AMERICAN PAD & PAPER CO
10-Q, 1998-08-14
CONVERTED PAPER & PAPERBOARD PRODS (NO CONTANERS/BOXES)
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<PAGE>   1
 
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                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM 10-Q
 
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>
[X]              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                      FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
                                                           OR
[ ]             TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
</TABLE>
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-11803
 
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
           DELAWARE                                                       04-3164298
(State or other jurisdiction of                                        (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                                        Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
                   17304 PRESTON ROAD, SUITE 700, DALLAS, TX
                                   75252-5613
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                   (Zip Code)
 
                                 (972) 733-6200
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  [X]        No  [ ]
 
    As of August 12, 1998, American Pad & Paper Company had 27,724,045 shares of
Common Stock outstanding.
 
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<PAGE>   2
 
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
                      QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
 
                                     INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE NO.
                                                              --------
<S>                                                           <C>
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  Item 1 Financial Statements
     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30,
      1998 (unaudited) and December 31, 1997................      3
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
      three and six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
      (unaudited)...........................................      4
     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
      six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited)...      5
     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
      (unaudited)...........................................      6
  Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and Results of Operations....................     10
  Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
     Market Risk............................................     18
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
  Item 1 Legal Proceedings..................................     19
  Item 2 Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds..........     19
  Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities....................     19
  Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
     Holders................................................     19
  Item 5 Other Information..................................     19
  Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...................     20
</TABLE>
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
                        PART 1 -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        ASSETS
                                                              JUNE 30,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1998          1997
                                                              ---------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Current assets:
  Cash......................................................  $  31,419    $   4,855
  Accounts receivable.......................................     37,596       74,203
  Inventories...............................................    140,698      154,359
  Refundable income taxes...................................        751        4,059
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................      2,579        1,402
  Deferred income taxes.....................................     24,740       11,992
                                                              ---------    ---------
          Total current assets..............................    237,783      250,870
Property, plant and equipment...............................    153,350      151,390
Intangible assets...........................................    189,545      233,698
Other.......................................................      2,793        2,443
                                                              ---------    ---------
          Total assets......................................  $ 583,471    $ 638,401
                                                              =========    =========
 
                         LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt.........................  $ 287,918    $   1,538
  Accounts payable..........................................     33,414       56,356
  Accrued expenses..........................................     39,796       40,157
  Income taxes payable......................................         --           --
                                                              ---------    ---------
          Total current liabilities.........................    361,128       98,051
Long-term debt..............................................    138,642      398,577
Deferred income taxes.......................................     39,477       39,477
Other.......................................................      1,569        1,630
                                                              ---------    ---------
          Total liabilities.................................    540,816      537,735
                                                              ---------    ---------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, 150 shares authorized, no shares issued
     and outstanding, respectively..........................         --           --
  Common stock, voting, $.01 par value, 75,000 shares
     authorized, 27,724 and 27,436 shares issued and
     outstanding, respectively..............................        277          274
  Additional paid-in capital................................    301,287      301,279
  Accumulated deficit.......................................   (258,909)    (200,887)
                                                              ---------    ---------
          Total stockholders' equity........................     42,655      100,666
                                                              ---------    ---------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........  $ 583,471    $ 638,401
                                                              =========    =========
</TABLE>
 
                      See accompanying notes to condensed
                       consolidated financial statements.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                       ---------------------------         -------------------------
                                          1998             1997              1998            1997
                                       ----------       ----------         ---------       ---------
<S>                                    <C>              <C>                <C>             <C>
Net sales............................   $146,724         $167,160          $308,319        $316,994
Cost of sales........................    143,327          136,433           285,500         257,558
                                        --------         --------          --------        --------
  Gross profit.......................      3,397           30,727            22,819          59,436
Operating expenses:
  Selling and marketing..............      5,504            5,241            10,193           9,830
  General and administrative.........      9,273            3,440            14,705           8,163
  Loss on sales of accounts
     receivable......................        714              631             1,461           1,393
  Amortization of intangible
     assets..........................      1,608            1,483             3,195           2,869
  Write-down of intangible assets....     41,000               --            41,000              --
  Management fees and services.......        530            1,837             1,060           3,692
                                        --------         --------          --------        --------
Income (loss) from operations........    (55,232)          18,095           (48,795)         33,489
Other income (expense):
  Interest...........................    (11,063)          (9,584)          (21,806)        (17,795)
  Other income, net..................        (36)              49                15             121
                                        --------         --------          --------        --------
Income (loss) before income taxes....    (66,331)           8,560           (70,586)         15,815
Provision for (benefit from) income
  taxes..............................    (10,394)           3,852           (12,564)          7,115
                                        --------         --------          --------        --------
Net income (loss)....................   $(55,937)        $  4,708          $(58,022)       $  8,700
                                        ========         ========          ========        ========
Earnings (loss) per share (Basic)....   $  (2.02)        $   0.17          $  (2.09)       $   0.32
                                        ========         ========          ========        ========
Earnings per share (Diluted).........         --         $   0.16                --        $   0.30
                                                         ========                          ========
Weighted average number of common
  shares (Basic).....................     27,724           27,436            27,710          27,436
                                        ========         ========          ========        ========
Weighted average number of common
  shares (Diluted)...................         --           29,316                --          29,369
                                                         ========                          ========
</TABLE>
 
                      See accompanying notes to condensed
                       consolidated financial statements.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              -------------------------
                                                                1998            1997
                                                              ---------       ---------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss).........................................  $(58,022)       $  8,700
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
     provided by (used in) operating activities:
     Depreciation...........................................     6,578           6,341
     Amortization of goodwill and intangible assets.........     3,195           2,869
     Write-down of intangible assets........................    41,000              --
     Amortization of debt issuance costs....................     1,808           1,265
     Loss on sale of assets.................................       141              --
     Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of
      acquisitions:
       Accounts receivable..................................    48,607          11,371
       Refundable income taxes..............................     3,308              --
       Inventories..........................................    13,661         (33,440)
       Prepaid expenses and other...........................    (1,176)         (1,119)
       Income tax asset, net................................   (12,748)          5,983
       Accounts payable.....................................   (22,942)        (10,003)
       Accrued expenses.....................................      (361)        (25,628)
       Other assets.........................................      (806)          2,045
       Other liabilities....................................       (62)           (861)
                                                              --------        --------
          Net cash provided by (used in) operating
            activities......................................    22,181         (32,477)
                                                              --------        --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchase of business, including acquisition costs.........        --         (50,559)
  Purchases of property and equipment.......................    (8,694)         (9,578)
  Proceeds from sale of assets..............................        14               4
                                                              --------        --------
          Net cash used in investing activities.............    (8,680)        (60,133)
                                                              --------        --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net borrowings on credit agreement and long-term debt.....    27,500         110,500
  Repayment of long-term debt...............................    (1,055)         (1,091)
  Repayment of accounts receivable financing................   (12,000)        (18,000)
  Debt issuance costs.......................................    (1,393)             --
  Other.....................................................        11             550
                                                              --------        --------
          Net cash provided by financing activities.........    13,063          91,959
                                                              --------        --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash.............................    26,564            (651)
Cash, beginning of period...................................     4,855           2,290
                                                              --------        --------
Cash, end of period.........................................  $ 31,419        $  1,639
                                                              ========        ========
</TABLE>
 
                      See accompanying notes to condensed
                       consolidated financial statements.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   6
 
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 JUNE 30, 1998
           (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  Organization and Basis of Presentation
 
     American Pad & Paper Company (the "Company") is a holding company, which
conducts its operations through American Pad & Paper Company of Delaware, Inc.
("AP&P Delaware") and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
 
     The financial statements of the Company present the accounts and operations
of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Additionally, the consolidated
financial statements include the accounts of Notepad Funding Corporation, a
special purpose corporation used in connection with an accounts receivable based
credit facility. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes.
 
  Business
 
     The Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of paper-based office
products in North America. The Company operates in one business segment,
converting paper into office products, and offers a broad assortment of products
through two complementary divisions: Ampad (writing pads, file folders, retail
envelopes, and other paper-based office products) and Williamhouse (business
envelopes and seasonal greeting cards). The Company's products are distributed
through large mass merchant retailers, office product superstores, warehouse
clubs, major contract stationers, office products wholesalers, paper merchants,
and independent dealers.
 
  Interim Financial Information
 
     The accompanying interim financial statements are unaudited. Certain
information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed
or omitted, although the Company believes the disclosures included herein are
adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These interim
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
     The accompanying interim financial statements contain all adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair
presentation of the Company's financial position at June 30, 1998 and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the three month and six month
periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997. The results of operations for the interim
periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for
the full fiscal year.
 
  American Pad & Paper Company of Delaware, Inc.
 
     The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, AP&P Delaware, is the issuer of 13%
Senior Subordinated Notes ("Notes"). Terms of the Notes require, among other
matters, that AP&P Delaware provide annual audited and quarterly unaudited
financial statements to the holders of the notes. There are no material
differences between the financial statements of the Company and those of AP&P
Delaware. The composition of AP&P Delaware's stockholder's equity at June 30,
1998 consists of one hundred shares of $0.01 par value common stock, paid in
capital of $202,368 and an accumulated deficit of $159,713 and, in total, is
equal to the stockholders' equity of the Company.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   7
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                 JUNE 30, 1998
           (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
2. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
     Accounts receivable consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1998         1997
                                                              --------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Accounts receivable -- trade, excluding $48,000 and $60,000,
  respectively, which are sold as part of a $60,000 accounts
  receivable financing facility.............................  $ 36,161     $ 72,975
Accounts receivable -- other................................     3,685        4,022
Less allowance for doubtful accounts and reserves for
  customers deductions, returns and cash discounts..........    (2,250)      (2,794)
                                                              --------     --------
                                                              $ 37,596     $ 74,203
                                                              ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
3. INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1998         1997
                                                              --------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Raw materials and semi-finished goods.......................  $ 40,613     $ 54,285
Work in process.............................................     5,937        5,600
Finished goods..............................................    98,615      100,480
                                                              --------     --------
                                                               145,165      160,365
LIFO reserve................................................    (4,467)      (6,006)
                                                              --------     --------
                                                              $140,698     $154,359
                                                              ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1998         1997
                                                              --------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Land........................................................  $  7,058     $  7,035
Buildings and leasehold improvements........................    34,306       30,308
Machinery and equipment.....................................   129,187      115,168
Office furniture and fixtures...............................    11,272        9,818
Construction in progress....................................     4,151       15,322
                                                              --------     --------
                                                               185,974      177,651
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization..............    32,624       26,261
                                                              --------     --------
                                                              $153,350     $151,390
                                                              ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   8
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                 JUNE 30, 1998
           (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
     Intangible assets consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1998         1997
                                                              --------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Goodwill....................................................  $149,936     $189,861
Intangible assets, principally tradenames...................    43,667       44,284
Debt issuance costs.........................................    19,761       18,369
                                                              --------     --------
                                                               213,364      252,514
Less accumulated amortization...............................    23,819       18,816
                                                              --------     --------
                                                              $189,545     $233,698
                                                              ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
     At June 30, 1998, the Company wrote-down certain long-lived assets,
primarily goodwill and tradenames associated with its forms business
(principally Shade/Allied) by $41,000 to their estimated net realizable value,
as a result of the company's decision to exit this business in its current form.
 
6. ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
     Accrued expenses consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1998         1997
                                                              --------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Acquisition integration costs...............................  $ 6,863      $ 8,534
Sales volume discounts......................................    9,601       11,634
Salaries and wages..........................................    4,260        4,242
Interest....................................................    6,308        5,927
Other.......................................................   12,764        9,820
                                                              -------      -------
                                                              $39,796      $40,157
                                                              =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
7. BORROWINGS
 
     In February 1998, the Company and its banking group agreed to an increase
in the size of the revolving credit agreement from $300.0 million to $330.0
million for a period of one year. After such time, the level of debt available
under such credit agreement will be reduced to $300.0 million. In December 1997,
February 1998 and April 1998, certain covenants in the credit agreement were
also modified as of the end of 1997 and for a period ending in February 1999.
Unless approved by the banking group, the Company will be restricted to $15.0
million in net capital expenditures for 1998 and will be restricted from any
acquisitions. The interest rate incurred by the Company will vary each quarter
in 1998 depending on the Company's consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio at the
beginning of each quarter. The Company paid fees and expenses of $1.4 million to
its banking group and lawyers in connection with the amendments to the credit
agreement.
 
     As a result of the second quarter loss, the Company was in default of
certain EBITDA covenants at June 30, 1998. On June 30, 1998 the Company obtained
an amendment to its credit agreement waiving all defaults of its financial
covenants through July 31, 1998. On July 24, 1998, the waiver was extended
through September 30, 1998. The extension also amended the credit agreement to
provide for: changes in the voting procedures necessary to access the additional
$30.0 million available under the credit line and fees of $.3 million to be paid
to those banks approving the extension. The Company's banking group has not
accelerated the debt under the bank credit agreement. However, the Company will
be unable to meet the
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   9
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                 JUNE 30, 1998
           (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
EBITDA covenants for September 30, 1998 in the current bank credit agreement,
and it is unlikely that the Company will meet such existing EBITDA covenants for
future measurement dates. As a result $286,900 of the Company's long-term debt
has been reclassified as current portion of long-term debt at June 30, 1998 as
required by EITF 86-30. The Company is currently in negotiations with its bank
group to obtain a permanent amendment to its bank credit agreement. Such an
amendment would provide for attainable EBITDA and other covenants and extended
debt maturities. While the Company cannot predict with assurance the outcome of
such negotiations, the Company expects to obtain such a permanent amendment to
its bank credit agreement. Once such a permanent amendment is obtained, the
Company's bank debt will be reclassified to long-term debt on the balance sheet.
 
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     Effective March 31, 1998, the Company loaned $1.0 million to one of its
Directors on an interest bearing note receivable. This note accrues interest at
5.89%, compounded annually, and is due on March 31, 2001. 546,385 shares of the
Company's common stock owned by this Director and the options not yet exercised
by this Director secure this note.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   10
 
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
     The Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of nationally branded
and private label paper-based office products (excluding copy paper) in the $60
billion to $70 billion North American office products industry. The Company
offers a broad assortment of products including writing pads, file folders,
envelopes and other paper-based products. Through its Ampad division, the
Company is among the largest suppliers of pads and other paper-based writing
products, filing supplies and retail envelopes to many of the largest and
fastest growing office products distributors. Through its Williamhouse division,
the Company is the leading supplier of mill branded specialty and commodity
business envelopes to paper merchants and distributors. The Company believes
that its future operating results will not be directly comparable to its
historical operating results because of its strategic acquisitions. Certain
factors, which have affected, and may affect prospectively, the operating
results of the Company are discussed below.
 
     Purchase Accounting Effects. The Company's acquisitions have been accounted
for using the purchase accounting method. The acquisitions have currently
affected, and will prospectively affect, the Company's results of operations in
certain significant respects. The aggregate acquisition costs (including
assumption of debt) are allocated to the net assets acquired based on the fair
market value of such net assets. The allocations of the purchase price result in
an increase in the historical book value of certain assets such as property,
plant and equipment and intangible assets, including goodwill, which results in
incremental annual depreciation and amortization expense each year.
 
     Raw Material. The Company's principal raw material is paper. Certain
commodity grades utilized by the Company have shown considerable price
volatility since 1992. From May 1997 through October 1997, all but one of the
key commodity grades of paper utilized by the Company increased in cost between
6% and 18%. Due to strategic customer considerations and competitive market
conditions, the Company did not begin to recover a significant portion of the
increases in paper costs affecting both its divisions until December 1997. The
Company continued to implement sales price increases during the first half of
1998. Since October 1997, the key commodity grades of paper utilized by the
Company decreased in cost between 6% and 18%. Paper price volatility is expected
to continue to have an effect on net sales and cost of sales and there is no
assurance that the Company will not be materially affected by future
fluctuations in the price of paper. Fluctuations in paper prices can have an
effect on quarterly comparisons of the results of operations and financial
condition of the Company.
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
     Management Changes. The Company appointed James W. Swent, III as Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and David N. Pilotte as Vice
President and Corporate Controller on June 2 and 10, respectively. Mr. Swent was
previously Chief Executive Officer of Cyrix Corporation, a manufacturer of
microprocessors for the PC industry, until its merger with National
Semiconductor. In addition, he has held operations and financial executive
positions with a number of companies, including Northern Telecom, Rodime PLC and
Memorex. On July 8, 1998 the Company appointed Mr. Swent as Chief Executive
Officer and a member of its Board of Directors ("Board"). Mr. Swent replaced
Charles G. Hanson who retired from his position as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer and director of the Company. Robert C. Gay, who had been a director of
American Pad & Paper since 1992 and who is a Managing Director of Bain Capital,
Inc., became Chairman of the Board. In addition, Paul B. Edgerly, a Managing
Director of Bain Capital, was added to the Board, increasing the Board size to
nine members. Also, Russel M. Gard stepped down as President and Chief Operating
Officer, but will continue his duties as Vice Chairman and a member of the
Board. Timothy E. Needham, who joined the Company in 1995 following the
acquisition of Williamhouse, was promoted to President and Chief Operating
Officer. On July 20, 1998, the Company appointed William L. Morgan as Executive
Vice President, Operations. Mr. Morgan has 35 years of progressive manufacturing
experience ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to large scale multi-national
corporations including Northern Telecom, Texas Instruments, Memorex and Fujitsu.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   11
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Company Initiatives/Restructuring. Under the leadership of new management,
the Company has begun a review of all operations with the challenge of
rebuilding market share, reducing debt and returning the Company to
profitability. On July 15, 1998, the Board approved the Company's exit from the
forms business in its current form which has produced unfavorable margins. As
part of the review process, the Company retained the management consulting firm
of Bain & Company and the investment banking firm of Goldman, Sachs & Company to
assist the Company in evaluating its current position in the marketplace and in
setting the Company's long term strategic direction. Goldman Sachs will explore
external strategic and financial alternatives to maximize shareholder value.
Bain & Company will work closely with the Company's customers and suppliers to
evaluate core strengths and identify opportunities for improvement. They will
also assist the Company to restructure manufacturing to best serve each of the
Company's markets. Significant restructuring charges are expected for the three
months ending September 30, 1998.
 
     Covenant Violations/Negotiation to Modify Agreement. As a result of the
second quarter loss, the Company was in default of certain covenants based on
EBITDA levels at June 30, 1998. On June 30, 1998 the Company obtained an
amendment to its credit agreement waiving all defaults of its financial
covenants through July 31, 1998. On July 24, 1998, the waiver was extended
through September 30, 1998. The extension also amends the credit agreement to
provide for: changes in the voting procedures necessary to access the additional
$30.0 million available under the credit line and fees of $.3 million to be paid
to those banks approving the extension. The Company's banking group has not
accelerated the debt under the bank credit agreement. However, the Company will
be unable to meet the EBITDA covenants for September 30, 1998 in the current
bank credit agreement, and it is unlikely that the Company will meet such
existing EBITDA covenants for future measurement dates. As a result, $286,900 of
the Company's long-term debt has been reclassified as current portion of
long-term debt at June 30, 1998 as required by EITF 86-30. The Company is
currently in negotiations with its bank group to obtain a permanent amendment to
its bank credit agreement with attainable EBITDA and other covenants. While the
Company cannot predict with assurance the outcome of such negotiations, the
Company expects to obtain such a permanent amendment to its bank credit
agreement. Once such a permanent amendment is obtained, the Company's bank debt
will be reclassified to long-term debt on the balance sheet.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   12
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table summarizes the Company's historical results of
operations as a percentage of net sales for the three months and six months
ended June 30, 1998 and 1997. The Company's historical results of operations for
each of these periods are significantly affected by the results for
Shade/Allied, which was acquired on February 11, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,      SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                      ---------------------------      -------------------------
                                        1998              1997           1998            1997
                                      ---------         ---------      ---------       ---------
<S>                                   <C>               <C>            <C>             <C>
Income Statement Data
  Net sales.........................    100.0%            100.0%         100.0%          100.0%
  Cost of sales.....................     97.7%             81.6%          92.6%           81.3%
                                       ------            ------         ------          ------
     Gross profit...................      2.3%             18.4%           7.4%           18.7%
  Operating expenses:
     Selling and marketing..........      3.8%              3.1%           3.3%            3.1%
     General and administrative.....      6.3%              2.1%           4.8%            2.6%
     Loss on sale of accounts
       receivable...................      0.5%              0.4%           0.5%            0.4%
     Amortization of intangible
       assets.......................      1.1%              0.9%           1.0%            0.9%
     Write-down of intangible
       assets.......................     27.9%              0.0%          13.3%            0.0%
     Management fees and services...      0.4%              1.1%           0.3%            1.2%
                                       ------            ------         ------          ------
  Income (loss) from operations.....    (37.7)%            10.8%         (15.8)%          10.5%
  Other income (expense):
     Interest.......................     (7.5)%            (5.7)%         (7.1)%          (5.6)%
                                       ------            ------         ------          ------
  Income (loss) before income
     taxes..........................    (45.2)%             5.1%         (22.9)%           4.9%
  Provision for (benefit from)
     income taxes...................     (7.1)%             2.3%          (4.1)%           2.2%
                                       ------            ------         ------          ------
  Net income (loss).................    (38.1)%             2.8%         (18.8)%           2.7%
                                       ======            ======         ======          ======
</TABLE>
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
     Net Sales for the three months ended June 30, 1998 decreased by $20.5
million, or 12.3%, to $146.7 million from $167.2 million for the three months
ended June 30, 1997. This net sales decrease is comprised of a $11.0 million
reduction in sales spread evenly among continuous forms, envelopes and writing
products and a $9.5 million increase in customer incentives. The lower sales are
due to lower volumes caused by temporarily reduced orders resulting from major
customer inventory reductions, partially offset by higher prices. The increased
customer incentives are due to a changing product mix and additional rebate
programs caused by more competitive pricing.
 
