DSO, neither the execution, delivery and
        performance of this Agreement or the Certificate of Merger, nor the
        consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor
        compliance with the provisions hereof or thereof will conflict with, or
        result in any violation of, or cause a default (with or without notice
        or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of
        termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation
        contained in, or the loss of any benefit under, or result in the
        creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any
        of the properties or assets of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries under
        any term, condition or provision of (i) the Certificates or Articles of
        Incorporation or Bylaws of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries or (ii)
        any agreement, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
        regulation applicable to DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries or their
        respective properties or assets, other than any such conflicts,
        violations, defaults, losses, liens, security interests, charges, or
        encumbrances which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
        Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (c) Governmental Consents. No consent, approval or authorization
        of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any court,
        administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or
        instrumentality, domestic or foreign (each a "Governmental Entity"), is
        required to be obtained by DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries in
        connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
        Certificate of Merger or the consummation of the transaction
        contemplated hereby or thereby except for (i) the filing with the SEC of
        (A) the Form S-4, (B) the Prospectus/Proxy Statement relating to the
        meeting of the stockholders of DSO (the "DSO Stockholders Meeting") to
        be held with respect to the approval by DSO's stockholders of this
        Agreement and the Merger, and (C) such reports and information under the
        Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
        thereunder, as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the
        transactions contemplated hereby; (ii) the filing of the Certificate of
        Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and
        appropriate documents with relevant authorities of other states in which
        DSO is qualified to do business; (iii) such filings, authorizations,
        orders and approvals as may be required under state "control share
        acquisition," "anti-takeover" or other similar statutes and regulations
        (collectively, the "State Anti-Takeover Laws"); (iv) such filings,
        authorizations, orders and approvals as may be required under foreign
        laws, state securities laws and the rules of the NYSE; (v) such filings
        and notifications as may be necessary under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
        Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"); and
 
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        (vi) such consents, approvals, etc. the failure of DSO to so obtain
        would not prevent or delay the consummation of the Merger or otherwise
        prevent DSO from performing its obligations under this Agreement and
        would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.4  SEC Documents.
 
             (a) SEC Reports. DSO has made available to KCI or its counsel
        complete and correct copies of each report, schedule, registration
        statement and definitive proxy statement filed by DSO with the SEC on or
        after January 1, 1991 (the "DSO SEC Documents"), which are all the
        documents (other than preliminary material) that DSO was required to
        file with the SEC on or after such date. As of their respective dates
        or, in the case of registration statements, their effective dates (and
        if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this
        Agreement, then also on the date of such filing), none of the DSO SEC
        Documents (including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents
        incorporated by reference herein) contained any untrue statement of a
        material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated
        therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light
        of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and the
        DSO SEC Documents were timely filed and complied when filed, in form and
        content, in all material respects with the then applicable requirements
        of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, including the timeliness of
        the filing as the case may be, and the rules and regulations promulgated
        by the SEC thereunder. DSO has filed all documents and agreements which
        were required to be filed as exhibits to the DSO SEC Documents. For
        purposes hereof, "Recent DSO SEC Documents" shall mean the most recent
        annual report on Form 10-K of DSO, together with the most recent
        quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DSO for any quarter subsequent to the
        annual period covered by such Form 10-K, together with any current
        reports on Form 8-K filed by DSO subsequent to such most recent Form
        10-Q.
 
             (b) Financial Statements. The financial statements of DSO included
        in the DSO SEC Documents complied as to form in all material respects
        with the then applicable accounting requirements and the published rules
        and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in
        accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
        consistent basis during the periods involved or at the applicable dates
        (except as may have been indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case
        of the unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q promulgated by
        the SEC) and fairly present (subject, in the case of the unaudited
        statements, to normal, year-end audit adjustments) the consolidated
        financial position of DSO and its consolidated DSO Subsidiaries as at
        the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of their
        operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended.
 
          2.5  Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be
     supplied by DSO for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Form S-4
     and Prospectus/Proxy Statement will, at the time the Form S-4 is declared
     effective, at the date the Prospectus/Proxy Statement is mailed to the
     stockholders of DSO and at the time of the KCI and DSO Stockholders
     Meetings, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
     any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are
     made, not misleading. The material to be supplied by DSO in respect of the
     Form S-4 and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement will comply as to form in all
     material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act, Exchange Act,
     and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.
 
          2.6  Compliance with Applicable Law. The businesses of DSO and the DSO
     Subsidiaries are not being conducted in violation of any law, ordinance,
     regulation, rule or order of any Governmental Entity where such violation
     would have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the Recent DSO
     SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement or where such
     notification would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
     Adverse Effect, DSO has not been notified by any Governmental Entity that
     any investigation or review with respect to DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries is pending or threatened, nor has any Governmental Entity
     notified DSO of its intention to conduct the same. DSO and each of the DSO
     Subsidiaries have all permits, licenses and franchises from Governmental
     Entities
 
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     required to conduct their businesses as now being conducted, except for
     those the absence of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.7  Litigation and Legal Matters. There is no suit, action,
     arbitration, demand, claim or proceeding pending or threatened against DSO
     or any of the DSO Subsidiaries, or any of their officers, directors,
     employees or agents involving, affecting or relating to any assets,
     operations or properties of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries, or any DSO
     Employee Plans (as defined in Section 2.8), nor is there any judgment,
     decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator
     outstanding against DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries that, individually
     or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect. DSO has made available to KCI or its counsel complete and
     correct copies of all correspondence prepared by its counsel for DSO's
     auditors in connection with the last five (5) completed audits of DSO's
     financial statements and any such correspondence since the date of the last
     such audit.
 
          2.8  ERISA and Other Compliance.
 
             (a) DSO has made available to KCI a list of all employees of DSO
        and of any DSO Subsidiary, and their salaries as of the date of this
        Agreement. DSO has made available to KCI (i) a copy of each "employee
        benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement
        Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and (ii) a copy of
        all other written or formal plans or agreements involving direct or
        indirect compensation or benefits (including any employment agreements
        entered into by DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries, but excluding
        workers' compensation, unemployment compensation and other
        government-mandated programs) currently maintained, contributed to or
        entered into by DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries under which DSO or
        any of the DSO Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate (as defined below)
        thereof has any present or future obligation or liability (collectively,
        the "DSO Employee Plans"). For purposes of this Agreement, "ERISA
        Affiliate" shall mean any entity which is a member of (A) a "controlled
        group of corporations," as defined in Section 414(b) of the Code, (B) a
        group of entities under "common control," as defined in Section 414(c)
        of the Code, or (C) an "affiliated service group," as defined in Section
        414(c) of the Code, or treasury regulations promulgated under Section
        414(o) of the Code, any of which includes DSO or any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries. Copies of all DSO Employee Plans (and, if applicable,
        related trust agreements) and all amendments thereto and all summary
        plan descriptions, other than plans which are multi-employer plans
        within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, have been made available to KCI
        or its counsel, together with the three (3) most recent annual reports
        (Forms 5500) prepared in connection with any such DSO Employee Plan.
        Each DSO Pension Plan (as defined below) operates in accordance with the
        reporting and disclosure requirements imposed under ERISA and the Code
        except for such noncompliance which would not have a Material Adverse
        Effect. Copies of all DSO Employee Plans which individually or
        collectively would constitute an "employee pension benefit plan," as
        defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (collectively, the "DSO Pension
        Plans"), have been made available to KCI. Except for funding waivers
        which have been obtained, all contributions due from DSO or any of the
        DSO Subsidiaries through March 31, 1996 with respect to any of the DSO
        Employee Plans have been made as required under ERISA or have been
        accrued in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on
        DSO's or any such DSO Subsidiary's financial statements as of March 31,
        1996. Each DSO Employee Plan has been maintained since May 19, 1991 in
        substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements
        prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and regulations,
        including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code, which are applicable
        to such DSO Employee Plans except for such noncompliance which would not
        have a Material Adverse Effect, and all such plans which are DSO Pension
        Plans are fully funded on a termination basis.
 
             (b) No DSO Pension Plan constitutes, or has since May 19, 1991
        constituted, a "multiemployer plan," as defined in Section 3(37) of
        ERISA. No DSO Pension Plans other than the DeSoto Employees' Retirement
        Plan which is the result of the merger of the DeSoto Hourly Employees'
        Pension Plan and the J.L. Prescott Company Employees' Retirement Plan
        into the DeSoto Salaried Employees' Pension Plan, effective January 1,
        1994, all of which together currently constitute the
 
                                       A-7
<PAGE>   134
 
        DeSoto Employees' Retirement Plan (the "DSO Retirement Plan") are
        subject to Title IV of ERISA. To the best of the knowledge of the
        officers of DSO, no "prohibited transaction," as defined in Section 406
        of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to any
        DSO Employee Plan which is covered by Title I of ERISA which would
        result in a material liability to DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries taken as
        a whole, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or
        administrative exemption. To the best of the knowledge of the officers
        of DSO, nothing done or omitted to be done and no transaction or holding
        of any asset under or in connection with any DSO Employee Plan has or
        will make DSO or any officer or director of DSO subject to any material
        liability under Title I of ERISA or liable for any material tax or
        penalty pursuant to Sections 4972, 4975, 4976 or 4979 of the Code or
        Section 502 of ERISA. No DSO Pension Plan is liable for any federal,
        state or local taxes other than unrelated business taxable income as
        defined in Section 512 of the Code.
 
             (c) To the best of the knowledge of the officers of DSO, each DSO
        401(a) Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and has been
        so qualified during the period from May 19, 1991 to date, and the trust
        forming a part thereof is exempt from tax pursuant to Section 501(c) of
        the Code. Each DSO 401(a) Plan operates in accordance with its terms
        and, to DSO's knowledge, there exists no fact which would adversely
        affect its qualified status. Except for pending requests for favorable
        determination letters on qualification filed with the Internal Revenue
        Service (the "IRS") on March 29, 1995 for the DSO Retirement Plan and
        the DeSoto Stock Ownership Plan, no DSO 401(a) Plan is currently under
        investigation, audit or review by the IRS, nor is such action
        contemplated, and the IRS has not asserted that any DSO Pension Plan is
        not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or that any trust
        established under a DSO Pension Plan is not exempt under Section 501(a)
        of the Code.
 
             (d) With respect to each DSO Pension Plan which is a defined
        benefit plan under Section 414(j) of the Code and each defined
        contribution plan under Section 414(i) of the Code:
 
                (i) no liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
           (the "PBGC") under Sections 406-4064 of ERISA has been incurred by
           DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries since May 19, 1991 and all premiums due
           and owing to the PBGC have been timely paid;
 
                (ii) the PBGC has notified neither DSO, any of the DSO
           Subsidiaries nor any DSO Pension Plan of the commencement of
           proceedings under Section 4042 of ERISA to terminate any such plan;
 
                (iii) since May 19, 1991 no event has occurred, or to DSO's
           knowledge is threatened or is about to occur which would constitute a
           reportable event within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA for
           which reporting has not been made;
 
                (iv) no DSO Pension Plan has any "accumulated funding
           deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of
           the Code for which a waiver has not been obtained); and
 
                (v) no withdrawal liability has been incurred with respect to
           any DSO Pension Plan which is a multi-employer plan.
 
             (e) DSO has made available to KCI a list of each employment,
        severance or other similar contract, arrangement or policy and each plan
        or arrangement (written or oral) providing for insurance coverage
        (including any self-insured arrangements), workers' benefits, vacation
        benefits, severance benefits, disability benefits, death benefits,
        hospitalization benefits, retirement benefits, deferred compensation,
        profit-sharing, bonuses, stock options, stock purchases, phantom stock,
        stock appreciation rights or other forms of incentive compensation or
        post-retirement insurance, compensation or benefits for employees,
        consultants or directors which (i) is not a DSO Employee Plan, (ii) is
        entered into, maintained or contributed to, as the case may be, by DSO
        or any of the DSO Subsidiaries and (iii) covers any employee or former
        employee of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries. Such contracts, plans
        and arrangements as are described in this Section 2.8(e) are
 
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<PAGE>   135
 
        herein referred to collectively as the "DSO Benefit Arrangements." To
        DSO's knowledge, each DSO Benefit Arrangement has been maintained since
        May 19, 1991 in material compliance with its terms and with the
        requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and
        regulations which are applicable to such DSO Benefit Arrangement, is not
        currently under investigation, audit or review by the IRS or any other
        federal or state agency and no such actions are contemplated or under
        consideration, has no liability for any federal, state, local or foreign
        taxes and has no claim subject to dispute or litigation. DSO has made
        available to KCI or its counsel a complete and correct copy or
        description of each DSO Benefit Arrangement.
 
             (f) There has been no amendment to, written interpretation by or
        announcement (whether or not written) by DSO or any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries relating to, or change in employee participation or
        coverage under, any DSO Employee Plan or DSO Benefit Arrangement that
        would increase materially the expense of maintaining such DSO Employee
        Plan or DSO Benefit Arrangement above the level of the expense incurred
        in respect thereof from the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
 
             (g) DSO has provided, or will have provided prior to the Effective
        Time, to individuals entitled thereto all required notices and coverage
        pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code and the Consolidated Omnibus
        Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended ("COBRA"), with respect to
        any "qualifying event" (as defined in Section 4980B(f)(3) of the Code)
        occurring prior to and including the Effective Time, and, to DSO's
        knowledge, no material tax payable on account of Section 4980B of the
        Code has been incurred with respect to any current or former employees
        (or their beneficiaries) of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries.
 
             (h) No benefit payable or which may become payable by DSO or any of
        the DSO Subsidiaries pursuant to any DSO Employee Plan or any DSO
        Benefit Arrangement or as a result of or arising under this Agreement
        shall constitute an "excess parachute payment" (as defined in Section
        280G(b)(1) of the Code) which is subject to the imposition of an excise
        tax under Section 4999 of the Code or which would not be deductible by
        reasons of Section 280G of the Code.
 
             (i) No DSO Retirement Plan is the subject of any investigation,
        audit or inquiry by the United States Department of Labor or the PBGC
        and, at the Effective Time, all items on the Disclosure Schedule with
        respect to this Section 2.8(i) shall not be required to remain on the
        Disclosure Schedule in order to make this representation true and
        correct.
 
          2.9  Labor Matters.
 
             (a) DSO and each of the DSO Subsidiaries has paid or made provision
        for the payment of all salaries, accrued wages and accrued vacation pay
        in the ordinary course of business and has complied in all material
        respects with all applicable laws, agreements, rules and regulations
        relating to the employment of labor, including those relating to wages,
        hours, collective bargaining and the payment and withholding of taxes,
        and has withheld and paid to the appropriate governmental authority, or
        is holding for payment not yet due to such authority, all amounts
        required by law or agreement to be withheld from the wages or salaries
        of its employees.
 
             (b) Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a party to any
        (i) outstanding employment agreements or contracts with officers or
        employees that are not terminable at will, or that provide for the
        payment of any bonus or commission, (ii) agreement, policy or practice
        that requires it to pay termination or severance pay to any employees
        (other than as required by law), (iii) collective bargaining agreement
        or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed by DSO or
        any DSO Subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of DSO are there any
        activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such
        employees. DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have made available to KCI
        complete and correct copies of all such agreements (the "Employment and
        Labor Agreements"). Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries has
        breached or otherwise failed to comply with any provisions of any of the
        Employment and Labor Agreement, and there are no grievances outstanding
        thereunder which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
                                       A-9
<PAGE>   136
 
             (c) With respect to DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, (i) there is no
        unfair labor practice, charge or complaint pending before the National
        Labor Relations Board (the "NLRB"), (ii) there is no labor strike,
        material slowdown or material work stoppage or lockout actually pending
        or threatened against or affecting DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries, and
        neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries has experienced any strike,
        material slowdown or material work stoppage, lockout or other collective
        labor action by or with respect to employees of DSO or the DSO
        Subsidiaries, (iii) there is no representation, claim or petition
        pending before the NLRB or a similar agency and no question concerning
        representation exists relating to the employees of DSO or the DSO
        Subsidiaries, (iv) there are no charges with respect to or relating to
        DSO or DSO Subsidiaries pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity
        Commission or any state, local, or foreign agency responsible for the
        prevention of unlawful employment practices, (v) neither DSO nor any of
        the DSO Subsidiaries has received formal notice from any federal, state,
        local or foreign agency responsible for the enforcement of labor or
        employment laws of an intention to conduct an investigation of DSO or
        the DSO Subsidiaries and no such investigation is in progress and (vi)
        the consents of the unions that are parties to any Employment and Labor
        Agreements are not required to complete the transactions contemplated by
        this Agreement.
 
             (d) Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries has caused any
        "plant closing" or "mass layoff" as such actions are defined in the
        Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as codified at 29
        U.S.C. sec.sec. 2101-2109, and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
        where DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries have failed to comply with the
        provisions of such act.
 
          2.10  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as and to the extent
     reflected, reserved against or otherwise disclosed in DSO's consolidated
     balance sheet (including the notes thereto) at December 31, 1995 (the "DSO
     Balance Sheet Date"), as disclosed in the Recent DSO SEC Documents or
     otherwise disclosed pursuant to this Agreement, neither DSO nor any of the
     DSO Subsidiaries had, at December 31, 1995, any liabilities or obligations
     of any nature (matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent) which would have
     a Material Adverse Effect on DSO. All reserves established by DSO and set
     forth in the consolidated balance sheet of DSO (including the notes
     thereto) at December 31, 1995 (the "DSO Balance Sheet") were reasonably
     adequate as required by generally accepted accounting principles.
 
          2.11  Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since the DSO Balance
     Sheet Date (and other than in compliance with Section 4.3) there has not
     occurred:
 
             (a) any change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
        properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations or results of
        operations of DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, that constitutes or could
        reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (b) any amendments or changes in the Certificate of Incorporation
        or Bylaws of DSO;
 
             (c) any damage, destruction or loss, whether covered by insurance
        or not, that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to result in a
        Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (d) any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of shares of
        DSO Stock by DSO, or any declarations, setting aside or payment of any
        dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with
        respect to DSO Stock;
 
             (e) any increase in or modification of the compensation or benefits
        payable or to become payable by DSO to any of its directors or
        employees, except pursuant to agreements or arrangements existing as of
        the DSO Balance Sheet Date;
 
             (f) any increase in or modification of any bonus, pension,
        insurance, DSO Employee Plan or DSO Benefit Arrangement (including, but
        not limited to, the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards
        or stock appreciation rights) made to, for or with any of its employees,
        other than pursuant to agreements or arrangements existing as of the DSO
        Balance Sheet Date;
 
             (g) any acquisition or sale of a material amount of property or
        assets of DSO, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
        with past practice;
 
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<PAGE>   137
 
             (h) any alteration in any term of any outstanding security of DSO;
 
             (i) any (A) incurrence, assumption or guarantee by DSO of any debt
        for borrowed money or other obligation; (B) issuance or sale of any
        security convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities of DSO; or
        (C) issuance or sale of options or other rights to acquire from DSO,
        directly or indirectly, debt securities of DSO or any securities
        convertible into or exchangeable for any such debt securities;
 
             (j) any creation or assumption by DSO of any mortgage, pledge,
        security interest, lien or other encumbrance on any asset, except as
        would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (k) any making of any loan, advance or capital contribution to or
        investment in any person (as defined in Section 2.18) other than (i)
        travel loans or advances made in the ordinary course of business of DSO,
        (ii) other loans and advances in an aggregate amount which does not
        exceed $25,000 outstanding at any time and (iii) purchases on the open
        market of liquid, publicly traded securities;
 
             (l) any entering into or amendment, relinquishment, termination or
        non-renewal by DSO of any contract, lease transaction, commitment or
        other right or obligation other than in the ordinary course of business,
        except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (m) any transfer or grant of a right of any Intellectual Property
        Rights (as defined in Section 2.15 below) of DSO, other than those
        transferred or granted in the ordinary course of business; or
 
             (n) any agreement or arrangement made by DSO to take any action
        which, if taken prior to the date hereof, would have made any
        representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement untrue or
        incorrect as of the date when made unless otherwise disclosed.
 
          2.12  No Default. Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries is in
     default under, and there exists no event, condition or occurrence which,
     after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute such a default by
     DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries under, any contract or agreement to
     which DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a party and which would, if
     terminated or modified, have, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen, a
     Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.13  Certain Agreements. Other than the DSO Options, neither the
     execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the
     transactions contemplated hereby will (i) result in any payment (including,
     without limitation, severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute,
     bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any director or employee of DSO or any
     of the DSO Subsidiaries from DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries, under any
     DSO Employee Plan, DSO Benefit Arrangement or otherwise, (ii) increase any
     benefit otherwise payable under any DSO Employee Plan, DSO Benefit
     Arrangement or otherwise or (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of
     payment or vesting of any such benefits.
 
        2.14  Taxes.
 
             (a) DSO and each of the DSO Subsidiaries have (i) duly and timely
        filed with the appropriate governmental authorities all Tax Returns (as
        defined in subsection (c) below) required to be filed by it, and has not
        filed for an extension to file any Tax Returns and such Tax Returns are
        true, complete and correct in all material respects, and (ii) duly paid
        in full or made adequate provision for the payment of all Taxes (as
        defined in subsection (b) below) shown to be due on such Tax Returns.
        Tax Returns referred to in clause (i) hereinabove have been examined by
        the IRS or the appropriate governmental authority through the returns
        for the year ending December 31, 1990 or the period of assessment of the
        Taxes in respect of which such Tax Returns were required to be filed has
        expired, all deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of
        such examination have been paid in full and no proceeding or examination
        by or in front of the relevant governmental authority in connection with
        the examination of any of the Tax Returns referred to in clause (i)
        hereinabove is currently pending. No claim has been made in writing to
        them by any authority in a jurisdiction where they do not file a Tax
        Return that they are or may be subject to Tax in such jurisdiction. No
        waivers of
 
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<PAGE>   138
 
        statutes of limitations have been given by or requested in writing to
        them with respect to any Taxes. They have not agreed to any extension of
        time with respect to any Tax deficiency. The liabilities and reserves
        for Taxes reflected in the DSO Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996 will
        be adequate to cover all Taxes for all periods ending on or prior to
        such date, except for the payment of such Taxes which, alone or in the
        aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on them, and there
        are no liens for Taxes upon any property or asset of DSO or DSO
        Subsidiaries, except for liens for Taxes not yet due. There are no
        unresolved issues of law or fact arising out of a notice of deficiency,
        proposed deficiency or assessment from the IRS or any other governmental
        taxing authority with respect to their Taxes which, if decided
        adversely, singly or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse
        Effect on them. They are not parties to any agreement providing for the
        allocation or sharing of Taxes with any entity. They have not, with
        regard to any asset or property held, acquired or to be acquired by
        them, filed a consent to the application of Section 341(f) of the Code.
        They have withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and
        paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
        independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party,
        except for such taxes which, alone or in the aggregate, would not have a
        Material Adverse Effect on them. No Tax is required to be withheld by
        them pursuant to Section 1445 of the Code as a result of the transfer
        contemplated by this Agreement. As a result of the Merger, they will not
        be obligated to make a payment to any individual that would be a
        "parachute payment" to a "disqualified individual" as those terms are
        defined in Section 280G of the Code without regard to whether such
        payment is reasonable compensation for personal services performed or to
        be performed in the future.
 
             (b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Taxes" shall mean all
        taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, including, without
        limitation, income, gross receipts, excise, property, sales,
        withholdings, social security, occupation, use, service, service use,
        license, payroll, franchise, transfer and recording taxes, fees and
        charges, imposed by the United States or any state, local or foreign
        government or subdivision or agency thereof whether computed on a
        separate, consolidated, unitary, combined or any other basis; and such
        term shall include any interest, fines, penalties or additional amounts
        attributable to or imposed with respect to any such taxes, charges,
        fees, levies or other assessments.
 
             (c) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Tax Return" shall
        mean any return, report or other document or information required to be
        supplied to a taxing authority in connection with Taxes.
 
          2.15  Intellectual Property. DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries own, or have
     the right to use, sell or license all material Intellectual Property Rights
     (as defined below) necessary or required for the conduct of their
     respective businesses as presently conducted and such rights to use, sell
     or license are reasonably sufficient for such conduct of their respective
     businesses. To DSO's knowledge, neither DSO nor any DSO Subsidiary is
     infringing or otherwise violating Intellectual Property Rights of any
     person, which infringement or violation would subject DSO or any DSO
     Subsidiary to a liability which, individually or in the aggregate, would
     have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim has been made or, to DSO's
     knowledge, threatened against DSO or any DSO Subsidiary alleging any such
     violation which will have a Material Adverse Effect. As used herein, the
     term "Intellectual Property Rights" shall mean all worldwide industrial and
     intellectual property rights, including, without limitation, patents,
     patent applications, patent rights, trademarks, trademark applications,
     trade names, service marks, service mark applications, copyrights,
     copyright applications, franchises, licenses, inventories, know-how, trade
     secrets, customer lists, proprietary processes and formulae, all source and
     object codes, algorithms, architecture, structures, display screens,
     layouts, inventions, development tools and all documentation and media
     constituting, describing or relating to the above, including, without
     limitation, manuals, memoranda, and records.
 
          2.16  Fees and Expenses. Except for Salomon Brothers, Inc., neither
     DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries has paid or become obligated to pay any
     fee or commission to any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
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          2.17  Environmental Matters.
 
             (a) DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have duly complied with, and the
        real property, equipment, businesses, operations and assets of each are
        in compliance with, the provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental
        Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Resource
        Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, the Clean Air Act, the Federal
        Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, the Toxic Substances Control Act,
        the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, the
        National Environmental Policy Act and any other law, statute, ordinance
        or regulation relating to the protection of the public health and/or the
        environment, whether promulgated by the United States, any state,
        municipality and/or other governmental body, each as amended
        (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Environmental Laws"), except
        where any such failures to comply, when taken in the aggregate, will not
        have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (b) To the best of the knowledge of DSO, with respect to DSO and
        the DSO Subsidiaries, there are no conditions presently existing which
        may reasonably be expected to lead to: (i) responsibilities or
        liability, or an assertion thereunder by any governmental entity or
        private person, pursuant to any Environmental Law the subject of which
        is the management and disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or
        wastes (intended hereby and hereafter to include any and all such
        materials listed in any foreign, federal, state or local law, statute,
        code or ordinance and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
        as hazardous or potentially hazardous and, if not so listed, asbestos,
        lead and petroleum) or (ii) tort claims based on an action or inaction
        of DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries relating to the management and
        disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes prior to the
        Effective Time, except where any such failures to comply, when taken in
        the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (c) DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have been issued, will maintain
        until the Effective Time and will cause to remain in effect immediately
        thereafter, all required foreign, federal, state and local permits,
        licenses, certificates and approvals relating to (i) air emissions, (ii)
        discharges to surface water or ground water, (iii) noise emissions, (iv)
        solid or liquid waste disposal, (v) the use, generation, storage,
        transportation or disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes
        and (vi) any other environmental, health or safety matters, except where
        any such failures to comply, when taken in the aggregate, will not have
        a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (d) DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have neither received notice of,
        nor know of, nor have any reason to suspect, any fact(s) which might
        constitute violation(s) of any Environmental Laws which remain uncured,
        except where the failure to cure any such violation(s), when taken in
        the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (e) To the best of the knowledge of DSO, with respect to DSO and
        the DSO Subsidiaries, there has been, no emission, spill, release or
        discharge in violation of Environmental Laws, whether on real property,
        adjacent sites or at any other location or disposal site, into or upon
        (i) the air, (ii) soils or improvements, (iii) surface water or ground
        water, or (iv) the sewer, septic system or waste treatment, storage or
        disposal system servicing real property, of any toxic or hazardous
        substances or wastes used, stored, generated, treated or disposed at or
        from the real property (any of which events is hereafter referred to as
        a "Hazardous Discharge"), which, when taken in the aggregate, will have
        a Material Adverse Effect. To the best of the knowledge of DSO, there is
        not located on the real property used by DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries
        toxic or hazardous substances or wastes in violation of Environmental
        Laws, which, when taken in the aggregate, will have a Material Adverse
        Effect.
 
             (f) With respect to DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, there has been no
        complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or notice received from any
        governmental authority or any other person or entity with respect to (i)
        air emissions, (ii) spills, releases or discharges to soil or any
        improvements located thereon, surface water, ground water or the sewer,
        septic system or waste treatment, storage or disposal systems servicing
        the real property and the business conducted thereon, (iii) noise
        emissions, (iv) solid or liquid waste disposal, (v) the use, generation,
        storage, transportation or
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>   140
 
        disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes or (vi) other
        environmental, health or safety matters affecting DSO or any DSO
        Subsidiary, the real property used by DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, any
        improvements located thereon or the business conducted thereon (any of
        which is hereafter referred to as an "Environmental Complaint") which,
        when taken in the aggregate, will result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (g) With respect to DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries, there has been no
        lien asserted or created by any foreign, federal, state or local
        authority upon any or all of the assets, equipment, real property or
        other facilities of DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries by reason of a
        Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint initiated or occurring
        prior to the Effective Time, except any which, when taken in the
        aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (h) For the purposes of this Section 2.17, the term "DSO and DSO
        Subsidiaries" shall also mean subsidiaries or other properties
        previously owned or operated by DSO or a DSO Subsidiary, either directly
        or indirectly, which would create liability for DSO or the DSO
        Subsidiary by virtue of their prior ownership.
 
             (i) DSO has made available to KCI all environmental studies and
        reports pertaining or relating in any way to the real property or
        equipment owned, occupied or leased by DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries or
        otherwise relating or pertaining to the business, operations or assets
        of DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries.
 
          2.18  Interested Party Transactions.
 
             (a) As of the date hereof, neither DSO nor any of the DSO
        Subsidiaries is a party to any oral or written (i) consulting or similar
        agreement with any present or former director, officer or employee or
        any entity controlled by any such person not terminable on thirty days'
        or less notice involving the payment of more than $100,000 per annum,
        (ii) agreement with any executive officer or other key employee, the
        benefits of which are contingent or the terms of which are materially
        altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving it of the nature
        contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) agreement with respect to any
        executive officer or other key employee of it providing any term of
        employment or compensation guarantee extending for a period longer than
        one year or for the payment in excess of $100,000 per annum, or (iv)
        except for the DSO Options, agreement or plan, including any stock
        option plan, stock appreciation right plan, restricted stock plan or
        stock purchase plan, any of the benefits of which will be increased, or
        the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the
        occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
        the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the
        basis of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
             (b) Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries is indebted for
        money borrowed, either directly or indirectly from any of its officers,
        directors, or any Affiliate (as defined below) in any amount whatsoever,
        nor are any of its officers, directors, or Affiliates indebted for money
        borrowed from it; nor are there any transactions of a continuing nature
        between it and any of its officers, directors, or Affiliates (other than
        the regular employment of such persons) which will continue beyond the
        Effective Time, including, without limitation, use of its assets for
        personal benefit with or without adequate compensation. For the purpose
        of this Agreement, the term "Affiliate" shall mean any person that,
        directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or
        is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.
        As used in the foregoing definition, the term (i) "control" shall mean
        the power through the ownership of voting securities, contract or
        otherwise to direct the affairs of another person and (ii) "person"
        shall mean an individual, firm, trust, association, corporation,
        partnership, government (whether federal, state, local or other
        political subdivision, or any agency or bureau of any of them) or other
        entity.
 
        2.19  Contracts.
 
             (a) Neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a party to any
        contracts, agreements, commitments and other instruments (whether oral
        or written), other than current insurance policies,
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>   141
 
        that (i) involve an expenditure by such party or require the performance
        of services or delivery of goods to, by, through, on behalf of or for
        the benefit of such party, which in each case, relates to a contract,
        commitment or instrument that requires payments in excess of $25,000 per
        year and (ii) involve an obligation for the performance of services or
        delivery of goods by such party that cannot, or in reasonable
        probability will not be performed within thirty days from the dates as
        of which these representations are made, except for arrangements for the
        manufacture or supply of products and for the purchase or sale of
        merchandise or services entered into the ordinary course of business.
 
             (b) All of the material contracts, agreements, commitments and
        other instruments that either DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries is a
        party to, or by which any of them is bound, are valid and binding upon
        such party and the other parties thereto and are in full force and
        effect and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and neither such
        party nor any other party to any such contract, agreement, commitment or
        other instrument has breached any provision thereof, and no event has
        occurred, in each case, which, with the lapse of time or action by a
        third party, could result in a default under the terms thereof which,
        alone or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect, and
        there are no existing facts or circumstances which would prevent such
        party's contracts and agreements for the sale of goods from maturing in
        due course into fully collectible accounts receivable, except where such
        failure would have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.20  Title to Properties. DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have good and
     marketable title to all of their real and other properties and assets,
     tangible and intangible, as reflected in the DSO Balance Sheet, except as
     since sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business,
     free and clear of all claims and encumbrances other than (i) specifically
     disclosed in the DSO Balance Sheet, (ii) any liens for taxes not yet due
     and payable or being contested, and (iii) such imperfections of title,
     covenants, restrictions, easements and encumbrances, if any, as do not
     materially detract from the value or materially interfere with the present
     use of any of the properties or otherwise materially impair the business
     operations or the financial condition of DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries taken
     as a whole.
 
          2.21  Insurance. DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries have insurance covering
     casualty, fire, liability, worker's compensation and disability (the "DSO
     Policies") providing coverage and having limitations and deductibles that
     are customary for a business of the type operated by them and sufficient
     for compliance in all material respects with all requirements of law and of
     all agreements to which DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries are a party, and such
     DSO Policies will be in full force and effect for all periods up to and
     including the Effective Time, and no notice of cancellation or termination
     has been received with respect to any of the DSO Policies. There are no
     pending claims under or relating to any of the DSO Policies, which,
     individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          2.22  Board Approval. The Board of Directors of DSO has, as of the
     date hereof, unanimously (i) approved this Agreement and the Merger, (ii)
     approved the Voting Agreement between DSO and Contran Corporation, (iii)
     determined that the Merger is in the best interests of the stockholders of
     DSO and is on terms that are fair to such stockholders and (iv) resolved to
     recommend that the stockholders of DSO approve this Agreement and the
     Merger.
 
          2.23  Vote Required. Except as required by applicable law, the
     affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of DSO
     Stock voting as a single class is the only vote of the holders of any class
     or series of DSO's capital stock necessary to approve this Agreement and
     the Merger.
 
          2.24  Disclosure. No representation or warranty made by DSO in this
     Agreement, nor any document, written information, statement, financial
     statement, certificate or exhibit prepared and furnished or to be prepared
     and furnished by DSO or its representatives pursuant hereto or in
     connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, when taken together,
     contains any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits to state a
     material fact necessary to make the statements or facts contained herein or
     therein, not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they are
     furnished.
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>   142
 
          2.25  Fairness Opinion. DSO's Board of Directors has received a
     written opinion from Salomon Brothers, Inc. that as of the date hereof the
     Exchange Ratio is fair to DSO's stockholders from a financial point of
     view.
 
