NBTY INC
8-K, 1997-10-17
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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<PAGE>
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                               AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                      To
                                   FORM 8-K
                                CURRENT REPORT

                    Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                       Securities Exchange Act of 1934

              Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
                                August 7, 1997

                                  NBTY, INC.
                                  ----------
              (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

   DELAWARE                          0-10666                    11-2228617
   --------                        -----------                  ---------- 
(State or other                    (Commission                 (IRS Employer 
jurisdiction of                    File No.)                   identification 
incorporation)                                                 number)

                  90 Orville Drive, Bohemia, New York 11716
                  -----------------------------------------
             (Address of principal executive office and zip code)

                 Registrant's telephone number (516) 567-9500

<PAGE>

Item 5. Other Events.
- ---------------------

          The Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K, dated August 20, 1997, in
which it reported the acquisition of Holland & Barrett Holdings Ltd. ("H&B").

          It was stated therein that the funds for the acquisition were provided
by The Chase Manhattan Bank. In connection with the financing of this
acquisition, the Registrant sold $150,000,000 of 8-5/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes, due 2007 through Chase Securities. Inc.

          For the complete details of this financing, the Offering Memorandum,
dated September 19, 1997, is incorporated by reference herein and filed as an
exhibit to this report.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
- ------------------------------------------

          The Registrant filed a report on Form 8-K, dated August 20, 1997, in
which it reported the acquisition of Holland & Barrett Holdings Ltd. ("H&B").

          In compliance with Item 7(b), unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements are incorporated herein from the Registrant's Offering Memorandum,
dated September 17, 1997 (pages 21 through 26, inclusive) and filed as an
exhibit to this report.

          (i)  Offering memorandum dated September 17, 1997.

<PAGE>
                                  SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement or amendment to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                       NBTY, Inc.

                                       By: /s/ Harvey Kamil
                                          ---------------------------
                                          Harvey Kamil
                                          Executive Vice President
Dated: September 29, 1997



<PAGE>
OFFERING MEMORANDUM                                        STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
 
$150,000,000

NBTY, INC.                                                     [LOGO]
 
8 5/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
 
The 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the 'Notes') are being offered
(the 'Offering') by NBTY, Inc. ('NBTY'). The Notes are being issued in
connection with the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock
(the 'Acquisition') of Holland & Barrett Holdings Ltd. and the consummation of
certain related transactions. The net proceeds of the Offering will be placed in
an escrow account and will be used to fund payment of certain Promissory Notes
(as defined) issued in connection with the Acquisition. See 'The Transaction'
and 'Use of Proceeds.'
 
Interest on the Notes will be payable semiannually on September 15 and March 15
of each year, commencing on March 15, 1998. The Notes will mature on September
15, 2007. Except as described below, NBTY may not redeem the Notes prior to
September 15, 2002. On or after such date, NBTY may redeem the Notes, in whole
or in part, at the redemption prices set forth herein, together with accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. In addition, at any time and
from time to time on or prior to September 15, 2000, NBTY may, subject to
certain requirements, redeem up to 33 1/3% of the aggregate principal amount of
the Notes with the Net Cash Proceeds (as defined) from one or more Public Equity
Offerings (as defined) by NBTY at a price equal to 108.625% of the principal
amount to be redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
date of redemption, provided that at least 66 2/3% of the original aggregate
principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding after each such redemption.
The Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund requirement. Upon the
occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined), NBTY will be required to make an
offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount
thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
repurchase. See 'Description of the Notes.'
 
The Notes will be unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to all existing
and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined) of NBTY. The Notes will rank pari
passu in right of payment with any future senior subordinated indebtedness of
NBTY and will rank senior to all Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined) of NBTY.
The Indenture (as defined) under which the Notes will be issued permits NBTY to
incur additional indebtedness, including Senior Indebtedness, subject to certain
restrictions. See 'Description of the Notes.' As of June 30, 1997, on a pro
forma basis after giving effect to the Transaction (as defined), the aggregate
principal amount of NBTY's outstanding Senior Indebtedness would have been
approximately $31.1 million (exclusive of unused commitments) and NBTY would
have had no senior subordinated indebtedness outstanding other than the Notes
and no Subordinated Indebtedness. See 'Description of the Notes' and
'Capitalization.'
 
The common stock of NBTY is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol
'NBTY.' The Notes have been designated for trading in the Private Offerings,
Resales and Trading through Automated Linkages ('PORTAL') market.

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

SEE 'RISK FACTORS' BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED
(THE 'SECURITIES ACT'), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND, UNLESS SO REGISTERED,
THE NOTES MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN
A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES
ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. ACCORDINGLY, THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY
ARE BEING OFFERED AND SOLD ONLY TO 'QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS' (AS DEFINED
IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT ('RULE 144A')) IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE
144A. SEE 'TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.'
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            PRICE TO                                            PROCEEDS TO
                            INVESTORS(1)              DISCOUNTS(2)              COMPANY(1)(3)
<S>                         <C>                       <C>                       <C>
  PER NOTE                     99.175%                   3.000%                    96.175%
  TOTAL                        $148,762,500              $4,500,000                $144,262,500
</TABLE>
 
(1) Plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, from the date of issuance.
(2) NBTY has agreed to indemnify the Initial Purchaser (as defined) against
    certain liabilities including liabilities under the Securities Act. See
    'Plan of Distribution.'
(3) Before deducting estimated expenses of $1,500,000 payable by NBTY.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The Notes are being offered by Chase Securities Inc. (the 'Initial Purchaser'),
subject to prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by, the Initial
Purchaser. The Initial Purchaser reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the Notes will be made in book entry form through the facilities of
The Depository Trust Company on or about September 23, 1997.
CHASE SECURITIES INC.

SEPTEMBER 17, 1997

<PAGE>
                                 [PHOTOGRAPHS]

The Company's 106 Vitamin World stores are primarily located in high traffic
factory outlet malls.
 
NBTY introduced over 100 new SKUs in the past year, marketing these products
through its unique three-tiered distribution system.
 
NBTY plans to manufacture 75% of the nutritional supplements sold throughout the
410 Holland & Barrett stores.
 
NBTY guarantees the customer the highest quality products at the best value.
 
National television and print advertising has enabled NBTY to maintain its
position as one of the leading mail order suppliers.
 
Increased capacity utilization is expected to result in reduced per unit
production costs.

<PAGE>
     CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SECURITIES
OFFERED HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS AND SHORT
COVERING TRANSACTIONS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE 'PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION.'
 
     THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY OF THE NOTES BY ANY PERSON IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR SUCH PERSON TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFERING OR
SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IMPLY THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
 
     THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM IS BEING PROVIDED ON A CONFIDENTIAL BASIS TO
QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS FOR INFORMATIONAL USE SOLELY IN CONNECTION WITH
THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PURCHASE OF THE NOTES. ITS USE FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE IS
NOT AUTHORIZED. IT MAY NOT BE COPIED OR REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, NOR MAY
IT BE DISTRIBUTED OR ANY OF ITS CONTENTS BE DISCLOSED TO ANY PERSON OTHER THAN
THE PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS TO WHOM IT IS BEING PROVIDED.
 
     THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY
THE COMPANY ON A CONFIDENTIAL BASIS SOLELY TO THE PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE
NOTES. NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE BY THE INITIAL
PURCHASER AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF SUCH INFORMATION, AND NOTHING
CONTAINED IN THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM IS, OR SHALL BE RELIED UPON AS, A PROMISE
OR REPRESENTATION BY THE INITIAL PURCHASER AS TO THE PAST OR THE FUTURE. THE
INITIAL PURCHASER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF
SUCH INFORMATION. IN MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION, PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS MUST
RELY ON THEIR OWN EXAMINATION OF THE COMPANY AND THE TERMS OF THE OFFERING,
INCLUDING THE MERITS AND RISKS INVOLVED. THE CONTENTS OF THIS OFFERING
MEMORANDUM ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL, BUSINESS OR TAX ADVICE. EACH
PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN ATTORNEY, BUSINESS ADVISOR OR TAX
ADVISOR AS TO LEGAL, BUSINESS OR TAX ADVICE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS MAY OBTAIN
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION UPON REQUEST FROM THE INITIAL PURCHASER OR THE COMPANY
WHICH THEY MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE IN CONNECTION WITH THE DECISION TO PURCHASE
ANY OF THE NOTES.
 
     THE OFFERING IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT FOR AN OFFER AND SALE OF SECURITIES WHICH DOES NOT
INVOLVE A PUBLIC OFFERING. THE NOTES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
WITH, RECOMMENDED BY OR APPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR
ANY OTHER FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY, NOR
HAS ANY SUCH COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY REVIEWED OR PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
     THE NOTES ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY AND RESALE AND MAY
NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR RESOLD EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION
THEREFROM. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THEY MAY BE REQUIRED TO
BEAR THE FINANCIAL RISKS OF THIS INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
EACH PURCHASER OF NOTES OFFERED HEREBY WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE CERTAIN
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS AS SET FORTH UNDER 'TRANSFER

RESTRICTIONS.'
 
     EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF THE NOTES MUST COMPLY WITH ALL LAWS AND
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO IT IN FORCE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT PURCHASES,
OFFERS OR SELLS THE NOTES OR POSSESSES OR DISTRIBUTES THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM
AND MUST OBTAIN ANY CONSENT, APPROVAL OR PERMISSION REQUIRED
 
                                       i
<PAGE>
TO BE OBTAINED BY IT FOR THE PURCHASE, OFFER OR SALE BY IT OF THE NOTES UNDER
THE LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO IT IN FORCE IN ANY JURISDICTION TO WHICH
IT IS SUBJECT OR IN WHICH IT MAKES SUCH PURCHASES, OFFERS OR SALES, AND NEITHER
THE COMPANY NOR THE INITIAL PURCHASER SHALL HAVE ANY RESPONSIBILITY THEREFOR.
 
                           FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN
THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 WITH RESPECT
TO THE FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY,
INCLUDING STATEMENTS UNDER THE CAPTIONS 'SUMMARY,' 'UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
FINANCIAL DATA,' 'MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS' AND 'BUSINESS.' ALL OF THESE FORWARD LOOKING
STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY MANAGEMENT OF THE
COMPANY WHICH, ALTHOUGH BELIEVED TO BE REASONABLE, ARE INHERENTLY UNCERTAIN.
THEREFORE, UNDUE RELIANCE SHOULD NOT BE PLACED UPON SUCH ESTIMATES AND
STATEMENTS. NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN THAT ANY OF SUCH ESTIMATES OR STATEMENTS
WILL BE REALIZED AND IT IS LIKELY THAT ACTUAL RESULTS WILL DIFFER MATERIALLY
FROM THOSE CONTEMPLATED BY SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT MAY
CAUSE SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE: (1) ADVERSE PUBLICITY REGARDING THE CONSUMPTION
OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS; (2) ADVERSE FEDERAL, STATE OR FOREIGN LEGISLATION OR
REGULATION OR ADVERSE DETERMINATIONS BY REGULATORS; (3) SLOW OR NEGATIVE GROWTH
IN THE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY; (4) INABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO
SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT ITS BUSINESS STRATEGY; (5) INCREASED COMPETITION; (6)
INCREASED COSTS; (7) LOSS OR RETIREMENT OF KEY MEMBERS OF MANAGEMENT; (8)
INCREASES IN THE COMPANY'S COST OF BORROWINGS OR INABILITY OR UNAVAILABILITY OF
ADDITIONAL DEBT OR EQUITY CAPITAL; AND (9) CHANGES IN GENERAL ECONOMIC
CONDITIONS IN THE MARKETS IN WHICH THE COMPANY MAY, FROM TIME TO TIME, COMPETE.
MANY OF SUCH FACTORS WILL BE BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE COMPANY AND ITS
MANAGEMENT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR OTHER FACTORS WHICH COULD AFFECT THE
FINANCIAL RESULTS OF THE COMPANY AND SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS, SEE 'RISK
FACTORS.'
 
                                       ii

<PAGE>
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction with, the more detailed information, risk factors and historical
and pro forma combined financial data, including the related notes, appearing
elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum. As used in this Offering Memorandum,
unless the context otherwise requires, (i) 'NBTY' refers to NBTY, Inc. and its
subsidiaries as constituted prior to the Acquisition, (ii) 'H&B' refers to
Holland & Barrett Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries as constituted prior to the
Acquisition, and (iii) the 'Company' refers to NBTY, Inc. and its subsidiaries
(including H&B) after giving effect to the Acquisition. Unless otherwise
indicated, all financial statements in this Offering Memorandum have been
prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ('U.S.
GAAP') and all dollar references are in U.S. dollars. Financial information of
H&B has been derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of
H&B prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the
United Kingdom ('U.K. GAAP'). H&B financial data, which is stated in U.S.
dollars, has been adjusted to reflect U.S. GAAP and is based on an exchange rate
of one pound sterling to 1.665 U.S. dollars. References in this Offering
Memorandum to fiscal years are to NBTY's fiscal years ending September 30 or
H&B's fiscal years ending June 30, as the case may be. Unless otherwise noted,
all market data presented in this Offering Memorandum is based on the Company's
research and estimates. Nature's Bounty(Registered), Good 'N
Natural(Registered), Hudson(Registered), American Health(Registered), Natural
Wealth(Registered), Puritan's Pride(Registered), Vitamin World(Registered) and
Holland & Barrett are registered trademarks of the Company.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
OVERVIEW
 
     NBTY, founded in 1971, is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors
of nutritional supplements in the U.S., marketing a complete line of vitamins,
minerals and other nutritional supplements offered at value prices to its
customers. NBTY markets its multi-branded products primarily through (i) one of
the industry's leading mail order programs under its Puritan's Pride brand name
to its proprietary list of over two million active customers, (ii) 106 Vitamin
World retail stores strategically located primarily in factory outlet malls
across the U.S., and (iii) wholesale distribution to drug store chains,
supermarkets, independent pharmacies and health food stores such as Eckerd, Osco
and Albertson's under the Nature's Bounty, Natural Wealth, Hudson, American
Health and Good 'N Natural brand names. Management believes that this unique
three-tiered distribution system enables NBTY to most effectively market its
products and lends stability, when compared to certain of its competitors, to
its revenues and EBITDA. NBTY's revenues from mail order, retail and wholesale
sales were approximately 43%, 15% and 42%, respectively, of total NBTY revenues
for the twelve month period ended June 30, 1997. NBTY's revenues and EBITDA for
the twelve month period ended June 30, 1997 were approximately $236 million and
$44 million, respectively, and same store sales growth for the same period was
approximately 9%.
 
     NBTY acquired (the 'Acquisition') Holland & Barrett Holdings Ltd. ('H&B'),
one of the leading nutritional supplement retailers in the United Kingdom

('U.K.') with 410 locations, on August 7, 1997. The Acquisition provides the
Company with significant strategic opportunities to enhance H&B's revenues and
profitability and increase its market share. H&B markets a broad line of
nutritional supplement products, including vitamins, minerals and other
nutritional supplements (approximately 58% of H&B's revenues for fiscal year
1997), and food products, including fruits and nuts, confectionery and other
items (approximately 42% of H&B's revenues for fiscal year 1997). H&B's
strategic retail locations in prime shopping areas and broad product offering
have enabled it to become one of the U.K.'s largest nutritional supplement
retailers. H&B's revenues and EBITDA for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997
were approximately $171 million and $18 million, respectively, and same store
sales growth for the same period was approximately 3%.
 
     The Company expects to derive substantial opportunities from the
combination of NBTY's and H&B's operations. Pro forma for the Acquisition, the
Company's revenues for mail order, retail and wholesale sales would have been
approximately 25%, 51% and 24%, respectively, of total Company revenues for the
twelve month period ended June 30, 1997. Management believes that cross-selling
an expansive selection of NBTY-manufactured products into H&B's 410 retail
stores will enable H&B to offer a broader product selection at lower prices than
its competitors and, at the same time, enhance H&B's margins. In addition,
management expects to reduce per unit production costs in NBTY's manufacturing
facilities 
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
through increased capacity utilization derived from this vertical integration.
The Company also plans to increase the efficiency of its H&B operations by
integrating NBTY's state-of-the-art point of sale ('POS') system throughout
H&B's retail stores that will allow for more effective management of inventory
and purchasing. The Company's vertically integrated structure and three-tiered
distribution system, combined with its breadth of well recognized, value
oriented brand names, position it to pursue continued growth and competitive
success in each of its distribution channels.
 