     Gross Profit for the three months ended June 30, 1998 decreased by $27.3
million, or 88.9%, to $3.4 million from $30.7 million for the three months ended
June 30, 1997. Gross profit margin decreased to 2.3% for the three months ended
June 30, 1998 from 18.4% for the three months ended June 30, 1997. The decrease
in gross profit margin is primarily attributable to higher unit production costs
due to underutilized capacity resulting from the Company's efforts to reduce its
inventory, a reduction in selling margins due to competitive pricing pressures,
and a change in product mix, particularly the ongoing sales of continuous forms
at unfavorable margins. In addition, the second quarter of 1998 includes
approximately $7.5 million of charges resulting from reevaluating certain
inventories based on changes in current market conditions and accruals for
workers' compensation and property tax.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   13
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Selling and marketing expenses for the three months ended June 30, 1998
increased to $5.5 million, or 3.8% of sales from $5.2 million or 3.1% for the
three months ended June 30, 1997. The increase of $0.3 million was comprised
primarily of severance costs.
 
     General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30,
1998 increased to $9.3 million from $3.4 million for the three months ended June
30, 1997, an increase of $5.9 million. This increase is primarily attributable
to the Company's reevaluation of certain assets, which resulted in $1.7 million
of current charges for additional allowance for doubtful accounts stemming from
customer deductions and one time severance costs and litigation costs of $1.3
million. The remainder of the increase is attributable to one time charges
associated with centralizing certain functions in Dallas.
 
     Losses on sales of accounts receivable for the three months ended June 30,
1998 increased to $0.7 million from $0.6 million for the three months ended June
30, 1997 due to a higher average level of accounts receivable sold to the third
party trust in the first half of 1998, partially offset by a slightly lower
average effective interest rate.
 
     Goodwill and intangible asset amortization expense for the three months
ended June 30, 1998 increased to $1.6 million from $1.5 million for the three
months ended June 30, 1997, an increase of $0.1 million.
 
     Write-down of Intangible Assets expense of $41.0 million for the three
months ended June 30, 1998 reflects a write-off of goodwill and a write-down of
intangible assets associated with the Shade/Allied continuous forms business
resulting from the Company's decision to exit the forms business in its current
form.
 
     Management fees and services expense for the three months ended June 30,
1998 amounted to $0.5 million as compared to $1.8 million for the three months
ended June 30, 1997. The change in management fees is due primarily to a one
year non-recurring consulting agreement with the former president of Niagara,
which expired June 30, 1997.
 
     Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 1998 increased to
$11.1 million from $9.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997, an
increase of $1.5 million. Of this increase, $0.7 million is attributable to
increased debt levels, $0.4 million is attributable to increased interest rates
and $0.4 million is attributable to the amortization of fees paid in connection
with amendments to the credit agreement obtained in February 1998 and other
costs.
 
     The income tax provision for the three month period ended June 30, 1998
reflects an effective tax rate of 15.7% versus an effective tax rate of 45.0%
for the three month period ended June 30, 1997. Due to the expected effect of
nondeductible expenses during 1998, primarily goodwill amortization, the Company
lowered its effective income tax rate in the second quarter of 1998 to an annual
effective rate of 17.8%.
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
     Net Sales for the six months ended June 30, 1998 decreased by $8.7 million,
or 2.7%, to $308.3 million from $317.0 million for the six months ended June 30,
1997. This net sales decrease is comprised of a $4.2 million increase in sales
offset by a $12.6 million increase in customer incentives and a $0.3 million
increase in cash discounts. The net sales increase, is primarily attributable
($3.3 million) to owning Shade/ Allied for the full first half of 1998 versus
only four and a half months in the same period in 1997. The increased customer
incentives are due to a changing product mix and additional rebate programs
caused by more competitive pricing.
 
     Gross Profit for the six months ended June 30, 1998 decreased by $36.6
million, or 61.6%, to $22.8 million from $59.4 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1997. Gross profit margin decreased to 7.4% for the six months ended
June 30, 1998 from 18.7% for the six months ended June 30, 1997. The
                                       13
<PAGE>   14
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
decrease in gross profit margin is primarily attributable to higher unit
production costs due to underutilized capacity resulting from the Company's
efforts to reduce its inventory, a reduction in selling margins due to
competitive pricing pressures, and a change in product mix, particularly the
ongoing sales of continuous forms at unfavorable margins. In addition, the
second half of 1998 includes approximately $7.5 million of charges resulting
from reevaluating certain inventories based on changes in current market
conditions and accruals for workers' compensation and property tax.
 
     Selling and marketing expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1998
increased to $10.2 million, or 3.3% of sales, from $9.8 million, or 3.1% of
sales, for the six months ended June 30, 1997. The increase of $0.4 million, or
0.1% of sales was comprised primarily of severance costs.
 
     General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1998
increased to $14.7 million from $8.2 million for the six months ended June 30,
1997, an increase of $6.5 million. This increase is primarily attributable to
the Company's reevaluation of certain assets which resulted in $1.7 million of
current charges for additional allowance for doubtful accounts stemming from
customer deductions and one time severance and litigation costs of $1.3 million.
Of the remainder of the increase, $0.1 million is attributable to owning
Shade/Allied for the full first half of 1998 versus only four and a half months
in the same period in 1997 and one time charges associated with centralizing
certain functions in Dallas.
 
     Losses on sales of accounts receivable for the six months ended June 30,
1998 increased to $1.5 million from $1.4 million for the six months ended June
30, 1997 due to a higher average interest rate, partially offset by a lower
average level of accounts receivable sold to the third party trust in the first
half of 1998.
 
     Goodwill and intangible asset amortization expense for the six months ended
June 30, 1998 increased to $3.2 million from $2.9 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1997, an increase of $0.3 million, due primarily to six months
amortization of goodwill associated with the acquisition of Shade/Allied for the
six months ended June 30, 1998 as compared to four and a half months for the six
months ended June 30, 1997.
 
     Write-down of Intangible Assets expense of $41.0 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1998 reflects a write-off of goodwill and a write-down of
intangible assets associated with the Shade/Allied continuous forms business
resulting from the Company's decision to exit the forms business in its current
form.
 
     Management fees and services expense for the six months ended June 30, 1998
amounted to $1.1 million as compared to $3.7 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1997. The change in management fees is due primarily to a one-year
non-recurring consulting agreement with the former president of Niagara, which
expired June 30, 1997.
 
     Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 1998 increased to $21.8
million from $17.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997, an increase
of $4.0 million. Of this increase, $2.6 million is attributable to increased
debt levels, $0.9 million is attributable to increased interest rates and $0.5
million is attributable to amortization of fees paid in connection with
amendments to the credit agreement obtained in February 1998 and other costs.
 
     The income tax provision for the six month period ended June 30, 1998
reflects an effective tax rate of 17.8% versus an effective tax rate of 45.0%
for the six month period ended June 30, 1997. Due to the expected effect of
nondeductible expenses during 1998, primarily goodwill amortization, the Company
lowered its effective income tax rate in 1998.
 
KNOWN TRENDS AND SEASONALITY
 
     The Company does experience some seasonality in its business operations.
During the Company's third and fourth quarters, net sales tend to be higher than
in the first and second quarters due to higher product sales of back-to-school,
seasonal greeting card and tax filing products.
                                       14
<PAGE>   15
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The Company's Ampad division sells primarily to fast growing customers such
as office products superstores, mass merchants and national contract stationers.
Such customers periodically adjust the levels of inventory in the retail
distribution channels, either in retail stores or in distribution centers. The
Company has determined that lower than expected sales will occur during the
quarters in which such downward adjustments are made. The Company is not able to
predict the future effect of such adjustments; however, it is likely that its
retail customers will continue to adjust inventory levels in future quarters.
 
     The Company's gross profit is directly affected by, among other factors,
the mix of products sold. Based on the Company's current product categories, the
Company's gross profit will be negatively or positively affected as the actual
product sales mix changes.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30,
1998 was $22.2 million as compared to net cash used by operating activities for
the six months ended June 30, 1997 of $32.5 million. This increase is primarily
the net result of the following: (i) cash used by the net loss of $5.3 million
after adjustment for non-cash expenses, (ii) a decrease in accounts receivable
of $48.6 million as a result of collection of year end receivable balances and
improving days sales outstanding in receivables, (iii) a decrease in inventories
of $13.7 million, (iv) a reduction of accounts payable of $22.9 million, and (v)
a net change in other assets and liabilities of $11.9 million.
 
     Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 1998
and 1997 was $8.7 million and $60.1 million, respectively. The first half 1998
use was due to the purchase of equipment, principally production equipment. The
first half of 1997 use was due to the Shade/Allied acquisition of $50.5 million
and purchases of equipment of $9.6 million.
 
     Net cash provided by financing activities during the first six months of
1998 and 1997 was $13.1 million and $92.0 million, respectively. Net cash
provided during the first half of 1998 resulted from the net of the repayment of
$12.0 million in financing outstanding under the accounts receivable credit
facility, payment of fees in connection with amendments to the bank credit
agreement of $1.4 million and borrowings of $27.5 million under the bank credit
agreement. During the first half of 1997, the Company borrowed $110.5 million to
finance (i) repayment of $18.0 million in notes outstanding under its accounts
receivable credit facility, (ii) the acquisition of Shade/Allied, (iii) the
purchases of equipment and (iv) its working capital needs.
 