          2.26  Restrictions on Business Activities. There is no agreement,
     judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries that has or could reasonably be expected to have the effect of
     prohibiting or impairing any business practice of DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries or the conduct of business by DSO or any of the DSO
     Subsidiaries as currently conducted, which would have a Material Adverse
     Effect.
 
          2.27  DSO Rights Agreement. The Rights Agreement, dated as of February
     20, 1989, between the Company and Harris Trust & Savings Bank, as amended
     (the "Rights Agreement"), shall be amended so as to provide (i) that the
     execution of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated thereby shall not cause any of the rights (as defined in the
     Rights Agreement) to become exercisable in accordance with the terms of the
     Rights Agreement, and (ii) that the Rights Agreement shall terminate at the
     Effective Time.
 
          2.28  Propriety of Past Payments. No funds or assets of DSO or any of
     the DSO Subsidiaries have been used for an illegal purpose, nor have any
     unrecorded funds or assets of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries been established
     for any purposes. No accumulation or use of DSO's or the DSO Subsidiaries'
     corporate funds or assets has been made without being properly accounted
     for in their respective books and records and all payments by or on behalf
     of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries have been duly and properly recorded and
     accounted for in their respective books and records. No false or artificial
     entry has been made in the books and records of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries
     for any reason (except in the case of unaudited financial statements, for
     year-end adjustments). No payment has been made by or on behalf of DSO or
     the DSO Subsidiaries with the understanding that any part of such payment
     is to be used for any purpose other than that described in the document
     supporting such payment, and neither DSO nor any of the DSO Subsidiaries
     has made, directly or indirectly, any illegal contributions to any
     political party or candidate, either domestic or foreign. Neither the IRS
     nor any other federal, state, local or foreign government agency or entity
     has initiated or threatened any investigation of any payment made by DSO or
     the DSO Subsidiaries of, or alleged to be of, the type described in this
     Section 2.28.
 
     3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF KCI
 
          Except as set forth in a schedule dated the date of this Agreement and
     delivered by KCI to DSO concurrently herewith (the "KCI Disclosure
     Schedule") or as disclosed in the Recent KCI SEC Documents (as defined in
     Section 3.4), KCI represents and warrants to DSO as set forth below.
 
          3.1 Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power. KCI and each
     of its subsidiaries, including corporations, partnerships, trusts or any
     other type of entity (the "KCI Subsidiaries") is duly organized, validly
     existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its
     incorporation or organization, has all requisite corporate power and
     authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
     business as now being conducted, and is duly qualified and in good standing
     to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or
     the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification
     necessary or where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material
     Adverse Effect. The KCI Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and
     correct list of the KCI Subsidiaries. KCI has made available to DSO or its
     counsel complete and correct copies of the Certificates or Articles of
     Incorporation and Bylaws of KCI and each of the KCI Subsidiaries, in each
     case as amended to the date of this Agreement.
 
          3.2  Capital Structure.
 
             (a) Stock and Options. The authorized capital stock of KCI consists
        of 12,000,000 shares of KCI Common Stock, and 500,000 shares of
        preferred stock, no par value. At the close of business on June 17,
        1996, 5,688,558 shares of KCI Common Stock were issued and outstanding,
        no shares of
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>   143
 
        KCI Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding, 1,134 shares of KCI
        Common Stock were held by KCI in its treasury, and 348,100 shares of KCI
        Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding
        options to purchase KCI Common Stock (the "KCI Options"). All
        outstanding shares of KCI Stock are validly issued, fully paid and
        nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights. All outstanding
        shares of the capital stock of each of the KCI Subsidiaries are validly
        issued, fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by KCI or one of the
        KCI Subsidiaries free and clear of any liens, security interests,
        pledges, agreements, claims, charges or encumbrances. KCI has made
        available to DSO, a true and correct copy of the Keystone Consolidated
        Industries, Inc. 1992 Incentive Compensation Plan and the Keystone
        Consolidated Industries, Inc. 1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
        Plan (collectively, the "KCI Plans"), and a complete and correct list of
        each KCI Option outstanding as of the date hereof, including the name of
        the holder of each such KCI Option, the KCI Plan pursuant to which each
        such KCI Option was issued, the security and number of shares covered by
        each such KCI Option, the per share exercise price of each such KCI
        Option and the vesting schedule applicable to each such KCI Option.
 
             (b) No Other Commitments. Except for the KCI Options, there are no
        options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, conversion rights or
        agreements of any character to which KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries
        is a party or by which KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries is bound,
        obligating KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell,
        or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, any shares of capital stock of
        KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries or securities convertible into or
        exchangeable for shares of capital stock of KCI or any of the KCI
        Subsidiaries, or obligating KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries to grant,
        extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment,
        conversion right or agreement. There are no voting trusts or other
        agreements or understandings to which KCI is a party or, as of the date
        hereof, of which KCI has knowledge, with respect to the voting of the
        capital stock of KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries.
 
        3.3  Authority.
 
             (a) Corporate Action. KCI has the requisite corporate power and
        authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to approval of this
        Agreement and the Merger by the stockholders of KCI, to perform its
        obligations hereunder and to consummate the Merger and the other
        transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery
        of this Agreement by KCI and, subject to approval of this Agreement and
        the Merger by the stockholders of KCI, the consummation by KCI of the
        Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
        authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of KCI. This
        Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by KCI, and this
        Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of KCI, enforceable in
        accordance with its terms, except that such enforceability may be
        subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar
        laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors' rights generally
        and (ii) general equitable principles.
 
             (b) No Conflict. Subject to approval of this Agreement and the
        Merger by the stockholders of KCI, neither the execution, delivery and
        performance of this Agreement or the Certificate of Merger, nor the
        consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor
        compliance with the provisions hereof or thereof will conflict with, or
        result in any violation of, or cause a default (with or without notice
        or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of
        termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation
        contained in, or the loss of any material benefit under, or result in
        the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon
        any of the material properties or assets of KCI or any of the KCI
        Subsidiaries under any term, condition or provision of (i) the
        Certificates or Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of KCI or any of the
        KCI Subsidiaries or (ii) any material agreement, judgment, order,
        decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to KCI or
        any of the KCI Subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets,
        other than any such conflicts, violations, defaults, losses, liens,
        security interests, charges, or encumbrances which, individually or in
        the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>   144
 
             (c) Governmental Consents. No consent, approval or authorization
        of, or registration, declaration or filing with any Governmental Entity
        is required to be obtained by KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries in
        connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
        Certificate of Merger or the consummation of the transaction
        contemplated hereby or thereby except for (i) the filing with the SEC of
        (A) the Form S-4 and the declaration of its effectiveness, (B) the
        Prospectus/Proxy Statement relating to the meeting of the stockholders
        of KCI (the "KCI Stockholders Meeting") to be held with respect to the
        approval by KCI's stockholders of this Agreement and the Merger, (C) the
        filing contemplated by Section 1.3(b) hereof, and (D) such reports and
        information under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
        promulgated by the SEC thereunder, as may be required in connection with
        this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; (ii) the filing
        of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
        Delaware and appropriate documents with relevant authorities of other
        states in which KCI is qualified to do business; (iii) such filings,
        authorizations, orders and approvals as may be required under the State
        Anti-Takeover Laws; (iv) such filings, authorizations, orders and
        approvals as may be required under foreign laws, state securities laws
        and the rules of the NYSE; (v) such filings and notifications as may be
        necessary under the HSR Act; and (vi) where the failure to obtain such
        consents, approvals, etc. would not prevent or delay the consummation of
        the Merger or otherwise prevent KCI from performing its obligations
        under this Agreement and would not reasonably be expected to have a
        Material Adverse Effect.
 
          3.4  SEC Documents.
 
             (a) SEC Reports. KCI has made available to DSO or its counsel
        complete and correct copies of each report, schedule, registration
        statement and definitive proxy statement filed by KCI with the SEC on or
        after January 1, 1991 (the "KCI SEC Documents"), which are all the
        documents (other than preliminary material) that KCI was required to
        file with the SEC on or after such date. As of their respective dates
        or, in the case of registration statements, their effective dates (or if
        amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement,
        then on the date of such filing), none of the KCI SEC Documents
        (including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents incorporated
        by reference herein) contained any untrue statement of a material fact
        or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
        necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
        circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and the KCI
        SEC Documents complied when filed in all material respects with the then
        applicable requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as
        the case may be, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
        thereunder. KCI has filed all documents and agreements which were
        required to be filed as exhibits to the KCI SEC Documents. For purposes
        hereof, "Recent KCI SEC Documents" shall mean the most recent annual
        report on Form 10-K of KCI, together with the most recent quarterly
        report on Form 10-Q of KCI for any quarter subsequent to the annual
        period covered by such Form 10-K, together with any current reports on
        Form 8-K filed by KCI subsequent to such most recent Form 10-Q.
 
             (b) Financial Statements. The financial statements of KCI included
        in the KCI SEC Documents complied as to form in all material respects
        with the then applicable accounting requirements and the published rules
        and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in
        accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
        consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may have been
        indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of the unaudited
        statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q promulgated by the SEC) and fairly
        present (subject, in the case of the unaudited statements, to normal,
        year-end audit adjustments) the consolidated financial position of KCI
        and its consolidated KCI Subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof
        and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the
        respective periods then ended.
 
          3.5  Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be
     supplied by KCI for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Form S-4
     and Prospectus/Proxy Statement will, at the time the Form S-4 is declared
     effective, at the date the Prospectus/Proxy Statement is mailed to the
     stockholders
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>   145
 
     of KCI and at the time of the KCI Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to
     be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of
     the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The material
     to be supplied by KCI in respect of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement will
     comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the
     Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
     thereunder.
 
          3.6  Compliance with Applicable Law. The businesses of KCI and the KCI
     Subsidiaries are not being conducted in violation of any law, ordinance,
     regulation, rule or order of any Governmental Entity where such violation
     would have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the KCI SEC
     Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement or where such
     notification would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
     Adverse Effect, KCI has not been notified by any Governmental Entity that
     any investigation or review with respect to KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries is pending or threatened, nor has any Governmental Entity
     notified KCI of its intention to conduct the same. KCI and the KCI
     Subsidiaries have all material permits, licenses and franchises from
     Governmental Entities required to conduct their businesses as now being
     conducted, except for those whose absence would not have a Material Adverse
     Effect.
 
          3.7  Litigation and Legal Matters. There is no suit, action,
     arbitration, demand, claim or proceeding pending or threatened against KCI
     or any of the KCI Subsidiaries, or any of their officers, directors,
     employees or agents involving, affecting or relating to any assets,
     operations or properties of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries, or any KCI
     Employee Plans (as defined in Section 3.8), nor is there any judgment,
     decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator
     outstanding against KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries that, individually
     or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect. KCI has made available to DSO or its counsel complete and
     correct copies of all correspondence prepared by its counsel for KCI's
     auditors in connection with the last five (5) completed audits of KCI's
     financial statements and any such correspondence since the date of the last
     such audit.
 
          3.8  ERISA and Other Compliance.
 
             (a) KCI has made available to DSO a list of all employees of KCI
        and of any KCI Subsidiary, and their salaries as of the date of this
        Agreement. KCI has made available to DSO (i) a copy of each "employee
        benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, and (ii) a copy of
        all other written or formal plans or agreements involving direct or
        indirect compensation or benefits (including any employment agreements
        entered into by KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries, but excluding
        workers' compensation, unemployment compensation and other
        government-mandated programs) currently maintained, contributed to or
        entered into by KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries under which KCI or
        any of the KCI Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate thereof has any
        present or future obligation or liability (collectively, the "KCI
        Employee Plans"). Copies of all KCI Employee Plans (and, if applicable,
        related trust agreements), all amendments thereto and all summary plan
        descriptions, other than plans which are multiemployer plans within the
        meaning of Title IV of ERISA, have been made available to DSO or its
        counsel, together with the three (3) most recent annual reports (Forms
        5500) prepared in connection with any such KCI Employee Plans. Each KCI
        Pension Plan (as defined below) operates in accordance with the
        reporting and disclosure requirements imposed under ERISA and the Code
        except for such noncompliance which would not have a Material Adverse
        Effect. Copies of all KCI Employee Plans which individually or
        collectively would constitute an "employee pension benefit plan," as
        defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (collectively, the "KCI Pension
        Plans"), have been made available to DSO. Except for funding waivers
        which have been obtained, all contributions due from KCI or any of the
        KCI Subsidiaries through March 31, 1996 with respect to any of the KCI
        Employee Plans have been made as required under ERISA or have been
        accrued in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles on
        KCI's or any such KCI Subsidiary's financial statements as of March 31,
        1996. Each KCI Employee Plan has been maintained since May 19, 1991 in
        substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements
        prescribed by any and all statutes, orders, rules and
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>   146
 
        regulations, including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code, which
        are applicable to such KCI Employee Plans except for such noncompliance
        which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (b) No KCI Pension Plan constitutes, or has since May 19, 1991
        constituted, a "multiemployer plan," as defined in Section 3(37) of
        ERISA. No KCI Pension Plans other than the Keystone-Bartonville Pension
        Plan, the Keystone Steel & Wire Company Pension Plan and the Sherman
        Wire Pension Plan (collectively, the "KCI Retirement Plans") are subject
        to Title IV of ERISA. No "prohibited transaction," as defined in Section
        406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to
        any KCI Employee Plan which is covered by Title I of ERISA which would
        result in a material liability to KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries taken as
        a whole, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or
        administrative exemption. To the best of the knowledge of the officers
        of KCI, nothing done or omitted to be done and no transaction or holding
        of any asset under or in connection with any KCI Employee Plan has or
        will make KCI or any officer or director of KCI subject to any material
        liability under Title I of ERISA or liable for any material tax or
        penalty pursuant to Sections 4972, 4975, 4976 or 4979 of the Code or
        Section 502 of ERISA. No KCI Pension Plan is liable for any federal,
        state or local taxes other than unrelated business taxable income as
        defined in Section 512 of the Code.
 
             (c) To the best knowledge of the officers of KCI, each KCI 401(a)
        Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and has been so
        qualified during the period from May 19, 1991 to date, and the trust
        forming a part thereof is exempt from tax pursuant to Section 501(c) of
        the Code. Each KCI 401(a) Plan operates in accordance with its terms
        and, to KCI's knowledge, there exists no fact which would adversely
        affect its qualified status. No KCI 401(a) Plan is currently under
        investigation, audit or review by the IRS, nor is such action
        contemplated and the IRS has not asserted that any KCI Pension Plan is
        not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or that any trust
        established under a KCI Pension Plan is not exempt under Section 501(a)
        of the Code.
 
             (d) With respect to each KCI Pension Plan which is a defined
        benefit plan under Section 414(j) of the Code and each defined
        contribution plan under Section 414(i) of the Code:
 
                (i) no liability to the PBGC under Sections 406 - 4064 of ERISA
           has been incurred by KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries since May 19, 1991
           and all premiums due and owing to the PBGC have been timely paid;
 
                (ii) the PBGC has notified neither KCI, any of the KCI
           Subsidiaries nor any KCI Pension Plan of the commencement of
           proceedings under Section 4042 of ERISA to terminate any such plan;
 
                (iii) since May 19, 1991, no event has occurred, or to KCI's
           knowledge is threatened or is about to occur which would constitute a
           reportable event within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA for
           which reporting has not been made; and
 
                (iv) no KCI Pension Plan has any "accumulated funding
           deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of
           the Code for which a waiver has not been obtained).
 
             (e) KCI has made available to DSO a list of each employment,
        severance or other similar contract, arrangement or policy and each plan
        or arrangement (written or oral) providing for insurance coverage
        (including any self-insured arrangements), workers' benefits, vacation
        benefits, severance benefits, disability benefits, death benefits,
        hospitalization benefits, retirement benefits, deferred compensation,
        profit-sharing, bonuses, stock options, stock purchases, phantom stock,
        stock appreciation rights or other forms of incentive compensation or
        post-retirement insurance, compensation or benefits for employees,
        consultants or directors which (i) is not a KCI Employee Plan, (ii) is
        entered into, maintained or contributed to, as the case may be, by KCI
        or any of the KCI Subsidiaries and (iii) covers any employee or former
        employee of KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries. Such contracts, plans
        and arrangements as are described in this Section 3.8(e) are herein
        referred to collectively as the "KCI Benefit Arrangements". To KCI's
        knowledge, each KCI Benefit Arrangement has been maintained since May
        19, 1991 in material compliance with its terms
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>   147
 
        and with the requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, orders,
        rules and regulations which are applicable to such KCI Benefit
        Arrangement, is not currently under investigation, audit or review by
        the IRS or any other federal or state agency and no such actions are
        contemplated or under consideration, has no liability for any federal,
        state, local or foreign taxes and has no claim subject to dispute or
        litigation. KCI has made available to DSO or its counsel a complete and
        correct copy or description of each KCI Benefit Arrangement.
 
             (f) There has been no amendment to, written interpretation by or
        announcement (whether or not written) by KCI or any of the KCI
        Subsidiaries relating to, or change in employee participation or
        coverage under, any KCI Employee Plan or KCI Benefit Arrangement that
        would increase materially the expense of maintaining such KCI Employee
        Plan or KCI Benefit Arrangement above the level of the expense incurred
        in respect thereof from the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
 
             (g) KCI has provided, or will have provided prior to the Effective
        Time, to individuals entitled thereto all required notices and coverage
        pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code and COBRA, with respect to any
        "qualifying event" (as defined in Section 4980B(f)(3) of the Code)
        occurring prior to and including the Effective Time, and no material tax
        payable on account of Section 4980B of the Code has been incurred with
        respect to any current or former employees (or their beneficiaries) of
        KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries.
 
             (h) No benefit payable or which may become payable by KCI or any of
        the KCI Subsidiaries pursuant to any KCI Employee Plan or any KCI
        Benefit Arrangement or as a result of or arising under this Agreement
        shall constitute an "excess parachute payment" (as defined in Section
        280G(b)(1) of the Code) which is subject to the imposition of an excise
        tax under Section 4999 of the Code or which would not be deductible by
        reasons of Section 280G of the Code.
 
          3.9  Labor Matters.
 
             (a) KCI and each of the KCI Subsidiaries has paid or made provision
        for the payment of all salaries and accrued wages in the ordinary course
        of business and has complied in all material respects with all
        applicable laws, agreements, rules and regulations relating to the
        employment of labor, including those relating to wages, hours,
        collective bargaining and the payment and withholding of taxes, and has
        withheld and paid to the appropriate governmental authority, or is
        holding for payment not yet due to such authority, all amounts required
        by law or agreement to be withheld from the wages or salaries of its
        employees.
 
             (b) Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries is a party to any
        (i) outstanding employment agreements or contracts with officers or
        employees that are not terminable at will, or that provide for the
        payment of any bonus or commission, (ii) agreement, policy or practice
        that requires it to pay termination or severance pay to any employees
        (other than as required by law), (iii) collective bargaining agreement
        or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed by KCI or
        any KCI Subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of KCI, are there any
        activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such
        employees. KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have made available to DSO
        complete and correct copies of all such agreements (the "KCI Employment
        and Labor Agreements"). Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries has
        breached or otherwise failed to comply with any provisions of any KCI
        Employment and Labor Agreement, and there are no grievances outstanding
        which will have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (c) With respect to KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, (i) there is no
        unfair labor practice, charge or complaint pending before the NLRB, (ii)
        there is no labor strike, material slowdown or material work stoppage or
        lockout actually pending or threatened against or affecting KCI or the
        KCI Subsidiaries, and neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries has
        experienced any strike, material slowdown or material work stoppage,
        lockout or other collective labor action by or with respect to employees
        of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries, (iii) there is no representation, claim
        or petition pending before the NLRB or a similar agency and no question
        concerning representation exists relating to the employees of KCI or the
        KCI Subsidiaries, (iv) there are no charges with respect to or relating
        to
 
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        KCI or KCI Subsidiaries pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity
        Commission or any state, local, or foreign agency responsible for the
        prevention of unlawful employment practices, (v) neither KCI nor any of
        the KCI Subsidiaries has received formal notice from any federal, state,
        local or foreign agency responsible for the enforcement of labor or
        employment laws of an intention to conduct an investigation of KCI or
        the KCI Subsidiaries and no such investigation is in progress and (vi)
        the consents of the unions that are parties to any Employment and Labor
        Agreements are not required to complete the transactions contemplated by
        this Agreement.
 
             (d) Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries has caused any
        "plant closing" or "mass layoff" as such actions are defined in the
        Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as codified at 29
        U.S.C. sec.sec. 2101-2109, and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
        where KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries have failed to comply with the
        provisions of such act.
 
          3.10  Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as and to the extent
     reflected, reserved against or otherwise disclosed in KCI's consolidated
     balance sheet (including the notes thereto) at December 31, 1995 (the "KCI
     Balance Sheet Date"), as disclosed in the Recent KCI SEC Documents or
     otherwise disclosed pursuant to this Agreement, neither KCI nor any of the
     KCI Subsidiaries had, at December 31, 1995, any liabilities or obligations
     of any nature (matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent) which would have
     a Material Adverse Effect on KCI. All reserves established by KCI and set
     forth at the December 31, 1995 consolidated balance sheet of KCI (including
     the notes thereto) (the "KCI Balance Sheet") were reasonably adequate as
     required by generally accepted accounting principles.
 
          3.11  Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since the KCI Balance
     Sheet Date (and other than in compliance with Section 5.3) there has not
     occurred:
 
             (a) any change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
        properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations or results of
        operations of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, that constitutes or could
        reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (b) any amendments or changes in the Certificate of Incorporation
        or Bylaws of KCI;
 
             (c) any damage, destruction or loss, whether covered by insurance
        or not, that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to result in a
        Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (d) any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of shares of
        KCI Stock by KCI, or any declarations, setting aside or payment of any
        dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with
        respect to KCI Stock;
 
             (e) any material increase in or modification of the compensation or
        benefits payable or to become payable by KCI to any of its directors or
        employees, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with
        past practice or pursuant to agreements or arrangements existing as of
        the KCI Balance Sheet Date;
 
             (f) any material increase in or modification of any bonus, pension,
        insurance, KCI Employee Plan or KCI Benefit Arrangement (including, but
        not limited to, the granting of stock options, restricted stock awards
        or stock appreciation rights) made to, for or with any of its employees,
        other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
        practice or pursuant to agreements or arrangements existing as of the
        KCI Balance Sheet Date;
 
             (g) any acquisition or sale of a material amount of property or
        assets of KCI, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
        with past practice;
 
             (h) any alteration in any term of any outstanding security of KCI;
 
             (i) any (A) incurrence, assumption or guarantee by KCI of any debt
        for borrowed money or other obligation; (B) issuance or sale of any
        security convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities of KCI; or
        (C) issuance or sale of options or other rights to acquire from KCI,
        directly or indirectly, debt securities of DSO or any securities
        convertible into or exchangeable for any such debt securities;
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>   149
 
             (j) any creation or assumption by KCI of any mortgage, pledge,
        security interest, lien or other encumbrance on any asset, except as
        would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (k) any making of any loan, advance or capital contribution to or
        investment in any person (as defined in Section 3.18) other than (i)
        travel loans or advances made in the ordinary course of business of KCI,
        (ii) other loans and advances in an aggregate amount which does not
        exceed $25,000 outstanding at any time and (iii) purchases on the open
        market of liquid, publicly traded securities;
 
             (l) any entering into or amendment, relinquishment, termination or
        non-renewal by KCI of any contract, lease transaction, commitment or
        other right or obligation other than in the ordinary course of business,
        except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
             (m) any transfer or grant of a right under KCI's Intellectual
        Property Rights, other than those transferred or granted in the ordinary
        course of business; or
 
             (n) any agreement or arrangement made by KCI to take any action
        which, if taken prior to the date hereof, would have made any
        representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement untrue or
        incorrect as of the date when made unless otherwise disclosed.
 
          3.12  No Default. Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries is in
     default under, and there exists no event, condition or occurrence which,
     after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute such a default by
     KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries under, any contract or agreement to
     which KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries is a party and which would, if
     terminated or modified, have, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen, a
     Material Adverse Effect.
 
          3.13  Certain Agreements. Neither the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will
     (i) result in any payment (including, without limitation, severance,
     unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus or otherwise) becoming
     due to any director or employee of KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries from
     KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries, under any KCI Employee Plan, KCI
     Benefit Arrangement or otherwise, (ii) increase any benefit otherwise
     payable under any KCI Employee Plan, KCI Benefit Arrangement or otherwise
     or (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of
     any such benefits.
 
          3.14  Taxes. KCI and each of the KCI Subsidiaries have (i) duly and
     timely filed with the appropriate governmental authorities all Tax Returns
     (as defined in Section 2.14(c)) required to be filed by it, and has not
     filed for an extension to file any Tax Returns and such Tax Returns are
     true, complete and correct in all material respects, and (ii) duly paid in
     full or made adequate provision for the payment of all Taxes (as defined in
     Section 2.14(b)) shown to be due on such Tax Returns. Tax Returns referred
     to in clause (i) hereinabove have been examined by the IRS or the
     appropriate governmental authority through the returns for the year ending
     December 31, 1990 or the period of assessment of the Taxes in respect of
     which such Tax Returns were required to be filed has expired, all
     deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of such examination
     have been paid in full and no proceeding or examination by or in front of
     the relevant governmental authority in connection with the examination of
     any of the Tax Returns referred to in clause (i) hereinabove is currently
     pending. No claim has been made in writing to them by any authority in a
     jurisdiction where they do not file a Tax Return that they are or may be
     subject to Tax in such jurisdiction. No waivers of statutes of limitations
     have been given by or requested in writing to them with respect to any
     Taxes. They have not agreed to any extension of time with respect to any
     Tax deficiency. The liabilities and reserves for Taxes reflected in the KCI
     Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996 will be adequate to cover all Taxes for
     all periods ending on or prior to such date, except for the payment of such
     Taxes which, alone or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
     Effect on them, and there are no liens for Taxes upon any property or asset
     of KCI or KCI Subsidiaries, except for liens for Taxes not yet due. There
     are no unresolved issues of law or fact arising out of a notice of
     deficiency, proposed deficiency or assessment from the IRS or any other
     governmental taxing authority with respect to their Taxes which, if decided
     adversely, singly or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect
     on them. They are not parties to any agreement providing for the
 
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<PAGE>   150
 
     allocation or sharing of Taxes with any entity. They have not, with regard
     to any asset or property held, acquired or to be acquired by them, filed a
     consent to the application of Section 341(f) of the Code. They have
     withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in
     connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent
     contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party, except for such
     taxes which, alone or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
     Effect on them. No Tax is required to be withheld by them pursuant to
     Section 1445 of the Code as a result of the transfer contemplated by this
     Agreement. As a result of the Merger, they will not be obligated to make a
     payment to any individual that would be a "parachute payment" to a
     "disqualified individual" as those terms are defined in Section 280G of the
     Code without regard to whether such payment is reasonable compensation for
     personal services performed or to be performed in the future.
 
          3.15  Intellectual Property. KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries own, or have
     the right to use, sell or license all material Intellectual Property Rights
     necessary or required for the conduct of their respective businesses as
     presently conducted and such rights to use, sell or license are reasonably
     sufficient for such conduct of their respective businesses. To KCI's
     knowledge, neither KCI nor any KCI Subsidiary is infringing or otherwise
     violating Intellectual Property Rights of any person, which infringement or
     violation would subject KCI or any KCI Subsidiary to a liability which,
     individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect. No
     claim has been made or to KCI's knowledge, threatened against KCI or any
     KCI Subsidiary alleging any such violation which will have a Material
     Adverse Effect.
 
          3.16  Fees and Expenses. Except for PaineWebber Incorporated, neither
     KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries has paid or become obligated to pay any
     fee or commission to any broker, finder or intermediary in connection with
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          3.17  Environmental Matters.
 
             (a) KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have duly complied with, and the
        real property, equipment, businesses, operations and assets of each are
        in compliance with, the Environmental Laws, except where any such
        failures to comply, when taken in the aggregate, will not have a
        Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (b) To the best of the knowledge of KCI, with respect to KCI and
        the KCI Subsidiaries, there are no conditions presently existing which
        may reasonably be expected to lead to: (i) responsibilities or
        liability, or an assertion thereunder by any governmental entity or
        private person, pursuant to any Environmental Law the subject of which
        is the management and disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or
        wastes (intended hereby and hereafter to include any and all such
        materials listed in any foreign, federal, state or local law, statute,
        code or ordinance and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
        as hazardous or potentially hazardous and, if not so listed, asbestos,
        lead and petroleum) or (ii) tort claims based on an action or inaction
        of KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries relating to the management and
        disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes prior to the
        Effective Time, except where any such failures to comply, when taken in
        the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (c) KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have been issued, will maintain
        until the Effective Time and will cause to remain in effect immediately
        thereafter, all required foreign, federal, state and local permits,
        licenses, certificates and approvals relating to (i) air emissions, (ii)
        discharges to surface water or ground water, (iii) noise emissions, (iv)
        solid or liquid waste disposal, (v) the use, generation, storage,
        transportation or disposal of toxic or hazardous substances or wastes
        and (vi) any other environmental, health or safety matters, except where
        any such failures to comply, when taken in the aggregate, will not have
        a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (d) KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have neither received notice of,
        nor know of, nor have any reason to suspect, any fact(s) which might
        constitute violation(s) of any Environmental Laws which remain uncured
        or where failure to cure any such violations, when taken in the
        aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>   151
 
             (e) To the best of the knowledge of KCI, with respect to KCI and
        the KCI Subsidiaries, there has been no Hazardous Discharge which, when
        taken in the aggregate, will have a Material Adverse Effect. To KCI's
        knowledge, there is not located on the real property used by KCI and the
        KCI Subsidiaries toxic or hazardous substances or wastes in violation of
        Environmental Laws, which, when taken in the aggregate, will have a
        Material Adverse Effect. To the best of the knowledge of KCI, there is
        not located on the real property used by KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries
        toxic or hazardous substances or wastes in violation of Environmental
        Laws, which, when taken in the aggregate, will have a Material Adverse
        Effect.
 
             (f) With respect to KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, there has been no
        Environmental Complaints which, when taken in the aggregate, would
        result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (g) With respect to KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, there has been no
        lien asserted or created by any foreign, federal, state or local
        authority upon any or all of the assets, equipment, real property or
        other facilities of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries by reason of a
        Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint initiated or occurring
        prior to the Effective Time, except any which, when taken in the
        aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
             (h) For the purposes of this Section 3.17, the term "KCI and KCI
        Subsidiaries" shall also mean subsidiaries or other properties
        previously owned or operated by KCI or a KCI Subsidiary, either directly
        or indirectly, which would create liability for KCI or the KCI
        Subsidiary by virtue of their prior ownership.
 
             (i) KCI has made available to DSO all environmental studies and
        reports pertaining or relating in any way to the real property or
        equipment owned, occupied or leased by KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries or
        otherwise relating or pertaining to the business, operations or assets
        of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries.
 
          3.18  Interested Party Transactions.
 
             (a) As of the date hereof, neither KCI nor any of the KCI
        Subsidiaries is a party to any oral or written (i) consulting or similar
        agreement with any present or former director, officer or employee or
        any entity controlled by any such person not terminable on thirty days'
        or less notice involving the payment of more than $100,000 per annum,
        (ii) agreement with any executive officer or other key employee, the
        benefits of which are contingent or the terms of which are materially
        altered, upon the occurrence of a transaction involving it of the nature
        contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) agreement with respect to any
        executive officer or other key employee of it providing any term of
        employment or compensation guarantee extending for a period longer than
        one year or for the payment in excess of $100,000 per annum, or (iv)
        except for the KCI Options, agreement or plan, including any stock
        option plan, stock appreciation right plan, restricted stock plan or
        stock purchase plan, any of the benefits of which will be increased, or
        the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the
        occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
        the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the
        basis of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
             (b) Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries is indebted for
        money borrowed, either directly or indirectly from any of its officers,
        directors, or any Affiliate in any amount whatsoever, nor are any of its
        officers, directors, or Affiliates indebted for money borrowed from it;
        nor are there any transactions of a continuing nature between it and any
        of its officers, directors, or Affiliates (other than the regular
        employment of such persons) which will continue beyond the Effective
        Time, including, without limitation, use of its assets for personal
        benefit with or without adequate compensation.
 
        3.19  Contracts.
 
             (a) Neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries is a party to any
        contracts, agreements, commitments and other instruments (whether oral
        or written) that (i) involve an expenditure by
 
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<PAGE>   152
 
        such party or require the performance of services or delivery of goods
        to, by, through, on behalf of or for the benefit of such party, which in
        each case, relates to a contract, commitment or instrument that requires
        payments in excess of $25,000 per year and (ii) involve an obligation
        for the performance of services or delivery of goods by such party that
        cannot, or in reasonable probability will not be performed within thirty
        days from the dates as of which these representations are made, except
        for arrangements for the manufacture or supply of products and for the
        purchase or sale of merchandise or services entered into the ordinary
        course of business.
 
             (b) All of the material contracts, agreements, commitments and
        other instruments that either KCI or any of the KCI Subsidiaries is a
        party to, or by which any of them is bound, are valid and binding upon
        such party and the other parties thereto and are in full force and
        effect and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and neither such
        party nor any other party to any such contract, agreement, commitment or
        other instrument has breached any provision of, and no event has
        occurred, in each case, which, with the lapse of time or action by a
        third party, could result in a default under the terms thereof which,
        alone or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect, and,
        there are no existing facts or circumstances which would prevent such
        party's contracts and agreements for the sale of goods from maturing in
        due course into fully collectible accounts receivable, except where
        failure to do so would have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          3.20  Title to Properties. KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have good
     title to all of their real and other properties and assets, tangible and
     intangible, as reflected in the KCI Balance Sheet, except as since sold or
     otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, free and clear of
     all claims and encumbrances other than (i) specifically disclosed in the
     KCI Balance Sheet, (ii) any liens for taxes not yet due and payable or
     being contested, and (iii) such imperfections of title, covenants,
     restrictions, easements and encumbrances, if any, as do not materially
     detract from the value or materially interfere with the present use of any
     of the properties or otherwise materially impair the business operations or
     the financial condition of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
          3.21  Insurance. KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries have insurance covering
     casualty, fire, liability, worker's compensation and disability (the "KCI
     Policies") providing coverage and having limitations and deductibles that
     are customary for a business of the type operated by them and sufficient
     for compliance in all material respects with all requirements of law and of
     all agreements to which KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries are a party, and such
     KCI Policies will be in full force and effect for all periods up to and
     including the Effective Time, and no notice of cancellation or termination
     has been received with respect to any of the KCI Policies. There are no
     pending claims under or relating to any of the KCI Policies which
     individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
          3.22  Board Approval. The Board of Directors of KCI has, as of the
     date hereof, unanimously (i) approved this Agreement and the Merger, (ii)
     approved the Voting Agreement among KCI, Coatings Group, Inc., Anders U.
     Schroeder, Asgard Ltd., Parkway M & A Capital Corporation and M&A
     Investment Pte Ltd., (iii) determined that the Merger is in the best
     interests of the stockholders of KCI and is on terms that are fair to such
     stockholders and (iv) resolved to recommend that the stockholders of KCI
     approve this Agreement and the Merger.
 