     The U.S. retail market for vitamins, minerals and other nutritional
supplements has grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 15%, from $3.7
billion in 1992 to $6.5 billion in 1996, according to the 1997 Packaged Facts
Survey ('Packaged Facts'). According to the Simmons Market Research Bureau, 54%
of the U.S. adult population uses vitamins, minerals or supplements. Further,
based on U.S. Bureau of the Census data, the 45-and-older age group, which
accounted for approximately 32% of the U.S. population in 1990, is expected to
grow to 40% of the U.S. population by 2010. Management believes this industry
growth is expected to continue based on the following factors: (i) the aging
population, (ii) the growing body of research suggesting the benefits of certain
nutritional supplements, and (iii) the favorable regulatory environment that
allows for new product development, thereby stimulating total demand.
 
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
 
     The Company believes that the following competitive strengths provide it
with a solid foundation to further enhance growth, profitability and the
Company's position as an industry leader:
 

     o VERTICALLY INTEGRATED OPERATIONS.  As a result of the Acquisition, the
       Company will increase its degree of vertical integration by manufacturing
       nutritional supplements in NBTY facilities for sale through H&B's retail
       stores. Due to NBTY's existing level of vertical integration, NBTY is
       able to price its products at its stores approximately 20-40% lower than
       its largest competitor yet still maintain gross margins in excess of
       approximately 50%. The Acquisition will allow the Company to further
       increase its margins by providing NBTY-manufactured products throughout
       H&B retail stores.
 
     o EFFICIENT, MULTI-CHANNEL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK.  NBTY's three-tiered U.S.
       distribution network (mail order, retail and wholesale), supplemented by
       H&B's strong retail position in the U.K. nutritional supplement market,
       allows the Company to access a broader base of nutritional supplement
       buyers and is unique among the Company's competitors. Management believes
       this diverse network lowers distribution risk and lends stability, when
       compared to certain of its competitors, to both revenues and EBITDA.
 
     o STRONG PORTFOLIO OF RETAIL STORES.  NBTY's 106 Vitamin World stores, in
       combination with H&B's 410 stores, comprise a retail network that is
       strategically located in the high growth U.S. and U.K. markets. These
       stores delivered approximately 9% and 3% same store sales growth during
       the twelve month period ended June 30, 1997 in the U.S. and the U.K.,
       respectively. In addition to providing a platform for growth, management
       believes the Company's established retail stores pose significant
       barriers to entry for new competitors due to the Company's penetration of
       U.S. factory outlet malls and prime U.K. locations.
 
     o LEADING MAIL ORDER SUPPLIER.  Management believes NBTY is the industry
       leader in the U.S. mail order nutritional supplement market with over two
       million active customers and response rates that management believes to
       be in excess of the mail order industry average. The Company's position
       as a leading mail order nutritional supplement distributor allows the
       Company to lower its per customer distribution costs, thereby enhancing
       margins. The Company plans to further expand its mail order operations in
       the U.K. by utilizing its mail order distribution warehouse in
       Southampton, England, which became fully operational in January 1997.
 
     o INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT.  NBTY continually pursues new product
       development in response to customer demand. In 1997 alone, NBTY
       introduced more than 100 new stock keeping units ('SKUs') through its
       product development and merchandising groups working directly with
       managers at the retail level. Management believes its retail stores
       provide the Company with rapid access to customer demand information and
       allow the Company to test market new products before initiating a
       complete product launch across all distribution channels.

 
                                       2
<PAGE>
     o EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM.  Scott Rudolph, Chairman of the Board,
       President and Chief Executive Officer, has 11 years of experience with
       NBTY and 21 years in the nutritional supplement industry. Mr. Rudolph's
       skilled management team averages over 14 years of industry experience

       (primarily with NBTY) in the mail order, retail and wholesale
       distribution channels.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company's strategy is to target the growing value-conscious consumer
segment in order to increase sales and improve profitability, thereby
strengthening its position as an industry leader through the following key
initiatives:
 
     o INCREASE HIGH MARGIN RETAIL SALES.  As a result of the Acquisition,
       NBTY's 106 retail stores have been augmented by H&B's 410 U.K. stores. In
       the U.S., the Company plans to open approximately 80 new stores per year,
       substantially increasing its penetration of the factory outlet mall base.
       By increasing overall foot traffic through its growing base of stores,
       the Company expects to increase its revenues and profitability, and
       enhance its market share. In the U.K., the Company expects to increase
       nutritional supplement sales by offering its products at lower prices
       than its competitors.
 
     o INCREASE HIGH MARGIN MAIL ORDER SALES.  Management believes NBTY's
       Puritan's Pride mail order operation is the industry's leader with
       approximately two million active mail order customers. NBTY is currently
       in the process of automating its mail order shipping department, which
       will enable NBTY to fulfill mail order requests with greater speed and
       efficiency. NBTY expects to continue to strengthen its mail order sales
       through frequent promotions in order to further improve its response
       rate, which management believes is already above the mail order industry
       average. NBTY also expects to continue to add customers through the
       selective acquisition of companies that have similar or complementary
       products. In addition, NBTY's recently increased manufacturing capability
       will enable it to successfully compete for additional mail order
       customers through its ability to quickly introduce and deliver new
       products in response to consumer demand.
 
     o EMPHASIZE HIGHER MARGIN PRODUCTS.  In addition to manufacturing and
       distributing high sales volume products (such as vitamins C and E), the
       Company also manufactures and distributes higher margin, specialty
       products. These popular specialty products, such as melatonin and St.
       John's Wort, are targeted primarily at dedicated nutritional supplement
       users and typically provide higher margins than more established products
       and broaden the Company's product line.
 
     o ENHANCE OPERATING EFFICIENCIES.  The Acquisition will enable the Company
       to increase its level of vertical integration by selling nutritional
       supplements manufactured by NBTY through the H&B retail stores in the
       U.K. Management expects to supply approximately 75% of H&B's nutritional
       supplements from NBTY's U.S. manufacturing operations, thereby increasing
       NBTY's manufacturing margins and increasing H&B's margins while reducing
       per unit production costs in NBTY's manufacturing facilities through
       increased capacity utilization. Additionally, the Company intends to
       achieve significant operating efficiencies from the integration of its
       POS system into the H&B stores, which will significantly improve
       inventory management, production scheduling and administrative functions.

 
     o RAPID NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION.  Management believes that NBTY is among
       the leaders in its industry in the timely introduction of products in
       response to consumer demands. During 1997 alone, NBTY introduced more
       than 100 new SKUs. Given the changing nature of consumer demands for new
       products and the growing publicity of the value of vitamins, minerals and
       other nutritional supplements in the promotion of general health,
       management believes that NBTY will continue to attract new customers
       based upon its ability to rapidly respond to consumer demands with high
       quality, value oriented products. As a result of the Company's ongoing
       manufacturing expansion, the Company will be poised to further develop
       new products that meet consumers' demand.
 
                                       3

<PAGE>
                                    THE TRANSACTION
 
     On August 7, 1997, NBTY acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of Holland & Barrett Holdings Ltd. from Lloyds Chemists plc ('Lloyds') for
an aggregate purchase price of approximately $169.0 million. Prior to the
Acquisition, H&B operated as a subsidiary of Lloyds. Lloyds was acquired by GEHE
AG ('GEHE') in January 1997 and, pursuant to GEHE's strategy of divesting Lloyds
of non-core assets, GEHE determined to divest the H&B subsidiary. NBTY issued to
Lloyds two promissory notes (the 'Promissory Notes') totaling approximately
$169.0 million as consideration for the purchase of the capital stock of H&B.
The Promissory Notes, which are collateralized by two letters of credit issued
by The Chase Manhattan Bank, are due and payable in full on October 17, 1997.
 
     In connection with the Acquisition, NBTY will (i) enter into a $50.0
million revolving credit facility (the 'Revolving Credit Facility'), which
provides for borrowings for working capital and general corporate purposes, and
(ii) issue $150.0 million of Notes pursuant to the offering made hereby (the
'Offering,' and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the 'Financing').
The net proceeds of the Offering will be placed in an escrow account and will be
used to fund payment of the Promissory Notes. See 'Use of Proceeds.' The
Acquisition and the Financing are, together, referred to as the Transaction. On
a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Transaction, the Company's unused
availability under the Revolving Credit Facility would have been approximately
$37.5 million. See 'Capitalization' and 'Description of the Revolving Credit
Facility.'
 
     The sources and uses of funds for the Transaction, which assume that the
Transaction had occurred on June 30, 1997, are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOURCES:                                                         (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>
Cash on hand...................................................          $  15.2
Revolving Credit Facility(a)...................................             12.5
Notes offered hereby...........................................            148.8
                                                                         -------
  Total Sources of Funds.......................................          $ 176.5
                                                                         -------
                                                                         -------
 
USES:
Payment of Promissory Notes(b).................................          $ 169.0
Transaction fees and expenses..................................              7.5
                                                                         -------
  Total Uses of Funds..........................................          $ 176.5
                                                                         -------
                                                                         -------
</TABLE>

- ------------------
(a) Upon consummation of the Transaction, the Company is expected to have
    available $37.5 million under the Revolving Credit Facility that may be
    drawn for working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital
    expenditures. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources.'
(b) The Promissory Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.5% per year and mature
    on October 17, 1997.
 
                                       4

<PAGE>
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Issuer....................................  NBTY, Inc.
 
Securities Offered........................  $150 million aggregate principal amount of 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated
                                            Notes due 2007.
 
Maturity..................................  September 15, 2007.
 
Interest Payment Dates....................  September 15 and March 15 of each year, commencing March 15, 1998.
 
Sinking Fund..............................  None.
 
Optional Redemption.......................  Except as described below, NBTY may not redeem the Notes prior to
                                            September 15, 2002. On or after such date, NBTY may redeem the Notes,
                                            in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth herein,
                                            together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
                                            redemption. In addition, at any time and from time to time on or
                                            prior to September 15, 2000, NBTY may redeem up to 33 1/3% of the
                                            aggregate principal amount of the Notes with the net cash proceeds of
                                            one or more Public Equity Offerings (as defined) by NBTY, at a
                                            redemption price equal to 108.625% of the principal amount to be
                                            redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
                                            date of redemption, provided that at least 66 2/3% of the originally
                                            issued aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding
                                            after each such redemption. See 'Description of the Notes--Optional
                                            Redemption.'
 
Change of Control.........................  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, NBTY will be required to
                                            make an offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the
                                            principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest,
                                            if any, to the date of repurchase. See 'Description of the
                                            Notes--Change of Control.'
 
Ranking...................................  The Notes will be unsecured and will be subordinated in right of
                                            payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined)
                                            of NBTY. The Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment with any
                                            future senior subordinated indebtedness of NBTY and will rank senior
                                            to all Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined) of NBTY. As of June 30,
                                            1997, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Transaction,
                                            the aggregate principal amount of NBTY's outstanding Senior
                                            Indebtedness would have been approximately $31.1 million. NBTY would
                                            have had no senior subordinated indebtedness outstanding other than
                                            the Notes. See 'Description of the Notes-- Ranking' and
                                            '--Subordination of the Notes.'
 
Restrictive Covenants.....................  The indenture under which the Notes will be issued (the 'Indenture')
                                            will limit, among other things, (i) the incurrence of additional
                                            indebtedness by NBTY and its Subsidiaries, (ii) the payment of
                                            dividends on, and redemption of, capital stock of NBTY and its
                                            Subsidiaries, (iii) investments, (iv) sales of assets and Subsidiary

                                            stock, (v) transactions with affiliates and (vi) consolidations,
                                            mergers and transfers of all or
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
                                            substantially all of NBTY's assets. The Indenture will also prohibit
                                            certain restrictions on distributions from Subsidiaries. However, all
                                            of these limitations and prohibitions are subject to a number of
                                            important qualifications and exceptions. See 'Description of the
                                            Notes--Certain Covenants.'
 
Exchange Offer and
  Registration Rights.....................  NBTY must use its reasonable best efforts to (i) file, within 60 days
                                            after the date of original issuance of the Notes (the 'Issue Date'),
                                            a registration statement (the 'Exchange Offer Registration
                                            Statement') with respect to an offer to exchange the Notes (the
                                            'Exchange Offer') for a series of notes of NBTY with terms
                                            substantially identical to the Notes (the 'Exchange Notes'), (ii)
                                            cause such Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared
                                            effective within 150 days after the Issue Date and (iii) consummate
                                            the Exchange Offer within 185 days after the Issue Date. Such
                                            Exchange Notes, if issued, will bear the rate of interest specified
                                            on the cover page hereof for the Notes. In the event that NBTY does
                                            not comply with certain covenants set forth in an exchange and
                                            registration rights agreement (the 'Exchange and Registration Rights
                                            Agreement') to be executed by NBTY and the Initial Purchaser, NBTY
                                            will be obligated to pay certain liquidated damages to the holders of
                                            the Notes. See 'Registration Rights.'
 
Transfer Restrictions; Absence of a Public
  Market for the Notes....................  The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and are
                                            subject to restrictions on transferability and resale. The Notes are
                                            new securities and there is currently no established market for the
                                            Notes. If issued, the Exchange Notes will generally be freely
                                            transferable (subject to the restrictions discussed elsewhere herein)
                                            but will be new securities for which there will not initially be a
                                            market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development
                                            or liquidity of any market for the Notes or, if issued, the Exchange
                                            Notes. The Notes have been designated for trading in the PORTAL
                                            market. The Initial Purchaser has advised NBTY that it currently
                                            intends to make a market in the Notes. However, the Initial Purchaser
                                            is not obligated to do so, and any market making with respect to the
                                            Notes may be discontinued at any time without notice. NBTY does not
                                            intend to apply for a listing of the Notes, or, if issued, the
                                            Exchange Notes, on any securities exchange or on any automated dealer
                                            quotation system. See 'Transfer Restrictions' and 'Risk
                                            Factors--Absence of Public Market; Restrictions on Transfer.'
 
Use of Proceeds...........................  NBTY intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering, together with
                                            amounts drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility, to pay the
                                            Promissory Notes issued in connection with the Acquisition and to pay

                                            related fees and expenses. See 'Use of Proceeds.'
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Prospective investors should carefully consider all of the information set
forth in this Offering Memorandum and, in particular, should evaluate the
specific factors set forth under 'Risk Factors' for risks involved with an
investment in the Notes.
 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 90 Orville
Drive, Bohemia, New York 11716, and the Company's telephone number is (516)
567-9500.
 
                                       7

<PAGE>
                   SUMMARY PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The following table sets forth certain unaudited summary pro forma combined
financial data of the Company for the periods ended and as of the dates
indicated as described in the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data. The
unaudited summary pro forma combined statement of income data give effect to the
Transaction as if it had occurred at the beginning of the periods indicated. The
unaudited summary pro forma combined balance sheet data give effect to the
Transaction as if it had occurred on June 30, 1997. 'Other Data' below, not
directly derived from the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data, or the
NBTY or H&B historical consolidated financial statements, have been presented to
provide additional analysis. The consolidated financial statements of H&B
prepared in accordance with U.K. GAAP used in preparing the Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Data have been adjusted to present such information in
accordance with U.S. GAAP and translated into U.S. dollar equivalent financial
statements using the exchange rate in effect at June 30, 1997, which was one
pound sterling to 1.665 U.S. dollars. For further information regarding the
effect, if any, of the difference between U.K. GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see Note 3 of
H&B's Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Offering
Memorandum. The Summary Pro Forma Combined Financial Data do not purport to
represent what the Company's results of operations or financial condition would
have actually been had the Transaction been consummated as of such dates or to
project the Company's results of operations or financial condition for any
future period. The Summary Pro Forma Combined Financial Data have been derived
from and should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Financial Data and the notes thereto, the separate historical consolidated
financial statements of NBTY and H&B and the notes thereto and 'Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations'
appearing elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     NINE MONTHS     TWELVE MONTHS
                                                                  YEAR ENDED            ENDED            ENDED
                                                              SEPTEMBER 30, 1996    JUNE 30, 1997    JUNE 30, 1997
                                                              ------------------    -------------    -------------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                           <C>                   <C>              <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
  Net sales................................................         $345.3             $ 311.8          $ 407.7
  Gross profit(a)..........................................          169.8               157.3            206.8
  Income from operations...................................           29.3                33.5             43.5
  Interest expense, net....................................           17.2                12.5             16.8
  Net income...............................................            6.1                11.6             14.8
  Net income per share.....................................         $ 0.31             $  0.58          $  0.74

OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA(b)................................................         $ 45.9             $  47.3          $  61.2
  EBITDA margin(b).........................................           13.3%               15.2%            15.0%
  Capital expenditures.....................................         $ 27.1             $  18.8          $  26.7
  Number of retail stores (at end of period)...............            444                 516              516
  Ratio of total debt to EBITDA............................             --                  --              2.9x
  Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense......................            2.7x                3.8x             3.6x
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(c)....................            1.5x                2.1x             2.1x
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (END OF PERIOD):
  Working capital................................................................................      $  47.6
  Total assets...................................................................................        370.5
  Total debt.....................................................................................        179.9
  Stockholders' equity...........................................................................        113.3
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Gross profit is defined as net sales less cost of sales.
 