     A portion of the consolidated debt of the Company bears interest at
floating rates; therefore, its financial condition is and will continue to be
affected by changes in prevailing interest rates. The Company has entered into
an interest rate protection agreement to minimize the impact from a rise in
interest rates.
 
     In February 1998, the Company and its banking group agreed to an increase
in the size of the revolving credit agreement from $300.0 million to $330.0
million for a period of one year. After such time, the level of debt available
under such credit agreement will be reduced to $300.0 million. In December 1997,
February 1998 and April 1998, certain covenants in the credit agreement were
also modified as of the end of 1997 and for a period ending in February 1999.
Unless approved by the banking group, the Company will be restricted to $15.0
million in net capital expenditures for 1998 and will be restricted from any
acquisitions. The interest rate incurred by the Company will vary each quarter
in 1998 depending on the Company's consolidated debt to EBITDA ratio at the
beginning of each quarter. The Company paid fees and expenses of $1.4 million to
its banking group and lawyers in connection with the amendments to the credit
agreement.
 
     As a result of the second quarter loss, the Company was in default of
certain EBITDA covenants at June 30, 1998. On June 30, 1998 the Company obtained
an amendment to its credit agreement waiving all defaults of its financial
covenants through July 31, 1998. On July 24, 1998, the waiver was extended
through
                                       15
<PAGE>   16
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
September 30, 1998. The extension also amended the credit agreement to provide
for: changes in the voting procedures necessary to access the additional $30.0
million available under the credit line and fees of $.3 million to be paid to
those banks approving the extension. The Company's banking group has not
accelerated the debt under the bank credit agreement. However, the Company will
be unable to meet the EBITDA covenants for September 30, 1998 in the current
bank credit agreement and it is unlikely that the Company will meet such
existing EBITDA covenants for future measurement dates. As a result, $286,900 of
the Company's long-term debt has been reclassified as current portion of
long-term debt at June 30, 1998 as required by EITF 86-30. The Company is
currently in negotiations with its bank group to obtain a permanent amendment to
its bank credit agreement with attainable EBITDA and other covenants and
extended debt maturities. While the Company cannot predict with assurance the
outcome of such negotiations, the Company expects to obtain such a permanent
amendment to its bank credit agreement. Once such a permanent amendment is
obtained, the Company's bank debt will be reclassified to long-term debt on the
balance sheet.
 
     The ability of the Company to meet its debt service obligations and reduce
its total debt will be dependent upon obtaining the previously described
permanent amendment to its bank credit agreement and the future performance of
the Company and its subsidiaries. In turn, such performance will be subject to
general economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors,
including factors beyond the Company's control. Should the Company not be able
to obtain such an amendment, the Company would explore other financing
alternatives. These alternatives include but are not limited to a refinancing of
its bank debt, raising new private or public debt, raising additional public
equity capital, reducing the level of capital expenditures, reducing operating
costs and selling certain assets. While the Company expects that it will obtain
the previously described amendment to the bank credit agreement and/or that
other financing will be available and that there will be sufficient funds for
1999 operations, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of the
bank agreement amendment or financing discussions.
 
     Management believes that, based upon cash on hand of $31.4 million at June
30, 1998, estimates of current and future operations, and other available
sources of funds including borrowings under the bank credit agreement and the
accounts receivable facility, its finances will be adequate for 1998 to make
required payments of principal and interest on the Company's indebtedness, to
fund anticipated capital expenditures of approximately $7 million during the
remainder of 1998, and to meet working capital requirements.
 
INFLATION
 
     The Company believes that inflation has not had a material impact on its
results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
     The Accounting Standards Executive Committee (AcSEC) issued Statement of
Position (SOP) 98-5, which is effective for fiscal years commencing after
December 15, 1998. SOP 98-5, Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities,
prescribes that start-up costs, including organization costs, should be expensed
as incurred. The SOP states that initial application should be reported as a
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The Company will adopt
this SOP for its fiscal year ending December 31, 1999. Assuming an effective tax
rate of 42.5% for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999, the Company will
report a charge of $.4 million (net of tax benefit of $.3 million) in the first
quarter of 1999.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     The Company is including the following cautionary statement in this Form
10-Q to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking
statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Forward-looking statements
include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future
events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements which are
other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, the Company may
publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature.
All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and
whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are also expressly qualified by
these cautionary statements. Certain statements contained herein are
forward-looking statements and accordingly involve risks and uncertainties,
which could cause actual results, or outcomes to differ materially from those
expressed in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements
contained herein are based on various assumptions, many of which are based, in
turn, upon further assumptions. The Company's expectations, beliefs and
projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have
a reasonable basis, including without limitation, management's examination of
historical operating trends, data contained in the Company's records and other
data available from third parties, but there can be no assurance that
management's expectation, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or
accomplished. In addition to the other factors and matters discussed elsewhere
herein, the following are important factors that, in the view of the Company,
could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the
forward-looking statements:
 
         1. Changes in economic conditions, in particular those, which affect
            the retail and wholesale office product markets.
 
         2. Changes in the availability and/or price of paper, in particular if
            increases in the price of paper are not passed along to the
            Company's customers.
 
         3. Changes in senior management or control of the Company.
 
         4. Inability to obtain new customers or retain existing ones.
 
         5. Significant changes in competitive factors, including product
            pricing conditions, affecting the Company.
 
         6. Governmental/regulatory actions and initiatives, including, those
            affecting financings.
 
         7. Significant changes from expectations in actual capital expenditures
            and operating expenses.
 
         8. Occurrences affecting the Company's ability to obtain funds from
            operations, debt or equity to finance needed capital expenditures
            and other investments.
 
         9. Significant changes in rates of interest, inflation or taxes.
 
        10. Significant changes in the Company's relationship with its employees
            and the potential adverse effects if labor disputes or grievances
            were to occur.
 
        11. Changes in accounting principles and/or the application of such
            principles to the Company.
 
     The foregoing factors could affect the Company's actual results and could
cause the Company's actual results during 1998 and beyond to be materially
different from any anticipated results expressed in any forward-looking
statement made by or on behalf of the Company.
 
     The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking
statements to reflect events or other circumstances after date hereof.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   18
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                    AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
 
ITEM 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
     As part of its Bank Credit Agreement, the Company was required to purchase
an interest rate cap for a nominal portion of the outstanding debt. The premium
paid for the interest rate cap agreement is amortized as interest expense over
the term of the agreement. The amounts concerned are immaterial to both the
financial position and operations of the Company.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   19
 
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                           PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     Between March 10, 1998 and April 11, 1998, three complaints were filed in
the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The
Company, certain of its officers and directors and certain of the underwriters
and other entities involved in the Company's initial public offering were named
as defendants in the first two complaints. These complaints were filed by
stockholders who claim to represent a purported class of stockholders who
acquired shares of the Company's common stock between July 2, 1996 and December
17, 1997. The complaints seek unspecified damages and other relief under the
federal securities laws based on allegations that the Company made omissions and
misleading disclosures in public reports and press releases and to securities
analysts during 1996 and 1997 concerning the Company's financial condition, its
future business prospects and the impact of various acquisitions. These two
lawsuits were consolidated on July 2, 1998. The Company believes that it has
meritorious defenses to plaintiff's claims and intends to vigorously defend the
action.
 
     The third complaint, which was filed on behalf of a purported class of
stockholders who acquired shares of the Company's common stock between February
18, 1997 and December 17, 1997 and named the Company and certain of its officers
as defendants, was dismissed on June 29, 1998.
 
ITEM 2 CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
ITEM 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
     The Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on April 28, 1998. The
following matters were submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company's
common stock with the results indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        WITHHELD, AGAINST
                         MATTER                             APPROVED      OR ABSTAINED
                         ------                            ----------   -----------------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>
Election of Class I Directors -- Russell M. Gard, Herbert
  M. Kohn, and Marc B. Walpow............................  23,012,364       1,981,633
Ratification of Price Waterhouse LLP as independent
  auditors for the Company...............................  24,947,250          46,747
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 5 OTHER INFORMATION
 
     On July 31, 1998, the Company issued a press release announcing that it had
executed an amendment with its banking group which waives all the defaults of
the financial covenants of its loan agreement through September 30, 1998. This
press release is incorporated herein as Exhibit 99.09. This amendment is
incorporated herein as Exhibit 4.20.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   20
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                    PART II OTHER INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
 
ITEM 6 EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
     (a) Exhibits. The following Exhibits are filed herewith and made a part
hereof:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT NO.                           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
      -----------                           ----------------------
<C>                      <S>
          4.18           -- Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of
                            April 6, 1998, among the Company, WR Acquisition, Inc.,
                            American Pad & Paper Company of Delaware, Inc., various
                            Lending Institutions, Bank of Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Trust
                            Company, Bank One, Texas, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia
                            and the First National Bank of Boston, as Co-Agents and
                            Bankers Trust Company, as Agent.
          4.19           -- Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June
                            30, 1998 among the Company, WR Acquisition, Inc., AP & P
                            Delaware, various Lending Institutions, Bank of
                            Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Trust Company, Bank One, Texas, N.A.,
                            The Bank of Nova Scotia and the First National Bank of
                            Boston, as Co-Agents and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent.
          4.20           -- Sixth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July
                            24, 1998 among the Company, WR Acquisition, Inc., AP & P
                            Delaware, various Lending Institutions, Bank of
                            Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Trust Company, Bank One, Texas, N.A.,
                            The Bank of Nova Scotia and the First National Bank of
                            Boston, as Co-Agents and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent.
         10.29           -- Release Agreement with Charles Hanson, III
         10.30           -- Severance Agreement with Charles Hanson, III
         10.31           -- Release Agreement with Russell Gard
         10.32           -- Severance Agreement with Russell Gard
         27.02           -- Financial Data Schedule
         99.09           -- Press Release Regarding Waiver extension on Bank
                            Covenants
</TABLE>
 
     (b) Reports on Form 8-K.
 
     The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the second quarter of
1998 and through the date of the filing of this report:
 
          (1) Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 21, 1998 relating to the
     Company's May 7, 1998 press release reporting the Company's first quarter
     1998 results.
 
          (2) Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 1998 relating to the
     Company's June 2, and June 10, 1998 press releases announcing the
     appointments of James W. Swent, III as Executive Vice President and Chief
     Financial Officer, and David N. Pilotte as Vice President and Controller.
 