          3.23  Vote Required. The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of
     the outstanding shares of KCI Common Stock is the only vote of the holders
     of any class or series of KCI's capital stock necessary to approve this
     Agreement and the Merger.
 
          3.24  Disclosure. No representation or warranty made by KCI in this
     Agreement, nor any document, written information, statement, financial
     statement, certificate or exhibit prepared and furnished or to be prepared
     and furnished by KCI or its representatives pursuant hereto or in
     connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, when taken together,
     contains any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits to state a
     material fact necessary to make the statements or facts contained herein or
     therein, not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they are
     furnished.
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>   153
 
          3.25  Fairness Opinion. KCI's Board of Directors has received a
     written opinion from PaineWebber Incorporated that as of the date hereof
     the Exchange Ratio is fair to KCI's stockholders from a financial point of
     view.
 
          3.26  Restrictions on Business Activities. There is no agreement,
     judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries that has or could reasonably be expected to have the effect of
     prohibiting or impairing any business practice of KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries or the conduct of business by KCI or any of the KCI
     Subsidiaries as currently conducted, which would have a Material Adverse
     Effect.
 
          3.27  Propriety of Past Payments. No funds or assets of KCI or any of
     the KCI Subsidiaries have been used for an illegal purpose, nor have any
     unrecorded funds or assets of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries been established
     for any purposes. No accumulation or use of KCI's or the KCI Subsidiaries'
     corporate funds or assets has been made without being properly accounted
     for in their respective books and records and all payments by or on behalf
     of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries have been duly and properly recorded and
     accounted for in their respective books and records. No false or artificial
     entry has been made in the books and records of KCI or the KCI Subsidiaries
     for any reason (except in the case of unaudited financial statements, for
     year-ended adjustments). No payment has been made by or on behalf of KCI or
     the KCI Subsidiaries with the understanding that any part of such payment
     is to be used for any purpose other than that described in the document
     supporting such payment, and neither KCI nor any of the KCI Subsidiaries
     has made, directly or indirectly, any illegal contributions to any
     political party or candidate, either domestic or foreign. Neither the IRS
     nor any other federal, state, local or foreign government agency or entity
     has initiated or threatened any investigation of any payment made by KCI or
     the KCI Subsidiaries of, or alleged to be of, the type described in this
     Section 3.27.
 
     4. DSO COVENANTS
 
          4.1  Advice of Changes. During the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, DSO will as soon as possible
     advise KCI in writing (a) of any event occurring subsequent to the date of
     this Agreement that would render any representation or warranty of DSO
     contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or
     the Effective Time, untrue or inaccurate in any material respect, (b) of
     any event or occurrence resulting in or which may reasonably be expected to
     result in, a Material Adverse Effect on DSO or (c) of any breach by DSO of
     any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement. To ensure compliance
     with this Section 4.1, DSO shall deliver to KCI as soon as reasonably
     practicable after the end of each monthly accounting period ending after
     the date of this Agreement and before the earlier of the Effective Time or
     the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, an
     unaudited consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations and statement
     of cash flows for DSO, which financial statements shall be prepared in the
     ordinary course of business, in accordance with DSO's books and records and
     generally accepted accounting principles and shall fairly present the
     consolidated financial position of DSO as of their respective dates and the
     results of DSO's operations for the periods then ended.
 
          4.2  Maintenance of Business. During the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, DSO will use its diligent
     commercial efforts to carry on and preserve its business and its
     relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and others in
     substantially the same manner as it has prior to the date hereof. If DSO
     becomes aware of any material deterioration in the relationship with any
     material customer, material supplier or key employee, it will promptly
     bring such information to the attention of KCI.
 
          4.3  Conduct of Business. Except as may be necessary to consummate the
     transactions contemplated hereby, during the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, DSO will continue to conduct
     its
 
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<PAGE>   154
 
     business and maintain its business relationships in the ordinary and usual
     course and neither DSO nor any DSO Subsidiary will, without the prior
     written consent of KCI:
 
             (a) borrow any money except for amounts that are not in the
        aggregate material to the financial condition of DSO and the DSO
        Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
 
             (b) enter into any material transaction not in the ordinary course
        of its business;
 
             (c) encumber or permit to be encumbered any of its assets except in
        the ordinary course of its business or with respect to liens which are
        not material or relate to unpaid taxes;
 
             (d) dispose of any of its assets except in the ordinary course of
        business;
 
             (e) enter into any material lease or contract for the purchase or
        sale or license of any property, real or personal, except in the
        ordinary course of business;
 
             (f) fail to maintain its equipment and other assets in good working
        condition and repair, and in all material respects, in accordance with
        the standards it has maintained to the date of this Agreement, subject
        only to ordinary wear and tear;
 
             (g) pay (or make any oral or written commitments or representations
        to pay) any bonus, increased salary or special remuneration to any
        officer, employee or consultant (except for normal salary increases
        consistent with past practices, not to exceed ten percent (10%) per year
        pursuant to existing arrangements previously disclosed to KCI on the DSO
        Disclosure Schedule) or enter into or vary the terms of any employment,
        consulting or severance agreement with any such person, pay any
        severance or termination pay (other than payments made in accordance
        with plans or agreements existing on the date hereof), grant any stock
        option (except for normal grants to newly hired or current employees
        consistent with past practices and annual grants of options granted to
        non-employee directors required by the terms of the DSO 1992 Stock Plan)
        or issue any restricted stock, or enter into or modify any agreement or
        plan or increase benefits of the type described in Section 2.8; provided
        that DSO shall be entitled to pay annual bonuses and to make changes to
        compensation (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
        practices or (ii) with prior written notice to KCI in the event that
        such changes are required, in the good faith judgment of DSO and after
        consultation with KCI, to retain its key employees following the
        Effective Time;
 
             (h) change accounting methods;
 
             (i) declare, set aside or pay any cash or stock dividend or other
        distribution in respect of capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire
        any of its capital stock (other than pursuant to arrangements with
        terminated employees or consultants in the ordinary course of business
        consistent with past practice);
 
             (j) amend or terminate any contract, agreement or license to which
        it is a party except those amended or terminated in the ordinary course
        of its business, consistent with past practice, and which are not
        material in amount or effect;
 
             (k) lend any amount to any person or entity, other than (i)
        advances for travel and expenses which are incurred in the ordinary
        course of business consistent with past practice, not material in amount
        and documented by receipts for the claimed amounts, or (ii) any loans
        pursuant to any DSO Section 401(a) Plan;
 
             (l) guarantee or act as a surety for any obligation except for
        obligations in amounts that are not material;
 
             (m) issue or sell any shares of its capital stock of any class
        (except upon the exercise of a bona fide option or warrant currently
        outstanding or permitted to be granted under Section 4.3(g)), or any
        other of its securities, or issue or create any warrants, obligations,
        subscriptions, options (except as expressly permitted under Section
        4.3(g)), convertible securities or other commitments to issue shares of
        capital stock, or accelerate the vesting of any outstanding option or
        other security;
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>   155
 
             (n) split or combine the outstanding shares of its capital stock of
        any class or enter into any recapitalization or agreement affecting the
        number of rights of outstanding shares of its capital stock of any class
        or affecting any other of its securities;
 
             (o) merge, consolidate or reorganize with, or acquire any entity
        (other than such transaction that would not be material and that would
        not impair or affect the timing of the Merger) or adopt a plan of
        liquidation or dissolution;
 
             (p) amend its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws;
 
             (q) license any DSO Intellectual Property Rights except in the
        ordinary course of business;
 
             (r) agree to any audit assessment by any tax authority;
 
             (s) change any insurance coverage, voluntarily allow any insurance
        coverage to lapse, or issue any certificates of insurance; or
 
             (t) agree to do, or permit any DSO Subsidiary to do or agree to do,
        or enter into negotiations with respect to any of the things described
        in the preceding clauses in this Section 4.3.
 
          4.4  Stockholder Approval. Without regard to the recommendation
     contemplated by this Section 4.4, DSO will call the DSO Stockholders
     Meeting to be held as soon as possible after the Form S-4 shall have been
     declared effective by the SEC to submit this Agreement, the Merger and
     related matters for the consideration and approval of the DSO stockholders.
     Such approval will be recommended by DSO's Board of Directors subject to
     the fiduciary obligations of its directors. Such meeting will be called,
     held and conducted, and any proxies will be solicited, in compliance with
     applicable securities laws.
 
          4.5  Prospectus/Proxy Statement. DSO will mail to its stockholders in
     a timely manner at least twenty (20) business days prior to the meeting,
     for the purpose of considering and voting upon the Merger at the DSO
     Stockholders Meeting, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement in the Form S-4. DSO
     will as soon as possible provide all information relating to DSO, its
     business or operations necessary for inclusion in the Prospectus/Proxy
     Statement to satisfy all requirements of applicable state and federal
     securities laws. DSO shall be solely responsible for any statement,
     information or omission in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement relating to it or
     its Affiliates based upon written information furnished by it. DSO will not
     provide or publish to its stockholders any material concerning it or its
     Affiliates that violates the Securities Act or the Exchange Act with
     respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
          4.6  Regulatory Approvals. DSO will promptly execute and file or join
     in the execution and filing of, any application or other document that may
     be necessary in order to obtain the authorization, approval or consent of
     any governmental body, federal, state, local or foreign, which may be
     reasonably required, or which KCI may reasonably request, in connection
     with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
     DSO will use its best efforts to obtain promptly all such authorizations,
     approvals and consents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
     as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, DSO shall
     file with the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust
     Division of the Department of Justice (the "DOJ"), a pre-merger
     notification report under the HSR Act.
 
          4.7  Necessary Consents. During the term of this Agreement, DSO will
     use its best efforts to obtain such written consents and take such other
     actions as may be necessary or appropriate in addition to those set forth
     in Section 4.6 to allow the consummation of the transactions contemplated
     hereby and to allow the Surviving Corporation to carry on DSO's business
     after the Effective Time.
 
          4.8  Access to Information. DSO will allow KCI and its agents
     reasonable access to the files, books, records and offices of DSO and each
     DSO Subsidiary, including, without limitation, any and all information
     relating to DSO's taxes, commitments, contracts, leases, licenses and real,
     personal and intangible property and financial condition. DSO will cause
     its accountants to cooperate with KCI and its agents in making available to
     KCI all financial information reasonably requested, including, without
     limitation, the right to examine all working papers pertaining to all tax
     returns and financial statements prepared or audited by such accountants.
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>   156
 
          4.9  Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent. During the term of this
     Agreement, DSO will use its best efforts to satisfy or cause to be
     satisfied all the conditions precedent that are set forth in Article 8, and
     DSO will use its best efforts to cause the Merger and the other
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated.
 
          4.10  No Other Negotiations. From and after the date of this Agreement
     until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this
     Agreement in accordance with its terms, DSO and the DSO Subsidiaries shall
     not, and shall direct and use its best efforts to cause its officers,
     directors and agents not to (a) solicit, engage in discussions or negotiate
     with any person (whether such discussions or negotiations are initiated by
     DSO or otherwise) or take any other action intended or designed to
     facilitate the efforts of any person, other than KCI, relating to a
     possible Alternative Acquisition (as defined below), (b) provide
     information with respect to DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries to any
     person, other than KCI, relating to a possible Alternative Acquisition by
     any person, other than KCI, (c) enter into an agreement with any person,
     other than KCI, providing for a possible Alternative Acquisition or (d)
     except as contemplated by this Section 4.10 or as required by applicable
     law (including the exercise of the fiduciary duties of the DSO Board of
     Directors), make or authorize any statement, recommendation or solicitation
     in support of any possible Alternative Acquisition by any person, other
     than by KCI.
 
          Notwithstanding the foregoing, the restrictions set forth in this
     Agreement shall not prevent the Board of Directors of DSO (or its agents
     pursuant to its instructions) from taking the following actions: (a)
     furnishing information concerning DSO and its business, properties and
     assets to any third party and (b) entering into discussions with such third
     party concerning an Alternative Acquisition, provided that all of the
     following events shall have occurred: (i) such third party has made a
     written proposal to the Board of Directors of DSO to consummate an
     Alternative Acquisition which proposal identifies a price or range of
     values to be paid for the outstanding securities or substantially all of
     the assets of DSO, and if consummated, based on the advice of DSO's
     investment bankers, the Board of Directors of DSO has determined such
     Alternative Acquisition to be financially more favorable to the
     stockholders of DSO than the terms of the Merger (a "Superior Proposal");
     (ii) DSO's Board of Directors has determined, based on the advice of its
     investment bankers, that such third party is financially capable of
     consummating such Superior Proposal; (iii) the Board of Directors of DSO
     shall have determined, after consultation with its outside legal counsel,
     that the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors require DSO to furnish
     information to and negotiate with such third party; and (iv) at least two
     (2) business days prior thereto, KCI shall have been notified in writing of
     such Superior Proposal, including all of its terms and conditions, and
     shall have been given copies of such proposal and KCI shall have been
     notified of the determinations made by the DSO Board of Directors pursuant
     to clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph. Notwithstanding the
     foregoing, DSO shall not provide any non-public information to such third
     party unless (A) it provides such information to KCI simultaneously or as
     promptly as practicable thereafter and (B) DSO has notified KCI in advance
     of any such proposed disclosure of non-public information to any such third
     party, with a description of the information proposed to be disclosed.
 
          In addition to the foregoing, DSO shall not accept or enter into any
     agreement concerning an Alternative Acquisition for a period of not less
     than forty-eight (48) hours after KCI's receipt of a copy of such proposal
     of an Alternative Acquisition. Upon compliance with the foregoing, DSO
     shall be entitled to enter into an agreement with such third-party
     concerning an Alternative Acquisition provided that DSO shall immediately
     make or cause to be made payment in full to KCI of the Breakup Fee as
     defined in Section 9.4 below.
 
          If DSO or any of the DSO Subsidiaries receives any unsolicited offer,
     inquiry or proposal to enter into discussions or negotiations relating to
     an Alternative Acquisition, DSO shall immediately notify KCI thereof,
     including information as to the identity of the party making any such
     offer, inquiry or proposal and the specific terms of such offer, inquiry or
     proposal, as the case may be.
 
          DSO shall be entitled to provide copies of this Section 4.10 to third
     parties who, on an entirely unsolicited basis after the date hereof,
     contact DSO concerning an Alternative Acquisition; provided that KCI shall
     concurrently be notified of such contact and the delivery of such copy.
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>   157
 
          For purposes of this Agreement, "Alternative Acquisition" shall mean
     any of the following (other than transactions between KCI and DSO
     contemplated hereby): (i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange,
     business combination, or other similar transaction involving DSO or the DSO
     Subsidiaries; (ii) any sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of 20%
     or more of the assets of DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in
     a single transaction or series of related transactions, (iii) any sale of
     or tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of the outstanding shares
     of capital stock of DSO or the filing of a registration statement under the
     Securities Act in connection therewith; (iv) any person acquiring
     beneficial ownership or the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, or
     any "group" (as such term is defined under Section 13(d) of the Exchange
     Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) having been
     formed for the purpose of effecting an Alternative Acquisition which
     beneficially owns, or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 20%
     or more of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of DSO; or (v) any
     public announcement of a proposal, plan or intention to do any of the
     foregoing or any agreement to engage in any of the foregoing with respect
     to DSO or the DSO Subsidiaries.
 
     5. KCI COVENANTS
 
          5.1  Advice of Changes. During the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, KCI will as soon as possible
     advise DSO in writing (a) of any event occurring subsequent to the date of
     this Agreement that would render any representation or warranty of KCI
     contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or
     the Effective Time, untrue or inaccurate in any material respect, (b) of
     any Material Adverse Effect on KCI or (c) of any breach by KCI of any
     covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement. To ensure compliance
     with this Section 5.1, KCI shall deliver to DSO as soon as reasonably
     practicable after the end of each monthly accounting period ending after
     the date of this Agreement and before the earlier of the Effective Time or
     the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, an
     unaudited consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations and statement
     of cash flows for KCI, which financial statements shall be prepared in the
     ordinary course of business, in accordance with KCI's books and records and
     generally accepted accounting principles and shall fairly present the
     consolidated financial position of KCI as of their respective dates and the
     results of KCI's operations for the periods then ended.
 
          5.2  Maintenance of Business. During the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, KCI will use its diligent
     commercial efforts to carry on and preserve its business and its
     relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and others in
     substantially the same manner as it has prior to the date hereof. If KCI
     becomes aware of any material deterioration in the relationship with any
     material customer, material supplier or key employee, it will promptly
     bring such information to the attention of DSO.
 
          5.3  Conduct of Business. Except as may be necessary to consummate the
     transactions contemplated hereby, during the period from the date of this
     Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
     this Agreement in accordance with its terms, KCI will continue to conduct
     its business and maintain its business relationships in the ordinary and
     usual course and neither KCI nor any KCI Subsidiary will, without the prior
     written consent of DSO:
 
             (a) borrow any money except for amounts that are not in the
        aggregate material to the financial condition of KCI and the KCI
        Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
 
             (b) enter into any material transaction not in the ordinary course
        of its business;
 
             (c) encumber or permit to be encumbered any of its assets except in
        the ordinary course of its business or with respect to liens which are
        not material or relate to unpaid taxes;
 
             (d) dispose of any of its assets except in the ordinary course of
        business;
 
             (e) enter into any material lease or contract for the purchase or
        sale or license of any property, real or personal, except in the
        ordinary course of business;
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>   158
 
             (f) fail to maintain its equipment and other assets in good working
        condition and repair, and accordingly, in all material respects, to the
        standards it has maintained to the date of this Agreement, subject only
        to ordinary wear and tear;
 
             (g) pay (or make any oral or written commitments or representations
        to pay) any bonus, increased salary or special remuneration to any
        officer, employee or consultant (except for normal salary increases
        consistent with past practices and not to exceed ten percent (10%) per
        year pursuant to existing arrangements previously disclosed to DSO on
        the KCI Disclosure Schedule) or enter into or vary the terms of any
        employment, consulting or severance agreement with any such person, pay
        any severance or termination pay (other than payments made in accordance
        with plans or agreements existing on the date hereof), grant any stock
        option (except for normal grants to newly hired or current employees
        consistent with past practices and grants of options granted to non-
        employee directors required by the terms of the KCI 1992 Incentive
        Compensation Plan) or issue any restricted stock, or enter into or
        modify any agreement or plan or increase benefits of the type described
        in Section 3.8; provided that KCI shall be entitled to pay annual
        bonuses and to make changes to compensation (i) in the ordinary course
        of business consistent with past practices or (ii) with prior written
        notice to DSO in the event that such changes are required, in the good
        faith judgment of KCI and after consultation with DSO, to retain its key
        employees following the Effective Time;
 
             (h) change accounting methods;
 
             (i) declare, set aside or pay any cash or stock dividend or other
        distribution in respect of capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire
        any of its capital stock (other than pursuant to arrangements with
        terminated employees or consultants in the ordinary course of business
        consistent with past practice);
 
             (j) amend or terminate any contract, agreement or license to which
        it is a party except those amended or terminated in the ordinary course
        of its business, consistent with past practice, and which are not
        material in amount or effect;
 
             (k) lend any amount to any person or entity, other than (i)
        advances for travel and expenses which are incurred in the ordinary
        course of business consistent with past practice, not material in amount
        and documented by receipts for the claimed amounts, or (ii) any loans
        pursuant to any KCI Section 401(a) Plan;
 
             (l) guarantee or act as a surety for any obligation except for
        obligations in amounts that are not material;
 
             (m) issue or sell any shares of its capital stock of any class
        (except upon the exercise of a bona fide option or warrant currently
        outstanding or permitted to be granted under Section 5.3(g)), or any
        other of its securities, or issue or create any warrants, obligations,
        subscriptions, options (except as expressly permitted under Section
        5.3(g)), convertible securities or other commitments to issue shares of
        capital stock, or accelerate the vesting of any outstanding option or
        other security;
 
             (n) split or combine the outstanding shares of its capital stock of
        any class or enter into any recapitalization or agreement affecting the
        number of rights of outstanding shares of its capital stock of any class
        or affecting any other of its securities;
 
             (o) merge, consolidate or reorganize with, or acquire any entity
        (other than such transaction that would not be material and that would
        not impair or affect the timing of the Merger) or adopt a plan of
        liquidation or dissolution;
 
             (p) amend its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws;
 
             (q) license any KCI Intellectual Property Rights except in the
        ordinary course of business;
 
             (r) agree to any audit assessment by any tax authority;
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>   159
 
             (s) change any insurance coverage, voluntarily allow any insurance
        coverage to lapse, or issue any certificates of insurance; or
 
             (t) agree to do, or permit any KCI Subsidiary to do or agree to do,
        or enter into negotiations with respect to any of the things described
        in the preceding clauses in this Section 5.3.
 
          5.4  Stockholder Approval. Without regard to the recommendation
     contemplated by this Section 5.4, KCI will call the KCI Stockholders
     Meeting to be held as soon as possible after the Form S-4 shall have been
     declared effective by the SEC to submit this Agreement, the Merger and
     related matters for the consideration and approval of the KCI stockholders.
     Such approval will be recommended by KCI's Board of Directors subject to
     the fiduciary obligations of its directors. Such meeting will be called,
     held and conducted, and any proxies will be solicited, in compliance with
     applicable securities laws.
 
          5.5  Prospectus/Proxy Statement. KCI will mail to its stockholders in
     a timely manner at least twenty (20) business days prior to the meeting,
     for the purpose of considering and voting upon the Merger at the KCI
     Stockholders Meeting, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement in the Form S-4. KCI
     will as promptly as soon as possible provide all information relating to
     KCI, its business or operations necessary for inclusion in the
     Prospectus/Proxy Statement to satisfy all requirements of applicable state
     and federal securities laws. KCI shall be solely responsible for any
     statement, information or omission in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement
     relating to it or its Affiliates based upon written information furnished
     by it. KCI will not provide or publish to its stockholders any material
     concerning it or its Affiliates that violates the Securities Act or the
     Exchange Act with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
          5.6  Regulatory Approvals. KCI will promptly execute and file or join
     in the execution and filing, of any application or other document that may
     be necessary in order to obtain the authorization, approval or consent of
     any governmental body, federal, state, local or foreign, which may be
     reasonably required, or which DSO may reasonably request, in connection
     with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
     KCI will use its best efforts to promptly obtain all such authorizations,
     approvals and consents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
     as promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, KCI shall
     file with the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the DOJ a pre-merger
     notification report under the HSR Act.
 
          5.7  Necessary Consents. During the term of this Agreement, KCI will
     use its best efforts to obtain such written consents and take such other
     actions as may be necessary or appropriate in addition to those set forth
     in Section 5.6 to allow the consummation of the transactions contemplated
     hereby and to allow the Surviving Corporation to carry on KCI's business
     after the Effective Time.
 
          5.8  Access to Information. KCI will allow DSO and its agents
     reasonable access to the files, books, records and offices of KCI and each
     KCI Subsidiary, including, without limitation, any and all information
     relating to KCI's taxes, commitments, contracts, leases, licenses and real,
     personal and intangible property and financial condition. KCI will cause
     its accountants to cooperate with DSO and its agents in making available to
     DSO all financial information reasonably requested, including, without
     limitation, the right to examine all working papers pertaining to all tax
     returns and financial statements prepared or audited by such accountants.
 
          5.9  Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent. During the term of this
     Agreement, KCI will use its best efforts to satisfy or cause to be
     satisfied all the conditions precedent that are set forth in Article 7, and
     KCI will use its best efforts to cause the Merger and the other
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated.
 
          5.10  Listing. KCI will use its best efforts to cause as promptly as
     reasonably practicable the shares of KCI Common Stock to be issued pursuant
     to the Merger to be listed upon the Effective Time with the NYSE, subject
     to official notice of issuance.
 
          5.11  Nomination of Directors. The Board of Directors of KCI shall
     take all necessary action to increase the KCI Board of Directors to nine
     members as of the Effective Time and to cause the two persons named by DSO
     at the Effective Time to be appointed to the Board of Directors of KCI with
     one
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>   160
 
     DSO designee to be appointed to the class of directors serving until the
     KCI Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 1999 and the other in the class
     serving until the KCI Annual Meeting in 1997, at which KCI agrees to use
     its best efforts to renominate such person to serve until the KCI Annual
     Meeting in 2000.
 
          5.12  Executive Committee. The Board of Directors of KCI shall take
     all necessary steps as of the Effective Time, to create an Executive
     Committee of the Board of Directors with three members, and to cause one
     director, named by DSO at the Effective Time, to be appointed to such
     committee.
 
          5.13 Director and Officer Indemnification. From and after the
     Effective Time, KCI shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the current
     officers and directors of DSO and DSO Subsidiaries against all losses,
     claims, damages and liability in respect of acts or omissions occurring at
     or prior to the Effective Time to the fullest extent that DSO or such DSO
     Subsidiary would have been permitted under applicable law and the
     Certificates or Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of DSO or DSO
     Subsidiary in effect on the date hereof to indemnify such person. For at
     least six years after the Effective Time, KCI shall cause the Surviving
     Corporation to keep in effect provisions in its Certificate or Article of
     Incorporation and Bylaws providing for limitation of director and officer
     liability and indemnification of such persons to the fullest extent. KCI
     shall reimburse all expenses including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred
     by any person to enforce successfully the obligations of KCI under this
     Section. The provisions of this Section 5.13 shall survive consummation of
     the Merger and are expressly intended to benefit current directors and
     officers of DSO. After the Effective Time, KCI shall cause the Surviving
     Corporation to purchase insurance covering the directors and officers of
     DSO for claims made within one year after the Effective Time against such
     directors and officers relating to claims arising prior to the Effective
     Time. KCI shall not be obligated to pay more than $150,000 for such
     insurance. From and after the Effective Time, KCI shall purchase insurance
     covering the directors and officers of KCI, with coverage limits comparable
     to such insurance carried by DSO prior to the Effective Time, if in the
     sole discretion of KCI, such insurance may be purchased at prices
     comparable to that paid by DSO.
 
          5.14  DSO Trade Debt. KCI shall cause the Surviving Corporation to
     provide for the approximately $9,922,017 (plus interest accruing after July
     1, 1996) owing as of the date hereof by DeSoto to its trade creditors
     pursuant to the Trade Composition Agreement and related Security Agreement
     (the "Trade Debt"), in the following amounts: (i) eighty percent (80%) of
     the Trade Debt as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Effective
     Time, and (ii) twenty percent (20%) of the Trade Debt no later than one (1)
     year after the Effective Time.
 
     6. CLOSING MATTERS
 
          6.1  The Closing. Subject to the termination of this Agreement as
     provided in Article 9 below, the Closing of the transactions contemplated
     by this Agreement (the "Closing") will take place at the offices of Godwin
     & Carlton, P.C., 901 Main Street, Suite 2500, Dallas, Texas 75202 on a date
     (the "Closing Date") and at a time to be mutually agreed upon by the
     parties, which date shall be no later than the third business day after all
     conditions to Closing set forth herein shall have been satisfied or waived,
     unless another place, time and date is mutually selected by DSO and KCI.
     Concurrently with the Closing, the Certificate of Merger will be filed in
     the office of Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. As soon as
     practicable thereafter, the Certificate of Merger will be recorded in the
     Office of Recorder of the Delaware county or counties in which the parties
     to the Certificate of Merger maintain their respective registered offices.
 
          6.2  Exchange of Certificates.
 
             (a) Exchange Agent. Prior to the Closing Date, KCI shall select a
        bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to DSO to act as exchange
        agent (the "Exchange Agent") in the Merger. Promptly after the Effective
        Time, KCI shall deposit with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the
        holders of shares of DSO Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with
        this Agreement and the Certificate of Merger, certificates representing
        the shares of KCI Common Stock (such shares of KCI Common Stock,
        together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto
        pursuant to
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>   161
 
        Section 6.2(c), being hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Fund")
        issuable pursuant to this Agreement and the Certificate of Merger in
        exchange for outstanding shares of DSO Common Stock. The Exchange Agent
        shall not be entitled to vote or exercise any right of ownership with
        respect to the KCI Common Stock held by it from time to time hereunder.
 
             (b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as practicable after the Effective
        Time, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a
        certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the Effective
        Time represented issued and outstanding shares of DSO Common Stock
        (collectively, the "Certificates"), (i) a letter of transmittal (which
        shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and
        title to the Certificates shall pass, upon delivery of the Certificates
        to the Exchange Agent and shall be in such form and have such other
        provisions as DSO and KCI may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions
        for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for
        certificates representing KCI Common Stock. Upon surrender of a
        Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with a duly
        executed letter of transmittal and such other documents as may be
        reasonably required by the Exchange Agent, the holder of such
        Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a
        certificate representing the number of whole shares of KCI Common Stock
        which such holder has the right to receive pursuant to the provisions of
        this Agreement and the Certificate of Merger, and the Certificate so
        surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. In the event of a transfer of
        ownership of shares of DSO Common Stock which is not registered on the
        transfer records of DSO, a certificate representing the proper number of
        shares of KCI Common Stock may be issued to a transferee if the
        Certificate representing such KCI Common Stock is presented to the
        Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and
        effect such transfer and by evidence that any applicable stock transfer
        taxes have been paid. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section
        6.2 and the Certificate of Merger, each Certificate shall be deemed, on
        and after the Effective Time, to represent only the right to receive
        upon such surrender the certificate representing shares of KCI Common
        Stock and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of KCI Common Stock as
        contemplated by Section 1.2, the Certificate of Merger and the Delaware
        Law.
 
             (c) Distributions with Respect to Unsurrendered Certificates. No
        dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective
        Time with respect to KCI Common Stock with a record date after the
        Effective Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered
        Certificate with respect to the shares of KCI Common Stock represented
        thereby and no cash payment in lieu of fractional shares shall be paid
        to any such holder pursuant to Section 1.2 or the Certificate of Merger
        until a new certificate for KCI Common Stock is issued in exchange for
        such Certificate. Subject to the effect of applicable laws, after the
        issuance of a certificate for KCI Common Stock in exchange for a
        Certificate, there shall be paid to the record holder of such new
        certificate representing whole shares of KCI Common Stock issued in
        exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at the time of such issuance,
        the amount of any cash payable in lieu of a fractional share of KCI
        Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 1.2
        and the Certificate of Merger and the amount of dividends or other
        distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore
        paid with respect to such whole shares of KCI Common Stock and (ii) at
        the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other
        distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to
        surrender and a payment date subsequent to surrender payable with
        respect to such whole shares of KCI Common Stock.
 
             (d) No Further Ownership Rights to DSO Stock. All shares of KCI
        Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of shares of DSO Stock in
        accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Certificate of
        Merger (including any cash paid pursuant to Section 1.2) shall be deemed
        to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to
        such shares of DSO Stock, and after the Effective Time there shall be no
        further registration of any transfer on the stock transfer books of the
        Surviving Corporation of the shares of DSO Stock which were outstanding
        immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time,
        Certificates are presented to KCI for any reason, they shall be
        cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Section 6.2 and the
        Certificate of Merger.
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>   162
 
             (e) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund
        which remains undistributed to the former stockholders of DSO for six
        (6) months after the Effective Time shall be delivered to KCI, upon
        demand, and any former stockholders of DSO who have not theretofore
        complied with this Section 6.2 and the Certificate of Merger shall
        thereafter look only to KCI for payment of their claim for KCI Stock,
        any cash in lieu of fractional shares of KCI Stock and any dividends or
        distributions with respect to KCI Stock.
 
             (f) No Liability. Neither the Exchange Agent, KCI nor DSO shall be
        liable to any holder of shares of DSO Stock or KCI Stock, as the case
        may be, for Exchange Funds or stock delivered to a public official
        pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
 
          6.3  Assumption of Options. Promptly after the Effective Time, KCI
     will notify in writing each holder of a KCI Converted Option of the
     assumption of such option by KCI, the number of shares of KCI Common Stock
     that are then subject to such option, and the exercise price of such
     option, as determined pursuant to this Agreement.
 
7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF DSO
 
          The obligations of DSO hereunder are subject to the fulfillment or
     satisfaction on or before the Closing Date, of each of the following
     conditions (any one or more of which may be waived by DSO, but only in a
     writing signed by DSO):
 
          7.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations
     and warranties of KCI set forth in Article 3 (as qualified by the KCI
     Disclosure Schedule and the Recent KCI SEC Documents) shall be true and
     accurate in every respect on and as of the Closing Date with the same force
     and effect as if they had been made at the Closing except to the extent the
     failure of such representations and warranties to be true and accurate in
     such respects has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a
     Material Adverse Effect, and DSO shall receive a certificate to such effect
     executed by KCI's Chief Financial Officer.
 
          7.2 Covenants. KCI shall have performed and complied in all material
     respects with all of its covenants required to be performed by it under
     this Agreement on or before the Closing, and DSO shall receive a
     certificate to such effect signed by KCI's Chief Financial Officer.
 
          7.3  Absence of Material Adverse Change. From the date of this
     Agreement through the Effective Time, there shall not have been any
     material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
     properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations or results of
     operations of KCI and the KCI Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "KCI
     Material Adverse Change").
 
          7.4  Compliance with Law. There shall be no order, decree or ruling by
     any governmental agency or written threat thereof, or any statute, rule,
     regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the
     Merger, which would prohibit or render illegal the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          7.5  Government Consents. There shall have been obtained on or before
     the Closing such material permits or authorizations, and there shall have
     been taken such other action, as may be required to consummate the Merger
     by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the parties and the
     actions herein proposed to be taken, including but not limited to
     requirements under applicable federal and state securities laws and the
     compliance with, and expiration of any applicable waiting period under, the
     HSR Act.
 
          7.6  The Form S-4. The Form S-4 shall have become effective under the
     Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any stop-order or
     proceedings seeking a stop-order and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement shall
     on the Closing not be subject to any proceedings commenced or threatened by
     the SEC.
 
          7.7  Documents. DSO shall have received all written consents,
     assignments, waivers, authorizations or other certificates reasonably
     deemed necessary by DSO's legal counsel to provide for the continuation in
     full force and effect of any and all material contracts and leases of KCI
     and for KCI to consummate
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>   163
 
     the transactions contemplated hereby except when the failure to receive
     such consents, assignments, waivers, authorizations or certificates would
     not constitute a KCI Material Adverse Change.
 
          7.8  Stockholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have
     been approved and adopted by the DSO stockholders in accordance with the
     rules of the NYSE, applicable law and DSO's Certificate of Incorporation
     and Bylaws.
 
          7.9  KCI Approval. This Agreement, the Merger and the issuance of KCI
     Common Stock in connection with the Merger shall have been approved by the
     KCI stockholders in accordance with the rules of the NYSE, applicable law
     and KCI's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
          7.10  No Legal Action. No temporary restraining order, preliminary
     injunction or permanent injunction or other order preventing the
     consummation of the Merger shall have been issued by any federal or state
     court and remain in effect, nor shall any proceeding initiated by the U.S.
     Government seeking any of the foregoing be pending.
 