(b) EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes and
    depreciation and amortization. Management believes that EBITDA is a measure
    commonly used by analysts and investors to determine a company's ability to
    service and incur debt. Accordingly, this information has been presented to
    permit a more complete analysis. EBITDA should not be considered a
    substitute for net income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with
    generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of profitability or
    liquidity. EBITDA margin is computed as EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.
 
(c) For the purposes of computing these ratios, earnings consist of income
    before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest
    expense, amortization of debt financing costs and one-third of rental
    expenses.
 
                                       8

<PAGE>
                       SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

                                   NBTY, INC.
 
     The following table sets forth summary financial data of NBTY for each of
the three fiscal years in the period ended September 30, 1996 and for the nine
month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997. The statement of income data for the
three fiscal years in the period ended September 30, 1996 are derived from
NBTY's audited historical financial statements included elsewhere in this
Offering Memorandum. The statement of income data for the nine month periods
ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 has been derived from the unaudited financial
statements of NBTY. 'Other Data' below, not directly derived from NBTY's
historical financial statements, have been presented to provide additional
analysis. In the opinion of management, the unaudited data includes all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to
present fairly the data for such periods. Interim results for the nine month
period ended June 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of results that can be
expected in future periods. The summary financial data below should be read in
conjunction with 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations -- Historical Results of Operations -- NBTY,'
'Selected Historical Financial Data -- NBTY' and the historical financial
statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,          JUNE 30,
                                                                --------------------------     -----------------
                                                                 1994      1995      1996       1996       1997
                                                                ------    ------    ------     ------     ------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                             <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
  Net sales..................................................   $156.1    $178.8    $194.4     $142.1     $184.1
  Gross profit(a)............................................     76.2      84.9      98.8       70.0       95.9
  Catalog printing, postage and promotion....................     14.8      19.3      17.6       13.2       14.6
  Selling, general and administrative........................     49.2      56.7      58.6       42.8       53.9
  Income from operations.....................................     12.2       8.9      22.6       14.0       27.4
  Interest expense, net......................................      0.9       1.1       1.4        1.0        1.3
  Net income.................................................      7.8       5.1      13.4        8.1       16.1
  Net income per share.......................................   $ 0.38    $ 0.26    $ 0.67     $ 0.41     $ 0.80
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA(b)..................................................   $ 17.7    $ 14.3    $ 29.4     $ 18.6     $ 32.7
  EBITDA margin(b)...........................................     11.3%      8.0%     15.1%      13.1%      17.8%
  Capital expenditures.......................................   $ 11.6    $ 11.5    $ 15.8     $ 11.5     $ 11.1
  Same store sales growth....................................      7.5%     16.0%     31.0%      23.1%      15.1%
  Number of retail stores (at end of period).................        7        19        55         58        106
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(a) Gross profit is defined as net sales less cost of sales.

(b) EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes and
    depreciation and amortization. Management believes that EBITDA is a measure
    commonly used by analysts and investors to determine a company's ability to
    service and incur debt. Accordingly, this information has been presented to
    permit a more complete analysis. EBITDA should not be considered a
    substitute for net income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with
    generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of profitability or
    liquidity. EBITDA margin is computed as EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.
 
                                       9

<PAGE>
                       SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

                        HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LTD.
 
     The following table sets forth summary financial data of H&B for each of
the three fiscal years in the period ended June 30, 1997. The statement of
income data for the three fiscal years in the period ended June 30, 1997 are
derived from H&B's audited historical consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum. The Summary Historical Financial Data
have been presented in accordance with U.K. GAAP in pounds sterling. 'Other
Data,' not directly derived from the H&B historical consolidated financial
statements, have been presented to provide additional analysis. In the opinion
of management, the unaudited data includes all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the data for such
periods. The summary financial data below should be read in conjunction with
'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Historical Results of Operations--H&B,' 'Selected Historical
Financial Data--H&B' and the historical consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                   ---------------------------------------
                                                                      1995          1996          1997
                                                                   ----------    ----------    -----------
                                                                        (POUNDS STERLING IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>         <C>             <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
  Turnover(a)...................................................  pounds 77.1  pounds  90.6   pounds 102.9
  Gross profit..................................................         36.0          42.7           49.3
  Distribution costs............................................         28.7          33.9           39.4
  Administrative expense........................................          1.5           1.5            2.2
  Operating profit..............................................          5.8           7.3            7.7
  Interest payable and other similar charges(b).................          0.6           0.4            0.3
  Profit on ordinary activities after taxation(c)...............          3.5           4.4            4.8
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA(d).....................................................  pounds  7.4  pounds  10.0   pounds  11.0
  EBITDA margin(d)..............................................          9.6%         11.0%          10.7%

  Capital expenditures..........................................  pounds  6.1  pounds   6.8   pounds   6.8
  Same store sales growth.......................................           --           8.0%           2.8%
  Number of retail stores (at end of period)....................          347           389            410
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(a) Turnover represents net sales.
 
(b) Interest payable and other similar charges includes non-operating charges.
 
(c) Profit on ordinary activities after taxation represents net income.

(d) EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes,
    depreciation and amortization and other non-operating charges. Management
    believes that EBITDA is a measure commonly used by analysts and investors to
    determine a company's ability to service and incur debt. Accordingly, this
    information has been presented to permit a more complete analysis. EBITDA
    should not be considered a substitute for net income or cash flow data
    prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a
    measure of profitability or liquidity. EBITDA margin is computed as EBITDA
    as a percentage of turnover.
 
                                       10

<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors
in addition to the other information included in this Offering Memorandum before
purchasing any of the Notes.
 
EFFECT OF UNFAVORABLE PUBLICITY
 
     The Company believes the nutritional supplement market is affected by
national media attention regarding the consumption of nutritional supplements.
There can be no assurance that future scientific research or publicity will be
favorable to the nutritional supplement market or any particular product, or
consistent with earlier favorable research or publicity. Future research reports
or publicity that are perceived as less favorable or that question such earlier
research or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Because of the Company's dependence upon consumer perceptions, adverse
publicity, whether or not accurate, associated with illness or other adverse
effects resulting from the consumption of the Company's products or any similar
products distributed by other companies could have a material adverse effect on
the Company. Such adverse publicity could arise even if the adverse effects
associated with such products resulted from consumers' failure to consume such
products appropriately. See 'Business--Litigation.'
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     United States.  The manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising,
distribution and sale of the Company's products are subject to regulation by
Federal, state and local agencies, the most active of which is the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration ('FDA'). The FDA regulates the Company's dietary
supplements, principally under amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act embodied in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act
('DSHEA'). Under DSHEA, new dietary ingredients (those not used in dietary
supplements marketed before October 15, 1994) require premarket submission to
the FDA of evidence of a history of their safe use, or other evidence
establishing that they are reasonably expected to be safe. There can be no
assurance that the FDA will accept the evidence of safety for any new dietary
ingredient that the Company may decide to use, and the FDA's refusal to accept
such evidence could result in regulation of such dietary ingredients as food
additives, requiring the FDA pre-approval based on newly conducted, costly
safety testing. Also, while DSHEA authorizes the use of statements of
nutritional support in the labeling of dietary supplements, the FDA is required
to be notified of such statements, and there can be no assurance that the FDA
will not consider particular labeling statements used by the Company to be drug
claims rather than acceptable statements of nutritional support, necessitating
approval of a costly new drug application, or relabeling to delete such
statements.
 
     DSHEA also authorizes the FDA to promulgate good manufacturing practice
regulations ('GMP') for dietary supplements, which would require special quality
controls for the manufacture, packaging, storage and distribution of
supplements. There can be no assurance, if such GMP rules are issued, that the
Company will be able to comply with them without incurring material expense to
do so. DSHEA further authorizes the FDA to promulgate regulations governing the

labeling of dietary supplements, including claims for supplements pursuant to
recommendations made by the Presidential Commission on Dietary Supplement
Labels. Such rules are expected to be issued, which will require relabeling of
the Company's dietary supplements, and may require additional record keeping and
claim substantiation testing, and even reformulation, recall or discontinuance
of certain of the Company's supplements, and there can be no assurance that such
requirements will not involve material expenses to the Company. Moreover, there
can be no assurance that new laws or regulations imposing more stringent
regulatory requirements on the dietary supplement industry will not be enacted
or issued.
 
     NBTY is currently subject to a Federal Trade Commission ('FTC') consent
decree and a U.S. Postal Service consent order, prohibiting certain advertising
claims for certain of the Company's products. Violations of these orders could
result in substantial monetary penalties, which could have a material effect on
the Company's business. See 'Business--Government Regulation.'
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
     United Kingdom.  In the U.K., the manufacture, advertising, sale and
marketing of food products is regulated by a number of government agencies
including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ('MAFF') and the
Department of Health. In addition, there are various independent committees and
agencies that report to the government, such as the Food Advisory Committee,
which reports to MAFF and suggests appropriate courses of action by the relevant
government department where there are areas of concern relating to food, and the
Committee on Toxicity, which reports to the Department of Health. The relevant
legislation governing the sale of food includes the Food Safety Act 1990, which
sets out general provisions relating to the sale of food; for example, this law
makes it unlawful to sell food that is harmful to human health. In addition,
there are various statutory instruments and EC regulations governing specific
areas such as the use of sweeteners, colouring and additives in food. Trading
standards officers under the control of the Department of Trade and Industry
also regulate matters such as the cleanliness of the properties on which food is
produced and sold. There can be no assurance that more stringent regulations
will not be promulgated or that, if more stringent regulations are promulgated,
the Company will be able to meet such regulations without incurring material
expense to do so.
 
     Food that has medicinal properties may fall under the jurisdiction of the
Medicines Control Agency ('MCA'), a regulatory authority whose responsibility is
to ensure that all medicines sold or supplied for human use in the U.K. meet
acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy. These standards are
determined by the 1968 Medicines Act together with an increasing number of
European Commission ('E.C.') regulations and directives laid down by the
European Union ('E.U.'). The latter take precedence over national law. The MCA
has a 'borderline department' that determines when food should be treated as a
medicine and should therefore fall under the relevant legislation relating to
medicines. The MCA operates as the agent of the licensing authority (the United
Kingdom Health Ministers) and its activities cover every facet of medicines
controlled in the U.K., including involvement in the development of common
standards of medicines controlled in Europe. The MCA is responsible, for
example, for licensing, inspection and enforcement to ensure that legal
requirements concerning manufacture, distribution, sale, labeling, advertising

and promotion are upheld. Although the general tendency has been to liberalize
restrictions on nutritional products and consider them food supplements rather
than medicines, there can be no assurance that all new U.K. or E.U. regulations
will be favorable for the Company. Any move by the U.K. or E.U. to restrict
existing products or potencies, as well as the development of new products or
potencies, could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Further, the
Company is unable to predict what effect, if any, the Labour Party's victory in
the recent U.K. elections will have on the Company, nor can the Company predict
what effect, if any, the formation of the E.U. will have on the Company.
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
 
     The Company may experience difficulty entering new international markets
due to greater regulatory barriers, the necessity of adapting to new regulatory
systems, and problems related to entering new markets with different cultural
bases and political systems. Giving effect to the Acquisition, approximately 46%
of the Company's pro forma net sales for the twelve months ended June 30, 1997
would have been generated outside the U.S. Operating in international markets
exposes the Company to certain risks, including, among other things: (i) changes
in or interpretations of foreign regulations that may limit the Company's
ability to sell certain products or repatriate profits to the U.S.; (ii)
exposure to currency fluctuations; (iii) the potential imposition of trade or
foreign exchange restrictions or increased tariffs; and (iv) political
instability. As the Company continues to expand its international operations,
these and other risks associated with international operations are likely to
increase. See 'Business--Business Strategy' and '--Government Regulation.'
 
RETAIL STORE ROLL-OUT
 
     The Company is currently pursuing an aggressive retail store roll-out
schedule, pursuant to which the Company anticipates opening an additional 80
Vitamin World stores per year. This strategy relies on the Company's ability to
continue to increase its comparable store sales figures as well as the continued
growth in the retail segment of the Company's business. There can be no
assurance that the
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
Company's roll-out strategy will be successful, or that circumstances beyond the
Company's control, such as unforeseen delays in the construction process for new
stores, will not hinder the Company's strategy. See 'Business--Business
Strategy.'
 
LEVERAGE; RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
 
     Upon completion of the Financing, the Company will have significant debt
service obligations. As of June 30, 1997, after giving effect to the
Transaction, the Company would have had outstanding debt of approximately $179.9
million and stockholders' equity of approximately $113.3 million. See 'The
Transaction,' 'Use of Proceeds' and 'Capitalization.' For the twelve months
ended June 30, 1997, the Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges, on a pro
forma basis, would have been 2.1x.
 
     The degree to which the Company is leveraged could have important

consequences to the holders of the Notes, including: (i) the Company's ability
to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures or
acquisitions may be limited; (ii) a portion of the Company's cash flow from
operations will be dedicated to the payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on its indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for
investments; (iii) certain of the Company's borrowings, including all borrowings
under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility, are and will continue to be at
variable rates of interest, which exposes the Company to the risk of increased
interest rates; and (iv) the Company may be more vulnerable to economic
downturns and be limited in its ability to withstand competitive pressures.
Certain of the Company's competitors may currently operate on a less leveraged
basis and therefore could have significantly greater operating and financing
flexibility than the Company. The Company's ability to make scheduled payments
of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or to refinance, its
indebtedness will depend on its future operating performance and cash flow,
which are subject to prevailing economic conditions, prevailing interest rate
levels, and financial, competitive, business and other factors, many of which
are beyond its control. See '--Risks Associated with International Markets.'
 
     The Company believes that, based upon current levels of operations, it will
be able to meet its debt service obligations, including payments of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when due. However, if
the Company cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet its
debt service obligations, then the Company may be required to refinance its
indebtedness and may be forced to adopt an alternative strategy that could
include actions such as reducing or delaying capital expenditures, selling
assets, restructuring or refinancing its indebtedness, or seeking additional
equity capital. There is no assurance that refinancings would be permitted by
the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility or the Indenture or, along with the
alternative strategies, could be effected on satisfactory terms. See
'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.'
 
     The Revolving Credit Facility and the Indenture will contain numerous
restrictive covenants that limit the discretion of the Company's management with
respect to certain business matters. These covenants will place significant
restrictions on, among other things, the ability of the Company to incur
additional indebtedness, to create liens or other encumbrances, to pay dividends
or make certain other payments, investments, loans and guarantees and to sell or
otherwise dispose of assets and merge or consolidate with another entity. The
Revolving Credit Facility will contain a number of financial covenants that
require the Company to meet certain financial ratios and financial condition
tests. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations,' 'Description of the Revolving Credit Facility' and
'Description of the Notes--Certain Covenants.' The Company's ability to meet
these financial ratios and financial condition tests can be affected by events
beyond its control, and there can be no assurance that the Company will meet
such ratios or such tests. A failure to comply with the obligations in the
Revolving Credit Facility or the Indenture could result in an event of default
under the Revolving Credit Facility or an Event of Default (as defined) under
the Indenture which, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of the
relevant indebtedness and acceleration of indebtedness under other instruments
that may contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions. If the
indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility were to be accelerated, there

can be no assurance that the assets of the Company would be sufficient to
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
repay in full that indebtedness and the other indebtedness of the Company,
including the Notes. Other indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries that
may be incurred in the future may contain financial or other covenants more
restrictive than those applicable to the Notes.
 
SUBORDINATION
 
     The Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Company. The payment
of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, and any other amounts owing
in respect of, the Notes will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of
all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company. In addition,
repayment of the Revolving Credit Facility, but not the Notes, is secured by the
pledge of all tangible and intangible assets of the Company. In the event of the
bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization and other winding up of the
Company, the assets of the Company will be available to pay obligations on the
Notes only after all Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full; accordingly,
there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of
the Notes then outstanding. In addition, under certain circumstances, the
Company may not pay principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or pay other
amounts owing in respect of, the Notes, or purchase, redeem or otherwise retire
the Notes, in the event of certain defaults with respect to certain classes of
Senior Indebtedness. As of June 30, 1997, after giving pro forma effect to the
Transaction, there would have been approximately $31.1 million of Senior
Indebtedness outstanding (excluding unused commitments). Additional Senior
Indebtedness may be incurred by the Company from time to time, subject to
certain restrictions. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations' and 'Description of the Notes--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Indebtedness.'
 