          (3) Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 22, 1998, relating to the
     Company's July 9, July 16 and July 20, 1998 press releases . A press
     release on July 9, 1998 announced the appointment of James W. Swent, III as
     Chief Executive Officer and Board member, and the appointment of Robert C.
     Gay as Chairman of the Board. A press release on July 9, 1998 announced
     that the Company had received a 30 day waiver to its current lending
     agreement and that based on preliminary second quarter results, the Company
     was in violation of certain financial covenants of the agreement. A press
     release on July 16, 1998 reported the Company's second quarter 1998
     results. A press release on July 20, 1998 announced the appointment of
     William L. Morgan as Executive Vice President, Operations.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   21
                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                    PART II OTHER INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
American Pad & Paper Company has duly caused this report to be signed on August
14, 1998 on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>
               /s/ JAMES W. SWENT, III                                      /s/ DAVID N. PILOTTE
- -----------------------------------------------------       -----------------------------------------------------
                 James W. Swent, III                                          David N. Pilotte
             Chief Executive Officer and                           Vice President and Corporate Controller
               Chief Financial Officer                                  Principal Accounting Officer
             Principal Financial Officer
</TABLE>
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   22
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT NO.                           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
      -----------                           ----------------------
<C>                      <S>
 
          4.18           -- Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of
                            April 6, 1998, among the Company, WR Acquisition, Inc.,
                            American Pad & Paper Company of Delaware, Inc., various
                            Lending Institutions, Bank of Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Trust
                            Company, Bank One, Texas, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia
                            and the First National Bank of Boston, as Co-Agents and
                            Bankers Trust Company, as Agent.
          4.19           -- Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June
                            30, 1998 among the Company, WR Acquisition, Inc., AP & P
                            Delaware, various Lending Institutions, Bank of
                            Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Trust Company, Bank One, Texas, N.A.,
                            The Bank of Nova Scotia and the First National Bank of
                            Boston, as Co-Agents and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent.
          4.20           -- Sixth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July
                            24, 1998 among the Company, WR Acquisition, Inc., AP & P
                            Delaware, various Lending Institutions, Bank of
                            Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Trust Company, Bank One, Texas, N.A.,
                            The Bank of Nova Scotia and the First National Bank of
                            Boston, as Co-Agents and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent.
         10.29           -- Release Agreement with Charles Hanson, III
         10.30           -- Severance Agreement with Charles Hanson, III
         10.31           -- Release Agreement with Russell Gard
         10.32           -- Severance Agreement with Russell Gard
         27.02           -- Financial Data Schedule
         99.09           -- Press Release regarding waiver extension on Bank
                            Covenants
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.18
 
                                FOURTH AMENDMENT
 
     FOURTH AMENDMENT (this "Amendment"), dated as of April 6, 1998, among
American Pad & Paper Company ("Holdings"), WR Acquisition, Inc. ("WR
Acquisition"), American Pad & Paper Company of Delaware, Inc. (the "Borrower"),
the lending institutions party to the Credit Agreement referred to below (each a
"Bank" and, collectively, the "Banks"), Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company,
Bank One Texas, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and The First National Bank of
Boston, as Co-Agents (the "Co-Agents"), and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent (the
"Agent"). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the respective meanings provided such terms in the Credit Agreement.
 
                                  WITNESSETH:
 
     WHEREAS, Holdings, WR Acquisition, the Borrower, the Banks, the Co-Agents
and the Agent are party to a Credit Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1996 (as
amended, modified and supplemented prior to the date hereof, the "Credit
Agreement"); and
 
     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Banks provide the amendment
provided for herein and the Banks have agreed to provide such amendment on the
terms and conditions set forth herein;
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed:
 
          1. Section 8.10 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to read in
     its entirety as follows:
 
             8.10  Minimum Consolidated EBITDA. The Borrower will not permit
        Consolidated EBITDA (i) for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 1998, to
        be less than $11,300,000, (ii) for the two fiscal quarters ending June
        30, 1998 (taken as one accounting period), to be less than $28,000,000,
        (iii) for the three fiscal quarters ending September 30, 1998 (taken as
        one accounting period), to be less than $48,000,000, (iv) for the fiscal
        year ending December 31, 1998, to be less than $72,000,000 and (v) for
        any Test Period ending on or after March 31, 1999, to be less than
        $75,000,000.
 
          2. In order to induce the Banks to enter into this Amendment, each of
     Holdings, WR Acquisition and the Borrower hereby represents and warrants
     that (i) no Default or Event of Default exists as of the Amendment
     Effective Date (as defined below) after giving effect to this Amendment and
     (ii) on the Amendment Effective Date, both before and after giving effect
     to this Amendment, all representations and warranties contained in the
     Credit Agreement and in the other Credit Documents are true and correct in
     all material respects.
 
          3. This Amendment shall become effective on the date (the "Amendment
     Effective Date") when the Required Banks, Holdings, WR Acquisition and the
     Borrower shall have signed a counterpart hereof (whether the same or
     different counterparts) and shall have delivered (including by way of
     facsimile transmission) the same to the Agent at its Notice Office;
 
          4. This Amendment is limited as specified and shall not constitute a
     modification, acceptance or waiver of any other provision of the Credit
     Agreement or any other Credit Document.
 
          5. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
     the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
     counterparts when executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of
     which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. A complete set
     of counterparts shall be lodged with the Borrower and the Agent.
 
     THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
NEW YORK.
<PAGE>   2
 
                                    *  *  *
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of
this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date hereof.
 
                                            AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            WR ACQUISITION, INC.
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY OF
                                            DELAWARE, INC.
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, individually
                                            and as Agent
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
                                            ABN AMRO BANK
 
                                            By:             /s/
 
                                                --------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK LEUMI TRUST CO. OF NEW YORK
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK OF SCOTLAND
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
                                            BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST
                                            COMPANY
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK ONE TEXAS
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANQUE PARIBAS
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            CHRISTIANIA BANK OG KREDITKASSE,
                                            NEW YORK BRANCH
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
                                            CIBC INC.
 
                                            By:             /s/
 
                                                --------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANKBOSTON, N.A.
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            GUARANTY FEDERAL BANK, F.S.B.
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN,
                                            LIMITED
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE LONG-TERM CREDIT BANK OF
                                            JAPAN, LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   6
 
                                            SANWA BUSINESS CREDIT
                                            CORPORATION
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            SOCIETE GENERALE
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER, INC.
 
                                            By:            /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        6

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.19
 
                           FIFTH WAIVER AND AMENDMENT
 
     FIFTH WAIVER AND AMENDMENT (this "Waiver"), dated as of June 30, 1998,
among American Pad & Paper Company ("Holdings"), WR Acquisition, Inc. ("WR
Acquisition"), American Pad & Paper Company of Delaware, Inc. (the "Borrower"),
the lending institutions party to the Credit Agreement referred to below (each a
"Bank" and, collectively, the "Banks"), Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company,
Bank One Texas, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and The First National Bank of
Boston, as Co-Agents (the "Co-Agents"), and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent (the
"Agent"). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the respective meanings provided such terms in the Credit Agreement.
 
                                  WITNESSETH:
 
     WHEREAS, Holdings, WR Acquisition, the Borrower, the Banks, the Co-Agents
and the Agent are party to a Credit Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1996 (as
amended, modified and supplemented prior to the date hereof, the "Credit
Agreement"); and
 
     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Banks provide the Waiver
provided for herein and the Banks have agreed to provide such Waiver on the
terms and conditions set forth herein;
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed:
 
          1. Effective from and including June 30, 1998 through and including
     July 31, 1998 (the "Waiver Termination Date"), the Banks hereby waive
     compliance with the provisions of Section 8.10, Section 8.11 and Section
     8.12 of the Credit Agreement. This Waiver shall be effective only for the
     period from June 30, 1998 to and including the Waiver Termination Date (the
     "Waiver Period") and shall be of no force or effect at any other time.
 
          2. In order to induce the Banks to enter into this Waiver, the
     Borrower agrees that at all times from the Waiver Effective Date to and
     including the Waiver Termination Date, the sum of (i) the aggregate
     outstanding principal amount of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans and
     (ii) the Letter of Credit Outstandings under the Credit Agreement shall not
     exceed $300,000,000.
 
          3. In order to induce the Banks to enter into this Waiver, each of
     Holdings, WR Acquisition and the Borrower hereby represents and warrants
     that (i) no Default or Event of Default exists as of the Waiver Effective
     Date (as defined below) after giving effect to this Waiver and (ii) on the
     Waiver Effective Date, both before and after giving effect to this Waiver,
     all representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and in
     the other Credit Documents are true and correct in all material respects.
 
          4. This Waiver shall become effective on the date (the "Waiver
     Effective Date") when the Required Banks, Holdings, WR Acquisition and the
     Borrower shall have signed a counterpart hereof (whether the same or
     different counterparts) and shall have delivered (including by way of
     facsimile transmission) the same to the Agent at its Notice Office.
 
          5. This Waiver is limited as specified and shall not constitute a
     modification, acceptance or waiver of any other provision of the Credit
     Agreement or any other Credit Document.
 
          6. This Waiver may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
     the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
     counterparts when executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of
     which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. A complete set
     of counterparts shall be lodged with the Borrower and the Agent.
 
          7. At all times during the Waiver Period, all references in the Credit
     Agreement and each of the Credit Documents to the Credit Agreement shall be
     deemed to be references to such Credit Agreement after giving effect to
     this Waiver.
<PAGE>   2
 
          8. THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
     HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF
     THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
 
                                    *  *  *
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of
this Waiver to be duly executed and delivered as of the date hereof.
 
                                            AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            WR ACQUISITION, INC.
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY OF
                                            DELAWARE, INC.
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, individually
                                            and as Agent
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
                                            ABN AMRO BANK
 
                                            By:             /s/
                                                --------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANKBOSTON, N.A.
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK LEUMI TRUST CO. OF NEW YORK
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
                                            BANK OF SCOTLAND
 
                                            By:             /s/
                                                --------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST
                                            COMPANY
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK ONE TEXAS
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK POLSKA KASA OPIEKI, S.A.
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
                                            BANQUE PARIBAS
 
                                            By:             /s/
                                                --------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            CHRISTIANIA BANK OG KREDITKASSE, NEW
                                            YORK BRANCH
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            CIBC INC.
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            GUARANTY FEDERAL BANK, F.S.B.
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   6
 
                                            HIGHLAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
 
                                            By:             /s/
                                                --------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE LONG-TERM CREDIT BANK OF JAPAN,
                                            LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            SANWA BUSINESS CREDIT
                                            CORPORATION
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            SOCIETE GENERALE
 
                                            By:            /s/
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        6

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.20
 
                           SIXTH WAIVER AND AMENDMENT
 
     SIXTH WAIVER AND AMENDMENT (this "Amendment"), dated as of July 24, 1998,
among American Pad & Paper Company ("Holdings"), WR Acquisition, Inc. ("WR
Acquisition"), American Pad & Paper Company of Delaware, Inc. (the "Borrower"),
the lending institutions party to the Credit Agreement referred to below (each a
"Bank" and, collectively, the "Banks"), Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Trust Company,
Bank One Texas, N.A., The Bank of Nova Scotia and The First National Bank of
Boston, as Co-Agents (the "Co-Agents"), and Bankers Trust Company, as Agent (the
"Agent"). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the respective meanings provided such terms in the Credit Agreement.
 