          7.11  Election of DSO Designees to Board of Directors of KCI. The
     Board of Directors of KCI shall have taken appropriate action to cause the
     number of directors comprising the full Board of Directors of KCI at the
     Effective Time to be increased from seven to nine persons, and the two
     persons named by DSO at the Effective Time shall be added as additional
     Directors effective upon the Effective Time.
 
          7.12  Tax Opinions. DSO shall have received two opinions of Fried,
     Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (or such other counsel selected by DSO)
     in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, based, in each case,
     upon representation letters dated on or about the dates of such opinions
     from persons reasonably requested to provide such letters and such other
     facts and representations as counsel may reasonably deem relevant, to the
     effect that the Merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
     reorganization qualifying under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code,
     the first of which shall be dated on or about the date that is two business
     days prior to the date of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
     second of which shall be dated as of the Effective Time.
 
          7.13  Legal Opinion. DSO shall have received from counsel to KCI an
     opinion reasonably acceptable to DSO.
 
          7.14  Listing. The shares of KCI Common Stock to be issued in the
     Merger and upon exercise of the Warrants shall have been approved for
     listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
 
          7.15  PBGC. Prior to the Effective Time (i) KCI shall have discussed
     with the PBGC the merger of the DSO Retirement Plans and the KCI Retirement
     Plans, and the assets thereof, and (ii) the PBGC will have raised KCI's
     borrowing restrictions to an amount reasonably expected to enable KCI to
     perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
          7.16  Financing. KCI shall have available reasonably sufficient
     sources of financing in order to effect the Merger and to satisfy its
     obligations and those of the Surviving Corporation.
 
          7.17  Fairness Opinion. DSO shall have received an opinion of Salomon
     Brothers, Inc. confirming, as of one business day before the Effective
     Time, that the Exchange Ratio is fair to the holders of DSO Common Stock
     from a financial point of view.
 
     8. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF KCI
 
          The obligations of KCI hereunder are subject to the fulfillment or
     satisfaction on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions
     (any one or more of which may be waived by KCI, but only in a writing
     signed by KCI):
 
          8.1  Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations
     and warranties of DSO set forth in Article 2 (as qualified by the DSO
     Disclosure Schedule and the Recent DSO SEC Documents) shall be true and
     accurate in every respect on and as of the Closing Date with the same force
     and effect as if they had been made at the Closing except to the extent the
     failure of such representations and warranties to be true and accurate in
     such respects had not had and could not reasonably be expected to
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>   164
 
     have a Material Adverse Effect (except that any breach of this Section 8.1
     shall be deemed to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to any
     untruth or inaccuracy contained in Section 2.8(i)), and KCI shall receive a
     certificate to such effect executed by DSO's Chief Financial Officer.
 
          8.2  Covenants. DSO shall have performed and complied in all material
     respects with all of its covenants required to be performed by it under
     this Agreement on or before the Closing, and KCI shall receive a
     certificate to such effect signed by DSO's Chief Financial Officer.
 
          8.3  Absence of Material Adverse Change. From the date of this
     Agreement through the Effective Time, there shall not have been any
     material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
     properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations or results of
     operations of DSO and DSO Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "DSO Material
     Adverse Change").
 
          8.4  Compliance with Law. There shall be no order, decree or ruling by
     any governmental agency or written threat thereof, or any statute, rule,
     regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the
     Merger, which would prohibit or render illegal the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          8.5  Government Consents. There shall have been obtained on or before
     the Closing such material permits or authorizations, and there shall have
     been taken such other action, as may be required to consummate the Merger
     by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the parties and the
     actions herein proposed to be taken, including but not limited to
     requirements under applicable federal and state securities laws and the
     compliance with, and expiration of any applicable waiting period under, the
     HSR Act.
 
          8.6  Form S-4. The Form S-4 shall have become effective under the
     Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any stop-order or
     proceedings seeking a stop-order and the Prospectus/Proxy Statement shall
     on the Closing not be subject to any proceedings commenced or threatened by
     the SEC.
 
          8.7  Documents. KCI shall have received all written consents,
     assignments, waivers, authorizations or other certificates reasonably
     deemed necessary by KCI's legal counsel to provide for the continuation in
     full force and effect of any and all material contracts and leases of DSO
     and for DSO to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby except when
     the failure to receive such consents, assignments, waivers, authorizations,
     or certificates would not constitute a DSO Material Adverse Change.
 
          8.8  Stockholder Approval. This Agreement, the Merger and the issuance
     of KCI Common Stock in connection with the Merger shall have been approved
     by the KCI stockholders in accordance with the rules of the NYSE,
     applicable law and KCI's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
          8.9  DSO Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have been
     approved and adopted by the DSO stockholders in accordance with the rules
     of the NYSE, applicable law and DSO's Certificate of Incorporation and
     Bylaws.
 
          8.10  No Legal Action. No temporary restraining order, preliminary
     injunction or permanent injunction or other order preventing the
     consummation of the Merger shall have been issued by any federal or state
     court and remain in effect, nor shall any proceeding initiated by the U.S.
     Government seeking any of the foregoing be pending.
 
          8.11  Tax Opinions. KCI shall have received two opinions of Godwin &
     Carlton, P.C. (or such other counsel selected by KCI) in form and substance
     reasonably satisfactory to it, based, in each case, upon representation
     letters dated on or about the dates of such opinions from persons
     reasonably requested to provide such letters and such other facts and
     representations as counsel may reasonably deem relevant, to the effect that
     the Merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
     reorganization qualifying under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code,
     the first of which shall be dated on or about the date that is two business
     days prior to the date of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
     second of which shall be dated as of the Effective Time.
 
                                      A-38
<PAGE>   165
 
          8.12  Legal Opinion. KCI shall have received from counsel to DSO, an
     opinion reasonably acceptable to KCI.
 
          8.13  Agreement of Warrantholders. The Warrant Conversion Agreement of
     even date herewith between each holder of DSO Warrants and KCI shall be in
     full force and effect and the holders of the DSO Warrants shall have
     complied with all of their obligations under such Warrant Conversion
     Agreement.
 
          8.14  Financing. KCI shall have available reasonably sufficient
     sources of financing in order to effect the Merger and to satisfy its
     obligations and those of the Surviving Corporation.
 
          8.15  Amendment of DSO Retirement Plan. DSO shall have amended the DSO
     Retirement Plan effective immediately prior to the Effective Time to the
     reasonable satisfaction of KCI, in order to remove all restrictions in the
     DSO Retirement Plan, other than those required by ERISA, regarding (a)
     reductions or changes in benefit formulas thereunder, (b) the merger of the
     DSO Retirement Plan into another plan or the merger of another plan into
     the DSO Retirement Plan, (c) the reversion of plan assets thereof, and (d)
     the allocation of plan assets upon plan termination, including without
     limitation, any such restrictions in Section 10.3(e), Section 10.4 or
     Section 11.4 of the DSO Retirement Plan.
 
          8.16  No Pending Termination. The DSO Retirement Plan shall not have
     been terminated.
 
          8.17  PBGC. Prior to the Effective Time (i) KCI shall have discussed
     with the PBGC the merger of the DSO Retirement Plans and the KCI Retirement
     Plans, and the assets thereof, and (ii) the PBGC will have raised KCI's
     borrowing restrictions to an amount reasonably expected to enable KCI to
     perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
          8.18  Approval of Change of Control. Prior to the Effective Time, DSO
     and its Board of Directors shall make the approval and nomination described
     in Section 10.4 of the DSO Retirement Plan.
 
          8.19  Preferred Stockholders Consents. The Preferred Stockholder
     Waiver and Consent Agreement of even date herewith between KCI and the
     holders of the DSO Preferred Stock shall be in full force and effect and
     the holders of the DSO Preferred Stock shall have complied with all of
     their obligations under such Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent
     Agreement.
 
          8.20  Prescott Obligation. DSO's payment obligation in respect of its
     purchase of J.L. Prescott Company shall be resolved on terms satisfactory
     to KCI in its sole discretion.
 
          8.21  Fairness Opinion. KCI shall have received an opinion of
     PaineWebber Incorporated confirming, as of one business day before the
     Effective Time, that the Exchange Ratio is fair to the holders of KCI
     Common Stock from a financial point of view.
 
          8.22  Lender Consent. KCI shall have received a consent of its secured
     lender to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          8.23  Trade Creditor Agreement. DSO's trade creditors shall have
     consented to the terms of repayment contemplated by Section 5.14 hereof.
 
          8.24  Merger of Pension Plans. All regulatory action shall have been
     taken in order to effect, and no impediments shall exist to prohibit, the
     merger of the DSO Pension Plans and the KCI Pension Plans, in a manner
     satisfactory to KCI, at the Effective Time.
 
     9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT; BREAK UP FEES
 
          9.1  Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior
     to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the Merger by
     the stockholders of KCI or DSO:
 
             (a) by mutual agreement of DSO and KCI;
 
             (b) by DSO, if (i) there has been a breach by KCI of any
        representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this
        Agreement on the part of KCI, or if any representation or warranty of
 
                                      A-39
<PAGE>   166
 
        KCI shall have become untrue, in either case which has or can reasonably
        be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and which KCI fails to
        cure prior to the Closing (except that no cure period shall be provided
        for a breach by KCI which by its nature cannot be cured),(ii) DSO shall
        have received a Superior Proposal and DSO's Board of Directors believes,
        after consultation with legal counsel, that its fiduciary duties require
        termination of this Agreement, or (iii) KCI shall not have received a
        nonbinding commitment letter from a lending institution with respect to
        the matters contemplated by Sections 7.16 and 8.14 hereof, before the
        Form S-4 shall be declared effective by the SEC.
 
             (c) by KCI, if (i) there has been a breach by DSO of any
        representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this
        Agreement on the part of DSO, or if any representation or warranty of
        DSO shall have become untrue, in either case which has or can reasonably
        be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and which DSO fails to
        cure prior to the Closing (except that no cure period shall be provided
        for a breach by DSO which by its nature cannot be cured) or (ii) DSO
        shall have entered into an agreement with respect to an Alternative
        Acquisition;
 
             (d) by either party if the required approvals of the stockholders
        of DSO or KCI shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to
        obtain the required vote;
 
             (e) by either party, if all the conditions to its obligations for
        Closing the Merger shall not have been satisfied or waived on or before
        the Final Date (as defined below) other than as a result of a breach of
        this Agreement by the terminating party; or
 
             (f) by either party, if a permanent injunction or other order by
        any federal or state court which would make illegal or otherwise
        restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Merger shall have been
        issued and shall have become final and nonappealable.
 
          As used herein, the "Final Date" shall be December 31, 1996.
 
          9.2  Notice of Termination. Any termination of this Agreement under
     Section 9.1 above will be effective by the delivery of written notice
     pursuant to Section 11.9 of the terminating party to the other party
     hereto.
 
          9.3  Effect of Termination. In the case of any termination of this
     Agreement as provided in this Article 9, this Agreement shall be of no
     further force and effect (except as provided in Section 9.4 and Article 11)
     and nothing herein shall relieve any party from liability for any breach of
     this Agreement. No termination of this Agreement shall affect the
     obligations contained in the pre-existing confidentiality agreements
     between DSO and KCI (the "Confidentiality Agreements") which will survive
     termination of this Agreement in accordance with their terms.
 
          9.4  Breakup Fee.
 
             (a) Upon the occurrence of any of the following events, DSO shall
        immediately make payment or cause payment to be made to KCI (by wire
        transfer or cashier's check) of a breakup fee in the amount of
        $1,000,000 (the "Breakup Fee"): (i) this Agreement is terminated by KCI
        pursuant to Section 9.1(c)(ii); (ii) the Merger shall be submitted to a
        vote of the DSO stockholders as required hereunder, and the stockholders
        of DSO shall have failed to approve the Merger by a requisite vote
        required for such approval where at the time of such vote there is
        pending a proposal with respect to an Alternative Acquisition; (iii)
        without the occurrence of a KCI Material Adverse Change, the Board of
        Directors of DSO shall have failed to submit the Merger to its
        stockholders for approval as required by, and in accordance with, the
        terms of this Agreement; or (iv) DSO shall have terminated this
        Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(ii). Notwithstanding the foregoing,
        the fee payable under this Section 9.4(a) shall not be payable if, prior
        to the above-referenced occurrence, there shall be an event giving rise
        to KCI's payment obligation under Section 9.4(b).
 
             (b) If without the occurrence of a DSO Material Adverse Change, the
        Board of Directors of KCI shall fail to submit the Merger to its
        stockholders for approval as required by, and in accordance with, the
        terms of this Agreement, KCI shall immediately make payment or cause
        payment to be
 
                                      A-40
<PAGE>   167
 
        made to DSO (by wire transfer or cashier's check) the Breakup Fee.
        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the fee payable under this Section 9.4(b)
        shall not be payable if, prior to the above-referenced occurrence, there
        shall be an event giving rise to DSO's payment obligation under Section
        9.4(a).
 
             (c) Neither party shall be entitled to receive the Breakup Fee
        hereunder if it shall have committed a material breach of this
        Agreement.
 
     10. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.
 
          All representations, warranties and covenants of the parties contained
     in this Agreement will remain operative and in full force and effect,
     regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the parties to this
     Agreement, until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the
     Closing Date, whereupon such representations, warranties and covenants will
     expire (except for covenants that by their terms survive for a longer
     period).
 
     11. MISCELLANEOUS.
 
          11.1  Governing Law. The internal laws of the State of Delaware
     (irrespective of its choice of law principles) will govern the validity of
     this Agreement, the construction of its terms and the interpretation and
     enforcement of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
 
          11.2  Assignment; Binding Upon Successors and Assigns. Neither party
     hereto may assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the
     prior written consent of the other party hereto. This Agreement will be
     binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
     respective successors and permitted assigns.
 
          11.3  Severability. If any provision of this Agreement, or the
     application thereof, will for any reason and to any extent be invalid or
     unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and application of such
     provision to other persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as
     reasonably to effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further
     agree to replace such void or unenforceable provision of this Agreement
     with a valid and enforceable provision that will achieve, to the greatest
     extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of the void or
     unenforceable provisions.
 
          11.4  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
     counterparts, each of which will be an original as regards any party whose
     signature appears thereon and all of which together will constitute one and
     the same instrument. This Agreement will become binding when one or more
     counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, will bear the
     signatures of all the parties reflected hereon as signatories.
 
          11.5  Other Remedies. Except as otherwise provided herein, any and all
     remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative
     with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby or by law on
     such party, and the exercise of any one remedy will not preclude the
     exercise of any other.
 
          11.6  Amendment and Waivers. Any term or provision of this Agreement
     may be amended only in a writing signed by the party to be bound thereby.
     The observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either
     generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or
     prospectively) only by a writing signed by the party to be benefitted
     thereby. The waiver by a party of any breach hereof or default in the
     performance hereof will not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any other
     default or any succeeding breach or default. The Agreement may be amended
     by the parties hereto at any time before or after approval of the DSO
     stockholders or the KCI stockholders, but, after such approval, no
     amendment will be made which by applicable law requires the further
     approval of the DSO stockholders or the KCI stockholders without obtaining
     such further approval.
 
          11.7  Expenses. Each party will bear its respective expenses and legal
     fees incurred with respect to this Agreement, and the transactions
     contemplated hereby.
 
                                      A-41
<PAGE>   168
 
          11.8  Attorney's Fees. Should suit be brought to enforce or interpret
     any part of this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to
     recover, as an element of the costs of suit and not as damages, reasonable
     attorney's fees to be fixed by the court (including without limitation,
     costs, expenses and fees on any appeal).
 
          11.9  Notices. All notices and other communications pursuant to this
     Agreement shall be in writing and deemed to be sufficient if contained in a
     written instrument and shall be deemed given if delivered personally,
     telecopied, sent by nationally-recognized overnight courier or mailed by
     registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid,
     to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a
     party as shall be specified by like notice):
 
     If to DSO to:       DeSoto, Inc.                               
                         2101 E. 52nd St., 11th Floor               
                         New York, NY 10022                         
                         Attention: William Spier                   
                         Telecopier: (212) 644-0499                 

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

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

     With a copy to:     Godwin & Carlton, P.C.                     
                         901 Main Street, Suite 2500                
                         Dallas, Texas 75202                        
                         Attention: James G. Vetter, Jr.            
                         Telecopier: (214) 760-7332                 
 
          All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to have been
     received (a) in the case of personal delivery, on the date of such
     delivery, (b) in the case of a telecopy, when the party sending such copy
     shall have confirmed receipt of the communication, (c) in the case of
     delivery by nationally-recognized overnight courier, on the business day
     following dispatch, and (d) in the case of mailing, on the third business
     day following such mailing.
 
          11.10  Construction of Agreement. This Agreement has been negotiated
     by the respective parties hereto and their attorneys and the language
     hereof will not be construed for or against either party. A reference to a
     Section or an Exhibit will mean a Section in, or Exhibit to, this Agreement
     unless otherwise explicitly set forth. The titles and headings herein are
     for convenience purposes only and will not in any manner limit the
     construction of this Agreement which will be considered as a whole.
 
          11.11  No Joint Venture. Nothing contained in this Agreement will be
     deemed or construed as creating a joint venture or partnership between any
     of the parties hereto. No party is by virtue of this Agreement authorized
     as an agent, employee or legal representative of any other party. No party
     will have the power to control the activities and operations of any other.
     The status of the parties hereto is, and at all times, will continue to be,
     that of independent contractors with respect to each other. No party will
     have any power or authority to bind or commit any other. No party will hold
     itself out as having any authority or relationship in contravention of this
     Section.
 
                                      A-42
<PAGE>   169
 
          11.12  Further Assurances. Each party agrees to cooperate fully with
     the other parties and to execute such further instruments, documents and
     agreements and to give such further written assurances as may be reasonably
     requested by any other party to evidence and reflect the transactions
     described herein and contemplated hereby and to carry into effect the
     intents and purposes of this Agreement.
 
          11.13  Absence of Third Party Beneficiary Rights. No provisions of
     this Agreement are intended, nor will be interpreted, to provide or create
     any third party beneficiary rights or any other rights of any kind in any
     client, customer, affiliate, stockholder, partner or any party hereto or
     any other person or entity.
 
          11.14  Public Announcement. Upon execution of this Agreement, KCI and
     DSO promptly will issue a joint press release approved by both parties
     announcing the Merger. Thereafter, KCI or DSO may issue such press
     releases, and make such other disclosure regarding the Merger, after
     consultation with the other party, as it determines are required under
     applicable securities laws or NYSE rules after consultation with legal
     counsel.
 
          11.15  Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the exhibits hereto
     constitute the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto
     with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior and
     contemporaneous agreements or understandings, inducements or conditions,
     express or implied, written or oral, between the parties with respect
     hereto other than the Confidentiality Agreements, which shall remain in
     full force and effect. The express terms hereof control and supersede any
     course of performance or usage of trade inconsistent with any of the terms
     hereof.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization as of the date first above written.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.               DESOTO, INC.
By: /s/  GLENN R. SIMMONS                            By: /s/  WILLIAM SPIER
   -----------------------------------                  -----------------------------------
    Glenn R. Simmons                                     William Spier
    Chief Executive Officer                              Chief Executive Officer
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-43
<PAGE>   170
                                                                      APPENDIX B



                     OPINION OF PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
<PAGE>   171

[PAINEWEBBER LETTERHEAD]
                                                                   June 26, 1996



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

Gentlemen:

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

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

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

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





                                     B-1
<PAGE>   172
               (2)     Reviewed Keystone's financial projections dated May 3, 
                       1996 prepared by Keystone's management;
        
               (3)     Reviewed certain financial information relating to 
                       Keystone, including, earnings, cash flow, assets and
                       liabilities statements, furnished to us by Keystone;
        
               (4)     Conducted discussions with senior management of Keystone
                       regarding (i) the Company's operations and business
                       prospects, (ii) DeSoto's operations and business
                       prospects and (iii) certain studies prepared by Keystone
                       and its legal and accounting advisors relating to
                       potential off-balance sheet items;
        
               (5)     Considered the pro forma effect of the Merger on 
                       Keystone's cash flow and earnings per share;
        
               (6)     Considered the pro forma balance sheet effects of the 
                       Merger on Keystone;
               
               (7)     Reviewed, among other public information, DeSoto's 
                       Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and related financial
                       information for the five fiscal years ended December 31,
                       1995 and DeSoto's Form 10-Q for the three months ended
                       March 31, 1996;
        
               (8)     Conducted interviews with senior management of DeSoto,
                       regarding DeSoto's operations, financial condition and
                       business prospects;
        
               (9)     Reviewed the Agreement dated June 26, 1996; and
               
               (10)    Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and 
                       performed such other investigations and took into
                       account such other matters as we deemed necessary
                       including our assessment of regulatory, general
                       economic, market and monetary conditions.
        
          In preparing our opinion, we have relied on the accuracy and
completeness of all information that was publicly available or supplied or
otherwise communicated to us by or on behalf of Keystone and DeSoto, and we
have not assumed any responsibility to independently verify such information.
We have assumed that the financial forecasts examined by us were reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and good
faith judgments of the management of Keystone as to the future performance of
Keystone.  In arriving at our opinion, we have assumed that, as a result of the
Merger and the follow on merger of the pension plans, Keystone's liabilities
calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles with
respect to its pension plan will be eliminated and that certain projected
obligations of Keystone to fund such liabilities will be reduced.  We have not
undertaken, or caused to be taken, an independent evaluation





                                     B-2
<PAGE>   173
or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Keystone
or DeSoto and have assumed that all material liabilities (contingent or
otherwise, known or unknown) of Keystone and DeSoto are as set forth in
Keystone's and DeSoto's respective consolidated financial statements and other
provided information.

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

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

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

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

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED

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





                                     B-3
<PAGE>   174
 
                                                                      APPENDIX C
 
                        OPINION OF SALOMON BROTHERS INC
 
                           [TO BE FILED BY AMENDMENT]
<PAGE>   175
 
                                                                      APPENDIX D
 
                  KEYSTONE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE
 
                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
                  INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FILE NO. 1-3919)
 
            [TO BE DELIVERED WITH JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS]
<PAGE>   176
 
                                                                      APPENDIX E
 
                     KEYSTONE QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
 
                      FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
 
                  INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FILE NO. 1-3919)
 
            [TO BE DELIVERED WITH JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS]
<PAGE>   177
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     Section 145 of DGCL provides that, to the extent a director, officer,
employee or agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits or
otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter
therein (hereinafter a "Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation or is or was serving at
the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise (collectively an "Agent" of the corporation), he shall be indemnified
against expenses (including attorney's fees) actually and reasonably incurred by
him in connection therewith.
 
     Section 145 also provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened
Proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was an Agent of the corporation,
against expenses (including attorney's fees), judgment, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; provided, however, that in
an action by or in the right of the corporation, the corporation may not
indemnify such person in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which he
is adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless, and only to the extent that,
the Court of Chancery or the court in which such proceeding was brought
determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the
circumstances of the case, such person is reasonably entitled to indemnity.
 
     Article V of the Bylaws of Registrant provides with respect to the
indemnification of directors and officers that the Registrant shall indemnify to
the same extent currently permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, each person that
such Section grants the Registrant power to indemnify. Article Eleventh of the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant provides that no director shall
be personally liable to the corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except with respect to (1) a
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders,
(2) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law, (3) liability under Section 174 of the DGCL, or
(4) a transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Article Eleventh further provides that the liability of the corporation's
directors to the corporation or its stockholders will be limited to the fullest
extent permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, as amended from time to time.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that, in
the opinion of the Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   178
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES.
 
     (a) Exhibits
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                  <S>
         2.1         -- Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of June 26, 1996,
                        between Registrant and DeSoto, Inc. ("DeSoto") (the Agreement and
                        Plan of Reorganization") (included as Appendix A to the Joint Proxy
                        Statement/Prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement
                        (the "Proxy Statement")).
         3.1         -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended and filed
                        with the Secretary of State of Delaware. (Incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                        year ended December 31, 1990.)
         3.2         -- Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended and restated December 30, 1994.
                        (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.)
         5.1*        -- Opinion of Godwin & Carlton, P.C.
         8.1*        -- Opinion of Godwin & Carlton, P.C. with respect to certain federal
                        income tax aspects attendant to the Merger.
         8.2*        -- Opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson with respect to
                        certain federal income tax aspects attendant to the Merger.
         9.1         -- Voting Agreement between Contran Corporation and DeSoto, dated June
                        26, 1996.
        10.1         -- Amended and Restated Revolving Loan and Security Agreement dated as
                        of December 29, 1995 between the Registrant and Congress Financial
                        Corporation (Central). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
                        the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                        December 31, 1995.)
        10.2         -- Term Loan and Security Agreement between the Registrant and Congress
                        Financial Corporation (Central) dated December 30, 1993.
                        (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant's Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.)
        10.3         -- Intercorporate Services Agreement between Registrant and Contran
                        Corporation dated as of January 1, 1996.
        10.5         -- Registrant's 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan.
        10.6         -- Registrant's 1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.
        10.7         -- Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement between
                        Registrant, Coatings Group, Inc., Asgard, Ltd. and Parkway M&A
                        Capital Corporation, dated June 26, 1996 (collectively, the "Sutton
                        Entities").
        10.8         -- Voting Agreement by and among the Registrant, the Sutton Entities and
                        Anders U. Schroeder dated June 26, 1996.
        10.9         -- Warrant Conversion Agreement between the Sutton Entities and
                        Registrant, dated June 26, 1996.
        10.10        -- Stockholders Agreement by and among Registrant, the Sutton Entities,
                        DeSoto and Contran Corporation, dated June 26, 1996.
        10.11*       -- DeSoto Salaried Employees' Pension Preservation Plan (Incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10(i) to DeSoto's annual report on Form 10-K for
                        the fiscal year ended December 31, 1985).
        10.12        -- Form of DeSoto Employees Retirement Plan (Incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 10(a) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated March 25, 1994).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   179
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                  <S>
        10.13        -- Plan and Agreement of Merger, dated as of August 21, 1992, by and
                        among DeSoto, DeSoto Subsidiary One Corp. and J.L. Prescott Company
                        (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated
                        August 28, 1992).
        10.14        -- Stock Redemption Agreement, dated as of August 21, 1992, by and among
                        Narragansett/Prescott, Inc., DeSoto, Inc., and Matthew Carroll
                        (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(b) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated
                        August 28, 1992).
        10.15        -- Letter Agreement, dated as of August 21, 1992, by and between
                        Narragansett/Prescott, Inc. and DeSoto, (Incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 2(c) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated August 28, 1992).
        10.16        -- Stockholders Agreement, dated as of August 21, 1992, by and between
                        Narragansett/Prescott, Inc. and DeSoto, (Incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 2(c) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated August 28, 1992).
        10.17        -- Real Estate Sale Contract, dated as of December 1, 1994, between
                        DeSoto as Seller, and John M. Gillen, not personally but as Trustee
                        of the DeSoto, Inc. Pension Plans Real Property Trust under Trust
                        Agreement, dated October 1, 1992 (the "Trustee"), as Purchaser.
                        (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to DeSoto's Form SE,
                        dated March 24, 1995.).
        10.18        -- Industrial Building Lease, dated December 7, 1994, between Trustee as
                        Landlord and DeSoto as Tenant relating to the property at 16750 South
                        Vincennes Road, South Holland, Illinois. (Incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 10(c) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated March 24, 1995.).
        10.19        -- Letter Agreement, dated August 6, 1993, between DeSoto, Inc. and John
                        Gillen, Trustee of The DeSoto Pension Plans Real Property Trust,
                        dated August 6, 1993 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(ii)
                        to DeSoto's Form SE, dated March 25, 1994.).
        10.20        -- Severance Agreement between DeSoto and Anne E. Eisele, President and
                        Chief Financial Officer of DeSoto, as amended dated March 12, 1996.
        10.21        -- Severance Agreement between DeSoto and Fred J. Flaxmayer, Controller
                        and Chief Accounting Officer of DeSoto as amended dated March 12,
                        1996.
        10.22        -- Trade Composition Agreement by and among DeSoto, Rock-Tenn Company,
                        Veratec, Inc., Owens-Illinois, Inc., Stepan Company, Glenn
                        Corporation, Vista Chemical Company and Richard Holmes, as agent
                        dated as of January 16, 1996.
        10.23        -- Security Agreement between DeSoto and Richard Holmes, as Agent dated
                        as of July 18, 1996.
        13.1         -- Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended
                        March 31, 1996. (Incorporated by Reference -- File No. 1-3919).
        23.1         -- Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
        23.2         -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
        23.3*        -- Consent of Godwin & Carlton, P.C. (included in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).
        23.4*        -- Consent of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (Included in
                        Exhibit 8.1 to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
        23.5         -- Consent of PaineWebber Incorporated ("PaineWebber") (Included in
                        Appendix B to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
        23.6         -- Consent of Salomon Brothers Inc (Included in Appendix C to the Joint
                        Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
        24.1         -- Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of Part II of this
                        Registration Statement)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   180
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                  <S>
        99.1*        -- Form of Proxy to be used by Registrant.
        99.2*        -- Form of Proxy to be used by DeSoto.
        99.3         -- Opinion of PaineWebber (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to
                        the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
        99.4         -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers Inc (Incorporated by reference to
                        Appendix C to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* To be filed by amendment
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment to the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the questions whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
     (b) 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.
 
     (c) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be
delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or
given, the latest annual report to security holders that is incorporated by
reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Exchange Act; and, where
interim financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of
Regulation S-X is not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be
delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest
quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in the
prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
 
     (d) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that are 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.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   181
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Dallas, State of
Texas, on the 29th day of July, 1996.
 
                                            KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED
                                            INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                            By:       /s/  GLENN R. SIMMONS
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Glenn R. Simmons,
                                              Chairman of the Board and
                                              Chief Executive Officer
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
 
     Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Glenn R.
Simmons, Harold M. Curdy, and Ralph P. End, and each of them, to file one or
more amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement, which amendments may make such changes as any of such persons deems
appropriate, and each such person, individually and in each capacity stated
below, hereby appoints each of such persons as attorney-in-fact to execute in
his name and on his behalf any such amendments to the Registration Statement.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                  TITLE                      DATE
- ---------------------------------------------   --------------------------------   --------------
<C>                                             <S>                                <C>
            /s/  GLENN R. SIMMONS               Chairman of the Board, Chief        July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------     Executive Officer and Director
              Glenn R. Simmons                    (Principal Executive Officer)

            /s/  ROBERT W. SINGER               President and Chief Operating       July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------     Officer
              Robert W. Singer

            /s/  HAROLD M. CURDY                Vice President -- Finance and       July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------     Treasurer (Principal Financial
               Harold M. Curdy                    Officer)

          /s/  BERT E. DOWNING, JR.             Corporate Controller (Principal     July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------     Accounting Officer)
            Bert E. Downing, Jr.

            /s/  THOMAS E. BARRY                Director                            July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
               Thomas E. Barry

           /s/  PAUL M. BASS, JR.               Director                            July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
              Paul M. Bass, Jr.

            /s/  DAVID E. CONNER                Director                            July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
               David E. Connor
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   182
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                  TITLE                      DATE
- ---------------------------------------------   --------------------------------   --------------
<C>                                             <S>                                <C>
            /s/  DONALD A. SOMMER               Director                            July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
              Donald A. Sommer

         /s/  J. WALTER TUCKER, JR.             Vice Chairman of the Board and      July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------     Director
            J. Walter Tucker, Jr.

           /s/  RICHARD N. ULLMAN               Director                            July 29, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
              Richard N. Ullman
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   183
 
                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                                                     <C>
   2.1     -- Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of June 26, 1996,
              between Registrant and DeSoto, Inc. ("DeSoto") (the Agreement and
              Plan of Reorganization") (included as Appendix A to the Joint Proxy
              Statement/Prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement
              (the "Proxy Statement")).
   3.1     -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended and filed
              with the Secretary of State of Delaware. (Incorporated by reference
              to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
              year ended December 31, 1990.)
   3.2     -- Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended and restated December 30, 1994.
              (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual
              Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.)
   5.1*    -- Opinion of Godwin & Carlton, P.C.
   8.1*    -- Opinion of Godwin & Carlton, P.C. with respect to certain federal
              income tax aspects attendant to the Merger.
   8.2*    -- Opinion of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson with respect to
              certain federal income tax aspects attendant to the Merger.
   9.1     -- Voting Agreement between Contran Corporation and DeSoto, dated June
              26, 1996.
  10.1     -- Amended and Restated Revolving Loan and Security Agreement dated as
              of December 29, 1995 between the Registrant and Congress Financial
              Corporation (Central). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
              the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
              December 31, 1995.)
  10.2     -- Term Loan and Security Agreement between the Registrant and Congress
              Financial Corporation (Central) dated December 30, 1993.
              (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant's Annual
              Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.)
  10.3     -- Intercorporate Services Agreement between Registrant and Contran
              Corporation dated as of January 1, 1996.
  10.5     -- Registrant's 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan
  10.6     -- Registrant's 1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
  10.7     -- Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement between
              Registrant, Coatings Group, Inc., Asgard, Ltd. and Parkway M&A
              Capital Corporation, dated June 26, 1996 (collectively, the "Sutton
              Entities").
  10.8     -- Voting Agreement by and among the Registrant, the Sutton Entities and
              Anders U. Schroeder dated June 26, 1996.
  10.9     -- Warrant Conversion Agreement between the Sutton Entities and
              Registrant, dated June 26, 1996.
  10.10    -- Stockholders Agreement by and among Registrant, the Sutton Entities,
              DeSoto and Contran Corporation, dated June 26, 1996.
  10.11    -- DeSoto Salaried Employees' Pension Preservation Plan (Incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 10(i) to DeSoto's annual report on Form 10-K for
              the fiscal year ended December 31, 1985).
  10.12*   -- Form of DeSoto Employees Retirement Plan (Incorporated by reference
              to Exhibit 10(a) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated March 25, 1994).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   184
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                                                     <C>
  10.13*   -- Plan and Agreement of Merger, dated as of August 21, 1992, by and
              among DeSoto, DeSoto Subsidiary One Corp. and J.L. Prescott Company
              (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated
              August 28, 1992).
  10.14*   -- Stock Redemption Agreement, dated as of August 21, 1992, by and among
              Narragansett/Prescott, Inc., DeSoto, Inc., and Matthew Carroll
              (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(b) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated
              August 28, 1992).
  10.15*   -- Letter Agreement, dated as of August 21, 1992, by and between
              Narragansett/Prescott, Inc. and DeSoto, (Incorporated by reference to
              Exhibit 2(c) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated August 28, 1992).
  10.16*   -- Stockholders Agreement, dated as of August 21, 1992, by and between
              Narragansett/Prescott, Inc. and DeSoto, (Incorporated by reference to
              Exhibit 2(c) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated August 28, 1992).
  10.17*   -- Real Estate Sale Contract, dated as of December 1, 1994, between
              DeSoto as Seller, and John M. Gillen, not personally but as Trustee
              of the DeSoto, Inc. Pension Plans Real Property Trust under Trust
              Agreement, dated October 1, 1992 (the "Trustee"), as Purchaser.
              (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to DeSoto's Form SE,
              dated March 24, 1995.).
  10.18*   -- Industrial Building Lease, dated December 7, 1994, between Trustee as
              Landlord and DeSoto as Tenant relating to the property at 16750 South
              Vincennes Road, South Holland, Illinois. (Incorporated by reference
              to Exhibit 10(c) to DeSoto's Form SE, dated March 24, 1995.).
  10.19*   -- Letter Agreement, dated August 6, 1993, between DeSoto, Inc. and John
              Gillen, Trustee of The DeSoto Pension Plans Real Property Trust,
              dated August 6, 1993 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(ii)
              to DeSoto's Form SE, dated March 25, 1994.).
  10.20    -- Severance Agreement between DeSoto and Anne E. Eisele, President and
              Chief Financial Officer of DeSoto, as amended dated March 12, 1996.
  10.21    -- Severance Agreement between DeSoto and Fred J. Flaxmayer, Controller
              and Chief Accounting Officer of DeSoto, Inc., as amended dated March
              12, 1996.
  10.22    -- Trade Composition Agreement by and among DeSoto, Rock-Tenn Company,
              Veratec, Inc., Ownes-Illinois, Inc., Stepan Company, Glenn
              Corporation, Vista Chemical Company and Richard Holmes, as agent
              dated as of January 16, 1996.
  10.23    -- Security Agreement between DeSoto and Richard Holmes, as Agent, dated
              as of July 18, 1996
  13.1     -- Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended
              March 31, 1996. (Incorporated by Reference -- File No. 1-3919).
  23.1     -- Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
  23.2     -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
  23.3     -- Consent of Godwin & Carlton, P.C. (included in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).
  23.4     -- Consent of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson (Included in
              Exhibit 8.1 to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
  23.5     -- Consent of PaineWebber Incorporated ("PaineWebber") (Included in
              Appendix B to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
  23.6     -- Consent of Salomon Brothers Inc (Included in Appendix C to the Joint
              Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   185
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                                                     <C>
  24.1     -- Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of Part II of this
              Registration Statement)
  99.1*    -- Form of Proxy to be used by Registrant.
  99.2*    -- Form of Proxy to be used by DeSoto.
  99.3     -- Opinion of PaineWebber (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to
              the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
  99.4     -- Opinion of Salomon Brothers Inc (Incorporated by reference to
              Appendix C to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* To be filed by amendment

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 9.1



                                VOTING AGREEMENT

     Agreement dated as of June 26, 1996 between Contran Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Principal Shareholder"), and DeSoto, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("DeSoto").  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein
shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as
defined below).