LIMITATIONS ON CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be required to
make an offer for cash to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to
the date of repurchase. If a Change of Control were to occur, there can be no
assurance that the Company would have sufficient funds to pay the purchase price
for all of the Notes that the Company might be required to purchase. Certain
events involving a Change of Control may result in an event of default under the
Revolving Credit Facility or other indebtedness of the Company that may be
incurred in the future. In the event a Change of Control occurs at a time when
the Company is prohibited from purchasing the Notes, the Company could seek the
consent of its lenders to purchase the Notes or could attempt to refinance the
borrowings that contain such prohibition. There can be no assurance that such
consent or refinancing would be obtained, or, if obtained, would be available on
terms favorable to the Company. If the Company does not obtain such consent or
repay such borrowings, the Company would remain prohibited from purchasing the
Notes. In such case, the Company's failure to purchase tendered Notes would
constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture. See 'Description of the
Notes--Subordination' and '--Change of Control.'
 

DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
     The Company's continued success will largely depend on the efforts and
abilities of its executive officers and certain other key employees, including
key H&B personnel. The Company's operations could be adversely affected if, for
any reason, such officers or employees did not remain with NBTY or H&B, as
applicable. See 'Management.'
 
RELIANCE ON CERTAIN SUPPLIERS
 
     The Company purchases from third party suppliers certain important
ingredients and raw materials that the Company cannot manufacture. The principal
raw materials used in the manufacturing process are natural and synthetic
vitamins, purchased from bulk manufacturers in the United States, Japan and
Europe. Although raw materials are available from numerous sources, one supplier
currently provides approximately 10% of the Company's purchases; an unexpected
interruption of supply could cause the Company's results of operations to be
adversely affected. No other supplier accounts for 10% or more of the Company's
raw material purchases.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
 
     The market for vitamins and other nutritional supplements is highly
competitive in all of the Company's channels of distribution. Numerous companies
compete with the Company in the development, manufacture and marketing of
vitamins and nutritional supplements. In the U.S., the Company's Nature's Bounty
and Natural Wealth brands compete for sales to drug store chains and
supermarkets with heavily advertised national brands manufactured by large
pharmaceutical companies, as well as Your Life, Nature Made and Sundown, sold by
Leiner Health Products, Inc., Pharmavite Corp. and Rexall Sundown, Inc.,
respectively. The Vitamin World stores compete with specialty vitamin stores,
such as General Nutrition Centers ('GNC') stores, health food stores and other
retail stores. With respect to mail order sales, management believes Puritan's
Pride is the largest mail order supplier of vitamins and other nutritional
supplements in the U.S. and competes with a large number of smaller, usually
less geographically diverse, mail order companies, some of which manufacture
their own products and some of which sell products manufactured by others.
Increased competition from companies that distribute through the wholesale
channel could have a material adverse effect on the Company as they may have
greater financial and other resources available to them and possess extensive
manufacturing, distribution and marketing capabilities far greater than those of
the Company. See 'Business--Competition.'
 
     As in the U.S., the market for sales of vitamins, minerals and other
nutritional supplements in the U.K. is highly competitive. H&B's principal
competitors are large pharmacy chains, including Superdrug, Boots and Lloyds,
and major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury's and ASDA. There are also
approximately 1,300 independent retailers of health foods and nutritional
supplements in the U.K. market. In addition, GNC has recently entered the U.K.
market and currently operates approximately 30 stores in the U.K. The Company
expects other large U.S.-based companies to enter the U.K. market as well. There
can be no assurance that H&B will be able to effectively compete with such other

companies, nor can there be any assurance that unfavorable market trends in the
U.K. will not develop.
 
ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     Implementation of the Company's business strategy involves certain risks,
including risks associated with integrating and operating H&B's business, the
expansion of retail locations in the U.S., increased manufacturing demands to
supply products for H&B distribution and the manufacture and sale of new
products. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in
implementing its business strategy. The failure of the Company to successfully
implement its business strategy could have a material adverse effect on its
financial performance and its ability to pay principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes and meet its other obligations under the Indenture and the
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.
 
PROTECTION OF TRADEMARKS
 
     The Company owns trademarks registered with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and many foreign jurisdictions for its Nature's Bounty, Good 'N
Natural, Hudson, American Health, Puritan's Pride, Vitamin World and Natural
Wealth brands, among others, and with the appropriate U.K. authorities for its
Holland & Barrett trademark, among others, and has rights to use other names
essential to its business. The Company's policy is to pursue registrations for
all trademarks associated with its key products. U.S. registered trademarks have
a perpetual life, as long as they are renewed on a timely basis and used
properly as trademarks, subject to the rights of third parties to seek
cancellation of the trademarks if they claim priority or confusion of usage. The
Company regards its trademarks and other proprietary rights as valuable assets
and believes they have significant value in the marketing of its products. The
Company vigorously protects its trademarks against infringement. There can be no
assurance that, to the extent the Company does not have patents or trademarks on
its products, another company will not replicate one or more of the Company's
products. Further, there can be no assurance that in those foreign jurisdictions
in which the Company conducts business the
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
protection available to the Company will be as extensive as the protection
available to the Company in the U.S. See 'Business--Trademarks.'
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET; RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER
 
     The Notes are new securities for which there currently is no market.
Although the Initial Purchaser has informed the Company that it currently
intends to make a market in the Notes, and if issued, the Exchange Notes, it is
not obligated to do so and any such market making may be discontinued at any
time without notice. In addition, such market making activity may be limited
during the pendency of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of a shelf
registration statement in lieu thereof. Accordingly, there can be no assurance
as to the development or liquidity of any market for the Notes and, if issued,
the Exchange Notes. The Notes have been designated for trading in the PORTAL
market. The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the Notes or, if
issued, the Exchange Notes, on any securities exchange or for their quotation

through an automated dealer quotation system.
 
     The Notes are being offered in reliance upon an exemption from registration
under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Therefore, the
Notes may be transferred or sold only in a transaction registered under, or
exempt from, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Pursuant
to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed to
file the Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the Commission and to use
its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become
effective with respect to the Exchange Notes. If issued, the Exchange Notes
generally will be permitted to be resold or otherwise transferred (subject to
the restrictions described under 'Registration Rights' and 'Transfer
Restrictions') by each holder without the requirement of further registration.
The Exchange Notes, however, also will constitute a new issue of securities with
no established trading market and will be issued only in the amount of Notes
being tendered for exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of
the trading market for the Exchange Notes, or, in the case of non-tendering
holders of Notes, the trading market for the Notes following the Exchange Offer.
 
     The liquidity of, and trading market for, the Notes or the Exchange Notes
also may be adversely affected by general declines in the market for similar
securities. Such a decline may adversely affect such liquidity and trading
markets independent of the financial performance of, and prospects for, the
Company.
 
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     This Offering Memorandum includes 'forward looking statements' within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'). All statements other than
statements of historical facts included in this Offering Memorandum, including
those regarding financial position, business strategy, projected costs, and
plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward looking
statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in
such forward looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that
such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations
('Cautionary Statements') are disclosed herein under 'Risk Factors' and
elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum including under 'Forward Looking
Statements' on page (ii) hereof. All subsequent written and oral forward looking
statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on behalf of the
Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements.
 
                                       16

<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The $148.8 million of gross proceeds from the Offering (before deductions
of underwriting discounts and other expenses of the Offering), together with
cash on hand of $15.2 million and borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility, estimated to be approximately $12.5 million, will be used to pay (i)
the Promissory Notes and (ii) fees and expenses, estimated to be approximately
$7.5 million, incurred in connection with the Transaction. See 'Description of
the Revolving Credit Facility.'
 
     Pending application of the net proceeds of the Notes, such net proceeds
will be held in an escrow account pursuant to an escrow agreement (the 'Escrow
Agreement') to be entered into between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as escrow agent. The Escrow Agreement will provide (i) that, prior to October
16, 1997, the escrow agent, upon instruction of the Company, shall invest such
net proceeds in demand deposits with the escrow agent and (ii) that such net
proceeds will be applied to pay the Promissory Notes upon maturity on October
17, 1997.
 
                                THE TRANSACTION
 
     On August 7, 1997, NBTY acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of H&B from Lloyds for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $169.0
million. Prior to the Acquisition, H&B operated as a subsidiary of Lloyds.
Lloyds was acquired by GEHE in January 1997 and, pursuant to GEHE's strategy of
divesting Lloyds of non-core assets, GEHE determined to divest the H&B
subsidiary. NBTY issued to Lloyds the Promissory Notes totaling approximately
$169.0 million as consideration for the purchase of the capital stock of H&B.
The Promissory Notes, which are collateralized by two letters of credit issued
by The Chase Manhattan Bank, are due and payable in full on October 17, 1997.
 
     In connection with the Acquisition, NBTY is (i) entering into a $50.0
million Revolving Credit Facility, which provides for borrowings for working
capital and general corporate purposes and (ii) issuing $150.0 million of Notes
pursuant to the Offering. The net proceeds of the Offering will be placed in an
escrow account and will be used to fund payment of the Promissory Notes. See
'Use of Proceeds.' On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Transaction,
the Company's unused availability under the Revolving Credit Facility would have
been approximately $37.5 million. See 'Capitalization' and 'Description of the
Revolving Credit Facility.'
 
     The sources and uses of funds for the Transaction, which assume that the
Transaction had occurred on June 30, 1997, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                               <C>
SOURCES:
Cash on hand...................................................          $  15.2
Revolving Credit Facility(a)...................................             12.5
Notes offered hereby...........................................            148.8
                                                                         -------
  Total Sources of Funds.......................................          $ 176.5
                                                                         -------
                                                                         -------
USES:
Payment of Promissory Notes(b).................................          $ 169.0
Transaction fees and expenses..................................              7.5
                                                                         -------
  Total Uses of Funds..........................................          $ 176.5
                                                                         -------
                                                                         -------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Upon consummation of the Transaction, the Company is expected to have
    available $37.5 million under the Revolving Credit Facility that may be
    drawn for working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital
    expenditures. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources.'
 
(b) The Promissory Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.5% per year and mature
    on October 17, 1997.
 
                                       17

<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the unaudited historical capitalization of
each of NBTY and H&B as of June 30, 1997 and as adjusted to give pro forma
effect to the Transaction as if it had been consummated on June 30, 1997. See
'Use of Proceeds' and 'The Transaction.' This table should be read in
conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June
30, 1997 and the related notes thereto and the separate historical financial
statements and related notes thereto of NBTY and H&B, all included elsewhere in
this Offering Memorandum.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
                                                                   -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                         PRO FORMA       PRO FORMA
                                                                    NBTY     H&B(A)    ADJUSTMENTS(B)    COMBINED
                                                                   ------    ------    --------------    ---------
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                <C>       <C>       <C>               <C>
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases............   $  1.0    $17.1         $(17.1)        $   1.0
 
Long-term debt:
  Existing indebtedness(c)......................................     17.6       --             --            17.6
  Revolving Credit Facility(d)..................................       --       --           12.5            12.5
  Notes offered hereby..........................................       --       --          148.8           148.8
                                                                   ------    ------       -------        ---------
    Total debt..................................................     18.6     17.1          144.2           179.9
                                                                   ------    ------       -------        ---------
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock..................................................      0.1      1.7           (1.7)            0.1
  Additional paid-in capital....................................     56.3      7.6           (7.6)           56.3
  Retained earnings.............................................     60.1     21.2          (21.2)           60.1
  Treasury shares and other.....................................     (3.2)      --             --            (3.2)
                                                                   ------    ------       -------        ---------
    Total stockholders' equity..................................    113.3     30.5          (30.5)          113.3
                                                                   ------    ------       -------        ---------
    Total capitalization........................................   $131.9    $47.6         $113.7         $ 293.2
                                                                   ------    ------       -------        ---------
                                                                   ------    ------       -------        ---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(a) The capitalization of H&B as of June 30, 1997 has been adjusted to present
    such information in accordance with U.S. GAAP and translated into the U.S.
    dollar equivalent using the exchange rate in effect at June 30, 1997 of
    1.665 U.S. dollars to each pound sterling. For further information regarding
    the effect of the difference between U.K. GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see Note 3 of
    H&B's Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Offering
    Memorandum.

(b) The pro forma adjustments reflect the purchase price of the Acquisition and
    related fees and expenses associated with the Transaction totaling $176.5
    million, of which $15.2 million will be paid with available cash and $161.3
    million will be paid through the Financing.
 
(c) Existing indebtedness relates primarily to capital lease obligations and
    mortgages on NBTY's manufacturing facilities.
 
(d) Upon consummation of the Transaction, the Company expects to have available
    $37.5 million under the Revolving Credit Facility that may be drawn for
    working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital
    expenditures. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources.'
 
                                       18

<PAGE>
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

                                   NBTY, INC.
 
     The following table sets forth selected financial data of NBTY as of and
for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 30, 1996 and
for the nine month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997. The statement of income
and balance sheet data as of and for each of the three fiscal years in the
period ended September 30, 1996 are derived from NBTY's audited historical
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Offering
Memorandum. The statement of income and balance sheet data as of and for the
nine month periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 have been derived from the
unaudited historical financial statements of NBTY. In the opinion of management,
the unaudited data includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the data for such periods. Interim
results for the nine month period ended June 30, 1997 are not necessarily
indicative of results that can be expected in future periods. 'Other Data,' not
directly derived from NBTY's financial statements, have been presented to
provide additional analysis. The Selected Historical Financial Data below should
be read in conjunction with 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Historical Results of Operations --
NBTY,' 'Summary Historical Financial Data -- NBTY' and the historical financial
statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED              NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,                 JUNE 30,
                                                          -----------------------------    ------------------
                                                           1994       1995       1996       1996       1997
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
  Net sales............................................  $156.1     $178.8     $194.4     $142.1     $184.1
  Cost of sales........................................    79.9       93.9       95.6       72.1       88.2
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Gross profit.........................................    76.2       84.9       98.8       70.0       95.9
  Catalog printing, postage and promotion..............    14.8       19.3       17.6       13.2       14.6
  Selling, general and administrative..................    49.2       56.7       58.6       42.8       53.9
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Income from operations...............................    12.2        8.9       22.6       14.0       27.4
  Interest expense, net................................     0.9        1.1        1.4        1.0        1.3
  Miscellaneous income, net............................     1.3        0.6        1.2        0.6        0.7
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Income before income taxes...........................    12.6        8.4       22.4       13.6       26.8
  Income taxes.........................................     4.8        3.3        9.0        5.5       10.7
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Net income...........................................   $ 7.8      $ 5.1      $13.4      $ 8.1     $ 16.1
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------

  Net income per share.................................   $ 0.38     $ 0.26     $ 0.67     $ 0.41    $  0.80
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                          -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA (a)...........................................  $ 17.7     $ 14.3     $ 29.4     $ 18.6     $ 32.7
  EBITDA margin(a).....................................    11.3%       8.0%      15.1%      13.1%      17.8%
  Capital expenditures.................................  $ 11.6     $ 11.5     $ 15.8     $ 11.5     $ 11.1
  Same store sales growth..............................     7.5%      16.0%      31.0%      23.1%      15.1%
  Number of retail stores (at end of period)...........     7         19         55         58        106
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (b)...............    10.7x       6.6x      11.7x      10.7x      14.4x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (END OF PERIOD):
  Working capital......................................  $ 39.5     $ 40.7     $ 52.3     $ 49.8     $ 61.9
  Total assets.........................................   115.1      123.5      145.6      138.6      173.7
  Total debt...........................................    13.3       11.3       19.3       19.6       18.6
  Stockholders' equity.................................    78.0       82.6       96.9       91.6      113.3
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes and
    depreciation and amortization. Management believes that EBITDA is a measure
    commonly used by analysts and investors to determine a company's ability to
    service and incur debt. Accordingly, this information has been presented to
    permit a more complete analysis. EBITDA should not be considered a
    substitute for net income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with
    generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of profitability or
    liquidity. EBITDA margin is computed as EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.
 
(b) For the purposes of computing these ratios, earnings consist of income
    before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest
    expense, amortization of debt financing costs and one-third of rental
    expenses.
 
                                       19

<PAGE>
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

                        HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LTD.
 