                                  WITNESSETH:
 
     WHEREAS, Holdings, WR Acquisition, the Borrower, the Banks, the Co-Agents
and the Agent are party to a Credit Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1996 (as
amended, modified and supplemented prior to the date hereof, the "Credit
Agreement");
 
     WHEREAS, Holdings, WR Acquisition, the Borrower, the Banks, the Co-Agents
and the Agent are party to the Fifth Waiver and Amendment, dated as of June 30,
1998 (the "Fifth Amendment"); and
 
     WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Banks provide the amendment
provided for herein and the Banks have agreed to provide such amendment on the
terms and conditions set forth herein;
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed:
 
          1. The Waiver Termination Date (as defined in the Fifth Amendment) is
     hereby extended to September 30, 1998.
 
          2. Section 8.06(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
     inserting the following proviso at the end thereof:
 
        "; provided that (i) Foreign Subsidiaries may not hold Foreign Cash
        Equivalents in excess of $25,000 (or the equivalent thereof in foreign
        currencies) at any time and (ii) 100% of all cash and Cash Equivalents
        held by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than the Receivables
        Entity) at any time (other than up to $1,000,000 of cash and Cash
        Equivalents, including without limitation cash and Cash Equivalents
        pledged or deposited in accordance with Section 8.03(f)) must be held in
        one or more accounts maintained with the Agent or a Bank."
 
          3. Each Bank hereby agrees that for the purposes of Section 5.02 of
     the Credit Agreement, any amendment or waiver of a Default or an Event of
     Default, the effect of which would be to allow the sum of (i) the aggregate
     outstanding principal amount of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans and
     (ii) the Letter of Credit Outstandings under the Credit Agreement to exceed
     $300,000,000, shall not be effective without the consent of the
     Supermajority Banks (it being understood and agreed that any Default or
     Event or Default that may be otherwise waived or amended with the consent
     of the Required Banks may still be waived or amended by the Required Banks
     for any purpose other than for the purpose set forth above in this Section
     3).
 
          4. The following definition is hereby inserted into Section 10 of the
     Credit Agreement in alphabetical order:
 
             "Supermajority Banks" shall mean collectively (and not
        individually) Non-Defaulting Banks the sum of whose Revolving Loan
        Commitments (or, if after the Total Revolving Loan Commitment has been
        terminated, outstanding Revolving Loans and Percentages of outstanding
        Swingline Loans and Letter of Credit Outstandings) constitute greater
        than 66 2/3% of the Total Revolving Loan Commitment less the aggregate
        Revolving Loan Commitments of Defaulting Banks (or, if after the Total
        Revolving Loan Commitment has been terminated, the total outstanding
        Revolving Loans of
<PAGE>   2
 
        Non-Defaulting Banks and the aggregate Percentages of all Non-Defaulting
        Banks of the total outstanding Swingline Loans and Letter of Credit
        Outstandings at such time).
 
          5. In order to induce the Banks to enter into this Amendment, the
     Borrower hereby agrees to pay to each Bank which executes and delivers a
     counterpart of this Amendment on or before 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on
     July 30, 1998, a fee equal to 1/8 of 1% of such Bank's Revolving Loan
     Commitment, such fee to be earned and payable on the Amendment Effective
     Date.
 
          6. In order to induce the Banks to enter into this Amendment, each of
     Holdings, WR Acquisition and the Borrower hereby represents and warrants
     that (i) no Default or Event of Default exists as of the Amendment
     Effective Date (as defined below) after giving effect to this Amendment and
     (ii) on the Amendment Effective Date, both before and after giving effect
     to this Amendment, all representations and warranties contained in the
     Credit Agreement and in the other Credit Documents are true and correct in
     all material respects.
 
          7. This Amendment shall become effective on the date (the "Amendment
     Effective Date") when the Required Banks, Holdings, WR Acquisition and the
     Borrower shall have signed a counterpart hereof (whether the same or
     different counterparts) and shall have delivered (including by way of
     facsimile transmission) the same to the Agent at its Notice Office.
 
          8. This Amendment is limited as specified and shall not constitute a
     modification, acceptance or waiver of any other provision of the Fifth
     Amendment, the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document.
 
          9. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
     the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
     counterparts when executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of
     which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. A complete set
     of counterparts shall be lodged with the Borrower and the Agent.
 
          10. All references in the Credit Agreement and each of the Credit
     Documents to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be references to such
     Credit Agreement after giving effect to this Amendment.
 
          11. THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
     HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF
     THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
 
                                    -  -  -
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of
this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date hereof.
 
                                            AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
                                            WR ACQUISITION, INC.
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY OF
                                            DELAWARE, INC.
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, individually
                                            and as Agent
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANKBOSTON, N.A.
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK LEUMI USA
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
                                            THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK OF SCOTLAND
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST
                                            COMPANY
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            BANK ONE TEXAS
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
                                            BANK POLSKA KASA OPIEKI, S.A.
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            CIBC INC.
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            THE LONG-TERM CREDIT BANK OF
                                            JAPAN, LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                            SOCIETE GENERALE
 
                                            By:           /s/
 
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name:
                                              Title:
 
                                        5

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   Exhibit 10.29

                                                 EXHIBIT I

                      READ CAREFULLY AND CONSULT WITH YOUR
                            ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING

                              RELEASE


         1.  In full consideration of the execution of this Release by Charles 
G. Hanson, III ("CGH"), American Pad & Paper Company (the "Company") will
provide CGH with the consideration and other rights set forth in the letter
agreement (the "Letter Agreement") dated July 8, 1998 to which this Release is
attached as Exhibit I.

         2.  CGH, intending to be legally bound and for and in consideration of 
the benefits described in the Letter Agreement, does for himself his heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns hereby remise, release and
forever discharge the Company, its successors, predecessors, subsidiaries,
affiliates, directors, officers, agents and employees, and all persons,
corporations or other entities who might be claimed to be jointly and severally
liable with them, from any and all actions and causes of action, claims and
demands, suits, damages including back pay, front pay, employee benefits,
bonuses, liquidated damages, attorneys' fees, expenses, debts, dues, accounts,
bonds, covenants, contracts, agreements and compensation whatsoever and from
any claims for retaliation, and from any and all other claims of any nature
whatsoever against the Company, whether known or unknown or whether asserted or
unasserted, including but not limited to claims under the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.), Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Section 2000e et seq.), the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (29 U.S.C. Section 1161 et seq.), and
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. Section 626 et seq.),
claims for breach of contract, discrimination, wrongful discharge, tortious
interference with contract, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional
distress, and any other statutory or common law theories, including any claim
for attorneys' fees and costs, from the beginning of time to the date of the
Letter Agreement, which he or anyone claiming by, through or under him in any
way might have or could claim against the Company; provided that, CGH
specifically does not release and specifically reserves all of his rights with
respect to the following:

         (a)     the Letter Agreement;

         (b)     the Employment Agreement;

         (c)     those certain Stock Option Agreements between CGH and the 
                 Company;

         (d)     that certain Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated 
                 as of December 29, 1992, as amended as of June 6, 1996, 
                 between CGH and the Company;

         (e)     any rights of CGH pursuant to the Company's health and welfare 
                 plans; and


<PAGE>   2
         (f)     any rights of CGH as to indemnification with regard to any 
                 existing or future litigation involving CGH to the extent such 
                 rights are provided to CGH in the Company's certificate of 
                 incorporation and/or bylaws.

         3.  CGH confirms that he has (a) received adequate notice and election 
forms regarding his and his family's rights to elect COBRA continuation
coverage and he and his family have chosen not to elect such coverage in light
of the benefits provided to he and his family pursuant to paragraph 3 of the
Letter Agreement and (b) had at least twenty-one (21) day to consider whether
or not to sign this Release, it first having been presented to CGH on July 1,
1998.  CGH certifies that he has read the terms of the Letter Agreement and the
Release, that he understands the terms and effects, and that he has signed the
Letter Agreement and the Release voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the
consideration described in the Letter Agreement, which consideration CGH
acknowledges is in addition to anything to which CGH already is entitled and
which he acknowledges as adequate and satisfactory to him.

         4.  CGH acknowledges that he understands he may revoke his agreement 
to this release if he does so within 7 days of executing it and that this
release is not effective until that 7 day period has expired.

         5.  This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with 
the laws of the State of Texas.

         6.  Except as provided herein, each of the provisions of this Release
is intended to be severable.  If any term or provision is held to be invalid,
void or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction for any reason
whatsoever, such ruling shall not effect the remainder of this Release.

         7.  CGH, intending to be legally bound, has voluntarily executed this 
Release with full understanding of the contents hereof and after having had
ample time to review and study the  Letter Agreement and this Release.

         Signed and executed this ____ day of July, 1998.

WITNESS:



    /s                                        /s
- ------------------------                  --------------------------(SEAL)
                                          CHARLES G. HANSON, III





                                       2

<PAGE>   1



                                                                   Exhibit 10.30


                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
                         17304 PRESTON ROAD, SUITE 700
                                DALLAS, TX 75252

                                  July 8, 1998

Mr. Charles G. Hanson, III
10777 Straight Lane
Dallas, TX 75229

Dear Charles:

         This letter sets forth our agreement relating to your resignation as
an officer and employee of American Pad & Paper Company (the "Company") and its
subsidiaries and your continuing relationship with the Company.  Reference is
made to that certain Employment  Agreement dated as of June 6, 1996 (the
"Employment Agreement") by and among you and the Company.  The capitalized
terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings specified in the
Employment Agreement.  Our agreement consists of the following:

         1.  Termination and Consulting Arrangement.

         (a)  Effective July 8, 1998, your employment with the Company and its
subsidiaries will be terminated and you will resign as an officer and director
of the Company and its subsidiaries.  For purposes of the Employment Agreement,
your termination will be deemed to be a termination by the Company without
Cause.