     In consideration of the execution by DeSoto of the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization dated as of June 26, 1996 (the "Merger Agreement") between
Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Keystone"),
and DeSoto, and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, the Principal Shareholder and DeSoto hereby agree as
follows:

     1.  Representations and Warranties of Principal Shareholder.  The Principal
Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to DeSoto as follows:

         (a)  Title.  As of the date hereof, the Principal Shareholder owns of
record 3,126,533 shares of Common Stock ("Common Stock"), par value $1 per
share, of Keystone (the shares so owned being referred to as the "Shares").
The Shares represent approximately 55% of the total voting power of Keystone's
capital stock as of the date hereof.

         (b)  Right to Vote.  The Principal Shareholder has full legal power,
authority and right to vote all Shares in favor of approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement,
including the authorization of the issuance of shares of Common Stock to
holders of the common stock of DeSoto in the Merger, without the consent or
approval of, or any other action on the part of, any other person or entity.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except for this Agreement,
the Principal Shareholder has not entered into any voting agreement with any
person or entity with respect to any of the Shares, granted any person or
entity any proxy (revocable or irrevocable) or power of attorney with respect
to any of the Shares, deposited any of the Shares in a voting trust or entered
into any arrangement or agreement with any person or entity, in each such case
having the effect of limiting or affecting the Principal Shareholder's legal
power, authority or right to vote the Shares in favor of the approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement, including the authorization of the issuance of shares of
Common Stock to holders of the common stock of DeSoto in the Merger.

         (c)  Authority.  The Principal Shareholder has full legal power, 
authority and right to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations
under, this Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
the Principal Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the
Principal Shareholder 

<PAGE>   2

enforceable against the Principal Shareholder in accordance with its terms,
subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws now or
hereafter in effect relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and
(ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a
proceeding at law or in equity).  As of the date of the Keystone shareholders
meeting to vote on approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and, to the
extent submitted to shareholders for approval, the transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement, including any adjournment or postponement thereof (the
"Keystone Shareholders Meeting"), except for this Agreement, the Principal
Shareholder will have full legal power, authority and right to vote all Shares
in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the issuance of
Common Stock to DeSoto stockholders, without the consent or approval of, or any
other action on the part of, any other person or entity. From and after the
date hereof, the Principal Shareholder will not commit any act that could
restrict or otherwise affect such legal power, authority and right to vote all
Shares in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the issuance of
Common Stock to DeSoto stockholders.  Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, from and after the date hereof the Principal Shareholder (other than
this Agreement) will not enter into any voting agreement with any person or
entity with respect to any of the Shares, grant any person or entity any proxy
(revocable or irrevocable) or power of attorney with respect to any of the
Shares, deposit any of the Shares in a voting trust or otherwise enter into any
agreement or arrangement limiting or affecting the Principal Shareholder's
legal power, authority or right to vote the Shares in favor of the approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement, including the issuance of Common Stock to DeSoto
stockholders.

         (d)  Conflicting Instruments; No Transfer.  Neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by the Principal Shareholder of
its agreements and obligations hereunder will result in any breach or violation
of or be in conflict with or constitute a default under any term of (i) any
agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree, law, regulation or arrangement
to which the Principal Shareholder is a party or by which the Principal
Shareholder (or any of its assets) is bound, except for any such breach,
violation, conflict or default which, individually or in the aggregate, would
not impair or affect the Principal Shareholder's ability to cast the votes
represented by its Shares at the Keystone Shareholders Meeting or (ii) the
Certificate of Incorporation of Keystone.

         (e)  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, the pledge of the
Shares by Contran existing as of the date of this Agreement shall not
constitute a default under this Agreement.





                                      2
<PAGE>   3

     2.  Representations and Warranties of DeSoto.  DeSoto hereby represents and
warrants to the Principal Shareholder that this Agreement (along with DeSoto's
obligations under this Agreement) has been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on its part, has been duly executed and delivered by DeSoto
and is a valid and binding agreement of DeSoto enforceable against DeSoto in
accordance with its terms, subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium and other similar laws now or
hereafter in effect relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and
the rights of creditors of insurance companies generally and (ii) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law
or in equity).

     3.  Restriction on Transfer.  The Principal Shareholder agrees that it will
not, and will not agree to, sell, assign, dispose of, encumber, mortgage,
hypothecate or otherwise transfer (collectively, "Transfer") any Shares or any
options, warrants or other rights to acquire Common Stock to any person or
entity; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Principal Shareholder
shall be permitted to Transfer Shares to any person if prior to and as a
condition of such Transfer such person agrees in writing to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to, the obligation to vote
such Shares in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

     4.  Agreement to Vote of Principal Shareholder.  The Principal Shareholder
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to vote or to cause to be voted
all Shares at the Keystone Shareholders Meeting and at any adjournment thereof
where such matters arise in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including
the issuance of Common Stock to DeSoto stockholders.

     5.  Action in Principal Shareholder Capacity Only.  The Principal
Shareholder makes no agreement or understanding herein as director or officer
of Keystone.  The Principal Stockholder signs solely in its capacity as a
recordholder and beneficial owner of the Shares, and nothing herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by any officer or director of Keystone in his
capacity as such.

     6.  Invalid Provisions.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be
invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability only, without
it affecting the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

     7.  Executed in Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts each of which shall be an original with the same effect as if the
signatures hereto and thereto were upon the same instrument.



                                      3

<PAGE>   4

     8.  Specific Performance.  The parties hereto agree that if for any reason
the Principal Shareholder fails to perform any of his agreements or obligations
under this Agreement irreparable harm or injury to DeSoto would be caused for
which money damages would not be an adequate remedy.  Accordingly, the
Principal Shareholder agrees that, in seeking to enforce this Agreement against
the Principal Shareholder, DeSoto shall be entitled to specific performance and
injunctive and other equitable relief.

     9.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

     10.  Amendments; Termination.  (a)  This Agreement may not be modified,
amended, altered or supplemented, except upon the execution and delivery of a
written agreement executed by the parties hereto.

          (b) The provisions of this Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier
to occur of (i) the consummation of the Merger and (ii) the termination of the
Merger Agreement.

          (c) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Merger Agreement" 
includes the Merger Agreement, as the same may be modified or amended from time
to time; provided that no such amendment or modification amends or modifies the
Merger Agreement in a manner such that the Merger Agreement, as so amended or
modified, is less favorable to the Principal Shareholder in any material
respect than is the Merger Agreement in effect on the date hereof.

     11.  Additional Shares.  If, after the date hereof, the Principal
Shareholder acquires direct ownership of any shares of Common Stock (any such
shares, "Additional Shares"), including, without limitation, upon exercise of
any option, warrant or right to acquire Common Stock or through any stock
dividend or stock split, the provisions of this Agreement (other than those set
forth in Section 1) applicable to Shares shall be applicable to such Additional
Shares as if such Additional Shares had been Shares as of the date hereof.  The
provisions of the immediately preceding sentence shall be effective with
respect to Additional Shares without action by any person or entity immediately
upon the acquisition by the Principal Shareholder of direct ownership of such
Additional Shares.

     12.  Action by Written Consent.  If, in lieu of the Keystone Shareholders
Meeting, shareholder action in respect of the Merger Agreement or any of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement is taken by written consent,
the provisions of this Agreement imposing obligations in respect of or in
connection with the Keystone Shareholders Meeting shall apply mutatis mutandis
to such action by written consent.




                                      4

<PAGE>   5

     13.  Successors and Assigns.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective legal successors and permitted assigns; provided that no party may
assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under
this Agreement without the consent of DeSoto (in the case of the Principal
Shareholder or any of its permitted assigns) or the Principal Shareholder (in
the case of DeSoto or any of its permitted assigns).  Without limiting the
scope or effect of the restrictions on Transfer set forth in Section 3 hereof,
the Principal Shareholder agrees that this Agreement and the obligations
hereunder shall attach to the Shares and shall be binding upon any person or
entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares shall pass,
whether by operation of law or otherwise.

     14.  Notices.  All notices and other communications pursuant to this
Agreement shall be delivered personally, by telecopy, by certified or
registered mail or by courier at the addresses set forth below (or such other
address specified by such person) and shall be deemed given at the time of
delivery.

                  If to Contran:

                                  Contran Corporation
                                  5430 LBJ Freeway
                                  Suite 1700
                                  Dallas, Texas  75240
                                  Attention:  General Counsel


                 with a copy to:

                                  Rogers & Hardin
                                  2700 Cain Tower
                                  227 Peachtree Street N.E.
                                  Atlanta, Georgia  30303
                                  Attention:     Alan Leet


                 If to DeSoto:

                                  DeSoto, Inc.
                                  101 East 52nd Street
                                  New York, New York  10022
                                  Attention:  William Spier

                 with a copy to:

                                  Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson 




                                      5

<PAGE>   6

                                  One New York Plaza                       
                                  New York, New York  10004                
                                  Attention:  Peter Golden, Esq.           

     15.  Integration.  This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and
agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
this 26th day of June, 1996.

                                    CONTRAN CORPORATION

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


                                    DESOTO, INC.


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


                                      6


<PAGE>   1

                                                              EXHIBIT 10.3



                       INTERCORPORATE SERVICES AGREEMENT

         This INTERCORPORATE SERVICES AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT"), effective as
of January 1, 1996, amends and supersedes that certain Intercorporate Services
Agreement effective as of January 1, 1995 between CONTRAN CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation ("CONTRAN"), and KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("RECIPIENT").

                                    RECITALS

                 Employees and agents of Contran and affiliates of Contran,
including Harold C. Simmons, perform management, financial and administrative
functions for Recipient without direct compensation from Recipient.

                 Recipient does not separately maintain the full  internal
capability to perform all necessary management, financial and administrative
functions that Recipient requires.

                 The cost of maintaining the additional personnel by Recipient
necessary to perform the functions provided for by this Agreement would exceed
the fee set forth in SECTION 3 of this Agreement and that the terms of this
Agreement are no less favorable to Recipient than could otherwise be obtained
from a third party for comparable services.

                 Recipient desires to continue receiving the management,
financial and administrative services presently provided by Contran and
affiliates of Contran and Contran is willing to continue to provide such
services under the terms of this Agreement.

                                   AGREEMENT

         For and in consideration of the mutual premises, representations and
covenants herein contained, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:

         SECTION   SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED.  Contran agrees to make available
to Recipient, upon request, the following services (the "SERVICES") to be
rendered by the internal staff of Contran and affiliates of Contran:

                          Consultation and assistance in the development and
         implementation of Recipient's corporate business strategies, plans and
         objectives;

                          Consultation and assistance in management and conduct
         of corporate affairs and corporate governance consistent with the
         charter and bylaws of Recipient;

                          Consultation and assistance in maintenance of
         financial records and controls, including preparation and review of
         periodic financial statements and reports to be filed with public and
         regulatory entities and those required to be prepared for financial
         institutions or pursuant to indentures and credit agreements;





<PAGE>   2
                          Consultation and assistance in cash management and in
         arranging financing necessary to implement the business plans of
         Recipient;

                          Consultation and assistance in tax management and
         administration, including, without limitation, preparation and filing
         of tax returns, tax reporting, examinations by government authorities
         and tax planning;

                          Consultation and assistance in performing internal
         audit and control functions;

                          Consultation and assistance with respect to insurance
         and risk management;

                          Consultation and assistance with respect to employee
         benefit plans and incentive compensation arrangements; and

                          Such other services as may be requested by Recipient
         from time to time.

         SECTION   MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.  It is the intent of the parties
hereto that Contran provide only the Services requested by Recipient in
connection with routine management, financial and administrative functions
related to the ongoing operations of Recipient and not with respect to special
projects, including corporate investments, acquisitions and divestitures.  The
parties hereto contemplate that the Services rendered in connection with the
conduct of Recipient's business will be on a scale compared to that existing on
the effective date of this Agreement, adjusted for internal corporate growth or
contraction, but not for major corporate acquisitions or divestitures, and that
adjustments may be required to the terms of this Agreement in the event of such
major corporate acquisitions, divestitures or special projects.  Recipient will
continue to bear all other costs required for outside services including, but
not limited to, the outside services of attorneys, auditors, trustees,
consultants, transfer agents and registrars, and it is expressly understood
that Contran assumes no liability for any expenses or services other than those
stated in SECTION 1.  In addition to the fee paid to Contran by Recipient for
the Services provided pursuant to this Agreement, Recipient will pay to Contran
the amount of out-of-pocket costs incurred by Contran in rendering such
Services.

         SECTION   FEE FOR SERVICES.  Recipient agrees to pay to Contran
$116,250.00 quarterly, commencing as of January 1, 1996, pursuant to this
Agreement.

         SECTION   ORIGINAL TERM.  Subject to the provisions of SECTION 5
hereof, the original term of this Agreement shall be from January 1, 1996 to
December 31, 1996.

         SECTION   EXTENSIONS.  This Agreement shall be extended on a
quarter-to-quarter basis after the expiration of its original term unless
written notification is given by Contran or Recipient thirty (30) days in
advance of the first day of each successive quarter or unless it is superseded
by a subsequent written agreement of the parties hereto.

         SECTION   LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.  In providing its Services
hereunder, Contran shall




                                     -2-
<PAGE>   3
have a duty to act, and to cause its agents to act, in a reasonably prudent
manner, but neither Contran nor any officer, director, employee or agent of
Contran or its affiliates shall be liable to Recipient for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss incurred by Recipient in connection
with the matter to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of Contran.

         SECTION   INDEMNIFICATION OF CONTRAN BY RECIPIENT.  Recipient shall
indemnify and hold harmless Contran, its affiliates and their respective
officers, directors and employees from and against any and all losses,
liabilities, claims, damages, costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees and
other expenses of litigation) to which such party may become subject arising
out of the Services provided by Contran to Recipient hereunder, provided that
such indemnity shall not protect any person against any liability to which such
person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence on the part of such person.

         SECTION    FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Each of the parties will make,
execute, acknowledge and deliver such other instruments and documents, and take
all such other actions, as the other party may reasonably request and as may
reasonably be required in order to effectuate the purposes of this Agreement
and to carry out the terms hereof.

         SECTION   NOTICES.  All communications hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be addressed, if intended for Contran, to Three Lincoln Centre, 5430
LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75240, Attention: President, or such
other address as it shall have furnished to Recipient in writing, and if
intended for Recipient, to Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740,
Dallas, Texas  75240,   Attention: Chairman of the Board, or such other address
as it shall have furnished to Contran in writing.

         SECTION    AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION.  Neither this Agreement nor any
term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated other than by
agreement in writing signed by the parties hereto.

         SECTION    SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS.  This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of Contran and Recipient and their respective
successors and assigns, except that neither party may assign its rights under
this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.

         SECTION   GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas.





                                     -3-
<PAGE>   4
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.



                                 CONTRAN CORPORATION
                           
                           
                           
                           
                                 By:                                           
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Steven L. Watson
                                        Vice President
                           
                           
                                 KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED 
                                 INDUSTRIES, INC.
                           
                           
                           
                           
                                 By:                                           
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Glenn R. Simmons
                                        Chairman of the Board and Chief 
                                        Executive Officer
                        
                        
                        



<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.5



                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.


                        1992 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN


          1.  Title and Purpose.  The plan described herein shall be known as
the "Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. 1992 Incentive Compensation Plan"
(the "Plan").  The purpose of this Plan is to advance the interests of Keystone
Consolidated Industries, Inc. ("Keystone") and any parent or subsidiary
corporation of Keystone (referred to collectively as the "Company") by
strengthening the Company's ability to attract and retain individuals of
training, experience and ability in the employ of the Company and to furnish
additional incentive to such valued employees to promote the Company's
financial success.  This Plan will be effected through the granting of stock
options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs") or restricted stock ("Restricted
Stock") awards as herein provided.  Stock options granted hereunder may, if so
designated, constitute "incentive stock options" ("ISOs") within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or,
if so designated, may be options which do not constitute ISOs or other
qualified options ("NSOs") (ISOs and NSOs being collectively referred to as
"Stock Options"), as specified by the Committee (hereinafter defined).  Stock
Options granted under this Plan may be accompanied by SARs as hereinafter set
forth.  As used herein, "subsidiary corporation" and "parent corporation" shall
have the meaning given such terms in Code Section 424.

          2.  Shares of Stock Subject to the Plan.  Stock which may be issued
pursuant to Stock Options, SARs and Restricted Stock granted from time to time
under this Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate 100,000 shares of Keystone
common stock (the "Common Stock") (subject to adjustment as provided in
Sections 16 and 17 hereof).  It is contemplated that the shares to be issued
upon the exercise of Stock Options or SARs or as Restricted Stock granted under
this Plan will be approved for listing by each securities exchange on which
shares of Common Stock are then listed.

          In the event that the number of shares underlying any Stock Option or
SAR granted under the Plan is reduced for any reason, or any Stock Option or
SAR under the Plan can no longer be exercised in part or in whole (other than
due to the exercise of a related SAR or a related Stock Option, as the case may
be), or shares awarded as Restricted Stock are forfeited, the number of shares
no longer subject to such Stock Option or SAR or so forfeited are thereupon
deemed released and are thereafter available for subsequent awards under the
Plan (unless the Plan shall have been terminated).

          3.  Eligibility.  Stock Options, SARs and Restricted Stock may be
granted to employees of the Company (or officers who may also be directors of
the Company) by the Committee (as defined in Section 4 hereof).  In determining
the employees to whom Stock Options, SARs and Restricted Stock will be granted
and the number of shares to be covered by each, the Committee shall take into
account the duties of the respective employees, their present and potential
contributions to the success of the Company, the anticipated number of years of




                                     -1-
<PAGE>   2



effective service remaining, and such other factors as they shall deem relevant
in connection with accomplishing the purposes of the Plan.  Stock Options, SARs
and Restricted Stock may not be granted to an individual under this Plan at a
time when such individual is serving as a member of the Committee or during any
other period which would have the effect of disqualifying such individual from
being a "disinterested person" under Subsection (c)(2)(i) of Rule 16b-3 (or any
successor provision thereto) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended ("Rule 16b-3").  A key employee owning stock possessing more
than 10 percent of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of
stock of Keystone or any parent or subsidiary corporation ("Ten Percent
Stockholder") is not eligible to receive an ISO unless the option price is at
least 110 percent of the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time the
ISO is granted and the ISO by its terms is not exercisable more than five (5)
years from the date it is granted.  Restricted Stock and any Common Stock which
any key employee may receive under outstanding Stock Options or SARs shall be
treated as stock owned by such key employee for purposes of this calculation.

          4.  Administration of the Plan.  This Plan shall be administered by
the Incentive Compensation Committee (the "Committee") consisting of two or
more directors, all of whom shall be "disinterested persons" as defined in Rule
16b- 3(c)(2)(i) (or any successor provision thereto), appointed by and to serve
at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of Keystone.  No individual may be
appointed to the Committee who is not a director of Keystone at the time of
such appointment or who shall within one year prior to such individual's
service on the Committee have been granted any award under this Plan or any
other plan of the Company or any of its affiliated entities unless permitted by
Rule 16b-3(c)(2) (or any successor provision thereto).  An individual's
membership on the Committee shall terminate automatically at the time such
individual ceases to be a director of Keystone.  The Committee shall select one
of its members as its chairman and shall  hold its meetings at such times and
places as it shall deem advisable.  A majority of its members shall constitute
a quorum.  All action of the Committee shall be taken by a majority of its
members.  Any action may be taken by a written instrument signed by a majority
of the members and any action so taken shall be fully effective as if it had
been taken by a vote of a majority of the members at a meeting duly called and
held.  The Committee may appoint a secretary, keep minutes of its meetings, and
shall make such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it
shall deem advisable.

          5.  Powers of the Committee.       The Committee shall have full
power and authority to determine the "key employees" of the Company to whom
Stock Options, SARs or Restricted Stock shall be granted, the number of shares
to be covered by such awards, the term of each, and the time or times at which
Stock Options, SARs or Restricted Stock shall be granted, provided, with
respect to ISOs, the term and the time are permitted by Section 422 of the
Code.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Plan, the Committee shall
also have the power to determine, at the time of the grant of each Stock
Option, SAR or Restricted Stock award, all terms and conditions governing the
rights and obligations of the key employee with respect to such award,
including but not limited to:  (a) the exercise price of any Stock Option or
SAR or the method by which the exercise price shall be determined; (b) the
length of the period
                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   3



during which the Stock Option or SAR may be exercised and any limitations on
the number of shares purchasable with the Stock Option or with respect to which
an SAR is exercisable at any given time during such period; (c) the time at
which the Stock Option or SAR may be exercised; (d) the length of the
restriction period for Restricted Stock awards (the "Restriction Period"); (e)
any conditions precedent to be satisfied before the Stock Option or SAR may be
exercised; (f) whether to accelerate any Restriction Period expiration date or
Stock Option or SAR vesting schedule, if any; (g) any restrictions on resale of
any shares received under the Plan; and (h) the terms of any financing extended
to a Stock Option grantee.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall
not have the power (absent a revision to Rule 16b-3 permitting the same) to
establish a Restriction Period shorter than six months from the date of grant
or permit the exercise of Stock Options or SARs prior to the expiration of six
months from the date of grant.  The Committee shall also have full and final
authority: (i) to prescribe the form of each Incentive Compensation Agreement
evidencing Stock Options, SARs and Restricted Stock awards, which agreements
need not be identical for each participant or grant, but shall each be
consistent with this Plan; (ii) to adopt, amend and rescind such rules and
regulations as may be advisable in the opinion of the Committee to administer
this Plan; (iii) to correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any
inconsistency in this Plan, including any correction or amendment which in the
judgment of the Committee is necessary to ensure compliance with the
requirements of Rule 16b-3 and any future rules promulgated in substitution
therefor under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (iv) to
construe and interpret this Plan and any Incentive Compensation Agreements
hereunder and any rules and regulations relating thereto, and to make all other
determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of this
Plan.  Except as provided in Section 22 hereof, the Committee shall not have
any authority, the possession or exercise of which would cause an ISO granted
hereunder to be disqualified as such under the Code.

          6.  Indemnification of the Committee.  In addition to such other
rights of indemnification as they may have as directors of Keystone or as
members of the Committee, members of the Committee shall be indemnified by
Keystone as and to the fullest extent permitted by law, including without
limitation, indemnification against the reasonable expenses, including
attorneys' fees, actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the
defense of any action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal
thereof, to which they or any of them may be a party by reason of any action
taken or failure to act under or in connection with this Plan, or any Stock
Options, SARs or Restricted Stock awards granted hereunder, and against all
amounts paid by them in settlement thereof (provided such settlement is
approved by independent legal counsel selected by Keystone), or paid by them in
satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding except in
relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or
proceeding that such Committee member is liable for negligence, bad faith or
misconduct in his duties.

          7.  Option Exercise Price.  The option exercise price for shares of
Common Stock which shall be covered by each NSO shall be established by the
Committee in its sole discretion at the time of granting the NSO.  The option
exercise price for shares of Common Stock which shall be covered by each ISO





                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>   4



shall be no less than the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time of
granting the ISO.  In the event that any ISO is granted to a Ten Percent
Stockholder the price at which shares of Common Stock shall be purchasable
under such ISO shall not be less than 110 percent of the fair market value of
such shares at the time of the grant.  For the purposes of this Section 7 and
all other provisions of this Plan which require a determination of the fair
market value of the Common Stock as of a specified date, "fair market value"
shall mean:  (i) if the primary market for the Common Stock is a national
securities exchange, the NASDAQ National Market System, or other market
quotation system in which last sale transactions are reported on a
contemporaneous basis, such fair market value shall be deemed to be the last
reported sale price of the Common Stock on such exchange or in such quotation
system on the day on which the option shall be granted (or other relevant
valuation date specified herein), or, if there shall not have been a sale on
such exchange or reported through such system on such trading day, the closing
or last bid quotation therefor on such exchange or quotation system on such
trading day; (ii) if the primary market for the Common Stock is not such an
exchange or quotation market in which transactions are contemporaneously
reported, such fair market value shall be deemed to be the closing or last bid
quotation in the over-the-counter market on such trading day as reported by the
National Association of Securities Dealers through NASDAQ, its automated system
for reporting quotations, or its successor (or such other generally accepted
source of publicly reported bid quotations as the Company may reasonably
designate) on the day on which the option shall be granted (or other relevant
valuation date specified herein); and (iii) in all other cases, such fair
market value shall be determined in good faith by the Committee at the time the
option is granted (or on any other relevant valuation date specified herein).
If the fair market value so determined shall include a fraction of a cent, it
shall be rounded up to the next full cent.

          8.  Medium and Time of Payment.  The option exercise price shall be
payable upon the exercise of the Stock Option and shall be paid in cash, by
check, with shares of Common Stock, or in any combination thereof as specified
by the Committee.  For purposes of making such payment in shares of Common
Stock, such stock shall be valued at its fair market value as provided in
Section 7 hereof on the day of exercise of the Stock Option and shall have been
held by the grantee for a period of six (6) months.

          9.  Limitation on Grant of ISOs.  The aggregate fair market value
(determined as of the time the ISO is granted) of the shares with respect to
which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by a key employee during any
calendar year (under all such plans of the Company) shall not exceed $100,000.

          10.  Term of Stock Options and SARs.

               (a)    The period during which each Stock Option or SAR granted 
hereunder may be exercised will be determined by the Committee in each case;
provided,  however, that no Stock Option or SAR shall by its terms be
exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Stock
Option or SAR is granted or before six (6) months from the date the Stock
Option or SAR is granted.  In the event that any ISO is granted to a Ten





                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   5



Percent Stockholder, the maximum period described above shall be reduced to
five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted.

               (b)    With the prior written consent of any affected grantee of
Stock Options hereunder, the Committee may grant to one or more such grantees,
in exchange for their surrender and the cancellation of such Stock Options and
their corresponding SARs, if any, new Stock Options and related SARs which may
have different exercise prices than the exercise prices provided in the Stock
Options and related SARs so surrendered and canceled and containing such other
terms and conditions consistent with the Plan as the Committee may deem
appropriate.

          11.  Award of Stock Appreciation Rights.  (a)  SARs may be granted
under this Plan to such key employees as the Committee may from time to time
select and upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may from time to
time prescribe.  SARs may be granted in tandem with Stock Options designated as
being related to such SARs or may be granted on a stand alone basis.  Each SAR
which relates to a specific Stock Option granted may be granted concurrently
with the Stock Option to which it relates or at any time prior to the exercise,
expiration or termination of such Stock Option (except as otherwise provided in
Sections 20 and 22 hereof), but no later than six months and one day prior to
the end of the term of such Stock Option.  An SAR shall entitle the employee,
subject to the provisions of this Plan and the related Incentive Compensation
Agreement hereunder, to receive from Keystone an amount equal to the excess of
the fair market value on the exercise date of the number of shares for which
the SAR is exercised over the exercise price for such shares under the related
Stock Option or as stated in the separate SAR award, as the case may be.  For
this purpose, such fair market value shall be determined as provided in Section
7 hereof on the close of business on the date of exercise.

          (b)  An SAR shall be exercisable on such dates or during such
periods as may be determined by the Committee from time to time, except that in
no event shall an SAR granted in tandem with a related Stock Option be
exercisable when the related Stock Option is not eligible to be exercised.

          (c)  An SAR granted in tandem with a related Stock Option may be
exercised only upon surrender of the related Stock Option by the employee,
which related Stock Option shall be terminated to the extent of the number of
shares for which the SAR is exercised.  Similarly, a Stock Option granted in
tandem with an SAR may be exercised only upon surrender of the related SAR by
the employee, which related SAR shall be terminated to the extent of the number
of shares for which the Stock Option is exercised.  Shares covered by such a
terminated Stock Option or SAR (or portion thereof) granted under this Plan
shall not be available for subsequent awards under this Plan.

          (d)  The amount payable by Keystone upon exercise of an SAR may be
paid in cash, in shares of Common Stock (valued at their fair market value on
the exercise date determined as provided in Section 7 hereof) or in any
combination thereof as the Committee shall determine from time to time.  No
fractional shares shall be issued and the employee shall receive cash in lieu
thereof.





                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>   6



          (e)  The Committee may impose any other conditions upon the
exercise of an SAR, which conditions may include a condition that the SAR may
be exercised only in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the
Committee from time to time.  Such rules and regulations may govern the right
to exercise SARs granted prior to the adoption or amendment of such rules and
regulations as well as SARs granted thereafter.

          (f)  The Committee may at any time amend, terminate or suspend any
SAR theretofore granted under this Plan, provided that the terms of any SAR
after any amendment shall conform to the provisions of this Plan.  An SAR
awarded in tandem with a related Stock Option shall terminate upon the
termination or expiration of any related Stock Option.

          (g)  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section  11, an SAR may
not be exercised until the expiration of six (6) months from the date of grant
of such SAR.

          12.  Limitations on Right to Exercise.

               (a)  No Stock Option or SAR may be exercised when the fair 
market value of the shares subject to such Stock Option or SAR is less than the
exercise price of the Stock Option or SAR.

               (b)  No Stock Option or SAR may be exercised after the expiration
of ninety (90) days after the earlier of the date the employment of the key
employee terminates with the Company or the date the key employee is given
written notice of discharge from such employment.  The expiration period
described in the preceding sentence shall be waived in the event termination of
employment occurs because of death or in the event termination of employment
occurs because of disability within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3)
("Disability"); provided, however, that no ISO or related in tandem SAR may be
exercised after the expiration of 365 days after the earlier of the date the
employment of the key employee terminates with the Company or the date the key
employee is given written notice of discharge from such employment because of
Disability.  Absence or leave approved by the Company, to the extent permitted
by the applicable provisions of the Code, shall not be considered an
interruption of employment for any purpose under this Plan.

               (c)  The transfer or issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise 
of any Stock Option or SAR granted under the Plan will be contingent upon the
advice of counsel to the Company that the shares to be issued pursuant thereto
have been duly registered or are exempt from registration under the applicable
securities laws, and upon receipt by the Committee of cash, check, Common
Stock, or a  combination thereof, in payment of the full purchase price of such
shares.

          13.  Award of Restricted Stock.  (a)  The Committee shall have the
authority (i) to grant Restricted Stock awards, (ii) to issue or transfer
Restricted Stock to key employees, and (iii) to establish terms, conditions and
restrictions in connection with the issuance or transfer of Restricted Stock,





                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>   7



including the Restriction Period, which may differ with respect to each grantee
or award.

          (b)  The grantee of a Restricted Stock award shall execute and
deliver to a plan administrator designated by the Committee (who may be an
officer of Keystone) an executed Incentive Compensation Agreement, an escrow
agreement satisfactory to the Committee and appropriate blank stock powers with
respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreements, as the Committee
deems necessary.  The Committee shall then cause stock certificates registered
in the name of the grantee to be issued and deposited together with the stock
powers with an escrow agent to be designated by the Committee, who may be an
officer of Keystone.  The Committee shall cause the escrow agent to issue to
the grantee a receipt evidencing any stock certificate held by it registered in
the name of the grantee.

          (c)  Restricted Stock awards granted to a grantee shall be subject to
the following restrictions until the expiration of the Restriction Period: (i)
a grantee shall be issued, but shall not be entitled to delivery of, the stock
certificate for the Restricted Stock; (ii) the Restricted Stock shall be
subject to the restrictions on transferability set forth herein and in the
grantee's related Incentive Compensation Agreement; (iii) the Restricted Stock
shall be forfeited and the stock certificates shall be returned to Keystone and
all rights of the grantee to such shares and as a stockholder shall terminate
without further obligation on the part of Keystone when such grantee leaves or
is terminated from the employ of the Company (or its subsidiary or parent, as
the case may be) for any reason, except in the case of Disability or death (in
which event the Restriction Period shall lapse and the shares shall be
delivered to the grantee's beneficiaries or legal representative) and except in
the case of normal retirement after reaching the age of 65 (in which event the
Restriction Period shall lapse and the shares shall be delivered to the
grantee); and (iv) any other restrictions which the Committee may determine in
advance are necessary or appropriate.

          (d)  The Committee shall have the authority to remove any or all of
the restrictions on the Restricted Stock whenever it may determine that, by
reason of changes in applicable laws or other changes in circumstances arising
after the date of the Restricted Stock award, such action is appropriate.
Unless permitted by Rule 16b-3, no Restricted Stock award shall have a
Restriction Period shorter than six months from the date of grant of such
award.

          (e)  Subject to Section 23 hereof, at the expiration of the
Restriction Period, a stock certificate evidencing the Restricted Stock with
respect to which the Restriction Period has expired (to the nearest full share)
shall be delivered without charge to the grantee, or the grantee's personal
representative, free of all restrictions under the Plan.