     The following table sets forth selected financial data of H&B as of and for
each of the three fiscal years in the period ended June 30, 1997. The statement
of income and balance sheet data set forth below are derived from H&B's audited
historical consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Offering
Memorandum. Such statements and the Selected Historical Financial Data have been
presented in accordance with U.K. GAAP in pounds sterling. 'Other Data' below,
not directly derived from the H&B historical consolidated financial statements,
have has been presented to provide additional analysis. The Selected Historical
Financial Data below should be read in conjunction with 'Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Historical
Results of Operations--H&B,' 'Summary Historical Financial Data--H&B' and the
historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                     ---------------------------------------
                                                                        1995          1996          1997
                                                                     ----------    ----------    -----------
                                                                          (POUNDS STERLING IN MILLIONS)
                                                                     ---------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>           <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
  Turnover (a).................................................... pounds  77.1  pounds  90.6  pounds  102.9
  Cost of sales...................................................         41.1          47.9           53.6
                                                                     ----------    ----------    -----------
  Gross profit....................................................         36.0          42.7           49.3
  Distribution costs..............................................         28.7          33.9           39.4
  Administrative expense..........................................          1.5           1.5            2.2
                                                                     ----------    ----------    -----------
  Operating profit................................................          5.8           7.3            7.7
  Interest payable and other similar charges(b)...................          0.6           0.4            0.3
                                                                     ----------    ----------    -----------
  Profit on ordinary activities before taxation...................          5.2           6.9            7.4
  Taxation and profit on ordinary activities......................          1.7           2.5            2.6
                                                                     ----------    ----------    -----------
  Profit on ordinary activities after taxation(c)................. pounds   3.5  pounds   4.4  pounds    4.8
                                                                     ----------    ----------    -----------
                                                                     ----------    ----------    -----------

OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA(d)....................................................... pounds   7.4  pounds  10.0  pounds   11.0
  EBITDA margin(d)................................................          9.6%         11.0%          10.7%

  Capital expenditures............................................          6.1           6.8            6.8
  Same store sales growth.........................................           --           8.0%           2.8%
  Number of retail stores (at end of period)......................          347           389            410
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (END OF PERIOD):
                                                                                                         
  Working capital(e).............................................................................   pounds  0.6
  Total assets...................................................................................          50.8
  Total debt.....................................................................................          11.1
  Shareholders' funds............................................................................          16.9
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Turnover represents net sales.
 
(b) Interest payable and other similar charges includes non-operating charges.
 
(c) Profit on ordinary activities after taxation represents net income.
 
(d) EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes,
    depreciation and amortization and other non-operating charges. EBITDA is a
    measure commonly used by analysts and investors to determine a company's
    ability to service and incur debt. Accordingly, this information has been
    presented to permit a more complete analysis. EBITDA should not be
    considered a substitute for net income or cash flow data prepared in
    accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of
    profitability or liquidity. EBITDA margin is computed as EBITDA as a
    percentage of turnover.
 
(e) Working capital is presented in accordance with U.K. GAAP. As such, cash on
    hand, non-trading intercompany receivables and payables, and corporation
    taxes payable are excluded from the calculation of working capital.
 
                                       20

<PAGE>
                  UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data of the Company
are based on, and should be read in conjunction with, the Consolidated Financial
Statements of NBTY and H&B and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Offering Memorandum, and have been adjusted to give pro forma effect to the
Transaction.
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income for the twelve month
period ended June 30, 1997 has been prepared by combining the Consolidated
Profit and Loss Account of H&B for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 with
Unaudited Consolidated Income Statement Data of NBTY for the twelve month period
ended June 30, 1997, as if the Transaction had occurred on July 1, 1996.
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income of the Company for the
nine months ended June 30, 1997 and for the year ended September 30, 1996 give
pro forma effect to the Transaction as if it had occurred on October 1, 1995.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Income Statement for the nine month period
ended June 30, 1997 has been prepared by combining the Consolidated Statement of
Income of NBTY for the nine month period ended June 30, 1997 with the
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account of H&B for the nine month period ended
March 31, 1997. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income for the
year ended September 30, 1996 has been prepared by combining the Consolidated
Statement of Income of NBTY for the year ended September 30, 1996 with the
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account of H&B for the year ended June 30, 1996.
 
     The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1997 has been
prepared by combining the June 30, 1997 consolidated balance sheets of NBTY and
H&B and give pro forma effect to the Transaction as if it had occurred on such
date.
 
     The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain
assumptions that NBTY believes are reasonable. Other data included on the pro
forma statements of income have been presented to provide additional analysis.
The Acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
Allocations of the purchase price have been determined based upon preliminary
information and estimates of fair value and are subject to change. Differences
between the amounts included herein and the final allocations are not expected
to have a material effect on the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data do not purport to represent what
the Company's results of operations would have been if such events had occurred
at the dates indicated, nor do such statements purport to project the results of
the Company's operations for any future period.
 
                                       21

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

                    TWELVE MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                PRO FORMA         PRO FORMA
                                                        NBTY         H&B       ADJUSTMENTS       CONSOLIDATED
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>         <C>               <C>
Net sales.........................................   $  236,417    $171,295            --         $  407,712
                                                     ----------    --------                      ------------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales...................................      111,743      89,207            --            200,950
  Catalog printing, postage and promotion.........       18,975          --            --             18,975
  Selling, general and administrative.............       69,617      69,357     $   5,328(b)         144,302
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                        200,335     158,564         5,328            364,227
Income from operations............................       36,082      12,731        (5,328)            43,485
Other income (expense):
  Interest, net...................................       (1,722)        (12)      (15,100)(c)(d)     (16,834)
  Miscellaneous, net..............................        1,175        (466)           --                709
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                           (547)       (478)      (15,100)           (16,125)
Income before income taxes........................       35,535      12,253       (20,428)            27,360
Income taxes......................................       14,218       4,346        (6,040)(e)         12,524
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
Net income........................................   $   21,317    $  7,907     $ (14,388)        $   14,836
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
Net income per share..............................   $     1.06                                   $     0.74
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
Weighted average common shares outstanding........   20,045,235                                   20,045,235
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
 
Other Data:
  EBITDA(f)...............................................................................        $     61.2
  EBITDA margin(f)........................................................................              15.0%
  Capital expenditures....................................................................        $     26.7
</TABLE>
 
           See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.
 
                                       22

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

                     NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                PRO FORMA         PRO FORMA
                                                        NBTY         H&B       ADJUSTMENTS       CONSOLIDATED
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>         <C>               <C>
Net sales.........................................   $  184,108    $127,659            --         $  311,767
                                                     ----------    --------                      ------------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales...................................       88,205      66,245            --            154,450
  Catalog printing, postage and promotion.........       14,581          --            --             14,581
  Selling, general and administrative.............       53,885      51,357         3,996(b)         109,238
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                        156,671     117,602         3,996            278,269
Income from operations............................       27,437      10,057        (3,996)            33,498
Other income (expense):
  Interest, net...................................       (1,294)        103       (11,325)(c)(d)     (12,516)
  Miscellaneous, net..............................          612         (80)           --                532
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                           (682)         23       (11,325)           (11,984)
Income before income taxes........................       26,755      10,080       (15,321)            21,514
Income taxes......................................       10,702       3,698        (4,530)(e)          9,870
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
Net income........................................   $   16,053    $  6,382     $ (10,791)        $   11,644
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
Net income per share..............................   $     0.80                                   $     0.58
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
Weighted average common shares outstanding........   20,052,391                                   20,052,391
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
 
Other Data:
  EBITDA(f)...............................................................................        $     47.3
  EBITDA margin(f)........................................................................              15.2%
  Capital expenditures....................................................................        $     18.8
</TABLE>
 
           See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.
 
                                       23

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

                         YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                PRO FORMA         PRO FORMA
                                                        NBTY         H&B       ADJUSTMENTS       CONSOLIDATED
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>         <C>               <C>
Net sales.........................................   $  194,403    $150,902            --         $  345,305
                                                     ----------    --------                      ------------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales...................................       95,638      79,867            --            175,505
  Catalog printing, postage and promotion.........       17,635          --            --             17,635
  Selling, general and administrative.............       58,515      58,999         5,328(b)         122,842
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                        171,788     138,866         5,328            315,982
Income from operations............................       22,615      12,036        (5,328)            29,323
Other income (expense):
  Interest, net...................................       (1,445)       (654)      (15,100)(c)(d)     (17,199)
  Miscellaneous, net..............................        1,203          --            --              1,203
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                           (242)       (654)      (15,100)           (15,996)
Income before income taxes........................       22,373      11,382       (20,428)            13,327
Income taxes......................................        9,021       4,236        (6,040)(e)          7,217
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
Net income........................................   $   13,352    $  7,146     $ (14,388)        $    6,110
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
                                                     ----------    --------    -----------       ------------
Net income per share..............................   $     0.67                                   $     0.31
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
Weighted average common shares outstanding........   19,975,678                                   19,975,678
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
                                                     ----------                                  ------------
Other Data:
 
  EBITDA(f)...............................................................................        $     45.9
  EBITDA margin(f)........................................................................              13.3%
  Capital expenditures....................................................................        $     27.1
</TABLE>
 
           See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.

                                       24

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

                              AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PRO FORMA                PRO FORMA
                                                           NBTY        H&B            ADJUSTMENTS(A)(G)           CONSOLIDATED
                                                         --------    -------    -----------------------------     ------------
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                       ASSETS:
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>        <C>                               <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...........................   $  2,915    $ 9,437              $  (9,437)                $  2,915
  Short term investments..............................     15,541         --                (15,238)                     303
  Accounts receivable, net............................     13,012        163                     --                   13,175
  Accounts receivable, other..........................         --      4,739                 (4,545)                     194
  Inventories.........................................     58,682     19,113                     --                   77,795
  Deferred income taxes...............................      3,155         --                     --                    3,155
  Prepaid catalog and other current assets............      7,649     12,887                     --                   20,536
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
     Total current assets.............................    100,954     46,339                (29,220)                 118,073
 
Property, plant and equipment, net....................     68,448     38,275                     --                  106,723
Intangible assets, net................................      3,748      2,207                133,189                  139,144
Deferred financing costs..............................         --         --                  6,000                    6,000
Other assets..........................................        515         --                     --                      515
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
     Total assets.....................................   $173,665    $86,821              $ 109,969                 $370,455
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
 
        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Current liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease
     obligations......................................   $    995    $17,131              $ (17,131)                $    995
  Accounts payable....................................     22,807     26,429                     --                   49,236
  Taxes payable.......................................         --      5,144                 (3,643)                   1,501
  Accrued expenses....................................     15,259      3,500                     --                   18,759
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
     Total current liabilities........................     39,061     52,204                (20,774)                  70,491
Long-term debt........................................     14,782         --              $ 161,262                  176,044
Obligations under capital leases......................      2,864         --                     --                    2,864
Deferred income taxes.................................      2,827      4,098                     --                    6,925
Other liabilities.....................................        793         --                     --                      793
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
     Total liabilities................................     60,327     56,302                140,488                  257,117

Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock........................................        161      1,748                 (1,748)                     161
  Capital in excess of par............................     56,304      7,637                 (7,637)                  56,304
  Retained earnings...................................     60,062     21,134                (21,134)                  60,062
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
                                                          116,527     30,519                (30,519)                 116,527
 
Less treasury shares at cost..........................      2,663         --                     --                    2,663
Stock subscriptions receivable........................        526         --                     --                      526
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
     Total stockholders' equity.......................    113,338     30,519                (30,519)                 113,338
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.......   $173,665    $86,821              $ 109,969                 $370,455
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
                                                         --------    -------           ------------               ------------
</TABLE>
 
           See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.

                                       25

<PAGE>
                           NBTY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(a) On August 7, 1997 NBTY, Inc. and Subsidiaries ('NBTY') acquired Holland &
    Barrett Holdings Ltd. ('H&B') for approximately $169,000. Prior to the
    Acquisition, H&B operated as a subsidiary of Lloyds Chemists plc, ('Lloyds')
    which was recently acquired by GEHE AG. NBTY completed the acquisition by
    issuing two promissory notes (the 'Promissory Notes') for approximately
    $169,000 at an interest rate of 4.5% to Lloyds. The Promissory Notes are
    collateralized by two letters of credit from The Chase Manhattan Bank, and
    are payable on October 17, 1997. NBTY intends to pay the Promissory Notes
    and Transaction costs of $7,500 through proceeds of $148,762 realized from
    the sale of $150,000 Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 offered hereby, with
    an interest rate of 8.625%, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility
    of $12,500 and available cash of $15,238. Pursuant to the terms of the
    Acquisition agreement, NBTY will not be receiving cash and certain
    receivables aggregating $13,982 and will not be assuming approximately
    $20,774 in liabilities of H&B.
 
(b) Represents amortization of the excess purchase price over the net assets
    acquired of $3,996 and $5,328 for the nine months and year end periods,
    respectively, which are amortized over a twenty-five year period on a
    straight-line basis.
 
(c) Reflects the amortization of $450 and $600 for the nine month and year end
    periods, respectively, of the deferred financing costs of $6,000, which are
    amortizable over the life of the debt.
 
(d) Reflects (i) additional interest expense relating to the Notes of $9,703 and
    $12,938 for the nine month and year end periods, respectively, at an annual
    interest rate of 8.625%, (ii) additional interest expense on the Revolving
    Credit Facility of $704 and $938 for the nine month and year end periods,
    respectively, at an annual interest rate of 7.5%, (iii) amortization of $93
    and $124 for the nine month and year end periods, respectively, of the
    original issue discount of $1,238, and (iv) a decrease in interest income of
    $375 and $500 for the nine month and year end periods, respectively, earned
    on cash utilized to pay for the Acquisition.
 
(e) Represents the tax effect of the pro forma adjustments, excluding the
    amortization of goodwill which is not deductible for tax purposes.
 
(f)  EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes and
     depreciation and amortization. Management believes that EBITDA is a measure
     commonly used by analysts and investors to determine a company's ability to
     service and incur debt. Accordingly, this information has been presented to
     permit a more complete analysis. EBITDA should not be considered a
     substitute for net income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of profitability
     or liquidity. EBITDA margin is computed as EBITDA as a percentage of net
     sales.
 

(g) To reflect the use of $15,238 of available cash and the proceeds of $148,762
    from the issuance of $150,000 of the Notes and borrowings of $12,500 under
    the Revolving Credit Facility in order to fund the acquisition of H&B,
    related acquisition costs of approximately $1,500 and financing costs of
    approximately $6,000. Pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition agreement,
    NBTY will not be receiving cash and certain receivables aggregating $13,982
    and will not be assuming approximately $20,774 in liabilities of H&B.
 
(h) The historical consolidated financial statements of H&B used in the
    Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data have been adjusted to present
    such information in accordance with U.S. GAAP and translated into U.S.
    dollar equivalent financial statements using the exchange rate in effect at
    June 30, 1997 which was one pound sterling to 1.665 U.S. dollars. For
    further information regarding the effect of the difference between U.K. GAAP
    and U.S. GAAP, see Note 3 of the H&B Historical Consolidated Financial
    Statements included elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum. Certain
    reclassifications have been made to the historical consolidated financial
    statements of H&B to conform to the NBTY presentation.
 
                                       26

<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following discussion and analysis of the historical results of
operations and financial condition of NBTY and H&B cover periods before
completion of the Transaction. Accordingly, the discussion and analysis of such
historical periods does not reflect the significant impact that the Transaction
will have on the Company. See 'Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.'
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the historical
financial statements of NBTY and H&B and the notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Offering Memorandum.
 
HISTORICAL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--NBTY
 
  General
 
     NBTY, founded in 1971, is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors
of nutritional supplements in the U.S., marketing a complete line of vitamins,
minerals and other nutritional supplements offered at value prices to its
customers. NBTY markets its multi-branded products primarily through (i) one of
the industry's leading mail order programs under its Puritan's Pride brand name
to its proprietary list of over two million active customers, (ii) 106 Vitamin
World retail stores strategically located primarily in factory outlet malls
across the U.S., and (iii) wholesale distribution to drug store chains,
supermarkets, independent pharmacies and health food stores such as Eckerd, Osco
and Albertson's under the Nature's Bounty, Natural Wealth, Hudson, American
Health and Good 'N Natural brand names. Management believes that this unique
three-tiered distribution system enables NBTY to most effectively market its
products and lends stability, when compared to certain of its competitors, to
its revenues and EBITDA. NBTY's revenues from mail order, retail and wholesale
sales were approximately 43%, 15% and 42%, respectively, of total NBTY revenues
for the twelve month period ended June 30, 1997. NBTY's revenues and EBITDA for
the twelve month period ended June 30, 1997 were approximately $236 million and
$44 million, respectively, and same store sales growth for the same period was
approximately 9%.
 