         (b)  Effective July 8, 1998, in addition to the severance payment
described below, the Company hereby engages you as an independent contractor,
and not as an employee, to render consulting services to the Company as
hereinafter provided, and you hereby accept such engagement, for a period
ending on March 31, 1999 (the "Consulting Period").  You will not have any
authority to bind or act on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries.  During
the Consulting Period, you will render such consulting services to the Company
as are mutually agreed upon by you and the Company at mutually convenient
times.  In addition, during the Consulting Period, you will continue to support
the Company and not make any disparaging remarks regarding the Company.

         (c)  In consideration of the services set forth in paragraph (b)
above, the Company will pay to you $25,000 per month, payable in nine monthly
installments during the Consulting Period, to be paid in cash on the last day
of each month (except that the payment for July will be made on the date
hereof).  The Company will reimburse you for all reasonable expenses incurred
by you in the course of performing your duties under this letter agreement
which are consistent with the Company's standard policies in effect from time
to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses,
subject to the Company's requirements with respect to reporting and
documentation of such expenses.





<PAGE>   2



         (d)  You will file all tax returns and reports required to be filed by
you on the basis that you are an independent contractor, rather than an
employee, as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 31.3121(d)-1(c)(2), and
you will indemnify the Company for the amount of any employment taxes paid by
the Company as the result of you not paying employment taxes from the payment
described in paragraph (c) above.

         2.  Severance Payment. In lieu of the severance payments of your Base 
Salary for 24 months following the end of the Employment Period, the Company
hereby agrees, and you hereby accept, a lump sum payment of $900,000, payable
upon the effectiveness of this agreement and the Release, as severance.

         3.  Benefits.  During the Consulting Period and for 24 months 
thereafter, the Company will provide you and your spouse with health and
disability benefits set forth in paragraph 3(a) of the Employment Agreement and
the fringe benefits described in paragraphs 3(b)(i), 3(b)(v) and 3(b)(vi) of
the Employment Agreement.  In addition, during the Consulting Period and for 24
months thereafter, the Company will provide you with the following additional
benefits:

         (i)     the use and access to an executive secretary of the Company, 
                 such as Barbara Martin, as deemed reasonably necessary by you; 
                 and

         (ii)    the use of a computer, mobile phone, Bain voicemail (to the 
                 extent available to the Company) and fax machine (and you will 
                 be entitled to retain the hardware (other than the Bain 
                 voicemail) at no cost following the end of the 24-month 
                 period).


Furthermore, until the earlier to occur of (a) five years following the end of
the 24-month period or (b) your attaining the age of 65, the Company will
continue to provide you and your spouse with the same or comparable health
insurance coverage that you and your spouse currently are provided (so long as
the cost to the Company of maintaining such insurance does not increase except
for reasonable premium increases which are consistent with the premiums charged
to the Company with respect to its other employees).

         4.  Change of Control Payment. The Company and you hereby agree that 
paragraph 4 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to delete the
paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following:

         "If during the Consulting Period, a Person or "group" (as defined in
         Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of
         Persons (other than Bain Capital, Inc. or its affiliates) (a) becomes
         the owner of more than 50% of the Company's common stock or (b) has the
         de facto ability to direct the nomination of a majority of the
         directors who are then elected to the Board (a "Change of Control") or
         (c) enters into a binding agreement as to price and basic terms with
         the Company with respect to a Change of Control, the Company shall pay
         to Executive a lump sum payment equal to $2,500,000 within ten days
         following the occurrence of such Change of Control."




                                       2
<PAGE>   3



         5.  Outplacement Services.  The Company will provide you with
outplacement services for the purposes of obtaining other employment.

         6.  1998 Bonus.  You will not be eligible to receive your 1998 bonus.

         7.  Non-Compete and Other Provisions.  The Company and you agree that
the non-compete and non- solicitation set forth in paragraph 9 of the
Employment Agreement will run for a period from the date hereof to and
including 24 months following the end of the Consulting Period.  The Company
and you agree that the confidentiality and intellectual property provisions of
paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Employment Agreement continue to apply to you during
the Consulting Period.

         8.  D&O Indemnification.  The Company hereby agrees and acknowledges
that it will continue to honor its indemnification obligations to you set forth
in its certificate of incorporation and/or bylaws with respect to any existing
or future lawsuit against the Company and any other actions pursuant to which
you would be entitled to indemnification. In addition, you shall have the right
to retain separate counsel with regard to any such lawsuit or action and the
Company will indemnify you for the costs and expenses incurred with respect
thereto, regardless of whether the costs and expenses of such separate
representation are covered by insurance, to the extent such rights and
indemnities are provided in the Company's certificate of incorporation and/or
bylaws.

         9.  Release.  Attached hereto as Exhibit I is a release ("Release")
which you agree to execute and deliver to the Company.  It is understood and
agreed that the effectiveness of the Release is conditioned upon the Company's
compliance with its obligations under this letter, and will otherwise be of no
force and effect.

         10. Press Releases.  The parties to this letter agree that they will
not issue any public statement regarding your termination of employment with
the Company or regarding this letter without the prior written consent of the
other party hereto, except as required by law.

         11. Complete Agreement.  The parties hereto agree that the Employment
Agreement will continue in full force and effect, including but not limited to
paragraph 18 thereof, except as modified by this letter, such modifications to
include but not be limited to paragraphs 2(b) and 5 thereof.  The parties also
agree that this letter supersedes all other written or oral agreements relating
to the subject matter of this letter.

         12. Binding Effect.  This letter agreement is binding on the Company
subject only to your not revoking the Release prior to the expiration of the
seven day period following your execution of the Release.  Notification of
revocation by you during the seven day period must be accomplished by hand
delivered written notice of revocation to the Company at 17304 Preston Road,
Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75252, with a copy to the Company's counsel, James L.
Learner, Kirkland & Ellis, 200 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, before
midnight of the seventh day after the execution date of the Release.  No
attempted revocation after the expiration of such seven day period will have
any effect on the terms of this letter agreement or the Release.




                                       3
<PAGE>   4



         13.  Stock Options.  With respect to the agreements referenced in 
Sections 15(b), (c) and (d) of the Employment Agreement (for purposes of this
paragraph 13 only, the "Agreements"), you will be permitted to exercise the
options thereunder with respect to which the Company has previously taken an
accounting compensation charge (i.e., 428,404 shares out of a total of 840,713
shares) for a period of 15 months following the end of the Consulting Period,
and the Company will amend such Agreements accordingly.  Except as otherwise
provided in this Section 13, all options held by you on the date hereof shall be
exercisable in accordance with the terms of the option agreements pursuant to
which such options were granted.

         If you are in agreement with the terms of this letter, please sign in
the space provided below.


                                            Very truly yours,

                                            AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY

                                            By    /s
                                              ----------------------------------

                                            Its
                                              ----------------------------------

Agreed and accepted
the __ day of July, 1998:

    /s
- ------------------------------------
CHARLES G. HANSON, III




                                       4

<PAGE>   1



                                                                   Exhibit 10.31

                                                    EXHIBIT I

                     READ CAREFULLY AND CONSULT WITH YOUR
                            ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING

                              RELEASE


         1.  In full consideration of the execution of this Release by Russell
M. Gard ("RMG"), American Pad & Paper Company (the "Company") will provide RMG
with the consideration and other rights set forth in the letter agreement (the
"Letter Agreement") dated July 8, 1998 to which this Release is attached as
Exhibit I.

         2.  RMG, intending to be legally bound and for and in consideration of
the benefits described in the Letter Agreement, does for himself his heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns hereby remise, release and
forever discharge the Company, its successors, predecessors, subsidiaries,
affiliates, directors, officers, agents and employees, and all persons,
corporations or other entities who might be claimed to be jointly and severally
liable with them, from any and all actions and causes of action, claims and
demands, suits, damages including back pay, front pay, employee benefits,
bonuses, liquidated damages, attorneys' fees, expenses, debts, dues, accounts,
bonds, covenants, contracts, agreements and compensation whatsoever and from
any claims for retaliation, and from any and all other claims of any nature
whatsoever against the Company, whether known or unknown or whether asserted or
unasserted, including but not limited to claims under the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.), Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Section 2000e et seq.), the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (29 U.S.C. Section 1161 et seq.), and
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. Section 626 et seq.),
claims for breach of contract, discrimination, wrongful discharge, tortious
interference with contract, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional
distress, and any other statutory or common law theories, including any claim
for attorneys' fees and costs, from the beginning of time to the date of the
Letter Agreement, which he or anyone claiming by, through or under him in any
way might have or could claim against the Company; provided that, RMG
specifically does not release and specifically reserves all of his rights with
respect to the following:

         (a)     the Letter Agreement;

         (b)     the Employment Agreement;

         (c)     those certain Stock Option Agreements between RMG and the
                 Company;

         (d)     that certain Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated
                 as of December 29, 1992, as amended as of June 6, 1996,
                 between RMG and the Company;

         (e)     any rights of RMG pursuant to the Company's health and welfare
                 plans; and





<PAGE>   2



         (f)     any rights of RMG as to indemnification with regard to any 
existing or future litigation involving RMG to the extent such rights are
provided to CGH in the Company's certificate of incorporation and/or bylaws.

         3.  RMG confirms that he has (a) received adequate notice and election
forms regarding his and his family's rights to elect COBRA continuation coverage
and he and his family have chosen not to elect such coverage in light of the
benefits provided to he and his family pursuant to paragraph 3 of the Letter
Agreement and (b) had at least twenty-one (21) day to consider whether or not to
sign this Release, it first having been presented to RMG on July 1, 1998.  RMG
certifies that he has read the terms of the Letter Agreement and the Release,
that he understands the terms and effects, and that he has signed the Letter
Agreement and the Release voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the
consideration described in the Letter Agreement, which consideration RMG
acknowledges is in addition to anything to which RMG already is entitled and
which he acknowledges as adequate and satisfactory to him.

         4.  RMG acknowledges that he understands he may revoke his agreement 
to this release if he does so within 7 days of executing it and that this
release is not effective until that 7 day period has expired.

         5.  This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with 
the laws of the State of Texas.

         6.  Except as provided herein, each of the provisions of this Release 
is intended to be severable.  If any term or provision is held to be invalid,
void or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction for any reason
whatsoever, such ruling shall not effect the remainder of this Release.