          14.  Limitations on Transfer.  No Stock Option, SAR or Restricted
Stock granted under this Plan shall be transferable otherwise than by will or
the laws of descent and distribution, and no Stock Option or SAR granted under
this Plan may be exercised or other rights or benefits claimed under the Plan
by any person other than the key employee to whom the Stock Option or SAR shall





                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>   8



initially have been granted during the lifetime of such original grantee (other
than the person's guardian or legal representative).  After the death of such
original grantee, the "holder" of any Stock Option, SAR or Restricted Stock
granted under this Plan shall be deemed to be the person to whom the original
grantee's rights shall pass under the original grantee's will or under the laws
of descent and distribution.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no transfer by
will or the laws of descent or distribution will be binding on the Company
unless the Committee is furnished with sufficient proof establishing the
validity of such transfer.

          15.  No Right to Employment Conferred.  Nothing in this Plan or in
any Incentive Compensation Agreement prescribed by the Committee shall confer
upon any employee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or
interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate such employee's
employment at any time.

          16.  Recapitalization.  In the event of changes in the outstanding
shares of Common Stock by reason of stock dividends, stock splits, subdivisions
or combinations of shares, the number and class of shares available under the
Plan in the aggregate and the maximum number of shares as to which Stock
Options, SARs and Restricted Stock may be granted to any key employee under the
Plan shall be correspondingly and fairly adjusted by the Committee.  A
corresponding adjustment in outstanding Stock Options and SARs shall be made
without change in the total exercise price applicable to the unexercised
portion of any Stock Option or SAR, with a corresponding adjustment in the
exercise price per share.  The number of SARs awarded to a key employee shall
be adjusted in such event so that the same ratio of SARs to the number of
shares granted under any  related Stock Option is maintained.

          17.  Reorganization. If Keystone is merged, consolidated or effects a
share exchange with another corporation (whether or not Keystone is the
surviving corporation), or if substantially all of the assets or all of the
Common Stock is acquired by another corporation, or in the event of a
separation, reorganization or liquidation of Keystone, the Board of Directors
of Keystone, or the board of directors of any corporation assuming the
obligations of Keystone hereunder, shall make appropriate provision for the
protection of any outstanding Stock Options and SARs by the substitution on an
equitable basis of appropriate stock of Keystone, or of the merged,
consolidated or otherwise reorganized corporation which will be issuable in
respect to the shares of Common Stock, provided only that the excess of the
aggregate fair market value of the shares subject to the Stock Options and SARs
immediately after such substitution over the exercise price thereof is not more
than the excess of the aggregate fair market value of the shares subject to
such Stock Options and SARs immediately before such substitution over the
exercise price thereof.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if Keystone is
merged, consolidated or effects a share exchange with another corporation or if
substantially all of the assets or all of the Common Stock is acquired by
another corporation, or in the event of a separation, reorganization or
liquidation of Keystone, the Board of Directors of Keystone or the board of
directors of any corporation assuming the obligations of Keystone hereunder
may, upon written notice to the holder of any outstanding Stock Option or SAR,





                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>   9



provide that such Stock Option or SAR must be exercised within sixty (60) days
of the date of such notice or it will be terminated.

          18.  Stockholder Approval.  This Plan is expressly made subject to
the approval by the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares
of Keystone entitled to vote and represented at a meeting of stockholders duly
called in accordance with applicable law, where a quorum is present.  If the
Plan is not so approved within one year after its adoption by the Board of
Directors, the Plan shall not come into effect, and any Stock Option, SAR or
Restricted Stock award granted pursuant hereto shall terminate and end.  No
Stock Option or SAR granted hereunder shall be exercisable and no Restricted
Stock transferable or deliverable to a grantee unless and until such
stockholder approval is obtained.

          19.  Listing and Registration of Shares of Common Stock.  The
Committee, in its discretion, may postpone the issuance and/or delivery of
shares of Common Stock issuable upon any exercise of a Stock Option or an SAR
or upon the grant of a Restricted Stock award until completion of any stock
exchange listing, or registration, or other qualification or exemption of such
shares under any state and/or federal law, rule or regulation as the Committee
may consider appropriate, and may require any grantee to make such
representations and furnish such information as it may consider appropriate in
connection with the issuance or delivery of the shares in compliance with
applicable laws, rules and regulations.

          20.  Termination and Amendment of the Plan.  The Plan shall terminate
on the earlier of (i) ten years from the date this Plan is adopted by the Board
of Directors of Keystone or by the stockholders of Keystone, whichever is
earlier, or (ii) such time as a new stock incentive compensation plan is
adopted by the Board of Directors expressly in replacement of this Plan.  No
Stock Option, SAR or Restricted Stock shall be granted under this Plan after
its termination date, but the termination of this Plan shall not adversely
affect any Stock Option, SAR or Restricted Stock theretofore granted hereunder.
Subject to the foregoing, this Plan may at any time or from time to time be
terminated, modified or amended by (1) the Board of Directors and (2) by the
stockholders of Keystone, if and to the extent that stockholder approval
thereof is required under Section 422 of the Code, under Rule 16b-3 or by any
securities exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are then listed, or if
directed by the Board of Directors.

          21.  Plan Provisions Control Terms of Awards.  The terms of this Plan
shall govern all Stock Options, SARs or Restricted Stock awards granted under
this Plan and in no event shall the Committee have the power to grant any Stock
Option, SAR or Restricted Stock under this Plan which is contrary to any of the
provisions of the Plan.

          22.  Modification of Terms.  Any provision contained in this Plan to
the contrary notwithstanding, on and after the date that any Stock Option, SAR
or Restricted Stock award is granted hereunder, the Committee shall have the
authority to modify the terms and provisions of any such Stock Option, SAR or
Restricted Stock award including, but not limited to, modifications that cause





                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>   10



a previously granted Stock Option to cease, upon the modification date, to
qualify as an ISO; provided, however, that no such modification shall (i)
materially increase the benefits to participants as provided for under this
Plan (as such limitation is interpreted under Rule 16b-3, other applicable law
or stock exchange regulations), or (ii) materially decrease the benefits to a
specific participant in this Plan without the prior written consent of such
participant.  For purposes of clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, any
modification that would convert a previously granted ISO into a NSO will be
treated as causing a material decrease in the benefits available to the holder
of such Stock Option.

          23.  Withholding Taxes.  (a)  Whenever shares are to be issued or
delivered pursuant to the Plan, the Company shall have the right, in its sole
discretion, to either (i) require the grantee to remit to the Company or (ii)
withhold from any salary, wages or other compensation payable by the Company to
the grantee, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local
withholding tax requirements prior to the delivery of any certificate or
certificates for such shares.  Whenever payments are to be made, such payments
shall be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local
withholding tax requirements and authorized deductions.

          (b)  With respect to shares received by a grantee pursuant to the
exercise of an ISO, if such grantee disposes of any such shares within two
years from the date of grant of such option or within one year after the
transfer of such shares to the grantee, the Company shall have the right to
withhold from any salary, wages or other compensation payable by the Company to
the grantee an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local
withholding tax requirements attributable to such disposition.

          24.  Rights as a Stockholder.  (a)  A grantee of a Stock Option or an
SAR or a transferee of such grantee pursuant to Section 14 hereof shall have no
rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock related
thereto until the issuance of a stock certificate for such shares following the
exercise of such Stock Option or SAR.  Except as otherwise provided for in
Sections 16 and 17 hereof, no adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary
or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities, or other property) or
distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date
such stock certificate is issued.

          (b)  A grantee of Restricted Stock or a transferee of such grantee
pursuant to Section 14 hereof shall, upon the date certificates for the
Restricted Stock are issued, have all of the rights of a stockholder including
the right to vote such shares and to receive dividends, subject however to the
restrictions established pursuant to Section 13 hereof.

          25.  Compliance with Rule 16b-3.  The Company intends that this Plan
shall comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 during the term of this Plan.
Should any provision of this Plan not be necessary to comply with the
requirements of the Rule or should any additional provisions be necessary for
this Plan to comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3, the Board may amend
the Plan to add or to modify the provisions of this Plan accordingly.





                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>   11



          26.  Plan Financing.  Keystone may extend and maintain, or arrange
for the extension and maintenance of, financing to any grantee (including a
grantee who is a director of Keystone) to purchase shares pursuant to exercise
of a Stock Option granted hereunder on such terms as may be approved by the
Committee in its sole discretion.  In considering the terms for extension or
maintenance of credit by Keystone, the Committee shall, among other factors,
consider the cost to Keystone of any financing extended by Keystone.

          27.  Funding.  Except as provided under Section 13(b) hereof, no
provision of the Plan shall require or permit the Company, for the purpose of
satisfying any obligations under the Plan, to purchase assets or place any
assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made or otherwise
to segregate any assets, nor shall the Company maintain separate bank accounts,
books, records or other evidence of the existence of a segregated or separately
maintained or administered fund for such purposes.



          SECTION 28.  ERISA.  The Plan is not an employee benefit plan which
is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, and the provisions of Code Section 401(a) are not applicable to the Plan.

          SECTION 29.  Effective Date of Plan.  The Plan shall be effective May
1, 1992, subject to approval by the stockholders of Keystone pursuant to the
provisions of Section 18 hereof.





                                     - 11 -

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.6



                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.

                  1992 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN



1.        Purpose.  The purpose of the Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.
1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan is to advance the interests of the
Company by providing an inducement to obtain and retain the services of
qualified persons who are neither employees nor officers of the Company to
serve as members of the Board of Directors.

2.        Definitions.

          (a)    "Annual Earnings Release" shall mean the press release issued
by the Company after its fiscal year end which summarizes the financial
performance of the Company during such fiscal year.

          (b)    "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (c)    "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

          (d)    "Company" shall mean Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., a
          Delaware corporation.  

          (e)    "Director" shall mean any person serving as a member of the
Board.  

          (f)    "Disability" shall mean the condition of an Optionee who is
unable to engage in any substantial gainful activities by reason of any 
medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to
result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous
period of not less than twelve (12) months.

          (g)    "Eligible Directors" shall mean those members of the Board 
eligible to participate in the Plan pursuant to Section 4.

          (h)    "Fair Market Value" shall mean the last reported sale price of
the shares of the Company's Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Tape on the relevant date for valuation, or, if there is no such
sale, the last reported sale price of such Stock as so reported on the nearest
preceding date upon which such sale took place.

          (i)    "Ineligible Directors" shall mean those members of the Board
who are not eligible to participate in the Plan pursuant to Section 4.

          (j)    "Option" shall mean an option to purchase shares of Stock,
granted pursuant to the Plan and subject to the terms and conditions described
in the Plan, which is not an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code
Section 422.




                                     -1-
<PAGE>   2
          (k)    "Optionee" shall mean an Eligible Director who holds Options 
pursuant to the Plan.

          (l)    "Parent" shall mean a parent corporation as defined in Code
Section 424(e).  

          (m)    "Plan" shall mean the Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.
1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, as it may be amended from time to
time pursuant to Section 8.

          (n)    "SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

          (o)    "Stock" shall mean the Company's $1.00 par value Common Stock,
as adjusted from time to time pursuant to 9(c) of the Plan.

          (p)    "Stockholders" shall mean the holders of the Company's stock
and other securities entitled to vote on matters with respect to the Plan.

          (q)    "Stockholder Approval Date" shall mean the date on which the
Stockholders approve the Plan.  

          (r)    "Subsidiary" shall mean a subsidiary corporation as defined in
Code Section 424(f).

3.        Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Ineligible
Directors.  Grants of Options under the Plan and the amount and nature of the
awards to be granted shall be automatic as described in Section 6.  The
Ineligible Directors, subject to the provisions of the Plan, have the power to
construe the Plan, to determine all questions thereunder and to adopt and amend
such rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan as they may deem
desirable.  Any interpretation, determination, or other action made or taken by
the Ineligible Directors shall be made or taken only upon the concurrence of a
majority of the Ineligible Directors and shall be final, binding, and
conclusive.  Any action reduced to writing and signed by all of the Ineligible
Directors shall be as fully effective as if it had been taken by a vote at a
meeting of the Eligible Directors duly called and held.  None of the Ineligible
Directors shall be personally liable for any action, determination or
interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the Options.

4.        Eligibility.  All Directors of the Company shall be eligible to
participate in the Plan unless they are (1) employees of the Company or (2)
employees of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.

5.        Shares Subject to the Plan.  The total number of shares of Stock
authorized under the Plan shall not exceed 50,000 shares which may be issued or
unissued (subject to adjustment under Section 9(c)).  If any outstanding Option
under the Plan expires or is terminated for any reason (other than the exercise
thereof),




                                     -2-
<PAGE>   3
then the Stock allocable to the unexercised portion of such Option shall not be
charged against the limitation of this Section 5(b) and may again become the
subject of an Option granted under the Plan.

6.        Terms, Conditions and Form of Options.  Each Option granted under the
Plan shall be evidenced by a written agreement in such form as the Ineligible
Directors shall from time to time approve, which agreements shall comply with
and be subject to the following terms and conditions:

          (a)    Option Grant Dates.   Grants of Options shall be made each
year, with the initial grant being on the date which is three business days
after the Stockholder Approval Date and all subsequent grants beginning in 1993
being on the date which is three business days after the issuance of the Annual
Earnings Release.  Options shall be granted automatically to all Directors who
are Eligible Directors, as of the date of the grant.  Options shall not be
exercisable until Stockholder approval as described in Section 9(g) is
obtained.
          
          (b)    Option Formula.  Each Eligible Director will be entitled to
receive an Option to purchase 1,000 shares of Stock on the grant date of the
Option, without further action by the Board or the Ineligible Directors.

          (c)    Period of Options.  Options shall become exercisable no sooner
than 12 months after the grant date of the Option; provided, however, that any
Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall become exercisable in full upon the
death or Disability of the Optionee or, upon the Optionee's ceasing, for any
reason including retirement, to serve on the Board in accordance with Section
6(g).  Options shall terminate upon the expiration of five years from the date
upon which such Options were granted (subject to prior termination as
hereinafter provided).

          (d)    Option Price.  The price per share of Stock at which an Option
may be exercised shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the  Stock on the
date the Option is granted.

          (e)    Exercise of Options.  Options may be exercised (in full or in
part) only by written notice of exercise delivered to the Company at its
principal executive office, accompanied by payment, in cash, equal to the full
Option price for the shares of Stock which are exercised.  No Option may be
exercised when the Fair Market Value of the shares subject to such Option is
less than the Option price.

          (f)    Death or Disability of Optionee.  If an Optionee shall
terminate performance of services for the Company because of death or
Disability, or shall die after termination of performance of




                                     -3-
<PAGE>   4
services for the Company but while the Optionee could have exercised an Option,
that Option may be exercised, at any time, or from time to time, within one
year after the date of death or termination of performance of services because
of Disability, but in no event later than the expiration date specified
pursuant to Section 6(c).  In the case of death, exercise may be made by the
person or persons to whom the Optionee's rights under the Option pass by will
or applicable law, or if no such person has such rights, by the Optionee's
executors or administrators; provided that such person(s) consent in writing to
abide by and be subject to the terms of the Plan and the Option and such
writing is delivered to the Company.

          (g)    Termination of Services as Director.  If an Optionee's
performance of services for the Company shall terminate for any reason other
than death or Disability, the Optionee must exercise the Option, at any time,
or from time to time, within three months after the date of termination of
performance of services, but in no event later than the expiration date
specified pursuant to Section 6(c); provided, however, in the case of
termination of performance of services for cause, the Option shall cease to be
exercisable on the date of such termination.  For this purpose, "cause" shall
mean misappropriation of assets of the Company or any Subsidiary resulting in
material loss to such entity.  For the purposes of the Plan and any agreement
prescribed hereunder, the Optionee's performance of services shall be deemed to
have terminated on the earlier of (1) the date when the Optionee's performance
of services in fact terminated or (2) the date when the Optionee gave or
received written notice that the Optionee's performance of services is to
terminate.

          (h)    No Rights as Stockholder.  No Optionee shall have any rights
as a Stockholder with respect to any shares subject to an Option prior to the
date of issuance of a certificate or certificates for such shares upon the
exercise of such Option.

7.        Listing and Registration of Shares.  The Company shall not be
required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of Stock prior to (a)
the listing of such shares on any stock exchange on which the Stock may then be
listed, if such listing is required under the rules or regulations of such
exchange, and (b) the compliance with applicable federal and state securities
laws and regulations relating to the issuance and delivery of such stock.  The
Ineligible Directors may require any optionee to make such representations and
warranties and furnish such information as they may consider appropriate in
connection with the issuance or delivery of shares in compliance with
applicable laws, rules and regulations.




                                     -4-
<PAGE>   5
8.        Amendment and Discontinuance.  The Board may from time to time amend,
suspend or discontinue the Plan; provided, however, that, subject to the
provisions of Section 9(c), no action of the Board without approval of the
Stockholders of the Company may (a) materially increase the number of shares
which may be issued pursuant to Options granted under the Plan or the number of
shares for which an Option may be granted to any participant under the Plan;
(b) change the provisions of the Plan regarding the termination of an Option or
the time when Options may be exercised; (c) change the period during which any
Options may be granted or remain outstanding or the date on which the Plan
shall terminate; (d) change the designation of the class of persons eligible to
receive Options or (e) otherwise materially change the benefits accruing to
participants under the Plan.  The requirements of Sections 6(a), 6(b) and 6(d)
shall not be amended more than once every six months, except to conform with
changes in the Code or the rules and regulations thereunder.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if amendments are made to conform the Plan to SEC Rule 16b-3,
such amendments shall be permissible without Stockholder approval to the
fullest extent permitted by such Rule or other applicable law or stock exchange
regulation.

9.        General Provisions.

          (a)    Assignability.  Neither the rights and benefits under the Plan
nor any Option granted hereunder shall be assignable or transferable by an
Optionee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and
during the lifetime of the Optionee, Options shall be exercisable only by the
Optionee who received them or the Optionee's guardian or legal representative.
No transfer by will or the laws of descent and distribution will be binding on
the Company unless the Committee is furnished with sufficient proof
establishing the validity of such transfer.

          (b)    Termination of Plan.  No Options may be granted under the Plan
after its termination date which shall be the earlier of:  (i) five years after
the effective date of the Plan (or if such date is not a business day, on the
next succeeding business day) or (ii) the effective date of a non-employee
director stock option plan adopted by the Board of Directors in express
replacement of this Plan.  Termination of this Plan shall not adversely affect
any Option theretofore granted hereunder.

          (c)    Adjustments in Event of Change in Stock.  In the event of any
change in the Stock by reason of any stock dividend, stock split,
reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange of shares, or of
any similar change affecting the Stock,




                                     -5-
<PAGE>   6
the number and class of shares subject to outstanding Options issuable and
authorized for issuance under the Plan, the option price per share thereof, and
any other terms of the Plan or the Options which in the Ineligible Directors'
sole discretion require an equitable adjustment in order to prevent any
dilution or enlargement of Eligible Directors' rights hereunder shall be
appropriately adjusted consistent with such change in such manner as the
Ineligible Directors may deem appropriate.

          (d)    No Right to Continue as a Director.  Neither the Plan, nor the
granting of an Option nor any other action taken pursuant to the Plan, shall
constitute or be evidence of any agreement or understanding, express or
implied, that the Company will retain a Director for any period of time, or at
any particular rate of compensation.

          (e)    ERISA.  The Plan is not an employee benefit plan which is
subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, and the provisions of Code Section 401(a) are not applicable to the Plan.

          (f)    Non-Qualified Stock Options.  All Options granted under the
Plan shall be non-qualified options not entitled to special tax treatment under
Code Section 422, as such section may be amended from time to time.

          (g)    Stockholder Approval.  The Plan is expressly made subject to
the approval by the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares
of Stock of the Company entitled to vote and represented at a meeting of
Stockholders duly called in accordance with applicable law, where a quorum is
present.  If the Plan is not so approved within one year after its adoption by
the Board, the Plan shall not come into effect and any Option granted pursuant
hereto shall terminate and become void.  No Option granted hereunder shall be
exercisable unless and until such Stockholder approval is obtained.

          (h)    Governing Law.  To the extent not superseded by federal law,
the Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Texas and construed accordingly.

          (i)    Variation of Pronouns.  All pronouns and any variations
thereof contained herein shall be deemed to refer to masculine, feminine,
neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the person or persons may
require.

          (j)    Plan Provisions Control Terms of Awards.  The terms of this
Plan shall govern all Options granted under this Plan and in no event shall the
Ineligible Directors have the power to grant any Option under this Plan which
is contrary to any of the provisions of the Plan.




                                     -6-
<PAGE>   7
          (k)    Compliance with Rule 16b-3.  The Company intends that this
Plan shall comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 during the term of this
Plan.  Should any provision of this Plan not be necessary to comply with the
requirements of the Rule or should any additional provisions be necessary for
this Plan (or any other plan of the Company) to comply with the requirements of
Rule 16b-3, the Board may amend the Plan to add or to modify the provisions of
this Plan accordingly.

          (l)    Funding.  No provision of the Plan shall require or permit the
Company, for the purpose of satisfying any obligations under the Plan, to
purchase assets or place any assets in a trust or other entity to which
contributions are made or otherwise to segregate any assets, nor shall the
Company maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of
the existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for
such purposes.

          (m)    Effective Date of the Plan.  The Plan shall take effect May 1,
1992, subject to approval by the Stockholders of the Company pursuant to the
provisions of Section 9(g).






                                     -7-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.7

               PREFERRED STOCKHOLDER WAIVER AND CONSENT AGREEMENT


         This Preferred Stockholder Waiver and Consent Agreement (this
"Agreement") is entered into as of this 26th day of June, 1996, by and between
Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. ("KCI"), and Coatings Group, Inc.,
Asgard, Ltd. and Parkway M & A Capital Corporation (collectively, the
"Preferred Stockholders").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, KCI and DeSoto, Inc. ("DeSoto") have entered into that
certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization of even date herewith (the "Merger
Agreement"); and

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, it is contemplated that the
parties hereto will enter into this Agreement; and

         WHEREAS, the parties hereto have expressed their desire to effectuate
the merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

         NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above stated premises
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

         1.      KCI agrees to pay at the Effective Time (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) to the Preferred Stockholders (i) an amount of cash equal to
all unpaid dividend arrearages as of the Effective Time on the Series B Senior
Preferred Stock of DeSoto (the "Preferred Stock") and (ii) the KCI Preferred
Stock (as contemplated by the Merger Agreement) upon surrender of the Preferred
Stock.

         2.      Each Preferred Stockholder hereby agrees to vote the shares of
Preferred Stock it owns in favor of the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby at any meeting of the stockholders of DeSoto (and any
adjournment thereof) at which such matters are considered.  Each Preferred
Stockholder agrees (i) not to assert and to waive any rights of appraisal that
it may have pursuant to Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and
(ii) to waive the requirement that the Preferred Stock be redeemed pursuant to
Section 8(B) of the Certificate of Designation of the Preferred Stock by reason
of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

         3.      The Preferred Stockholders agree and consent to the terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement including, but not limited to, the
conversion at the Effective Time, of the Preferred Stock into KCI Preferred
Stock pursuant to Section 1.1(b) of the Merger Agreement and the right to
receive cash as set forth in Section 1 hereof.





                                       1
<PAGE>   2
         4.      The Preferred Stockholders agree to deliver the certificates
representing the Preferred Stock, duly endorsed, to KCI at the Effective Time.
KCI agrees at the Effective Time to deliver to the Preferred Stockholders
certificates representing the KCI Preferred Stock, with the following legend:

         "The shares represented by this certificate have not been registered
         under the Securities Act of 1933 nor applicable state securities laws.
         The shares may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of
         except in compliance with such Act and applicable state securities
         laws."

         5.      KCI agrees, immediately prior to the Effective Time, to file
the Certificate of Designations attached hereto as Exhibit "A," which
Certificate of Designations shall represent the rights and preferences of the
KCI Preferred Stock to be issued to the Preferred Stockholders.

         6.      The Preferred Stockholders agree that they shall not sell,
transfer, convey, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise assign the Preferred Stock
prior to the Effective Time.

         7.      Each Preferred Stockholder represents and warrants as follows:

                 (a) As of the date hereof, the number of shares of Preferred
         Stock held by each Preferred Stockholder is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Preferred Stockholder                                 Number of Shares
         ---------------------                                 ----------------
         <S>                                                            <C>
         Coatings Group, Inc.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259,259
         Asgard, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194,444
         Parkway M & A Capital Corporation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129,630
</TABLE>

                 (b) The Preferred Stockholder has taken all necessary
         corporate, partnership or personal action to authorize the execution,
         delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
         transaction contemplated hereby.  This Agreement has been duly and
         validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Preferred
         Stockholder and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the
         Preferred Stockholder, enforceable against it in accordance with its
         terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium
         and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditor's rights
         generally and except that no representation or warranty is made as to
         the availability of equitable remedies.

                 (c)  The Preferred Stockholder or, if applicable, the
         Preferred Stockholder and the Preferred Stockholder's representatives,
         if any, have examined or have had an opportunity to examine before the
         date hereof all additional information concerning KCI as requested by
         the Preferred Stockholder or the Preferred Stockholder's
         representatives.





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                 (d)  The Preferred Stockholder and the Preferred Stockholder's
         representatives, if any, have had an opportunity to ask questions of
         and receive answers from officers of KCI concerning the terms and
         conditions of this investment, and all such questions have been
         answered to the full satisfaction of the Preferred Stockholder.

                 (e)  The Preferred Stockholder or the Preferred Stockholder
         and its representatives, if any, together have such knowledge and
         experience in financial and business matters that it, or they
         together, are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an
         investment in KCI.

                 (f)  The Preferred Stockholder acknowledges that resale
         limitations exist with respect to the Preferred Stock.  Resales of the
         KCI Preferred Stock by any person shall be made only in accordance
         with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state
         securities laws.  The Preferred Stockholder acknowledges that it is
         aware that the certificates representing the KCI Preferred Stock bear
         a legend stating the KCI Preferred Stock has not been registered under
         the federal securities laws nor applicable state securities laws and
         setting forth the resale limitations discussed above and that stop
         transfer instructions shall be issued to enforce such limitations.

                 (g)  The Preferred Stockholder is acquiring the KCI Preferred
         Stock hereunder for its own account, for investment purposes only and
         not with a view to the sale or other disposition thereof, in whole or
         in part, and the Preferred Stockholder will hold such KCI Preferred
         Stock as the beneficial owner thereof, and not as the nominee or on
         behalf of any other person or entity.

         8.      This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

         9.      This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be an original with the same effect as if the signatures hereto and
thereto were upon the same instrument.

         10.     This Agreement shall terminate upon termination of the Merger
Agreement.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
         11.     The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal
successors.


                                        KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.


                                        By: 
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Glenn R. Simmons,
                                            Chief Executive Officer


                                        COATINGS GROUP, INC.


                                        By:
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            William Spier,
                                            Its President


                                        ASGARD, LTD.


                                        By: 
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Anders U. Schroeder,
                                            Its General Partner


                                        PARKWAY M & A CAPITAL CORPORATION


                                        By: 
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            David Tobey,
                                            Its President





                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                                  EXHIBIT "A"


                          CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS
                               OF SERIES A SENIOR
           PREFERRED STOCK OF KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.


Pursuant to Section 151 of the Delaware General Corporation Law,

         We, Glenn R. Simmons, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer and Sandra K. Myers, Secretary of Keystone Consolidated Industries,
Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the "Company"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

         That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors
by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, the Board of
Directors on June 13, 1996, adopted the following resolution creating a series
of 440,000 shares of Preferred Stock, no par value, designated as Series A
Senior Preferred Stock;

         NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested
in the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with the provisions of
its Certificate of Incorporation, a series of Preferred Stock, no par value, of
the Company be and it hereby is created, and that the designation, amount and
relative rights, limitations and preferences thereof are as follows:

         Section 1.       Designation and Amount.  The shares of such series
shall be designated as "Series A Senior Preferred Stock" (the "Series A
Preferred Stock"); the number of shares constituting such series shall be four
hundred forty thousand (440,000).

         Section 2.       Preference.  The preferences of shares of the Series
A Preferred Stock with respect to dividend payments or distributions upon the
voluntary or involuntary liquidation dissolution or winding up of the Company,
as the case may be, will be in every respect senior, prior, and superior to the
preference of every other share of capital stock of the Company from time to
time outstanding, including but not limited to any other series of preferred
stock of the Company.

         Section 3.       Dividends.  The holders of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the
Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the purpose, cumulative
cash dividends payable in arrears on ______________, ________________,
________________, and ________________ of each year (each such date being
referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date") commencing on the
first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after _______________, 1996 (the
"Original Issuance Date").  For any three month period ending on a Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date (a "Dividend Period")





                                       1
<PAGE>   6
for which the Company pays the quarterly dividend for such Dividend Period,
quarterly per share dividends shall be (i) at the annual rate of eight percent
(8%) of the sum of the Liquidation Preference (as defined in Section 6 hereof)
of each share of Series A Preferred Stock and all accrued but unpaid dividends
on such share, whether or not earned or declared, with respect to prior
Dividend Periods if such accrued dividends with respect to prior Dividend
Periods have not been paid in full if all accrued dividends, whether or not
earned or declared, with respect to prior Dividend Periods occurring after the
fourth Dividend Period after the Original Issuance Date have been paid in full
(or such fourth Dividend Period has not yet been completed) and (ii) at an
annual rate of ten percent (10%) of the sum of the Liquidation Preference and
all accrued but unpaid dividends on such share, whether or not earned or
declared, with respect to prior Dividend Periods occurring after the fourth
Dividend Period after the Original Issuance Date if such accrued dividends in
respect of such prior Dividend Periods have not been paid in full and at an
annual rate of eight percent (8%) of the amount of all accrued but unpaid
dividends on such share, whether or not earned or declared, with respect to
prior Dividend Periods ending on or before the last date in the fourth Dividend
Period after the Original Issuance Date if such accrued dividends with respect
to such prior Dividend Periods have not been paid in full.  Such dividends
shall be paid to the holders of record of shares of Series A Preferred Stock at
the close of business on the date specified by the Board of Directors of the
Company at the time such dividend is declared; provided, however, that with
respect to any Dividend Period, such date shall not be more than sixty (60)
days nor less than ten (10) days prior to the last day of such Dividend Period.
If dividends are not paid in full for any quarter ending on a Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall share
ratably in the cash paid.  Unpaid dividends (or portions thereof) shall be
fully cumulative and shall accrue (whether or not declared), without interest,
from the first day of the quarter ending on the Quarterly Dividend Payment in
which such dividend may be payable as herein provided.

         Section 4.       Voting Rights.  In addition to any voting rights to
which the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be entitled under
applicable law or the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of
shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company, together with all such
stockholders as one class and not as a separate class, with each share of
Series A Preferred Stock entitled to one vote or, if greater, the number of
votes per share equal to the number of votes a holder of one share of common
stock of the Company as of the Original Issuance Date would have by virtue of
his ownership, as of the record date for a stockholder vote, of such share of
common stock and any other voting securities received in respect of such share
of common stock as result of a stock dividend, split, recapitalization, merger,
exchange offer by the Company.

         If and whenever at any time or from time to time, an amount equal to
the full accrued dividends for two or more quarterly dividend periods shall not
have been paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set
aside) on any shares of Series A Preferred Stock or any payment required in
connection with the redemption of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not
have been paid, then the holders of a majority of the Series A Preferred Stock
shall have, in addition to any other voting rights, the exclusive right, voting
separately as a single





                                       2
<PAGE>   7
class, to elect two of the directors of the Company (such directors being in
addition to, to the extent permissible, and in place of, to the extent
necessary, the directors constituting the Board of Directors immediately prior
to the accrual of such right), the remaining directors to be elected by all
classes of stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, entitled to vote
therefor at each meeting of stockholders held for the purpose of electing
directors.

         Whenever the holders of Series A Preferred Stock have the right,
voting as a class, to elect two directors, such voting right shall have vested,
such right may be exercised initially either at a special meeting of the
holders of the Series A Preferred Stock having such voting rights, called as
hereinafter provided, by written consent of the holders of a majority of the
shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or at any annual meeting of stockholders
held for the purpose of electing directors, and thereafter at such annual
meetings.  Such voting right shall continue for the Series A Preferred Stock
until such time as all cumulative dividends accumulated and payable on the
Series A Stock or undischarged redemption payments shall have been paid in full
at which time such voting right of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock
shall terminate, subject to revesting in the event of each and every subsequent
event of default of the character indicated above, and the term of directors
elected exclusively by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will terminate.

         Any meeting of holders of Series A Preferred Stock provided for in
this section shall be called by the secretary of the Corporation as promptly as
possible but in any event within 20 days after receipt of the written request
of the holders of at least 5% of the number of shares of Series A Preferred
Stock then outstanding, addressed to the Company at its principal office.  Such
meeting shall be held at the place designated or chosen in the manner provided
in the by-laws of the Company for meetings of the Company's shareholders, and
at the earliest practicable date upon not less than 10 days' notice.  If any
meeting of holders of Series A Preferred Stock provided for in this section
shall not be called within 60 days after receipt by the secretary of the
Corporation of a request, then the holders of at least 5% of the number of
shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, may, by written notice to
the secretary of the Corporation, designate any person, at the expense of the
Company, to call such meeting and the person so designated may call such
meeting at the place above provided and upon not less than 10 days' notice and
for that purpose will have access to the stock books of the Company.  At any
meeting so called or at any annual meeting held while the holders of Series A
Preferred Stock have the right to elect directors, the holders of Series A
Preferred Stock who are present in person or by proxy will be sufficient to
constitute a quorum for the purpose of the meeting as provided in this section.

         In case any vacancy shall occur among the directors exclusively
elected by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, a successor shall be
elected by the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual meeting of
stockholders or special meeting held in place thereof upon the nomination of
the remaining director elected by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock.

         Section 5.       Certain Restrictions.  (A) If at any time any
dividend on any Series A Preferred Stock shall not have been declared and paid
in cash in full on the dates specified





                                       3
<PAGE>   8
therefor as provided in Section 3 hereof, the occurrence of such contingency
shall mark the beginning of a period (herein called a "default period") which
shall extend until such time as all accrued but unpaid dividends have been
declared and paid in full as provided in Section 3 above.

         (B) During and until the expiration of a default period, the Company
shall not declare or pay dividends or make any other distributions on, or
redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration, any shares (or any
rights or warrants to purchase such shares) of any other capital stock of the
Company, provided that the Company may at any time redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire shares of any such junior stock in exchange for, or out of
the net cash proceeds from the sale of, other shares of any junior stock or may
pay dividends or distributions on junior stock solely in shares of any junior
stock.

         (C) The Company shall not permit any subsidiary of the Company to
purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration, any shares of stock of the
Company unless the Company could, under paragraph (B) of this Section 5,
purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.