     The following table sets forth certain historical operating results of NBTY
as a percentage of sales:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED                     YEAR ENDED
                                                                     JUNE 30,                        SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                      --------------------------------------    -----------------------
                                                            1997                 1996           1996     1995     1994
                                                      -----------------    -----------------    -----    -----    -----
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>      <C>      <C>
Net sales.........................................          100.0%               100.0%         100.0    100.0%   100.0%
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales...................................           47.9                 50.7           49.2     52.5     51.2
  Catalog printing, postage and promotion.........            7.9                  9.3            9.1     10.8      9.5
  Selling, general and administrative.............           29.3                 30.1           30.1     31.7     31.5
                                                          -------              -------          -----    -----    -----
                                                             85.1                 90.1           88.4     95.0     92.2
                                                          -------              -------          -----    -----    -----
Income from operations............................           14.9                  9.9           11.6      5.0      7.8
Interest expense and other........................           (0.4)                (0.3)          (0.1)    (0.3)     0.2
                                                          -------              -------          -----    -----    -----
Income before income taxes........................           14.5                  9.6           11.5      4.7      8.0
Income taxes......................................            5.8                  3.9            4.6      1.8      3.0
                                                          -------              -------          -----    -----    -----
Net income........................................            8.7%                 5.7%           6.9%     2.9%     5.0%
                                                          -------              -------          -----    -----    -----
                                                          -------              -------          -----    -----    -----
</TABLE>
 
  Nine Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 1996
 
     Net sales in the nine months ended June 30, 1997 were $184.1 million,
compared with $142.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1996, an
increase of $42.0 million or 29.6%. Sales increases were across all channels of
distribution. Mail order sales were $78.0 million, compared to $62.9 million for
the prior comparable period (an increase of $15.1 million or 24.0%) due to
increased response to promotional efforts; wholesale sales were $77.4 million,
compared to $64.4 million for the
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
prior comparable period (an increase of $13.0 million or 20.2%) due to increased
shelf space and consumer demand; and retail sales were $28.7 million, compared
to $14.8 million (an increase of $13.9 million or 93.9%) due to an increase in
the number of retail stores for the prior comparable period. Comparable same
store sales for stores open for more than one year were up $1.8 million (or
15.1%) over the nine months ended June 30, 1996. Approximately 70 new SKUs were
introduced over the past nine months. Sales for NBTY's new mail order operation
in the U.K. were $1.6 million in 1997 and $0.5 million in 1996.
 
     Cost of sales for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 was $88.2 million (or
47.9% of sales), compared to $72.1 million for the prior comparable period (or
50.7% of sales). The decrease was associated with lower raw material costs due
to discounts obtained for long-term purchase commitments, manufacturing
efficiencies, and changes in product mix due to the introduction of new higher
margin products.

 
     Catalog printing, postage and promotion expenses were $14.6 million for the
nine months ended June 30, 1997 (an increase of $1.4 million or 10.6%) from
$13.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1996. As a percentage of sales,
catalog printing, postage and promotion expenses were 7.9% for the nine months
ended June 30, 1997 and 9.3% for the prior comparable nine months. The increase
in expenditures was primarily attributable to national television advertising
and the increased number of catalogs printed and mailed for the mail order
division.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses were $53.9 million, or 29.3%
as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended June 30, 1997, compared with
$42.8 million, or 30.1% as a percentage of sales for the prior comparable
period, an increase of $11.1 million (or 26.0%). This increase was primarily due
to increases in indirect salaries, building, freight and outside services
expenses. These expenses increased due to the retail store expansion and the
opening of the international mail order operations.
 
     NBTY's net income was $16.1 million for the nine month period ended June
30, 1997, and $8.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1996.
 
  Year Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 1995
 
     Net sales for fiscal year 1996 were $194.4 million, an increase of $15.6
million or 8.7% over fiscal year 1995. Of the $15.6 million increase, $8.8
million was attributable to increased retail sales; $1.8 million was
attributable to increased wholesale sales; and $13.2 million was attributable to
mail order sales, less a decrease of $8.2 million from Beautiful Visions, a
cosmetic catalog which was sold in October 1995.
 
     Cost of sales for fiscal year 1996 was $95.6 million, an increase of $1.9
million or 2.0% over fiscal year 1995. Gross profit increased to 50.8% in fiscal
year 1996 from 47.5% in fiscal year 1995. This increase was due to various
factors, including lower raw material costs due to discounts obtained for
long-term purchase commitments, manufacturing efficiencies, and changes in
product mix due to the introduction of new higher margin products.
 
     Catalog printing, postage and promotion expenses for 1996 were $17.6
million, a decrease of $1.7 million over 1995. Such costs, as a percentage of
net sales, were 9.1% in 1996 compared with 10.8% in 1995. The decrease was
mainly due to the discontinuance of the Beautiful Visions mail order operation.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal year 1996 were
$58.6 million, an increase of $1.9 million over fiscal year 1995. As a
percentage of net sales, these costs were 30.1% in fiscal year 1996 as compared
to 30.7% in fiscal year 1995. Decreases in fringe benefits and other
miscellaneous costs were offset by increases due to the retail store expansion
and professional fees.
 
     NBTY's net income was $13.4 million for fiscal year 1996, and $5.1 million
for fiscal year 1995.
 
                                       28

<PAGE>
  Year Ended September 30, 1995 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 1994
 
     Net sales for fiscal year 1995 were $178.8 million, an increase of $22.7
million or 14.5% over fiscal year 1994. Of the $22.7 million increase, $12.5
million was attributable to wholesale and retail sales and $10.2 million was
attributable to mail order sales. In October 1995, Beautiful Visions, a cosmetic
catalog operation, was sold. Sales for such operation in fiscal year 1995 were
$8.2 million, a decrease of $5.0 million from the prior fiscal year.
 
     Cost of sales for fiscal year 1995 was $93.9 million, an increase of $14.0
million or 17.5% over fiscal year 1994. Gross profit decreased to 47.5% in
fiscal year 1995 from 48.8% in fiscal year 1994. This decrease as a percentage
of net sales was due to various factors which included pricing pressures and
write-downs for labels and unsold Beautiful Visions inventory.
 
     Catalog printing, postage and promotion for fiscal year 1995 was $19.3
million, an increase of $4.5 million or 30.3% over fiscal year 1994. This cost,
as a percentage of net sales, was 10.8% in fiscal year 1995 compared with 9.5%
in fiscal year 1994. The increase was mainly due to expanded trade advertising
and costs associated with promotional programs to independent stores and chain
stores.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal year 1995 was $56.7
million, an increase of $7.5 million or 15.3% over fiscal year 1994. As a
percentage of net sales, these costs remained relatively constant at 31.7% in
fiscal year 1995 and 31.5% in fiscal year 1994. The increase was primarily a
result of increases in salaries, wages, fringe benefits and professional
services.
 
     NBTY's net income was $5.1 million for fiscal year 1995, and $7.8 million
for fiscal year 1994.
 
HISTORICAL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--H&B
 
  General
 
     H&B markets a broad line of nutritional supplement products, including
vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements (approximately 58% of
revenues for fiscal year 1997), and food products, including fruits and nuts,
confectionery and other items (approximately 42% of revenues for fiscal year
1997). H&B's strategic retail locations in prime shopping areas and broad
product offering have enabled it to become one of the U.K.'s largest nutritional
supplement retailers. The Consolidated Financial Statements of H&B have been
prepared in accordance with U.K. GAAP. For further information regarding the
effect of the difference between U.S. GAAP and U.K. GAAP, see note 3 of the
Consolidated Financial Statements of H&B included elsewhere in this Offering
Memorandum.
 
     The following table sets forth certain historical operating results of H&B
in accordance with U.K. GAAP as a percentage of sales:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                                         1996                   1997
                                                                                  -------------------    -------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                    <C>
Turnover.......................................................................          100.0%                 100.0%
Cost of sales..................................................................           52.9                   52.1
                                                                                       -------                -------
Gross profit...................................................................           47.1                   47.9
Distribution costs.............................................................           37.4                   38.3
Administrative expenses........................................................            1.7                    2.1
                                                                                       -------                -------
Operating profit...............................................................            8.0                    7.5
                                                                                       -------                -------
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation...................................            4.8%                   4.7%
                                                                                       -------                -------
                                                                                       -------                -------
</TABLE>
 
  Year Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Year Ended June 30, 1996 (dollars and
  pounds sterling in millions)
 
     For the fiscal years ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, sales were pounds 102.9
(or $171.3) and pounds 90.6 (or $150.9), respectively, an increase of 13.5%. The
number of retail stores operating at the end of fiscal 
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
years 1997 and 1996 was 410 and 389, respectively. For the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1997, same store sales for comparable stores increased 3%.
 
     Gross profit for the fiscal year ended 1997 was pounds 49.3 (or $82.1) or
47.9% as a percentage of sales, and for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996,
gross profit was pounds 42.7 (or $71.0) or 47.1% as a percentage of sales.
 
     Payroll costs for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 were pounds 13.8 (or
$23.0) and pounds 11.5 (or $19.1) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996.
Payroll costs increased mainly due to the increased number of employees.
Operating profits for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 were pounds 7.7 (or
$12.8) and pounds 7.3 (or $12.2) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996. As a
percentage of sales, operating profits were 7.5% for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1997, and 8.0% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996. Profit on ordinary
activities before taxation was pounds 7.4 (or $12.4) for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1997, and pounds 6.9 (or $11.5) for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1996.
 
     Capital expenditures for the years ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 remained
constant at pounds 6.8 (or $11.3).
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Upon consummation of the Transaction, interest payments on the Notes and on

the Revolving Credit Facility will represent significant liquidity requirements
for the Company. The Company anticipates that the Notes will require annual
interest payments of approximately $12.9 million. See 'Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Data.'
 
     In addition to its debt service obligations, the Company will require
liquidity for capital expenditures and working capital needs. Total capital
expenditures for the Company are expected to be approximately $23.0 million for
fiscal year 1998, of which $7.0 million will be related to maintenance capital
expenditures.
 
     The Company believes that the cash flow generated from its operations,
together with amounts available under the Revolving Credit Facility, should be
sufficient to fund its debt service requirements, working capital needs,
anticipated capital expenditures and other operating expenses for the
foreseeable future. The Revolving Credit Facility provides the Company with
available borrowings up to an aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million. On a
pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Transaction, the Company's unused
availability under the Revolving Credit Facility would have been $37.5 million.
The Company's future operating performance and ability to service or refinance
the Notes and to refinance the Revolving Credit Facility will be subject to
future economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of
which are beyond the Company's control. See 'Risk Factors.'
 
     The Revolving Credit Facility and the Notes impose certain restrictions on
the Company's ability to make capital expenditures and limit the Company's
ability to incur additional indebtedness. Such restrictions could limit the
Company's ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated
capital investments or to take advantage of business or acquisition
opportunities. The covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility and the
Notes also will, among other things, limit the ability of the Company to dispose
of assets, repay indebtedness or amend other debt instruments, pay
distributions, create liens on assets, enter into sale and leaseback
transactions, make investments, loans or advances and make acquisitions.
 
                                       30

<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
     NBTY, founded in 1971 by Arthur Rudolph, is one of the leading
manufacturers and distributors of nutritional supplements in the U.S., marketing
a complete line of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements offered
at value prices to its customers. NBTY markets its multi-branded products
primarily through (i) one of the industry's leading mail order programs under
its Puritan's Pride brand name to its proprietary list of over two million
active customers, (ii) 106 Vitamin World retail stores strategically located
primarily in factory outlet malls across the U.S., and (iii) wholesale
distribution to drug store chains, supermarkets, independent pharmacies and
health food stores such as Eckerd, Osco and Albertson's under the Nature's
Bounty, Natural Wealth, Hudson, American Health and Good 'N Natural brand names.
Management believes that this unique three-tiered distribution system enables
NBTY to most effectively market its products and lends stability, when compared
to certain of its competitors, to its revenues and EBITDA. NBTY's revenues from
mail order, retail and wholesale sales were approximately 43%, 15% and 42%,
respectively, of total NBTY revenues for the twelve month period ended June 30,
1997. NBTY's revenues and EBITDA for the twelve month period ended June 30, 1997
were approximately $236 million and $44 million, respectively, and same store
sales growth for the same period was approximately 9%.
 
     NBTY acquired H&B, one of the leading nutritional supplement retailers in
the U.K. with 410 locations, on August 7, 1997. The Acquisition provides the
Company with significant strategic opportunities to enhance H&B's revenues and
profitability and increase its market share. H&B markets a broad line of
nutritional supplement products, including vitamins, minerals and other
nutritional supplements (approximately 58% of H&B's revenues for fiscal year
1997) and food products, including fruits and nuts, confectionery and other
items (approximately 42% of H&B's revenues for fiscal year 1997). H&B's
strategic retail locations in prime shopping areas and broad product offering
have enabled it to become one of the U.K.'s largest nutritional supplement
retailers. H&B's revenues and EBITDA for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997
were approximately $171 million and $18 million, respectively, and same store
sales growth for the same period was approximately 3%.
 
     The Company expects to derive substantial opportunities from the
combination of NBTY's and H&B's operations. Pro forma for the Acquisition, the
Company's revenues for mail order, retail and wholesale sales would have been
approximately 25%, 51% and 24%, respectively, of total Company revenues for the
twelve month period ended June 30, 1997. Management believes that cross-selling
an expansive selection of NBTY-manufactured products into H&B's 410 retail
stores will enable H&B to offer a broader product selection at lower prices than
its competitors and, at the same time, enhance H&B's margins. In addition,
management expects to reduce per unit production costs in NBTY's manufacturing
facilities through increased capacity utilization derived from this vertical
integration. The Company also plans to increase the efficiency of its H&B
operations by integrating NBTY's state-of-the-art POS system throughout H&B's
retail stores that will allow for more effective management of inventory and
purchasing. The Company's vertically integrated structure and three-tiered
distribution system, combined with its breadth of well recognized, value

oriented brand names, position it to pursue continued growth and competitive
success in each of its distribution channels.
 
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
 
     The Company believes that the following competitive strengths provide it
with a solid foundation to further enhance growth, profitability and the
Company's position as an industry leader:
 
     o VERTICALLY INTEGRATED OPERATIONS.  As a result of the Acquisition, the
       Company will increase its degree of vertical integration by manufacturing
       nutritional supplements in NBTY facilities for sale through H&B's retail
       stores. Due to NBTY's existing level of vertical integration, NBTY is
       able to price its products at its stores approximately 20-40% lower than
       its largest competitor yet still maintain gross margins in excess of
       approximately 50%. The Acquisition will allow the Company
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
       to further increase its margins by providing NBTY-manufactured products
       throughout all 410 H&B retail stores.
 
     o EFFICIENT, MULTI-CHANNEL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK.  NBTY's three-tiered U.S.
       distribution network (mail order, retail and wholesale), supplemented by
       H&B's strong retail position in the U.K. nutritional supplement market,
       allows the Company to access a broader base of nutritional supplement
       buyers and is unique among the Company's competitors. Management believes
       this diverse network lowers distribution risk and lends stability to both
       revenues and EBITDA.
 
     o STRONG PORTFOLIO OF RETAIL STORES.  NBTY's 106 Vitamin World stores, in
       combination with H&B's 410 stores, comprise a retail network that is
       strategically located in the high growth U.S. and U.K. markets. These
       stores delivered approximately 9% and 3% same store sales growth during
       the twelve month period ended June 30, 1997 in the U.S. and the U.K.,
       respectively. In addition to providing a platform for growth, management
       believes the Company's established retail stores pose significant
       barriers to entry for new competitors due to the Company's penetration of
       U.S. factory outlet malls and prime U.K. locations.
 
     o LEADING MAIL ORDER SUPPLIER.  Management believes NBTY is the industry
       leader in the U.S. mail order nutritional supplement market with over two
       million active customers and response rates that management believes to
       be in excess of the mail order industry average. The Company's position
       as a leading mail order nutritional supplement distributor allows the
       Company to lower its per customer distribution costs, thereby enhancing
       margins. The Company plans to further expand its mail order operations in
       the U.K. by utilizing its mail order distribution warehouse in
       Southampton, England, which became fully operational in January 1997.
 
     o INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT.  NBTY continually pursues new product
       development in response to customer demand. In 1997 alone, NBTY
       introduced 100 new SKUs through its product development and merchandising
       groups working directly with managers at the retail level. Management

       believes its retail stores provide the Company with rapid access to
       customer demand information and allow the Company to test market new
       products before initiating a complete product launch across all
       distribution channels.
 