         7.  RMG, intending to be legally bound, has voluntarily executed this 
Release with full understanding of the contents hereof and after having had
ample time to review and study the  Letter Agreement and this Release.

         Signed and executed this ____ day of July, 1998.

WITNESS:



     /s                                          /s
- ------------------------                     -----------------------------(SEAL)
                                             RUSSELL M. GARD              




                                       2

<PAGE>   1



                                                                   Exhibit 10.32



                          AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY
                         17304 PRESTON ROAD, SUITE 700
                                DALLAS, TX 75252

                                  July 8, 1998

Mr. Russell M. Gard
4601 Lawson Court
Plano, TX

Dear Russ:

         This letter sets forth our agreement relating to your resignation as
an officer and employee of American Pad & Paper Company (the "Company") and its
subsidiaries and your continuing relationship with the Company.  Reference is
made to that certain Employment  Agreement dated as of June 6, 1996 (the
"Employment Agreement") by and among you and the Company.  The capitalized
terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings specified in the
Employment Agreement.  Our agreement consists of the following:

         1.  Termination and Consulting Arrangement.

         (a) Effective July 8, 1998 your employment with the Company will be
terminated and you will resign as an officer of the Company and its
subsidiaries.  You will be appointed as the Vice Chairman of the board of
directors and will continue to be a director of the Company for your term
unless you resign.  For purposes of the Employment Agreement, termination of
your employment as an officer of the Company will be deemed to be a termination
by the Company without Cause.

         (b)  Effective July 8, 1998, in addition to the severance payment
described below, the Company shall engage you as an independent contractor, and
not as an employee, to render consulting services to the Company as hereinafter
provided, and you hereby agree to accept such engagement, for a period ending
on March 31, 1999 (the "Consulting Period").  You will not have any authority
to bind or act on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries, expect in your
capacity as a director of the Company.  During the Consulting Period, you will
render such consulting services to the Company as are mutually agreed upon by
you and the Company at mutually convenient times.  In addition, during the
Consulting Period, you will continue to support the Company and not make any
disparaging remarks regarding the Company.




<PAGE>   2



         (c)  In consideration of the services set forth in paragraph (b) 
above, the Company will pay to you $37,500 per month during the Consulting
Period, payable in nine monthly installments during the Consulting Period, to be
paid in cash on the last day of each month (except that the payment for July
will be made on the date hereof).  The Company will reimburse you for all
reasonable expenses incurred by you in the course of performing your duties
under this letter agreement which are consistent with the Company's standard
policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and
other business expenses, subject to the Company's requirements with respect to
reporting and documentation of such expenses.

         (d)  You will file all tax returns and reports required to be filed 
by you on the basis that you are an independent contractor, rather than an
employee, as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 31.3121(d)-1(c)(2), and you
will indemnify the Company for the amount of any employment taxes paid by the
Company as the result of you not paying employment taxes from the payment
described in paragraph (c) above.

         2.  Severance Payment. In lieu of the severance payments of your Base
Salary for 24 months following the end of the Employment Period, the Company
hereby agrees, and you hereby accept, a lump sum payment of $800,000 as
severance, payable upon the effectiveness of this agreement and the execution
and effectiveness of the Release.

         3.  Benefits.  During the Consulting Period and for 24 months 
thereafter, the Company will provide you and your spouse with health and
disability benefits set forth in paragraph 3(a) of the Employment Agreement and
the fringe benefits described in paragraphs 3(b)(i), 3(b)(v) and 3(b)(vi) of the
Employment Agreement.  In addition, during the Consulting Period and for 24
months thereafter, the Company will provide you with the following additional
benefits:

         (i)     the use and access to an executive secretary of the Company, 
                 such as Barbara Martin, as deemed reasonably necessary by you; 
                 and

         (ii)    the use of a computer, mobile phone, Bain voicemail (to the 
                 extent available to the Company) and fax machine (and you will
                 be entitled to retain the hardware (other than the Bain
                 voicemail) at no cost following the end of the 24-month
                 period).

Furthermore, until the earlier to occur of (a) five years following the end of
the 24-month period or (b) your attaining the age of 65, the Company will
continue to provide you and your spouse with the same or comparable health
insurance coverage that you and your spouse currently are provided (so long as
the cost to the Company of maintaining such insurance does not increase except
for reasonable premium increases which are consistent with the premiums charged
to the Company with respect to its other employees).

         4.  Change of Control Payment.  The Company and you hereby agree that 
paragraph 4 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended to delete the
paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following:




                                       2
<PAGE>   3



         "If during the Consulting Period, a Person or "group" (as defined in
         Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended)
         of Persons (other than Bain Capital, Inc. or its affiliates) (a)
         becomes the owner of more than 50% of the Company's common stock or
         (b) has the de facto ability to direct the nomination of a majority of
         the directors who are then elected to the Board (a "Change of
         Control") or (c) enters into a binding agreement as to price and basic
         terms with the Company with respect to a Change of Control, the
         Company shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment equal to $2,500,000
         within ten days following the occurrence of such Change of Control."

         5.  Outplacement Services.  Following the Effective Date, the Company
will provide you with outplacement services for the purposes of obtaining other
employment.

         6.  1998 Bonus.  You will not be eligible to receive your 1998 bonus.

         7.  Non-Compete and Other Provisions.  The Company and you agree that
the non-compete and non- solicitation set forth in paragraph 9 of the
Employment Agreement will run for a period from the date hereof to and
including 24 months following the end of the Consulting Period.  The Company
and you agree that the confidentiality and intellectual property provisions of
paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Employment Agreement continue to apply to you during
the Consulting Period.

         8.  D&O Indemnification.  The Company hereby agrees and acknowledges
that it will continue to honor its indemnification obligations to you set forth
in its certificate of incorporation and/or bylaws with respect to any existing
or future lawsuit against the Company and any other actions pursuant to which
you would be entitled to indemnification. In addition, you shall have the right
to retain separate counsel with regard to any such lawsuit or action and the
Company will indemnify you for the costs and expenses incurred with respect
thereto, regardless of whether the costs and expenses of such separate
representation are covered by insurance, to the extent such rights and
indemnities are provided in the Company's certificate of incorporation and/or
bylaws.

         9.  Release.  Attached hereto as Exhibit I is a release ("Release")
which you agree to execute and deliver to the Company on the date hereof and
reexecute and deliver on the Effective Date.  It is understood and agreed that
the effectiveness of the Release is conditioned upon the Company's compliance
with its obligations under this letter, and will otherwise be of no force and
effect.

         10.  Press Releases.  The parties to this letter agree that they will
not issue any public statement regarding your termination of employment with
the Company or regarding this letter without the prior written consent of the
other party hereto, except as required by law.

         11.  Complete Agreement.  The parties hereto agree that the Employment
Agreement will continue in full force and effect, including but not limited to
Section 18 thereof, except as modified by this letter, such modifications to
include but not be limited to Section 5 thereof.  The parties also agree that
this letter supersedes all other written or oral agreements relating to the
subject matter of this letter.




                                       3
<PAGE>   4



         12.  Binding Effect.  This letter agreement is binding on the Company
subject only to your not revoking the Release prior to the expiration of the
seven day period following your execution of the Release.  Notification of
revocation by you during the seven day period must be accomplished by hand
delivered written notice of revocation to the Company at 17304 Preston Road,
Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75252, with a copy to the Company's counsel, James L.
Learner, Kirkland & Ellis, 200 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, before
midnight of the seventh day after the execution date of the Release.  No
attempted revocation after the expiration of such seven day period will have any
effect on the terms of this letter agreement or the Release.

         13.  Stock Options.  With respect to the agreements referenced in 
Sections 15(b), (c) and (d) of the Employment Agreement (for purposes of this
paragraph 13 only, the "Agreements"), you will be permitted to exercise the
options thereunder with respect to which the Company has previously taken an
accounting compensation charge (i.e., 406,919 shares out of a total of 798,548
shares) for a period of 15 months following the end of the Consulting Period,
and the Company will amend such Agreements accordingly.  Except as otherwise
provided in this Section 13, all options held by you on the date hereof shall be
exercisable in accordance with the terms of the option agreements pursuant to
which such options were granted.

         If you are in agreement with the terms of this letter, please sign in
the space provided below.

                                           Very truly yours,

                                           AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY

                                           By   /s
                                              ----------------------------------

                                           Its
                                              ----------------------------------

Agreed and accepted
the __ day of July, 1998:

   /s
- -----------------------------
RUSSELL M. GARD




                                       4

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> CT
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 583,471
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           277
<OTHER-SE>                                      42,378
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   583,471
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               308,319
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (12,564)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (58,022)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (58,022)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (2.09)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1



                                                                   Exhibit 99.09

CONTACT: JAMES W. SWENT
                                           Chief Executive Officer
                                           American Pad & Paper Co.
                                           (972) 733-6200
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                           ROBERT P. JONES/THERESA SCHILLERO
                                           LESLIE FELDMAN - PRESS
                                           (212) 850-5600
                                           Ken Pieper
                                           (972) 663-9390
                                           Morgen-Walke Associates

================================================================================
             AMERICAN PAD & PAPER COMPANY RECEIVES WAIVER EXTENSION

     DALLAS, Texas, July 31, 1998 - American Pad & Paper (NYSE:AGP) announced 
today that it has executed an amendment with its banking group waiving all the
defaults of the financial covenants of its loan agreement through September 30,
1998.

     James W. Swent, III, Chief Executive Officer said, "We are extremely 
pleased with the support we have received from our banks in working through this
issue. We will be working with the banks during the third quarter to negotiate a
permanent amendment to the current agreement that will be beneficial to all
parties.  In addition to our banks, we have received strong support from all our
vendors and customers including our independent merchants, our regional and
national chains, our contract stationers, and our superstores."

     American Pad & Paper Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of
paper-based office products in North America.  The company manufactures and
distributes writing pads, folders, envelopes and other office products.  Name
brands include Ampad, Century, Embassy, Gold fibre, Huxley, Karolton, Kent,
Peel & Seel, SCM, Williamhouse and World Fibre.

     This release contains forward-looking statements relating to future 
results. Actual results may differ significantly as a result of factors over
which the company has no control, including the strength of domestic and foreign
economies, slower than anticipated sales growth, price and product competition
and increases in raw material costs.  Additional information which could affect
the company's financial results is included in the company's prospectus on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                    # # #






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