         Section 6.       Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.  Upon any
liquidation (voluntary or otherwise), dissolution or winding up of the Company,
no distribution shall be made to the holders of shares of any other capital
stock of the Company unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Series A
Preferred Stock shall have received $8.0375 per share (the "Liquidation
Preference"), plus all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not
earned or declared, to the date fixed for liquidation, dissolution or winding
up.  Following the payment of the full amount of the Liquidation Preference,
plus accrued but unpaid dividends, no additional distributions shall be made to
the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

         Section 7.       Optional Redemption.  (A) At any time after July 21,
1997, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, in
whole or from time to time in part, at a cash redemption price per share equal
to the Liquidation Preference, together with accrued but unpaid dividends
thereon, whether or not earned or declared, to the date fixed for redemption.
In addition, if a majority of the Board of Directors determines that redemption
of the Series A Preferred Stock is necessary or appropriate to facilitate the
Company's acceptance of a proposal to acquire all of the Company's common stock
and at such time at least two-thirds of the then outstanding shares of the
Series A Preferred Stock are owned by the original purchasers of such shares ,
then the Company may redeem all then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock at a cash redemption price equal to the cash redemption price referred to
in the preceding sentence.  Notice of redemption shall be given by first class
mail, postage prepaid, or in person to the holders of shares at their
respective addresses as the same appear on the stock register of the Company at
least ten (10) days but not more than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled
redemption date.  Any notice mailed in the manner provided in this subsection
shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the
stockholder receives such notice, and failure duly to give such notice by mail,
or any defect in such notice, to any stockholder shall not affect the validity
of the proceedings for the redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred
Stock.





                                       4
<PAGE>   9
         (B) At any time before the date of redemption, the Company may, if it
shall so elect, provide moneys for the redemption by depositing the funds
necessary for such redemption in a separate account in trust for the account of
the holders of the shares so called for redemption.  In any such case there
shall be included in the notice of redemption a statement of the date on which
the deposit will be made and of the name and address of the bank or trust
company to serve as depository.  The making of such deposit will not relieve
the Company of liability for payment of the moneys necessary for such
redemption.  Any funds so deposited which shall remain unclaimed by the holders
of the redeemed shares at the end of one year after the date of redemption
shall be repaid to the Company, after which the holders of such shares shall
look only to the Company for payment thereof.  Any interest accrued on moneys
so deposited shall belong to the Company and shall be paid to it from time to
time.

         (C) If notice of redemption shall have been duly mailed, then (i) on
and after the date of redemption (unless the Company shall default in providing
funds for the payment of the moneys necessary for the redemption), or (ii) if
the Company shall have made the deposit referred to in the preceding paragraph,
then on and after the date of deposit, notwithstanding (in either case) that
any certificate evidencing shares of stock so called for redemption shall not
have been surrendered for cancellation, all shares called for redemption will
be deemed to be no longer outstanding for any purpose, and all rights with
respect to such shares (including the right to vote or receive dividends
thereon) will forthwith cease and terminate, excepting only the right of the
holder to receive the amount payable upon termination.

         (D) At any time on or after the date of redemption or, if the Company
shall elect to deposit the moneys for such redemption as provided in paragraph
(B) above, then at any time on or after the date of deposit and without
awaiting the date of redemption, the respective holders of record of the shares
to be redeemed shall be entitled to receive the amount payable upon redemption
upon actual delivery to the Company, or, in the event of such deposit, to the
depository, of certificates for the shares to be redeemed, such certificates,
if required, to be properly stamped for transfer and duly endorsed in blank or
accompanied by proper instruments of assignment and transfer thereof duly
executed in blank.

         (E) If any proposed redemption of Series A Preferred Stock shall be of
less than all of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the
shares to be redeemed will be selected pro rata or by any other method as may
be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in its sole discretion
to be equitable.

         (F) If and so long as full cumulative dividends payable on the Series
A Preferred Stock in respect of all prior Dividend Periods shall not have been
paid or set apart for payment, the Company shall not redeem or otherwise
purchase any shares of the Series A Preferred Stock.

         Section 8.       Mandatory Redemption.  (A) On July 1, 2000, the
Company will redeem, to the maximum extent legally permitted to do so, all then
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock at a cash price per share equal
to the Liquidation Preference, plus all accrued but unpaid dividends, whether
or not earned or declared, to the date of redemption (or such later





                                       5
<PAGE>   10
date as the redemption obligation can be satisfied by the Company if sufficient
funds are not legally available).

         (B) Upon the occurrence of a "Change of Control" (as defined below),
the Company shall be deemed to have called all of the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock for redemption with a redemption date thirty (30) days after
the date of the Change of Control, and the Company shall be obligated to pay
the redemption price per share specified in paragraph (A) of this Section and
otherwise comply with the requirements and procedures of a mandatory redemption
specified in this Section.  A "Change of Control" means a change of control of
a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of
Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Act"); provided that, without limitation, such a change
in control shall be deemed to have occurred (i) if any person described in
Section 3(a)(9) and 13(d) of the Act is or becomes the "beneficial owner," as
such term is used in Rule 13d-3 under the Act (other than an employee benefit
plan of the Company or any subsidiary, or trustee thereof, acting on behalf of
such plan) directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing
twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's
then outstanding securities, or (ii) there shall be consummated any
consolidation or merger of the Company in which the Company is not the
continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of the
Company's stock would be converted into cash, securities, or other property or
a merger of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in which shares of the
Company's stock are issued, other than, in any of the foregoing cases, a merger
or consolidation of the Company in which the holders of the Company's common
stock immediately prior to the merger or consolidation own at least a majority
of the common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the merger
or consolidation, or any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one
transaction or a series of related transactions) of all, or substantially all,
of the assets of the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of
Control shall not occur if any of the following parties shall fall within the
application of the foregoing subsection (i):  (a) Contran Corporation or its
affiliates (as such term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended),
(b) Management Partners I, L.P. or its affiliates, (c) Asgard, Ltd. or its
affiliates, (d) Parkway M & A Capital Corporation or its affiliates, or (e) any
successors or assigns of any of the foregoing parties listed in (b), (c) or
(d).

         (C) If within ten days after the exercise of any of the warrants to
purchase shares of common stock of the Company issued pursuant to that certain
Preferred Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of July 20, 1992, among
Coatings Group, Inc., Asgard, Ltd., Parkway M&A Capital Corporation
(collectively, the "Warrantholders") and DeSoto, Inc. as amended by that
certain Warrant Conversion Agreement, dated as of June ______, 1996, by and
among the Warrantholders and the Company (the "Agreement") and the Purchasers
(as defined in the Agreement) are the holders of at least fifty percent (50%)
of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and shall have so
requested in writing, the Company will redeem, to the maximum extent legally
permitted to do so and to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of any
senior secured indebtedness owning to banks, at least that number of shares of
Series A Preferred Stock at a cash price per share equal to the per share fair
market value of the Series A Preferred Stock as determined by an independent
financial advisor selected by the





                                       6
<PAGE>   11
directors the Company unaffiliated with the holders of the shares of Series A
Preferred Stock (and whose fees and expenses shall be borne by the Company) so
that the product of the number of shares redeemed and the redemption price is
at least equal to the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company upon
exercise of the warrants.

         (D) If the funds of the Company legally available for a redemption
required by this section shall be insufficient to discharge the redemption
requirement in full, funds (if any) to the extent legally available for such
purpose on the redemption date shall be set aside and used for such redemption.
Such redemption requirements shall be cumulative so that if such requirement
shall not be fully discharged as it accrues (for any reason, including
insufficient legally available funds or, in the case of paragraph (C), the
terms of bank financing), funds to the extent they become legally available
(or, in the case of paragraph (C), the terms of bank financing permit such use)
therefor will be applied thereto as they become available until all such
requirements are fully discharged.  No dividend or other distribution, whether
in cash or property, will be paid on or declared or set aside for any other
capital stock of the Company until all mandatory redemption requirements on the
Series A Preferred Stock accrued to the date of payment of such dividend or
distribution are fully discharged.  Mandatory redemptions of Series A Preferred
Stock, if they cannot be fully satisfied at one time will be made in accordance
with the procedures and on the terms set forth in paragraphs (B) through (F) of
Section 7.  Dividends shall continue to accrue and be payable on shares of
Series A Preferred Stock as to which the Company has defaulted in respect of a
redemption requirement.

         Section 9.       Reacquired Shares.  Any shares of Series A Preferred
Stock which shall at any time have been redeemed, purchased or otherwise
acquired by the Company shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares
of Preferred Stock, without designation as to series until such shares are once
more designated as part of a particular series by the board of directors;
provided, however, that such shares may not be reissued as shares of Series A
Preferred Stock.

         Section 10.      Amendment.  The Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company, as amended, shall not further be amended in any manner which would
change the powers, preferences or rights to the Series A Preferred Stock
without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series
A Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class.





                                       7
<PAGE>   12
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have executed and subscribed this Certificate
and to affirm the foregoing as true this ________ day of _____________________,
1996.

                                        
[Corporate Seal]                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Chairman of the Board
                                        and Chief Executive Officer


Attest:


- -------------------------------
Secretary





                                       8

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.8



                                VOTING AGREEMENT

     Agreement dated as of June 26, 1996 between each of the parties listed on
Schedule A hereto (collectively, the "Principal Shareholders") and Keystone
Consolidated Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Keystone").
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed
to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

     In consideration of the execution by Keystone of the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization dated as of June 26, 1996 (the "Merger Agreement") between
DeSoto, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("DeSoto"), and Keystone, and other good
and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the
Principal Shareholders and Keystone hereby agree as follows:

     1.   Representations and Warranties of Principal Shareholder.  Each
Principal Shareholder hereby represents and warrants as to itself to Keystone
as follows:

          (a)  Title.  As of the date hereof, the Principal Shareholder owns of
record that number of shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value, of DeSoto
("Common Shares") and that number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock of
DeSoto ("Preferred Shares") set forth opposite its name on Schedule A hereto.
(The Common Shares and Preferred Shares are together referred to as the
"Shares".)

          (b)  Right to Vote.  The Principal Shareholder has full legal power,
authority and right to vote all Shares owned of record by it in favor of
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement, without the consent or approval of, or any other
action on the part of, any other person or entity.  Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, except for this Agreement, the Principal
Shareholder has not entered into any voting agreement with any person or entity
with respect to any of the Shares, granted any person or entity any proxy
(revocable or irrevocable) or power of attorney with respect to any of the
Shares, deposited any of the Shares in a voting trust or entered into any
arrangement or agreement with any person or entity, in each such case having
the effect of limiting or affecting the Principal Shareholder's legal power,
authority or right to vote the Shares in favor of the approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement.

          (c)  Authority.  The Principal Shareholder has full legal power, 
authority and right to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations 
under, this Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by 
the Principal Shareholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the
Principal Shareholder enforceable against the Principal Shareholder in
accordance with its terms, subject to



<PAGE>   2




(i) bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws now or hereafter
in effect relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and (ii) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law
or in equity).  As of the date of the DeSoto shareholders meeting to vote on
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and, to the extent submitted to
shareholders for approval, the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement, including any adjournment or postponement thereof (the "DeSoto
Shareholders Meeting"), except for this Agreement, the Principal Shareholder
will have full legal power, authority and right to vote all Shares in favor of
the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, without the consent or approval of, or
any other action on the part of, any other person or entity.  From and after
the date hereof, the Principal Shareholder will not commit any act that could
restrict or otherwise affect such legal power, authority and right to vote all
Shares in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.  Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, from and after the date hereof the Principal
Shareholder will not enter into any voting agreement with any person or entity
with respect to any of the Shares, grant any person or entity any proxy
(revocable or irrevocable) or power of attorney with respect to any of the
Shares, deposit any of the Shares in a voting trust or otherwise enter into any
agreement or arrangement limiting or affecting the Principal Shareholder's
legal power, authority or right to vote the Shares in favor of the approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement (other than this Agreement).

        (d) Conflicting Instruments; No Transfer.  Neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement nor the performance by the Principal Shareholder of
its agreements and obligations hereunder will result in any breach or violation
of or be in conflict with or constitute a default under any term of (i) any
agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree, law, regulation or arrangement
to which the Principal Shareholder is a party or by which the Principal
Shareholder (or any of its assets) is bound, except for any such breach,
violation, conflict or default which, individually or in the aggregate, would
not impair or affect the Principal Shareholder's ability to cast the votes with
respect to its Shares at the DeSoto Shareholders Meeting or (ii) the
Certificate of Incorporation of DeSoto.

     2. Representations and Warranties of Keystone.  Keystone hereby represents
and warrants to each Principal Shareholder that this Agreement has been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part, has been duly
executed and delivered by Keystone and is a valid and binding agreement of
Keystone enforceable against Keystone in accordance with its terms, subject to
(i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium and
other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting
creditors' rights generally and the rights of creditors of

                                       2

<PAGE>   3




insurance companies generally and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless
of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

     3. Restriction on Transfer.  Each Principal Shareholder agrees that it
will not, and will not agree to, sell, assign, dispose of, encumber, mortgage,
hypothecate or otherwise transfer (collectively, "Transfer") any Shares or any
options, warrants or other rights to acquire Common Shares or Preferred Shares
to any person or entity; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Principal Shareholder shall be permitted to Transfer Shares to any person if
prior to and as a condition of such Transfer such person agrees in writing to
be bound by the terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to, the
obligation to vote such Shares in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

     4. Agreement to Vote of Principal Shareholders.  Each Principal
Shareholder hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to vote or to cause
to be voted all Shares owned of record by it at the DeSoto Shareholders Meeting
and at any other adjournment thereof where such matters arise in favor of the
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement.

     5. Action in Principal Shareholder Capacity Only.  Each Principal
Shareholder makes no agreement or understanding herein as director or officer
of DeSoto.  Each Principal Stockholder signs solely in its capacity as a record
and beneficial owner of its Shares, and nothing herein shall limit or affect
any actions taken any officer or director of DeSoto in his capacity as such.

     6. Invalid Provisions.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be
invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability only, without
it affecting the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

     7. Executed in Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts each of which shall be an original with the same effect as if the
signatures hereto and thereto were upon the same instrument.

     8. Specific Performance.  The parties hereto agree that if for any reason
any Principal Shareholder fails to perform any of its agreements or obligations
under this Agreement irreparable harm or injury to Keystone would be caused for
which money damages would not be an adequate remedy.  Accordingly, each
Principal Shareholder agrees that, in seeking to enforce this Agreement against
that Principal Shareholder, Keystone shall be entitled to specific performance
and injunctive and other equitable relief.


                                       3

<PAGE>   4




      9. Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

     10. Amendments; Termination.  (a)  This Agreement may not be modified,
amended, altered or supplemented, except upon the execution and delivery of a
written agreement executed by the parties hereto.

         (b) The provisions of this Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier 
to occur of (i) the consummation of the Merger and (ii) the termination of the
Merger Agreement.

         (c) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Merger Agreement"
includes the Merger Agreement, as the same may be modified or amended from time
to time; provided that no such amendment or modification amends or modifies the
Merger Agreement in a manner such that the Merger Agreement, as so amended or
modified, is less favorable to the Principal Shareholders in any material
respect than is the Merger Agreement in effect on the date hereof.

     11. Additional Shares.  If, after the date hereof, a Principal Shareholder
acquires direct ownership of any shares of Common Stock (any such shares,
"Additional Shares"), including, without limitation, upon exercise of any
option, warrant or right to acquire Common Shares or Preferred Shares or
through any stock dividend or stock split, the provisions of this Agreement
(other than those set forth in Section 1) applicable to Shares shall be
applicable to such Additional Shares as if such Additional Shares had been
Shares as of the date hereof.  The provisions of the immediately preceding
sentence shall be effective with respect to Additional Shares without action by
any person or entity immediately upon the acquisition by that Principal
Shareholder of direct ownership of such Additional Shares.

     12. Action by Written Consent.  If, in lieu of the DeSoto Shareholders
Meeting, shareholder action in respect of the Merger Agreement or any of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement is taken by written consent,
the provisions of this Agreement imposing obligations in respect of or in
connection with the DeSoto Shareholders Meeting shall apply mutatis mutandis to
such action by written consent.

     13. Successors and Assigns.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective legal successors and permitted assigns; provided that no party may
assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under
this Agreement without the consent of Keystone (in the case of a Principal
Shareholder or any of his permitted assigns) or the Principal Shareholders (in
the case of Keystone).  Without limiting the

                                       4

<PAGE>   5




scope or effect of the restrictions on Transfer set forth in Section 3 hereof,
each Principal Shareholder agrees that this Agreement and the obligations
hereunder shall attach to the Shares and shall be binding upon any person or
entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares shall pass,
whether by operation of law or otherwise.

     14. Notices.  All notices and other communications pursuant to this
Agreement shall be delivered personally, by telecopy, by certified or
registered mail or by courier at the addresses set forth below (or such other
address specified by such person) and shall be deemed given at the time of
delivery.

     If to Keystone:

           Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc.  
           Three Lincoln Centre                    
           5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1740            
           Dallas, Texas  75240                    
           Attention:  Glenn R. Simmons            

     with a copy to:

           Godwin & Carlton, P.C.          
           901 Main Street, Suite 2500     
           Dallas, Texas  75202            
           Attention:  James G. Vetter, Jr.

     If to the Principal Shareholders:

           c/o DeSoto, Inc.          
           101 East 52nd Street      
           New York, New York  10022 
           Attention:  William Spier 

     with a copy to:

           Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson   
           One New York Plaza                         
           New York, New York  10004                  
           Attention:  Peter Golden, Esq.             

     15. Integration.  This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and
agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof.


                                       5

<PAGE>   6




     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
this 26th day of June, 1996.

                              KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.

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


                              Principal Shareholders


                              COATINGS GROUP, INC.

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


                              ANDERS U. SCHROEDER


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


                              ASGARD LTD.


                              By:
                                 -----------------------------------
                              Name:   Anders U. Schroeder



                                       6

<PAGE>   7




                              PARKWAY M&A CAPITAL CORPORATION

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


                              M&A INVESTMENT PTE LTD.


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



                                      7
<PAGE>   8

                                   SCHEDULE A

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Series B
Principal Shareholder                Common Shares Owned  Preferred Shares Owned
- ---------------------                -------------------  ----------------------
<S>                                  <C>                  <C>
1. Coatings Group, Inc.                     246,507              259,259
2. Anders U. Schroeder and Asgard                   
   Ltd.                                     218,970              194,444
3. Parkway M&A Capital Corporation           84,144              129,630
4. M&A Investment Pte Ltd.                   47,368                    0
</TABLE>                                   



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                          WARRANT CONVERSION AGREEMENT


         This Warrant Conversion Agreement (the "Agreement") dated June 26,
1996, is made by and among Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. (the
"Company"), Coatings Group, Inc., Asgard, Ltd., and Parkway M & A Capital
Corporation (collectively, the "Warrantholders").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, the Company and DeSoto, Inc. ("DeSoto") have entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization of even date herewith (the "Merger
Agreement"); and

         WHEREAS, the Warrantholders, in order to induce the Company and DeSoto
to enter into the Merger Agreement have agreed to the terms and conditions as
set forth herein; and

         WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to honor the obligations of
DeSoto under the warrants held by the Warrantholders, subject to the terms and
conditions contained herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, for and consideration of the above stated premises and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1.      The Company agrees, subject to the amendments contained
herein, to be bound by certain warrants to purchase DeSoto common stock, par
value $1.00 per share (the "Warrants"), held by the Warrantholders, which
Warrants were purchased by the Warrantholders (except for Coatings Group, Inc.,
which is the holder of the warrants originally purchased by Management Partners
I, L.P. which warrants were distributed to Coatings Group, Inc. upon the
dissolution of Management Partners I, L.P.) pursuant to that certain Preferred
Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated July 20, 1992, between the
Warrantholders and DeSoto (the "Purchase Agreement").  Subject to the terms of
this Agreement, the Warrants shall, at the Effective Time (as defined in the
Merger Agreement), be converted into Warrants (the "KCI Warrants") to purchase
shares of the Company's common stock, $1.00 par value per share (the "KCI
Common Stock").

         2.      The Warrantholders hereby represent that as of the date hereof
they currently hold the following number of Warrants:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Warrantholder                                                Number of Warrants
- -------------                                                ------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Coatings Group, Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533,333
Asgard, Ltd.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400,000
Parkway M & A Capital Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266,667
</TABLE>





                                       1
<PAGE>   2
The Warrantholders agree that, effective as of the Effective Time, the number
of Warrants held by each shall be reduced by one-half of the number set forth
above such that, immediately after the Effective Time, the number of shares of
KCI Common Stock obtainable upon exercise of the KCI Warrants held by the
Warrantholders shall be the number of Warrants provided below multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio (as defined in the Merger Agreement):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Warrantholder                                                Number of Warrants
- -------------                                                ------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Coatings Group, Inc. .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266,667
Asgard, Ltd.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200,000
Parkway M & A Capital Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133,333
</TABLE>

         3.      The Company and the Warrantholders agree that the Exercise
Price (as defined in the Warrants) per share of KCI Common Stock for each KCI
Warrant shall be $7.00 divided by the Exchange Ratio as of the Effective Time,
subject to adjustment for events following the Effective Time in accordance
with the terms of the Warrants.

         4.      The Company and the Warrantholders agree that Section 9 of the
Warrants shall be deleted in its entirety.

         5.      The Warrantholders agree that they shall not exercise the
Warrants from the date hereof until after the Effective Time.  The
Warrantholders further agree that they shall not sell, transfer, convey,
encumber, hypothecate or otherwise assign the Warrants prior to the Effective
Time.

         6.      Each Warrantholder represents and warrants as follows:

                 (a) The Warrantholder has taken all necessary corporate,
         partnership or personal action to authorize the execution, delivery
         and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement has been duly and
         validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Warrantholder and
         constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Warrantholder,
         enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as may be
         limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws
         affecting the enforcement of creditor's rights generally and except
         that no representation or warranty is made as to the availability of
         equitable remedies.

                 (b)  The Warrantholder or, if applicable, the Warrantholder
         and Warrantholder's representatives, if any, have examined or have had
         an opportunity to examine before the date hereof all additional
         information concerning the Company as requested by Warrantholder or
         Warrantholder's representatives.

                 (c)  The Warrantholder or the Warrantholder's representatives,
         if any, have had an opportunity to ask questions of and receive
         answers from officers of the Company





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
         concerning the terms and conditions of this investment, and all such
         questions have been answered to the full satisfaction of the
         Warrantholder.

                 (d)  The Warrantholder or the Warrantholder and its
         representatives, if any, together have such knowledge and experience
         in financial and business matters that it, or they together, are
         capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the
         Company.

                 (e)  The Warrantholder acknowledges that resale limitations
         exist with respect to the KCI Warrants and the KCI Common Stock to be
         issued upon exercise of the KCI Warrants (the "Exercised Shares").
         Resales of either the KCI Warrants or the Exercised Shares by any
         person shall be made only in accordance with the Securities Act of
         1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws.  The
         Warrantholder acknowledges that it is aware that the KCI Warrants bear
         and any Exercised Shares shall bear, the following legend (or
         substantially similar legend) and that stop transfer instructions
         shall be issued to enforce such limitations:

                 "The [warrants] [shares] represented by this certificate have
                 not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 nor
                 applicable state securities laws.  The [warrants] [shares] may
                 not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of except in
                 compliance with such Act and applicable state securities
                 laws."

                 (f)  The Warrantholder is acquiring the KCI Warrants and, if
         applicable, the Exercised Shares, hereunder for its own account, for
         investment purposes only and not with a view to the sale or other
         disposition thereof, in whole or in part, and the Warrantholder will
         hold the KCI Warrants and, if applicable, the Exercised Shares, as the
         beneficial owner thereof, and not as the nominee or on behalf of any
         other person or entity.

         7.      The parties agree that, after the Effective Time, the KCI
Warrants, except as amended herein, shall be a binding obligation of the
Company, in their entirety, with such amendments.

         8.      This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

         9.      This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be an original with the same effect as if the signatures hereto and
thereto were upon the same instrument.

         10.     This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of the
termination of the Merger Agreement or the expiration of the Warrants.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
         11.     The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal
successors.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
26th day of June, 1996.


                                        KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.


                                        By: 
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Glenn R. Simmons,
                                            Its Chief Executive Officer


                                        COATINGS GROUP, INC.


                                        By: 
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            William Spier,
                                            Its President


                                        ASGARD, LTD.


                                        By: 
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Anders U. Schroeder,
                                            Its General Partner


                                        PARKWAY M & A CAPITAL CORPORATION


                                        By: 
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            David Tobey,
                                            Its President





                                       4

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.10



                            Stockholders' Agreement

     This Stockholders' Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into
this 26th day of June, 1996 by and among (i) Coatings Group, Inc. ("Coatings"),
Asgard Ltd ("Asgard"), and Parkway M&A Capital Corporation ("Parkway")
(Coatings, Asgard, Parkway and their respective affiliates and successors are
collectively referred to as the "Sutton Entities"), (ii) Keystone Consolidated
Industries, Inc. ("Keystone"), (iii) Contran Corporation ("Contran"), and (iv)
DeSoto, Inc. ("DeSoto").

     Whereas, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Keystone and
DeSoto are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Merger
Agreement");

     Whereas, pursuant to the Merger Agreement the Common Stock of DeSoto
("DeSoto Common Stock") will be converted into the Common Stock of Keystone
("Keystone Common Stock"), rights to acquire DeSoto Common Stock will be
converted into rights to acquire Keystone Common Stock, and preferred stock of
DeSoto ("DeSoto Preferred Stock") will be converted into preferred stock of
Keystone ("Keystone Preferred Stock"), all in accordance with the terms and
subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement;

     Whereas, the Sutton Entities currently own DeSoto Common Stock, DeSoto
Preferred Stock and warrants to acquire DeSoto Common Stock (the "Warrants");
and

     Whereas, Keystone, the Sutton Entities and Contran believe it desirable to
address certain of their relative rights following the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement in order to induce the Sutton
Entities and Contran to vote their respective shares in favor of approving the
Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

     Now, Therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of
the parties hereto, it is mutually agreed by and among the parties hereto:

     1. DeSoto Warrant Purchase Agreement.  Keystone expressly agrees that,
following the Effective Time (as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement),
it shall be bound by the terms of Section 5.1 of the Preferred Stock and
Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of July 21, 1992 by and among DeSoto and
the Sutton Entities (the "Warrant Purchase Agreement") (as if it had been a
signatory thereto in lieu of DeSoto) in respect of the Keystone Common Stock to
be issued to the Sutton Entities as a result of the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement or upon exercise of Warrants held by such persons,
except to the extent the Warrant Purchase Agreement or the 

<PAGE>   2





Warrants are amended by this Agreement or by the Warrant Conversion Agreement
among Keystone and the Sutton Entities.  The rights held by the Sutton Entities
shall be in the aggregate and not individually.

     2. Amendment of Warrant Purchase Agreement.  In addition to any amendments
contemplated by the Warrant Conversion Agreement, the Warrant Purchase
Agreement shall be amended, effective as of the Effective Time (as defined in
the Merger Agreement), as follows:

        (a)  The last sentence of Section 5.1.1 shall be amended to read:  "The
Purchasers shall be entitled to two requests for registration pursuant to this
Section 5.1.1."

        (b)  An additional sentence shall be added at the end of Section 5.1.1 
(as amended by subparagraph (a) above):  "The Purchasers shall not request
registration pursuant to this Section 5.1.1 until at least nine months after
the consummation of the merger transaction contemplated by the Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization between the Company and Keystone Consolidated
Industries, Inc."

        (c)  A new Section 5.1.7 shall be added as follows:

        "5.1.7.  Certain Restrictions on Securities Registered.  Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Purchasers shall not have the
right to require (pursuant to Section 5.1.1 or Section 5.1.2) registration of
shares of Preferred Stock or the Warrants."

        (d)  The proviso at the end of the first sentence of the third full
paragraph in Section 5.1.5 shall be amended to read as follows:

             "provided, that the amount of shares offered for sale pursuant to 
         such registration by any other sellers (other than the Company, whose
         shares shall not be subject to reduction) shall be reduced by the same
         proportion as the reduction in shares of the Purchasers, their
         affiliates and the Covered Transferees to be included in the
         registration so that the right to participate in the registration
         shall be allocated to all such parties in proportion to the number of
         shares each such party wishes to include in such registration."
        
        (e) Section 5.1.3 shall be amended such that the phrase "and all
underwriting discounts and fees" shall be deleted.

     3. Coordination of Registration.  (a)  Keystone hereby grants to Contran,
The Contran Deferred Compensation Trust No. 2 (the "CDCT"), NL Industries, 

<PAGE>   3

Inc. ("NL"), The Harold Simmons Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation"), and the
Combined Master Retirement Trust, a trust formed by Valhi, Inc. (the "CMRT")
(Contran, the CDCT, NL, the Foundation, and the CMRT and their respective
affiliates and successors are collectively referred to as the "Contran
Entities") the same rights with respect to the registration of Keystone Common
Stock held by the Contran Entities it is hereby granting to the Sutton
Entities, such that the Contran Entities, taken together, but not individually,
shall have the same rights in the aggregate that the Sutton Entities in the
aggregate shall have with respect to Section 5 of the Warrant Purchase
Agreement as if the Contran Entities had been a signatory thereto in lieu of
the Sutton Entities and Keystone had been a signatory thereto in lieu of
DeSoto.

           (b)  If at any time when either the Sutton Entities or the Contran
Entities have exercised their right to register securities of Keystone owned by
them pursuant to "piggy back registration rights," the Contran Entities or the
Sutton Entities, as the case may be, also wish to exercise their right to
register securities of Keystone owned by them pursuant to piggyback
registration rights and the combined amount of stock such persons wish to
include in such offering exceeds the maximum amount which can reasonably be
expected to be marketed at a price reasonably related to the then current
market value of such securities and without otherwise materially adversely
affecting such offering (the "Maximum"), then the parties hereto agree that the
ability of such parties to have their securities included in any registration
shall not be based upon the timing of their request for registration but rather
shall be allocated among all persons wishing to exercise piggyback registration
rights in proportion to the number of shares each such person wishes to include
in such registration.

           (c)  Subject to Section 3(d) hereof, in the event that both the
Sutton Entities and the Contran Entities wish to register securities pursuant
to the exercise of demand registration rights and the amount of stock of such
persons wish to include in such offering exceeds the Maximum, then the parties
hereto agree that the ability of such parties to have their securities included
in the registration shall not be based upon the timing of their requests for
registration but rather shall be as follows:

           (i)  the Sutton Entities and the Contran Entities shall be entitled
      to participate in the registration in proportion to the number of shares
      each wishes to include in such registration; and

           (ii) thereafter, Keystone and any other persons, to the extent
      possible, may participate in the registration.

A person shall be permitted to withdraw its request for registration as a
result of a reduction in the number of shares such person may include in 


<PAGE>   4

the registration in accordance herewith and such person shall not be deemed to
have exercised a demand for registration.

The parties hereto agree that the party exercising a demand registration right
shall have absolute priority to include its securities in a registration vis a
vis a party exercising piggyback registration rights.

         (d)  If Keystone shall receive notice from either the Sutton Entities 
or the Contran Entities that such party desires to exercise its "demand
registration rights," Keystone shall have the right within thirty (30) days of
receipt of such notice to elect to sell Keystone Shares on an appropriate
registration statement.  If Keystone shall make such election, then the party
exercising its demand registration rights shall be entitled to exercise its
piggyback registration rights pursuant to this Agreement and such party shall
not be deemed to have exercised its demand registration rights.

         (e)  Keystone agrees that it shall not grant additional registration
rights (or amend the terms of registration rights granted previously or by this
Agreement) to either the Sutton Entities or the Contran Entities in respect of
securities they currently own (or will own immediately after the Effective
Time) unless the same rights are granted to both the Contran Entities and the
Sutton Entities.

     4.  Termination of Warrant Purchase Agreement.  DeSoto and the Sutton
Entities agree that the Warrant Purchase Agreement shall terminate at the
Effective Time (except to the extent expressly assumed by Keystone pursuant to
this Agreement).

     5.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be an original with the same effect as if the signatures hereto and
thereto were upon the same instrument.

     6.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

     7.  Termination.  This Agreement shall terminate upon termination of the
Merger Agreement.

     8.  Intended Beneficiaries.  The parties acknowledge that the Contran
Entities are intended beneficiaries of the Agreement and are entitled to all
rights set forth hereunder as if such parties had been signatories hereto.

<PAGE>   5

     9.  Successors and Assigns.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be 
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective legal successors.

     In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

                                     COATINGS GROUP, INC.                    


                                     By:
                                        -----------------------------------


                                     ASGARD LTD                              


                                     By:
                                        -----------------------------------


                                     PARKWAY M&A CAPITAL CORPORATION         


                                     By:
                                        -----------------------------------


                                     KEYSTONE CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, INC.  


                                     By:
                                        -----------------------------------


                                     CONTRAN CORPORATION                     


                                     By:
                                        -----------------------------------


                                     DESOTO, INC.                            


                                     By:
                                        -----------------------------------



<PAGE>   1





     [DESOTO, INC. LETTERHEAD]                                 EXHIBIT 10.20



                                                               March 12, 1996



Ms. Anne E. Eisele
1825 Pebble Beach Circle
Elk Grove, IL 60007

Dear Anne:

Reference is made  to my letter to you, dated  September 24, 1993 (the
"Letter"), in which certain commitments were provided to you in light of
circumstances  then prevailing regarding, among other things,  a  possible
change  of  control  of DeSoto,  Inc.  (the "Company").

Since  then, of  course,  certain changes  have  occurred at  the Company,
including, among other things, your having been elevated to  the office of
President  of the Company  (with John Phillips' departure),  while retaining 
your  position  as Chief  Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company. At the same
time,  the situation at the Company has continued to deteriorate and the
prospect of a change in control of the Company remains a distinct possibility.

It is, therefore, even  more vital presently that the  Company be able to rely
upon your continued services; and it is the judgment of the Board  of Directors
that it remains in  the Company's best interests  and   that  of its 
shareholders   and  employees  in maintaining  the stability  and preserving 
the integrity  of the organization and avoiding the disruptive and adverse
effects that might  otherwise  occur,  to   provide  you  with the  following
arrangement to  secure your continued employment  as President of the Company
and otherwise motivate you on behalf of the Company.

Accordingly,  this will  confirm that the  arrangement previously provided to 
you by the Company,  as set forth in  the Letter, is hereby  amended by
deleting in its  entirety the second paragraph on  the front page of the Letter
(which carries over to Page 2 of the Letter) and substituting in its place the
following three (3) paragraphs:
<PAGE>   2





Accordingly, in consideration of your remaining in the Company's employ as
President and CFO from the date hereof until such time as there is a change in
control of the Company (as that term is defined in the Letter), and your
continuing to expend your best efforts in the performance of your duties as
President and CFO on behalf of the Company, the Company agrees to pay you, in
the event of such change in control, an amount equal to twice your annual
salary in effect as of the date of such change in control, payable in
accordance with the Company's (or its successor's) regular payroll
practices (or upon such other mutually agreeable terms), and provide you with
the same medical/dental insurance benefits (and related contributions by you),
for such two-year period, as are then being provided to you by the Company, in
the event your employment with the Company as President and CFO is terminated
without Good Cause or you terminate such employment with Good Reason (as those
terms are herein defined) within one (1) year following the date of such change
in control. It is understood that the payment and benefits arrangement provided
in this paragraph shall be in lieu of any other severance payments to which you
would otherwise be entitled under the Company's severance policy, but shall not
otherwise affect any other benefits (including pension rights) and payments to
which you may be entitled upon your leaving the employ of the Company.