     o EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM.  Scott Rudolph, Chairman of the Board,
       President and Chief Executive Officer, has 11 years of experience with
       NBTY and 21 years in the nutritional supplement industry. Mr. Rudolph's
       skilled management team averages over 14 years of industry experience
       (primarily with NBTY) in the mail order, retail and wholesale
       distribution channels.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company's strategy is to target the growing value-conscious consumer
segment in order to increase sales and improve profitability, thereby
strengthening its position as an industry leader through the following key
initiatives:
 
     o INCREASE HIGH MARGIN RETAIL SALES.  As a result of the Acquisition,
       NBTY's 106 retail stores have been augmented by H&B's 410 U.K. stores. In
       the U.S., the Company plans to open approximately 80 new stores per year
       under its proven store format, substantially increasing its penetration
       of the factory outlet mall base. By increasing overall foot traffic
       through its growing base of stores, the Company expects to increase its
       revenues and profitability, and enhance its market share. In the U.K, the
       Company expects to increase nutritional supplement sales by offering its
       products at lower prices than its compeititors.
 
     o INCREASE HIGH MARGIN MAIL ORDER SALES.  Management believes NBTY's
       Puritan's Pride mail order operation is the industry's leader with
       approximately two million active mail order customers. NBTY is currently
       in the process of automating its mail order shipping department, which
       will enable NBTY to fulfill mail order requests with greater speed and
       efficiency. NBTY expects to continue to strengthen its mail order sales
       through frequent promotions in order to
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
       further improve its response rate, which management believes is already
       above the mail order industry average. NBTY also expects to continue to
       add customers through the selective acquisition of companies that have
       similar or complementary products. In addition, NBTY's recently increased
       manufacturing capability will enable it to successfully compete for
       additional mail order customers through its ability to quickly introduce
       and deliver new products in response to consumer demand.
 
     o EMPHASIZE HIGHER MARGIN PRODUCTS.  In addition to manufacturing and
       distributing high sales volume products (such as vitamins C and E), the
       Company also manufactures and distributes higher margin, specialty
       products. These popular specialty products, such as melatonin and St.
       John's Wort, are targeted primarily at dedicated nutritional supplement
       users and typically provide higher margins than more established products
       and broaden the Company's product line.

 
     o ENHANCE OPERATING EFFICIENCIES.  The Acquisition will enable the Company
       to increase its level of vertical integration by selling nutritional
       supplements manufactured by NBTY through the H&B retail stores in the
       U.K. Management expects to supply approximately 75% of H&B's nutritional
       supplements from NBTY's U.S. manufacturing operations, thereby increasing
       NBTY's manufacturing margins and increasing H&B's margins while reducing
       per unit production costs in NBTY's manufacturing facilities through
       increased capacity utilization. Additionally, the Company intends to
       achieve significant operating efficiencies from the integration of its
       POS system into the H&B stores, which will significantly improve
       inventory management, production scheduling and administrative functions.
 
     o RAPID NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION.  Management believes that NBTY is among
       the leaders in its industry in the timely introduction of products in
       response to consumer demands. During 1997 alone, NBTY introduced more
       than 100 new SKUs. Given the changing nature of consumer demands for new
       products and the growing publicity of the value of vitamins, minerals and
       other nutritional supplements in the promotion of general health,
       management believes that NBTY will continue to attract new customers
       based upon its ability to rapidly respond to consumer demands with high
       quality, value oriented products. As a result of the Company's ongoing
       manufacturing expansion, the Company will be poised to further develop
       new products that meet consumers' demand.
 
COMPANY HISTORY
 
     NBTY.  The business of NBTY as a direct marketer of vitamins was begun in
1971 under the name of Nature's Bounty, Inc. by Arthur Rudolph, NBTY's former
chairman, and NBTY completed its initial public offering of stock that same
year. NBTY first developed its manufacturing capabilities in 1974 in order to
capitalize on efficiencies gained through vertical integration. NBTY began its
mail order operation in 1974, opened its first retail store in 1979 and has
grown through a series of strategic acquisitions that included the acquisition,
in 1989, of GNC's mail order operation. It changed its name to NBTY, Inc. in
1995.
 
     H&B.  H&B, founded in 1920, was acquired in the late 1960s by Booker plc.
Under the direction of Booker plc, the H&B network was expanded to 183 stores
through new store openings as well as through the acquisition of independent
health food stores. In 1991, H&B was acquired by Lloyds. Under the direction of
Lloyds, H&B was expanded to 410 stores through continued store openings and
acquisitions of independent health food stores. Lloyds was acquired by GEHE in
January 1997 and, pursuant to GEHE's strategy of divesting Lloyds of non-core
assets, GEHE determined to divest the H&B subsidiary.
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
     The U.S. retail market for vitamins, minerals and other nutritional
supplements ('VMS') has grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 15%,
from $3.7 billion in 1992 to $6.5 billion in 1996, according to the 1997
Packaged Facts Survey. This growth has stemmed primarily from the availability
 
                                       33

<PAGE>
of new supplements and wider distribution as well as from a positive regulatory
environment. In addition to these factors driving the growth of the nutritional
supplement industry, recent scientific research suggesting important health
benefits derived from the regular consumption of vitamins and other nutritional
supplement products has fueled an increasing societal interest in preventive
health measures.
 
     The continued aging of the U.S. population, together with an increased
focus on preventive health measures, is expected to result in a continuing
increase in demand for nutritional supplement products. According to the Simmons
Market Research Bureau, 54% of the U.S. adult population regularly uses
vitamins, minerals or supplements. Further, based on U.S. Bureau of the Census
data, the 45-and-older age group, which accounted for approximately 32% of the
U.S. population in 1990, is expected to grow to 40% of the U.S. population by
2010.
 
     Vitamins and other nutritional supplements are sold primarily through the
following channels of distribution: health food stores, drug stores,
supermarkets and other grocery stores, discount stores, mail order and direct
sales organizations. Mass market retailers (drug stores, grocery stores and
discount stores), health food stores and mail order and direct selling account
for approximately 46%, 38%, and 16%, respectively, of industry sales. The mass
marketers traditionally offer more mainstream VMS products, such as
multivitamins, individual vitamins (such as Vitamins A, C and E), and minerals
(such as calcium, potassium and magnesium), while the health food stores, mail
order and direct selling companies traditionally offer greater product breadth,
including the more sophisticated supplement products.
 
     The retail and wholesale segments of the VMS industry are highly
fragmented. There are approximately 11,000 health food and vitamin chain stores
in the U.S., of which approximately 70% are independently owned and operated and
approximately 30% are associated with one of several regional or national
chains.
 
PRODUCTS
 
     NBTY.  NBTY manufactures and markets over 650 different products, including
vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, sports nutrition products, diet aids and
other nutritional supplements. Management believes that NBTY's unique production
process enables the Company to manufacture smaller, easier to swallow products
than its competitors. Products are then packaged in recyclable plastic bottles
with tamper-evident hinged caps. As a result, NBTY's products appeal to the
needs of today's environmentally and safety conscious consumer. NBTY assures
total customer satisfaction by employing rigorous quality assurance programs in
its state-of-the-art laboratories.
 
     H&B.  H&B's product range is classified into two categories: nutritional
supplement products, which generated approximately 58% of total sales in fiscal
year 1997, and food products, which generated approximately 42% of total sales
in fiscal year 1997. Nutritional supplement products include herbal and
alternative remedies, sports nutrition, aromatherapy, and diet products. Food
product lines include fruit and nuts, confectionery, chilled and frozen foods,
beverages and milk, vegetarian foods, herbal teas, water and juices, honeys and

spreads, breakfast foods, condiments, and biscuits.
 
MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY CONTROL
 
     NBTY.  As a result of its ongoing manufacturing expansion, NBTY operates
technologically advanced manufacturing and production facilities, located on
Long Island in Bohemia, New York, consisting of approximately 625,000 square
feet in four modern buildings, of which 100,000 square feet is devoted to
manufacturing, 72,000 square feet to office space, 1,500 square feet to a
quality assurance and testing laboratory and the balance to warehouse and
distribution. All manufacturing is conducted in accordance with the good
manufacturing practices ('GMP') of the FDA and other applicable regulatory
standards. NBTY believes that the capacity of its manufacturing and distribution
facilities is adequate to meet the requirements of its current business and will
be adequate to meet the requirements of anticipated increases in net sales as a
result of the Acquisition.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
     NBTY's manufacturing process places special emphasis on quality control.
All raw materials used in production are initially held in quarantine during
which time NBTY's laboratory employees assay the product against the
manufacturer's certificate of analysis. Once cleared, a lot number is assigned,
samples are retained and the material is processed by formulating, mixing and
granulating, compression and sometimes coating operations. After the tablet is
manufactured, laboratory employees test its weight, purity, potency, dissolution
and stability. When a product such as vitamin tablets is ready for bottling, the
automated equipment counts the tablets, inserts them into bottles, adds a
tamper-resistant cap with an inner safety seal and affixes a label. NBTY uses
computer-generated documentation for picking and packing for order fulfillment.
 
     H&B.  H&B has been a direct seller of a wide range of food and nutritional
supplement products and health food products and has not historically
manufactured its products. Prior to the Acquisition, H&B purchased all of its
products direct from wholesale manufacturers and third party representatives and
sold certain of these products under the H&B name.
 
SALES AND ADVERTISING
 
     NBTY.  NBTY has approximately 400 sales employees located throughout the
U.S. in its Vitamin World stores, and 70 employees who sell to NBTY's wholesale
distributors. In addition, NBTY sells through commissioned sales representative
organizations. In fiscal year 1996 and for the nine months ended June 30, 1997,
NBTY spent approximately $12.8 million and $10.6 million, respectively, on
advertising in print and media, including cooperative advertising. NBTY creates
its own advertising materials through a staff of approximately 22 employees.
 
     H&B.  During fiscal year 1997 H&B employed an average of 1,979 sales
employees in its retail stores. H&B runs advertisements weekly in four national
newspapers. It also conducts approximately 17 promotions per year at its retail
locations in addition to managers' specials. Six times per year H&B publishes a
glossy magazine with helpful articles and promotional materials.
 
RAW MATERIALS

 
     The principal raw materials used in the manufacturing process are natural
and synthetic vitamins, purchased from bulk manufacturers in the U.S., Japan and
Europe. NBTY purchases raw materials from numerous sources. One supplier
currently provides approximately 10% of NBTY's purchases, and no other supplier
accounts for 10% or more of NBTY's raw material purchases. NBTY believes that
the loss of its largest supplier would have a temporary adverse effect upon its
operations but that, over time, NBTY would be able to replace such source of
supply.
 
PROPERTIES
 
     NBTY.  NBTY owns a total of approximately 625,000 square feet of plant
facilities located at 60, 90, 105 and 115 Orville Drive in Bohemia, New York and
4320 Veterans Memorial Highway, Holbrook, New York. In addition, NBTY leases
approximately 10,000 square feet of warehouse space in Southampton, England, and
approximately 10,000 square feet of warehouse space in Reno, Nevada. NBTY
operates 106 retail stores under the name Vitamin World. The stores have an
average selling area of 1,200 square feet. Generally, NBTY leases the stores for
three to five years at annual base rents ranging from $12,000 to $94,000 and
percentage rents in the event sales exceed a specified amount.
 
     H&B.  H&B leases all of the locations of its 410 retail stores for terms
varying between 10 and 25 years at varying rents. No percentage rents are
payable. H&B leases approximately 9,000 square feet of space in Hinckley for
executive and administrative staff and also leases a 44,500 square foot facility
in Hinckley for warehouse and distribution space.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
 
     United States.  The market for vitamins and other nutritional supplements
is highly competitive in all of NBTY's channels of distribution. With respect to
mail order sales, management believes that Puritan's Pride is the largest mail
order supplier of vitamins and other nutritional supplements and competes with a
large number of smaller, usually less geographically diverse, mail order
companies, some of which manufacture their own products and some of which sell
products manufactured by other companies. In its retail Vitamin World stores,
the Company competes regionally with specialty vitamin stores, such as GNC and
local drug stores, health food stores, supermarkets, department stores and mass
merchandisers. NBTY's Nature's Bounty and Natural Wealth brands compete with
numerous vitamin distributors and manufacturers for sales to drug store chains
and supermarkets with heavily advertised national brands manufactured by large
pharmaceutical companies, as well as Your Life, Nature Made and Sundown,
marketed by Leiner Health Products, Inc., Pharmavite Corp. and Rexall Sundown,
Inc., respectively. It is not possible to estimate accurately the number of
competitors since the nutritional supplement industry is fragmented.
 
     Management believes that NBTY competes favorably with other mail order
sellers of similar products on the basis of price and customer service,
including speed of delivery and new product offerings. Management believes that
NBTY competes favorably with the large pharmaceutical companies and other
companies that sell to wholesalers, on the basis of price, breadth of product

line, reputation and customer service, including innovative packaging and
displays and other services. Management believes that NBTY derives a competitive
advantage from its ability to manufacture and package its own vitamin and
nutritional supplement products, which affords it the flexibility to respond to
the shifting demands of each channel of distribution and, consequently, the
ability to achieve the manufacturing and operating efficiencies resulting from
larger production runs of products that can be packaged for sale in one or more
such channel.
 
     United Kingdom.  As in the U.S., the market for sales of vitamins, minerals
and other nutritional supplements is highly competitive. H&B's principal
competitors are large pharmacy chains, including Superdrug, Boots and Lloyds,
and major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury's and ASDA. There are also
approximately 1,300 independent retailers of health foods and nutritional
supplements in the U.K. market. In addition, GNC has recently entered the U.K.
market and currently operates approximately 30 stores in the U.K. As a result of
the Acquisition, H&B intends to compete more effectively with its competition
through improved store formats, greater product offerings and value pricing.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     United States.  The manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising,
distribution and sale of NBTY's products are subject to regulation by one or
more federal agencies, the most active of which is the FDA. The Company's
products are also subject to regulation by the FTC, the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection
Agency, and by various agencies of the states and localities and foreign
countries in which NBTY's products are sold. In particular, the FDA, pursuant to
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ('FDCA') regulates the production,
packaging, labeling and distribution of dietary supplements, including vitamins,
minerals and herbs, and over-the-counter ('OTC') drugs. In addition, the FTC has
jurisdiction to regulate advertising of dietary supplements and OTC drugs, while
the U.S. Postal Service regulates advertising claims with respect to such
products sold by mail order.
 
     The FDCA has been amended several times with respect to dietary
supplements, most recently by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of
1994 ('DSHEA') and the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 ('NLEA').
DSHEA, enacted on October 15, 1994, introduced a new statutory framework
governing the composition and labeling of dietary supplements. With respect to
composition, DSHEA creates a new class of 'dietary supplements,' dietary
ingredients consisting of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and other
dietary substances for human use to supplement the diet, as well as
concentrates, metabolites, extracts or combinations of such dietary ingredients.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
Generally, under DSHEA, dietary ingredients that were on the market before
October 15, 1994 may be sold without FDA pre-approval and without notifying the
FDA. On the other hand, a new dietary ingredient (one not on the market before
October 15, 1994) requires proof that it has been used as an article of food
without being chemically altered, or evidence of a history of use or other
evidence of safety establishing that it is reasonably expected to be safe. The
FDA must be supplied with such evidence at least 75 days before the initial use

of a new dietary ingredient. There can be no assurance that the FDA will accept
the evidence of safety for any new dietary ingredients that the Company may
decide to use, and the FDA's refusal to accept such evidence could result in
regulation of such dietary ingredients as food additives requiring FDA
pre-approval prior to marketing.
 
     As for labeling, DSHEA permits 'statements of nutritional support' for
dietary supplements without FDA pre-approval. Such statements may describe how
particular dietary ingredients affect the structure, function or general
well-being of the body, or the mechanism of action by which a dietary ingredient
may affect body structure, function or well-being (but may not state that a
dietary supplement will diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure or prevent a disease). A
company making a statement of nutritional support must possess substantiating
evidence for the statement, disclose on the label that the FDA has not reviewed
that statement and that the product is not intended for use for a disease, and
notify the FDA of the statement within 30 days after its initial use. However,
there can be no assurance that the FDA will not determine that a given statement
of nutritional support that the Company decides to make is a drug claim rather
than an acceptable nutritional support statement. Such a determination would
require deletion of the drug claim or the Company's submission and the FDA's
approval of a new drug application ('NDA'), which would entail costly and
time-consuming clinical studies. In addition, DSHEA allows the dissemination of
'third party literature', publications such as reprints of scientific articles
linking particular dietary ingredients with health benefits. Third party
literature may be used in connection with the sale of dietary supplements to
consumers at retail or by mail order. Such a publication may be so distributed
if, among other things, it is not false or misleading, no particular
manufacturer or brand of dietary supplement is mentioned, and a balanced view of
available scientific information on the subject matter is presented. There can
be no assurance, however, that all pieces of third party literature that may be
disseminated in connection with the Company's products will be determined by the
FDA to satisfy each of these requirements, and any such failure could subject
the product involved to regulation as a new drug.
 