For the purposes hereof, "Good Cause" shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following: (i) your willful failure, neglect or refusal to substantially
perform your duties hereunder, after a written demand for such substantial
performance is delivered to you by the Board of Directors of the Company
specifying the manner in which the Board believes you  have not so
substantially performed; (ii) any willful, intentional or grossly negligent act
by you having the effect of materially injuring the business or reputation of
the Company, or any of its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates; (iii) your
willful misconduct, including insubordination, in respect of your duties or
obligations hereunder; (iv) your commission of

                                     2


<PAGE>   3





        a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (including entry of a
        nolo contendere plea); or (v) any misappropriation or embezzlement by
        you of the property of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and    
        affiliates (whether or not a misdemeanor or felony).
        
        For the purposes hereof, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence of any
        of the following: (i) assignment to you of any duties materially and
        adversely different than those you are currently performing or
        otherwise inconsistent with your current position or responsibilities
        hereunder, or any other action by the Company which results in a
        material and adverse change in such duties, position or
        responsibilities; (ii) the failure of the Company to assign the Letter,
        as amended hereunder, to a successor to the Company; (iii) any failure
        by the Company to comply with the provisions of this Letter, as amended
        hereunder; (iv) the Company's requiring you to have as your principal
        place of employment any office or location more than 50 miles from
        Chicago, Illinois; or (v) any material adverse change in the terms and
        conditions of your employment hereunder.
        
Additionally, the Company hereby agrees, with respect to the option you hold to
purchase the Company's common stock under the Company's 1992 Stock Plan (the
"Plan"), that in the event your employment with the Company is terminated, in
the event of a change in control, without Good Cause or Good Reason as provided
in the aforesaid first amended paragraph, such options (or those provided to
you in exchange thereof upon such change in control) shall remain exercisable
for a period of two (2) years from the date of such termination of employment,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in the Plan or your relevant
stock option agreements.
        
Except as hereinabove amended or agreed, the Letter shall remain in full force
and effect, in accordance with its terms.





                                     3
<PAGE>   4





If the foregoing is acceptable, please acknowledge below and return one copy of
this letter to me, keeping the other copy for your files.

                                 Sincerely,

                                 /S/ WILLIAM SPIER
                                 -----------------------
                                 William Spier
                                 Chairman and
                                 Chief Executive Officer


     ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:



     /s/  ANNE E. EISELE
     -----------------------
          Anne E. Eisele





                                     4

<PAGE>   1


                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.21

     [DESOTO, INC. LETTERHEAD]                    


                                                                 March 12, 1996





Mr. Fred Flaxmayer 
7619 Sussex Creek Drive, #406  
Darien, IL  60561

Dear Fred:

Reference is made to the letter from John Phillips to you, dated February 27,
1995 (the "Letter"), providing you with certain arrangements and assurances in
light of the circumstances then prevailing at DeSoto, Inc. (the "Company").
Since then, of course, the situation at the Company has continued to
deteriorate, and the prospect of a change in control of the Company remains a
distinct possibility.

It is, therefore, even more vital presently that the Company be able to rely
upon your continued services as Controller of the Company; and it is the
judgment of the Board of Directors that it remains in the Company's best
interests and that of its shareholders and employees in maintaining the
stability and preserving the integrity of the organization and avoiding the
disruptive and adverse effects that might otherwise occur, to provide you with
the following arrangement to secure your continued employment as Controller of
the Company and otherwise motivate you on behalf of the Company.

Accordingly, the Company reaffirms the arrangement previously provided to you
by the Company, as set forth in the Letter; and the Company hereby supplements
that arrangement by providing that, in consideration of your remaining in the
Company's employ as Controller from the date hereof until such time as there is
a change in control of the Company (as hereinafter defined) and your continuing
to expend your best efforts in the performance of your duties as Controller on
behalf of the Company, the Company agrees to pay you, in the event such change
in control shall occur, the sum of $50,000, as a bonus, within thirty (30) days
of the date of such change of control. It is understood that such bonus shall
be separate and apart from the severance payments to which you are entitled
under the Letter, which severance payments shall be payable to you in the event
your position is eliminated or moved away from the Chicago area, or your
employment is otherwise terminated without good cause, within one (1) year of a
change in control of the Company; but which bonus and severance payments



<PAGE>   2
shall not otherwise affect any other benefits (including COBRA and pension
rights) and payments to which you may be entitled upon your leaving the employ
of the Company.

For the purposes hereof, a "change in control" of the Company means a change of
control of the Company of a nature required to be reported on Form 8-K pursuant
to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise in the event of a
liquidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

Additionally, the Company hereby agrees, with respect to the options you hold
to purchase the Company's common stock under the Company's 1992 Stock Plan (the
"Plan"), that in the event your employment with the company is terminated, in
the event of a change in control, under any of the circumstances provided in
the third paragraph on the first page hereof, such options (or those provided
to you in exchange thereof upon such change in control) shall remain
exercisable for a period of two (2) years from the date of such termination of
employment, notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in the Plan or
your relevant stock option agreements.

If the foregoing correctly reflects your understanding of the arrangement under
which you are prepared to continue your employment with the Company, please
acknowledge below and return one copy of this letter to me, keeping another
copy for your files.

It goes without saying that your services on behalf of the Company in the past
and your continued efforts on its behalf are very much appreciated.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     /s/ WILLIAM SPIER


                                                     William Spier
     ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED:


       /s/  FRED FLAXMAYER
     -------------------------
          Fred Flaxmayer




                                     2

<PAGE>   1

                                                            EXHIBIT 10.22

                         Trade Composition Agreement
                                                                         

        THIS TRADE COMPOSITION AGREEMENT (the "Composition Agreement") is made
as of this 16th day of January, 1996 among DeSoto, Inc. (the "Company"), the
members of its trade creditor committee (the "Trade Committee") listed in the
signature pages hereto (the "Committee Members"), and Richard Holmes as agent
(the "Trade Agent") for the Qualified Trade Creditors (as hereinafter defined).

        WHEREAS, the Company and the Trade Committee have negotiated the terms
of this Composition Agreement under which the Company will pursue an expedited
termination of its overfunded pension plan and the Trade Committee will seek
support for a moratorium on actions to enforce unpaid trade debt incurred prior
to September 22, 1995 (the "Standstill");

        WHEREAS, as part of this trade composition, the Company is obtaining
from a senior investor group (the "Senior Investor Group") loans on a senior
secured basis up to $2,000,000 as necessary to cover cash needs for ongoing
operations arising from and after the date of this Composition Agreement;

        WHEREAS, as part of this trade composition, the Trade Agent will
receive a priority security interest (second in priority only to the senior
lien (up to $2,000,000) to be granted the Senior Investor Group and as
otherwise permitted under the security agreement in favor of the Trade Agent)
in all of the Company's assets for the benefit of all trade creditors who sign
and deliver and do not later breach a standstill agreement between that trade
creditor and the Company (a "Qualifying Trade Creditor");

        NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows: 

        1.   Pension Plan Termination. The Company will take actions on an
expedited basis necessary or appropriate to terminate its existing pension plan
and seek on an expedited basis appropriate approvals related thereto from the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") and the United States Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS"). The Company will make its initial filings with the
PBGC and IRS and mail required notices of individual benefit calculations by no
later than January 19, 1996. The Company will update the Trade Committee from
time to time on the progress of its termination efforts. 

        2.   Interim Funding. The Company will obtain loans from the Senior
Investor Group up to $2,000,000 as necessary from time to time to fund cash
needs for ongoing operations of the Company from and after the date of this
Composition Agreement. Such loans will be secured by a first priority security
interest in all of the Company's assets as set forth in a form of Senior
Investor Group Loan and Security Agreement to be agreed to between the Company
and the Senior Investor Group (the "Senior Security Agreement").

<PAGE>   2





        3.   Standstill. The Trade Committee will send a letter to all of the
Company's trade creditors in a form agreeable to the Company which shall seek
the trade creditors' support for the standstill through execution of a
standstill agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto (the "Standstill
Agreement"). If, despite the Trade Committee's reasonable efforts, written
standstill agreements from 80% in dollar amount of the trade creditors as
contemplated in Paragraph 4 below have not been obtained by March 31, 1996,
then the Chairman of the Trade Committee shall so inform the Company and the
Trade Committee may at that time terminate this agreement (although it is under
no obligation to do so), but will meet with the Company prior to making any
definitive decision regarding termination of this agreement.

        Further, an Event of Default has occurred under the Trade Security
Agreement (as hereinafter defined) and the cure period, where applicable, for
such Event of Default has elapsed without cure, then the Chairman of the Trade
Committee shall so inform the Company and the Trade Committee may at that time
terminate this agreement (although it is under no obligation to do so), but
will meet with the Company prior to making any definitive decision regarding
termination of this agreement. In the event that the Trade Committee terminates
this agreement, all individual standstill agreements provided by trade
creditors shall also be deemed terminated.

        In the event that the reversion of the pension plan assets or merger
has not occurred by December 31, 1996, any trade creditor may elect
individually to terminate its standstill agreement.

        The Committee Members hereby agree to refrain from filing an
involuntary bankruptcy petition against the Company or encouraging other
creditors to file such a petition while they are seeking support for the
Standstill. In the event that an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed
against the Company during the term of this Agreement, the Trade Committee will
support any motion brought by the Company seeking abstention or similar relief
so the Company can continue to pursue this trade composition. Upon the Trade
Committee obtaining written standstill agreements from 80% in dollar amount of
the trade creditors (other than Procter & Gamble and Witco Chemical), the
Committee Members will refrain from (i) initiating or pursuing any litigation
or other efforts to collect obligations incurred by the Company to them prior
to September 22, 1995 (the "Stayed Obligations"), except to the extent
permitted by Paragraph 5 below, or (ii) taking any other actions of similar
effect to collect the Stayed Obligations.

        4.   Trade Lien. Upon the Trade Agent and the Company receiving signed
Standstill Agreements from trade creditors holding at least 80% in dollar
amount of the outstanding trade claims as reflected on the Company's books and
records (other than amounts owed to Procter & Gamble and Witco Chemical), the
<PAGE>   3





Company shall execute and deliver the Trade Security Agreement in the form of
Exhibit B hereto (the "Trade Security Agreement") to the Trade Agent and
perform the terms thereof. Under the Trade Security Agreement, the Trade Agent
will hold a security interest and lien on all of the Company's assets to secure
the obligations of the Company to the Qualified Trade Creditors which security
interest shall be subject and subordinate only to the Senior Security
Agreement. The Trade Committee will use reasonable efforts to obtain Standstill
Agreements from all trade creditors, notwithstanding satisfaction of the
threshold set forth in this Paragraph 4. The Company will provide quarterly
financial information to the Trade Agent and such other information as the
Trade Agent or Trade Committee shall reasonably request from time to time.

        5.   Payment on Reversion. The Company will pay to each Qualified Trade
Creditor the balance owed to that creditor as reflected on the Company's books
and records (or such other amount as the Company and such creditor may agree to
if the Qualified Trade Creditor does not agree to the amount set forth in the
Company's books and records) within ten (10) days of the Company's receipt of
the excess funds in the pension plan. No interest shall accrue on the trade
creditor claims; provided, however, that if the payment to the Qualified Trade
Creditors has not been made by July 1, 1996, then interest shall accrue at
eight percent per annum from and after July 1, 1996 on the outstanding balance.
Such interest shall be paid at the time the outstanding balance is paid to each
respective Qualified Trade Creditor in accordance with the first sentence of
this Paragraph 5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Qualified Trade Creditors who
disagree with the amount owed to them as set forth in the Company's books and
records and cannot otherwise agree with the Company as to a fixed amount prior
to the reversion, shall be entitled, after the occurrence of the earlier of the
reversion contemplated in this paragraph 5, or the merger or sale contemplated
in paragraph 6 below, to initiate and otherwise pursue litigation with respect
to any disputed claims, and shall be paid (i) upon the entry of and in
accordance with the terms of a final, non-appealable Court order fixing the net
amount of such Qualified Trade Creditor's claim or (ii) as the Company and such
Qualified Trade Creditor may later agree, with interest accruing at eight
percent per annum from and after July 1, 1996 on the undisputed portion of the
outstanding balance.

        6.   Merger/Sale. Notwithstanding Paragraph 1 above, in the event that 
the Company enters into a binding agreement for a merger, asset sale or similar
transaction involving substantially all of the Company's assets which provides
that all Qualified Trade Creditors will be paid in full in connection with that
transaction, the Company may suspend its efforts to terminate its pension plan
and obtain governmental approvals therefore.

        7.   Release of Trade Security Interest. Upon the Company providing to 
the Trade Agent a copy of cancelled checks or other evidence that all of the
checks to Qualified Trade Creditors have





<PAGE>   4
been paid, the Trade Security Agreement shall terminate and the Trade Agent
shall execute such releases, UCC termination statements and other documents as
may be appropriate to release the security interests and liens under the Trade
Security Agreement.





<PAGE>   5





        8.   Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without giving effect to choice
of law principles. The parties hereto agree to submit any dispute arising under
or related to this composition Agreement or the agreements attached hereto to
the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern
Division.

        9.   Counterparts. This Composition Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which counterparts, once they are executed and
delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts,
taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

       10.   Entire Agreement. This Composition Agreement together with the
exhibits hereto constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to
the trade composition and supersedes all previous understandings and agreements
relating to the subject matter hereof. This Composition Agreement may only be
terminated, amended, supplemented, waived or modified in a writing signed by
the Company, the Trade Agent and the Chairperson for the Trade Committee.

       11.   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit 
of and bind the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

       12.   JURY TRIAL WAIVER. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES
ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY DISPUTES ARISING UNDER OR
RELATED TO THIS COMPOSITION AGREEMENT OR THE EXHIBITS HERETO.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned parties have executed this
Composition Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                       DESOTO, INC.                  
                                                                     
                                                                     
                                       By: /s/ ANNE EISELE
                                          -------------------------  
                                             Anne Eisele             
                                              President              
                                                                     
                                       ROCK-TENN COMPANY             
                                                                     
                                       By:                           
                                          -------------------------  
                                       Name:                         
                                            -----------------------  
                                       Title:                        
                                             ----------------------  
                                                                     
                                       VERATEC, INC.                 
                                                                     
                                       By:                           
                                          -------------------------  
                                       Name:                         
                                            -----------------------  
                                       Title:                        
                                             ----------------------  
<PAGE>   6





                                       OWENS-ILLINOIS, INC.


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


                                       STEPAN COMPANY


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

                                       GLENN CORPORATION


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

                                       VISTA CHEMICAL COMPANY


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


                                       ----------------------------
                                       as Trade Agent
<PAGE>   7



                                 EXHIBIT A 

                            STANDSTILL AGREEMENT

        _______________("Trade Creditor") am a trade creditor of DeSoto, Inc.
(the "Company") and wish to participate in the trade composition agreement
which DeSoto and its trade committee have negotiated. I hereby agree to refrain
and standstill from (i) initiating or pursuing any and all litigation or other
efforts to collect obligations incurred by the Company to me prior to September
22, 1995 (the "Stayed Obligations"), (ii) filing an involuntary bankruptcy
petition against the Company or encouraging other creditors to file such a
petition or (iii) taking any other actions of similar effect to collect the
Stayed Obligations. So long as I refrain and standstill as set forth above and
the threshold level of trade creditor support required by that certain Trade
Composition Agreement, dated as of January 16, 1996 (the "Composition
Agreement") are satisfied, I will be entitled to the benefits granted by the
Company to __________________ as Trade Agent for me and other trade creditors of
the Company who execute and deliver this form of standstill agreement and do
not breach the terms thereof.

        This agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois,
without giving effect to choice of law principles. The undersigned hereby
represents that he or she is authorized to act on behalf of the Trade Creditor
and bind the Trade Creditor to the terms hereof. I HEREBY WAIVE MY RIGHT TO
TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY DISPUTES ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES
DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, EASTERN DIVISION, WITH
RESPECT TO ANY MATTERS ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.


                                       -----------------------------
                                       (Name of Entity)

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


<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.23

                               SECURITY AGREEMENT

         This Security Agreement (the "Agreement") dated as of July 18, 1996 is
entered into by and between DeSoto, Inc.  (the "Company") and Richard Holmes of
Arthur Andersen LLP (the "Trade Agent") as agent for the Qualified Trade
Creditors (as hereinafter defined).

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, the Company and a committee of the Company's trade creditors
(the "Trade Committee") have negotiated the terms of a Trade Composition
Agreement dated as of January 16, 1996 (the "Trade Composition Agreement")
under which the Company will pursue an expedited termination of its overfunded
pension plan (the "Termination") and the Trade Committee will support a
standstill and seek support of other trade creditors for this composition;

         WHEREAS, the Trade Committee has obtained written standstill
agreements from 80% in dollar amount of the Company's trade creditors (other
than Procter & Gamble and Witco) and upon reaching that threshold, the Company
has agreed to grant a second lien on its assets in favor of an agent for all
trade creditors who sign and deliver and do not later breach a standstill
agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A to the Trade Composition Agreement
between that trade creditor and the Company (a "Qualifying Trade Creditor");

         WHEREAS, the Trade Committee has selected Richard Holmes of Arthur
Andersen LLP to serve as the Trade Agent with respect to the lien granted
hereunder;

         WHEREAS, as part of the trade composition, an investor group (the
"Senior Investor Group") is willing to lend the Company on a senior secured
basis in a principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 as necessary to cover cash
needs for ongoing operations arising from and after the date of the Trade
Composition Agreement (the "Senior Investor Group Loans");

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good
and valuable consideration, the company and the Trade Agent hereby agree as
follows:

         1.      Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
                 have the following meanings:

         "Account" means any "account" as such term is defined in Section 9-106
of the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by the Company.

         "Agreement" means this Security Agreement, as the same may from time
to time be amended, modified or supplemented.






<PAGE>   2
         "Chattel Paper" means any "chattel paper" as such term is defined in
Section 9-105(1)(b) of the Code, now owned or hereinafter acquired by the
Company.

         "Code" means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to
time be in effect in the State of Illinois.

         "Collateral" means all of the Company's right, title and interest in
all of its assets, tangible or intangible, now owned or hereinafter acquired
including, without limitation, Accounts, Chattel Paper, Equipment, General
Intangibles, Inventory and the Pension Plan Reversion and Proceeds of the
foregoing.

         "Equipment" means any "equipment" as such term is defined in Section
9-109(2) of the Code, now owned or hereinafter acquired by the Company and all
parts thereof and all accessions, additions, improvements, substitutions and
replacements therefore or thereto.

         "General Intangibles" means any "general intangibles" as such term is
defined in Section 9-106 of the Code, now owned or hereafter acquired by the
Company.

         "Inventory" means any "inventory", as such term is defined in Section
9-109(4) of the Code, now owned or hereinafter acquired by the Company and (i)
all raw materials and work in process therefor, finished goods thereof, and
materials used or consumed in the manufacture or production thereof, (ii) all
goods which are returned to or repossessed by the Company and (iii) all
accessions thereto, products thereof and documents therefor.

         "Keystone Merger Agreement" means that certain Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization between Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. and the Company,
dated as of June 26, 1996.

         "Lien" means any pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or
charge of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature
thereof, and the filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under
the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction).

         "Pension Plan Reversion" means the Company's receipt of excess cash
after tax proceeds from the Termination of its pension plan.

         "Permitted Liens" means (i) the lien granted to secure Senior Investor
Group Loans (not to exceed $2,000,000 in principal amount), (ii) any liens
granted in connection with the factoring of receivables, (iii) the judgment in
favor of Fort Dearborn Lithograph, Inc., and (iv) any other judgments provided
that they do not aggregate more than $250,000 in the aggregate.

         "Permitted Transactions" means (i) an asset sale, earnout agreement or
similar arrangement for the Company's operations in





<PAGE>   3
Union City, California, (ii) an asset sale, earnout agreement or similar
arrangement for the Company's operations in Joliet, Illinois, (iii) a sale of
the machinery and equipment at South Holland, Illinois to third parties, (iv) a
merger, asset sale or similar transaction involving substantially all of the
Company's assets wherein the acquirer commits to pay or provide funds to the
Company to pay all outstanding trade claims of the Company in full and provides
reasonable assurances reasonably satisfactory to the Trade Agent of its ability
to perform its commitment, including, without limitation, payment as set forth
in Section 5.14 of the Keystone Merger Agreement, (v) the Pension Plan
Reversion, provided the Company issues checks to Qualified Trade Creditors in
accordance with the Trade Composition Agreement, (vi) borrowing and repaying
loans from the Senior Investor Group or any takeout financing therefore in an
aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000, (vii)
factoring receivables on commercially reasonable terms or (viii) such other
transactions as the Trade Agent shall consent to in writing in the reasonable
exercise of its judgment.

         "Proceeds" means "proceeds" as such term is defined in Section
9-306(l) of the Code.

         "Secured Obligations" means (i) the principal amount of trade payables
(as listed in the Company's books and records or as the Company otherwise
agrees in writing with respect to a particular Qualified Trade Creditor) owed
to the Qualified Trade Creditors plus (ii) if the Pension Plan Reversion has
not occurred by July 1, 1996, interest accruing at eight percent per annum from
and after July 1, 1996 on the outstanding balance. Secured Obligations shall
not include claims for interest other than as set forth in (ii) above or claims
for costs, expenses, fees or other similar items.

         2.      Grant of Security Interest. As security for the prompt and
complete payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, the Company hereby
grants the Trade Agent as agent and for the benefit of the Qualified Trade
Creditors a security interest in all of the Collateral. The Company is
executing and delivering a UCC-1 statement for the Secretary of State of
Illinois to the Trade Agent reflecting the same.

         The Trade Agent hereby agrees and acknowledges that the security
interest granted herein is a second priority security interest subject and
subordinate to any existing Permitted Lien or any security interest granted to
secure the Senior Investor Group which are now or may in the future be
outstanding or any replacement financing therefore.

         3.      Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company
hereby represents and warrants to the Trade Agent that:





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
         A.      Due Authorization. The Company (i) is a corporation validly
organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its
incorporation, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as
a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business
requires such qualification and (ii) has full power and authority and holds all
requisite governmental licenses, permits, and approvals necessary to enter into
and perform its obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and such authorization has
not been modified or rescinded. No further consents are required for the
Company to perform the terms hereof and the execution, delivery and performance
by the Company of this Agreement and the granting of the Liens in favor of the
Trade Agent (i) do not violate the Company's Articles, Bylaws or any agreements
it is a party to and (ii) do not result in, or require the creation or
imposition of, any Lien on any of the Company's properties, except pursuant to
this Agreement and Permitted Liens.

         B.      Title and Validity. The Company is the sole and lawful owner
of the Collateral, free and clear of any Liens, except for Permitted Liens and
Liens granted pursuant to this Agreement and this Agreement creates a valid
security interest in the Collateral to secure payment of the Secured
Obligations prior to any Liens other than existing Permitted Liens and Liens in
favor of the Senior Investor Group or any replacement financing therefor.

         C.      Places of Business, Etc. The principal place of business of
the Company, and the places where its records concerning the Collateral are
kept, are set forth in Schedule 3(c) hereto. All of the Equipment and Inventory
of the Company are located at the places specified in Schedule 3(c) hereto. The
Company has no trade name except as set forth in Schedule 3(c) hereto. The
Company has not within the immediately preceding four months been known by any
legal name different from the one set forth on the signature page hereto, nor
has the Company been the subject of any merger or other corporate
reorganization.

         4.      Covenants. The Company covenants and agrees with the Trade
Agent that from and after the date of this Agreement and until the Secured
Obligations are fully satisfied:

         A.      Maintenance of Records. The Company shall keep and maintain at
its own cost and expense satisfactory and complete records of the Collateral.
Upon reasonable prior notice of the Trade Agent, the Company shall permit any
representative of the Trade Agent to inspect its books and records and make
photocopies thereof.





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
         B.      Compliance with Laws. The Company shall comply in all material
respects with all acts, rules, regulations, orders, decrees and directions of
any governmental authority applicable to the Collateral or any part thereof and
to the operation of the Company's business.

         C.      Limitation on Liens on Collateral. The Company shall not
create, permit or suffer to exist, and shall defend the Collateral against and
take such other actions as is necessary to remove, any Lien on the Collateral
except Permitted Liens and other Liens consented to by the Trade Agent in
writing, and shall defend the right, title and interest of the Trade Agent in
and to any of the Company's rights under the Collateral and in and to the
Proceeds thereof against the claims and demands of all persons whomsoever.

         D.      Maintenance of Insurance. At its own expense, the Company
shall provide and maintain reasonable levels of property and liability
insurance with respect to its operations at Joliet, Illinois.

         E.      Limitations on Disposition. Except for any Permitted
Transactions, the Company shall not sell, exchange, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any of the Collateral outside of the ordinary course of business,
without the prior written consent of the Trade Agent.

         F.      Further Identification of Collateral. The Company shall, if so
requested by the Trade Agent, furnish to the Trade Agent from time to time,
statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and
such other reports in connection with the Collateral as the Trade Agent may
reasonably, request, all in reasonable detail.

         G.      Right of Inspection. The Company shall permit the Trade Agent,
at the Trade Agent's expense, from time to time to inspect and audit the
Collateral and or inspect, audit, make copies of, and take extracts from, all
records and all other papers in the possession of the Company pertaining to the
Collateral.

         H.      Maintenance of Equipment. The Company shall keep and maintain
its Equipment in good operating condition sufficient for the continuation of
the business conducted by the Company on a basis consistent with past
practices, and the Company shall provide all maintenance and service and all
repairs necessary for such purpose.

         I.      Continuous Perfection. The Company shall not change its name
or principal place of business in any manner which might make any financing or
continuation statement filed in connection herewith seriously misleading within
the meaning of Section





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
9-402(7) of the Code (or any other then applicable provision of the Code) or
which would otherwise require the Trade Agent to take any action (including the
filing of UCC-1 financing statements in another jurisdiction) to continue the
effectiveness of those filings against the Collateral unless the Company has
given the Trade Agent at least ten (10) days' prior notice thereof and has
taken all action (or made arrangements to take such action substantially
simultaneously with such change if it is impossible to take such action in
advance) necessary or reasonably requested by the Trade Agent to amend such
financing statement or continuation statement so that it is not seriously
misleading or to continue their effectiveness. The Company will execute and
deliver to the Trade Agent such financing or continuation statements as may be
necessary or desirable to perfect and preserve the security interests and other
rights granted or purported to be granted to the Trade Agent hereby.

         J.      Dividends. The Company shall not declare any dividends or make
other extraordinary payments out of the ordinary course of business to its
shareholders, officers, directors or employees; provided, however, that
repayment of the Senior Investor Group Loans are permitted hereunder.

         K.      Pension Plan Termination. The Company shall not have withdrawn
or ceased to pursue the Termination, unless such action is taken in connection
with an agreement or binding letter of intent for a merger, asset sale or
similar transaction involving substantially all of the Company's assets wherein
the acquirer commits to pay or provide funds to the Company to pay all
outstanding trade claims of the Company in full and provides reasonable
assurances to the Trade Agent of its ability to perform its commitment.

         5.      Events of Default and Remedies. If any one or more of the
following events (herein defined and designated as "Events of Default") shall
occur:

         A.      The Company shall receive the Pension Plan Reversion and fail
                 to issue checks to Qualified Trade Creditors in accordance
                 with the Trade Composition Agreement;

         B.      The Company shall materially breach any other covenant,
                 condition or agreement to be observed or performed pursuant to
                 the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such breach
                 shall continue for thirty (30) days after written notice
                 thereof shall have been given to the Company by the Trade
                 Agent hereunder and shall not be cured or subject to ongoing
                 efforts to cure by the Company;

         C.      Any order shall be made for the appointment of a receiver for
                 the Company or for appointment of an






                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
                 assignee for the benefit of creditors, or a trustee in
                 bankruptcy, or for the sequestration, winding up or
                 liquidation of the Company's property or affairs or the
                 Company is the subject of an involuntary bankruptcy petition;
                 which act is not withdrawn or otherwise overruled and of no
                 effect within thirty (30) days after its occurrence;

         D.      The Company shall file for relief under the United States
                 Bankruptcy Code or shall consent to any of the relief
                 described in paragraph C above;

         E.      Creditors shall obtain and pursue enforcement of judgments
                 aggregating in excess of two hundred fifty thousand dollars
                 ($250,000) against the Company and execution thereon is not
                 stayed, provided, however, that performing the terms of the
                 agreed order regarding, the Fort Dearborn judgment shall not
                 be a default nor shall it be included in the calculation set
                 forth in this paragraph; or

         F.      The Senior Investor Group shall fail to make loans as provided
                 in the Senior Investor Group Loan and Security Agreement when
                 required to fund the cash needs of the Company's ongoing
                 operations, or an event of default under and as defined in the
                 Senior Investor Group Loan and Security Agreement has occurred
                 which has caused the Senior Investor Group to (i) accelerate
                 those obligations or (ii) refuse to make further advances
                 thereunder as necessary to fund the cash needs of the Company
                 for ongoing operations.

         Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Trade Agent as its sole
remedy shall be entitled to exercise its remedies to hold a public or private
foreclosure sale of the Collateral in accordance with the Code. The Company
agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least ten
days' prior written notice to the Company of the time and place of any public
sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute
reasonable notification. The Trade Agent shall not be obligated to proceed with
any sale of Collateral despite notice of sale having been given. The Trade Agent
may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the
time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be
made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.

         6.      Trade Agent. The Company agrees to indemnify the Trade Agent
from and against any and all claims, losses and liabilities arising out of or
resulting from this Agreement (including, without limitation, enforcement of
this Agreement), except claims, losses and liabilities resulting from the Trade
Agent's





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The Company will upon demand pay to the
Trade Agent the amount of any reasonable expenses, including the reasonable
fees and disbursements of its counsel which the Trade Agent may incur in
connection with (i) the negotiation and execution of this Agreement, (ii) any
requested amendments or modifications thereto and (iii) the exercise or
enforcement of remedies upon the occurrence of an event of default hereunder,
provided, however, the fees for items (i) and (ii) shall not exceed $35,000 in
the aggregate. The powers conferred on the Trade Agent hereunder are solely to
protect its interest (on behalf of the Qualifying Trade Creditors) in the
Collateral and shall not impose any duty on it to exercise any such powers.
Except for reasonable care of any Collateral in its possession and the
accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, the Trade Agent shall
have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking of any necessary steps to
preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining to any
Collateral.

         7.      Governing Law; Exclusive Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without giving effect to choice
of law principles. The parties hereto agree to submit any dispute arising under
or related to this Agreement or the Trade Composition Agreement to the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.

         8.      Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which counterparts, once they are executed and delivered,
shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken
together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

         9.      Entire Agreement. This Agreement together with the Trade
Composition Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with
respect to the trade composition and supersedes all previously understandings
and agreements relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may only
be terminated, amended, supplemented, waived or modified in a writing signed by
the Company and the Trade Agent.

         10.     Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and bind the successors and assigns of the parties hereto. This
Agreement is not assignable by either party without the prior written consent
of the other party hereto.

         11.     Notices. Any notice or other communication hereunder shall be
in writing and shall be delivered by hand or by a reputable overnight courier
service or telecopied and confirmed immediately in writing by a copy mailed
postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to such other address as on party may
indicate in writing to the other party from time to time:





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
                 for DeSoto:

                 Ms. Anne Eisele
                 President
                 DeSoto, Inc.
                 900 East Washington
                 P.O. Box 609
                 Joliet, Illinois 60434
                 Facsimile: (815) 774-2596

                 with copies to:

                 Irving Kagan, Esq.
                 DeSoto, Inc.
                 101 East 52nd Street
                 11th Floor
                 New York, New York 10022
                 Facsimile: (212) 644-0499

                 and

                 Robert E. Richards, Esq.
                 Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
                 8000 Sears Tower
                 Chicago, Illinois 60606
                 Facsimile: (312) 876-7934

                 for the Trade Agent:

                 Mr. Richard Holmes
                 Arthur Andersen LLP
                 33 West Monroe Street
                 Chicago, Illinois 60603
                 Facsimile: (312) 507-1042

                 with a copy to:

                 Michael P. Richman, Esq.
                 Mayer Brown & Platt
                 1675 Broadway
                 New York, New York 10019-6018
                 Facsimile: (212) 262-1910

         12.     Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement which is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
         13.     Termination; Release. This Agreement shall continue in full
force and effect until all of the Secured Obligations are indefeasibly paid in
full by a cashed check or wire transfer. Upon the termination of this
Agreement, the Trade Agent, at the request and expense of the Company, shall
execute and deliver to the Company the proper instruments (including
termination statements on form UCC-3) acknowledging the termination of this
Agreement, and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to the Company (without
any representation or warranty) such of the Collateral as may be in the
possession of the Trade Agent and that has not theretofore been sold or
otherwise applied or released pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, in the
event of any sale, transfer or assignment by the Company of any part of the
Collateral in compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement
(including, without limitation, in a Permitted Transaction), the Trade Agent
shall execute and deliver to the Company the proper instruments (including
partial releases on form UCC-3) acknowledging the release of such Collateral
from the security interests created under this Agreement.

         14.      WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICE. EACH PARTY HERETO
HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING TO ENFORCE
OR DEFEND ANY RIGHTS OR REMEDIES HEREUNDER, OR UNDER ANY AGREEMENT, INSTRUMENT
OR DOCUMENT DELIVERED, OR WHICH MAY IN THE FUTURE BE DELIVERED, IN CONNECTION
HEREWITH OR THEREWITH. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY
AND ALL PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY, AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS
MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED MAIL DIRECTED TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS PROVIDED
FOR SUCH PARTY IN SECTION 10 ABOVE AND SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE
COMPLETED THREE (3) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE SAME SHALL HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED IN
THE UNITED STATES MAILS, POSTAGE PREPAID.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this
Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized signatory on the
date first set forth above.

                                        DESOTO, INC.

                                        By: /s/ ANNE E. EISELE
                                           -------------------------------------
                                        Name:  Anne E. Eisele
                                        Title: President




                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Mr. Richard Holmes of
                                        Arthur Andersen LLP, as
                                        Trade Agent





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11





                                 Schedule 3(c)

                           Current Place of Business


900 East Washington Street
P.O. Box 609
Joliet, Illinois 60434

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the inclusion by reference in this registration statement on Form
S-4 (Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933) of our report
dated February 16, 1996, except for Note 14 as to which the date is March 13,
1996, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and the financial
statement schedule of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. as of December 31,
1995 and 1994 and for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. We also
consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."



Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Dallas, Texas
July 29, 1996


<PAGE>   1
                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports
and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of this
registration statement.




                                              /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Chicago, Illinois
July 25, 1996












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