     Management anticipates that the FDA may promulgate good manufacturing
practice ('GMP') regulations authorized by DSHEA, which are specific to dietary
supplements. GMP regulations would require supplements to be prepared, packaged
and held in compliance with such rules, and may require similar quality control
provisions contained in the GMP regulations for drugs. The Company currently
manufactures its vitamins and nutritional supplement products pursuant to the
applicable food GMP rules. There can be no assurance that, if the FDA adopts GMP
regulations specific to dietary supplements, NBTY will be able to comply with
such GMP rules upon promulgation or without incurring material expense to do so.
 
     The FDA has proposed but not yet finalized regulations to implement certain
labeling provisions of DSHEA. In addition, further DSHEA labeling regulations
are expected to be proposed by the FDA once the agency receives the final report
of the expert Commission on Dietary Supplement Labels, established by DSHEA to
provide recommendations on labeling claims for supplements. The Commission on
Dietary Supplements issued its draft report in June 1997. It is uncertain when
the final report will be issued or when the FDA will propose further
regulations. NBTY cannot determine what effect such regulations, when
promulgated, will have on its business in the future. There can be no assurance
that such regulations will not require expanded or different labeling for NBTY's

vitamins and nutritional products or, among other things, require the recall,
reformulation or discontinuance of certain products, additional recordkeeping,
warnings, notification procedures and expanded documentation of the properties
of certain products and scientific substantiation regarding ingredients, product
claims, safety or efficacy.
 
     NLEA prohibits the use of any health claim (as distinguished from
'statements of nutritional support' permitted by DSHEA) for foods, including
dietary supplements, unless the health claim is
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
supported by significant scientific agreement and is pre-approved by the FDA. To
date, the FDA has approved the use of health claims for dietary supplements only
in connection with the use of calcium for osteoporosis and the use of folic acid
for neural tube defects.
 
     The FDA has broad authority to enforce the provisions of the FDCA
applicable to dietary supplements, including the power to seize adulterated or
misbranded products or unapproved new drugs, to request their recall from the
market, to enjoin their further manufacture or sale, to publicize information
about a hazardous product, to issue warning letters and to institute criminal
proceedings. Although the regulation of dietary supplements is less restrictive
than that imposed upon drugs and food additives, there can be no assurance that
dietary supplements will continue to be subject to the less restrictive
statutory scheme and regulations currently in effect. Further, there can be no
assurance that, if more stringent statutes are enacted or regulations are
promulgated, the Company will be able to comply with such statutes and
regulations without incurring material expense to do so.
 
     The OTC pharmaceutical products distributed by the Company are subject to
regulation by a number of Federal and State governmental agencies. In
particular, the FDA regulates the formulation, manufacture, packaging and
labeling of all OTC pharmaceutical products pursuant to a monograph system
specifying OTC active drug ingredients that are generally recognized as safe and
effective for particular therapeutic conditions. Compliance with applicable FDA
monographs is required for the lawful interstate sale of OTC drugs. The FDA has
the same above-noted enforcement powers for violations of the FDCA by drug
manufacturers as it does for such violations by dietary supplement producers.
 
     The FTC, which exercises jurisdiction over the advertising of dietary
supplements, has in the past several years instituted enforcement actions
against several dietary supplement companies for false and misleading
advertising of certain products. These enforcement actions have resulted in
consent decrees and the payment of fines by the companies involved. In addition,
the FTC has increased its scrutiny of infomercials. The Company is currently
subject to an FTC consent decree for past advertising claims for certain of its
products, and the Company is required to maintain compliance with this decree
under pain of civil monetary penalties. Further, the U.S. Postal Service has
issued cease and desist orders against certain mail order advertising claims
made by dietary supplement manufacturers, including NBTY, and NBTY is required
to maintain compliance with this order, also under pain of civil monetary
penalities.
 

     The Company is also subject to regulation under various international,
state and local laws that include provisions regulating, among other things, the
marketing of dietary supplements and the operations of direct sales programs.
The Company may be subject to additional laws or regulations administered by the
FDA or other federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities, the repeal of
laws or regulations that considers favorable, such as DSHEA, or more stringent
interpretations of current laws or regulations, from time to time in the future.
The Company is unable to predict the nature of such future laws, regulations,
interpretations or applications, nor can it predict what effect additional
governmental regulations or administrative orders, when and if promulgated,
would have on its business in the future. These regulations could, however,
require the reformulation of certain products to meet new standards, the recall
or discontinuance of certain products not able to be reformulated, imposition of
additional recordkeeping requirements, expanded documentation of the properties
of certain products, expanded or different labeling, and/or scientific
substantiation. Any or all of such requirements could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition. See 'Risk
Factors--Government Regulation.'
 
     United Kingdom.  In the U.K., the manufacture, advertising, sale and
marketing of food products is regulated by a number of government agencies
including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ('MAFF') and the
Department of Health. In addition, there are various independent committees and
agencies that report to the government, such as the Food Advisory Committee,
which reports to MAFF and suggests appropriate courses of action by the relevant
government department where there are areas of concern relating to food, and the
Committee on Toxicity, which reports to the Department of Health. The relevant
legislation governing the sale of food includes the Food Safety Act 1990, which
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
sets out general provisions relating to the sale of food; for example, this law
makes it unlawful to sell food that is harmful to human health. In addition,
there are various statutory instruments and E.C. regulations governing specific
areas such as the use of sweeteners, colouring and additives in food. Trading
standards officers under the control of the Department of Trade and Industry
also regulate matters such as the cleanliness of the properties on which food is
produced and sold.
 
     Food that has medicinal properties may fall under the jurisdiction of the
Medicines Control Agency ('MCA'), a regulatory authority whose responsibility is
to ensure that all medicines sold or supplied for human use in the U.K. meet
acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy. These standards are
determined by the 1968 Medicines Act together with an increasing number of E.C.
regulations and directives laid down by the European Union. The latter take
precedence over national law. The MCA has a 'borderline department' which
determines when food should be treated as a medicine and should therefore fall
under the relevant legislation relating to medicines. The MCA operates as the
agent of the licensing authority (the United Kingdom Health Ministers) and its
activities cover every facet of medicines controlled in the U.K. including
involvement in the development of common standards of medicines controlled in
Europe. The MCA is responsible, for example, for licensing, inspection and
enforcement to ensure that legal requirements concerning manufacture,
distribution, sale, labeling, advertising and promotion are upheld.

 
TRADEMARKS
 
     NBTY.  NBTY owns trademarks registered with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and many foreign jurisdictions for its Nature's Bounty, Good 'N
Natural, Hudson, American Health, Natural Wealth, Puritan's Pride and Vitamin
World trademarks and has rights to use other names essential to its business.
U.S. registered trademarks have a perpetual life, as long as they are renewed on
a timely basis and used properly as trademarks, subject to the rights of third
parties to seek cancellation of the marks. NBTY regards its trademarks and other
proprietary rights as valuable assets and believes they have significant value
in the marketing of its products. NBTY vigorously protects its trademarks
against infringement.
 
     H&B.  H&B owns trademarks registered with the appropriate U.K. authorities
for its Holland & Barrett trademark and has rights to use other names essential
to its business.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     NBTY.  As of June 30, 1997, NBTY employed approximately 1,460 persons, of
whom approximately 350 are in executive and administrative capacities, 70 are in
wholesale sales, 400 are in the Vitamin World stores and the balance are in
manufacturing, shipping and packaging. None of NBTY's employees are represented
by a labor union. NBTY believes that its relationship with its employees is
excellent.
 
     H&B.  During fiscal year 1997, H&B employed an average of 2,195 persons, of
whom 99 worked in executive or administrative capacities, 1,979 worked in retail
stores and 117 worked in warehouse and distribution. Other administrative,
clerical and buying services were provided by Lloyds personnel pursuant to a
central services arrangement. There is no trade union representation at H&B. H&B
management believes that its relationship with its employees is excellent.
 
LITIGATION
 
     NBTY.  NBTY and certain other companies in the industry have been named as
defendants in cases arising out of the ingestion of products containing
L-Tryptophan. NBTY had been named in more than 265 such lawsuits, of which four
are still pending against NBTY. The other 261 lawsuits have been settled at no
cost to NBTY. NBTY's supplier of L-Tryptophan agreed to indemnify NBTY and the
other companies named in the lawsuits through the final resolution of all cases
involving L-Tryptophan. In addition, the supplier has posted, for the benefit of
NBTY and the other companies named in the lawsuits, a revolving, irrevocable
letter of credit of $20 million to be used in the event that the supplier is
unable or unwilling to satisfy any claims or judgments. While not all of these
suits quantify the amount
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
demanded, NBTY believes that the amount required to either settle these cases or
to pay judgments rendered therein will be paid by the supplier or by NBTY's
product liability insurance carrier.
 

     In October 1994, litigation was commenced in the U.S. District Court,
Eastern District of New York, against NBTY and two of its officers. An Amended
Complaint was filed in October 1996, alleging that false and misleading
statements and representations were made concerning NBTY's sales and earnings
estimates for the fiscal years ending September 30, 1993 and 1994 and the fiscal
quarters of 1994. The allegations are that NBTY improperly (i) recognized
revenue on a sale to a customer in September 1993, (ii) capitalized and
amortized certain promotional costs in 1994, (iii) reported positive sales
trends in mid-1994 by an improper comparison to prior year sales, and (iv)
expressed comfort with an independent analyst's projection of modest earnings
for 1994 when earnings later proved to be less than analysts predicted.
Plaintiffs' case has been certified as a class action. NBTY and its officers
deny the allegations of the Amended Complaint and have vigorously contested the
litigation. In 1994, prior to commencement of the lawsuit, NBTY purchased a
directors and officers Indemnity Policy. Special counsel has been retained to
represent NBTY and its officers. Since the outcome of any litigation is
uncertain, there can be no assurance as to (i) whether NBTY will ultimately
prevail, (ii) whether NBTY will be fully or partially indemnified, if at all,
(iii) the amount of loss, if any, that may be attributable to the above, and
(iv) the amount of expense that will be incurred in the defense of this
litigation.
 
     H&B.  H&B is not involved in any litigation believed to be material to its
business or operations.
 
                                       40

<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     Set forth below are the names and other relevant information regarding
executive and certain other officers and directors of the Company as of August
29, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  COMMENCEMENT OF
                                                                    YEAR FIRST        TERM AS
                                                                     ELECTED     EXECUTIVE OR OTHER
NAME                       AGE   POSITION                            DIRECTOR         OFFICER
- -------------------------  ---   ---------------------------------  ----------   ------------------
 
<S>                        <C>   <C>                                <C>          <C>
Scott Rudolph............  39    Chairman of the Board, President      1986         1986
                                 and Chief Executive Officer
 
Harvey Kamil.............  53    Executive Vice President, Chief        --          1982
                                 Financial Officer and Secretary
 
Barry Drucker............  49    Senior Vice President--Sales           --          1985
 
Patricia E. Ciccarone....  41    Vice President--Vitamin World          --          1992
 
James P. Flaherty........  40    Vice President--Advertising            --          1988
 
James A. Taylor..........  56    Vice President--Production             --          1982
 
Arthur Rudolph...........  69    Director                              1971          --
 
Aram Garabedian..........  62    Director                              1971          --
 
Bernard G. Owen..........  69    Director                              1971          --
 
Alfred Sacks.............  69    Director                              1971          --
 
Murray Daly..............  70    Director                              1971          --
 
Glenn Cohen..............  38    Director                              1988          --
 
Bud Solk.................  64    Director                              1994          --
 
Nathan Rosenblatt........  40    Director                              1994          --
</TABLE>
 
     The Directors of the Company are elected to serve a three-year term or
until their respective successors are elected and qualified. Officers of the
Company hold office until the meeting of the Board of Directors immediately
following the next annual shareholders meeting or until removal by the Board,
whether with or without cause.

 
     Scott Rudolph is the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer and is a shareholder of the Company. Mr. Rudolph founded
U.S. Nutrition Corp., a mail order vitamin company in 1976, which was purchased
by NBTY in 1986. He is the Chairman of Dowling College, Long Island, New York.
He joined NBTY in 1986. He is the son of Arthur Rudolph.
 
     Harvey Kamil is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary. He is on the Board of Directors of the Council for Responsible
Nutrition. He joined NBTY in 1982.
 
     Barry Drucker is Senior Vice President--Sales. He joined NBTY in 1976.
 
     Patricia E. Ciccarone is Vice President--Vitamin World. She previously
served as Director of Stores for Park Lane, a 500 store hosiery chain. She
joined NBTY in 1988.
 
     James P. Flaherty is Vice President--Advertising. He joined NBTY in 1979.
 
     James E. Taylor is Vice President--Production. He joined NBTY in 1981.
 
     Arthur Rudolph founded Arco Pharmaceuticals, Inc., NBTY's predecessor, in
1960 and served as NBTY's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors since that date until his
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
resignation in September 1993. He remains a member of the Board of Directors and
was responsible for the formation of NBTY in 1971. He is the father of Scott
Rudolph.
 
     Aram Garabedian has been a real estate developer in Rhode Island since
1988. He was associated with NBTY and its predecessor, Arco Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., for 20 years in a sales capacity and as an Officer. He has served as a
Director since 1971.
 
     Bernard G. Owen has been associated with Cafiero, Cuchel and Owen Insurance
Agency, Pitkin, Owen Insurance Agency and Wood-HEW Travel Agency for more than
the past five years. He currently serves as Chairman of these firms.
 
     Alfred Sacks has been engaged as President of Al Sacks, Inc., an insurance
agency, for the past thirty years.
 
     Murray Daly, formerly a Vice President of J. P. Egan Office Equipment Co.,
is currently a consultant to the office equipment industry.
 
     Glenn Cohen has been the President of Glenn-Scott Landscape and Design for
more than five years.
 
     Bud Solk has been President of Chase/Ehrenberg & Rosene, Inc., an
advertising and marketing agency located in Chicago, Illinois since 1995.
Previously, Mr. Solk was President of Bud Solk Associates, Inc., which he
founded in 1958.
 

     Nathan Rosenblatt is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ashland
Maintenance Corp., a commercial maintenance organization located in Long Island,
New York.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
     Scott Rudolph, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, entered into an employment agreement effective February 1, 1994,
as amended, to terminate January 31, 2004, providing for annual compensation of
$450,000 with annual cost of living index increases, bonuses and other fringe
benefits accorded other executives of NBTY.
 
     Harvey Kamil, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary of the Company, entered into an employment agreement effective
February 1, 1994, to terminate January 31, 2004, providing for annual
compensation of $250,000 with annual cost of living index increases, bonuses and
other fringe benefits accorded other executives of NBTY.
 
     Each of the above agreements also provides for the immediate acceleration
of the payment of all compensation for the term of the contract and the
registration and sale of all issued stock, stock options and shares underlying
options in the event of a change of control, a tender offer for shares of NBTY,
which offer was not authorized by the Board of Directors, or involuntary (i)
termination of employment, (ii) reduction of compensation, or (iii) diminution
of responsibilities or authority. Additionally, three members of H&B's senior
executive staff have 12 month service contracts which require that they provide
the Company with three months notice prior to termination of the contract.
 
                                       42

<PAGE>
        SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
     The following information with respect to the outstanding shares of common
stock beneficially owned by (i) each director of the Company, (ii) the chief
executive officer and the five other most highly compensated executive officers,
(iii) all beneficial owners of more than five percent of common stock known to
the Company, and (iv) the directors and executive officers as a group, is
furnished as of August 25, 1997, except as otherwise indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       NUMBER OF
                                                                                       SHARES OF       PERCENT OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(A)                                                          COMMON STOCK        CLASS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ---------------    ----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>                <C>
Scott Rudolph(b).................................................................      3,147,686          16.0%
Arthur Rudolph(b)................................................................        647,982           3.5
Aram Garabedian..................................................................         14,000          *
Bernard G. Owen..................................................................         27,500          *
Alfred Sacks.....................................................................             --         --
Murray Daly......................................................................         15,009          *
Glenn Cohen......................................................................         29,000          *
Bud Solk.........................................................................         14,000         --
Nathan Rosenblatt................................................................             --         --
Harvey Kamil.....................................................................        689,780           3.7
Barry Drucker....................................................................        100,131          *
James P. Flaherty................................................................         44,408          *
James H. Taylor..................................................................         41,483          *
Patricia E. Ciccarone............................................................          1,781          *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (14 persons)(b)..................      4,099,778          20.4
NBTY, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan...................................................      1,062,228           5.7
</TABLE>
 
(*) Indicates ownership of less than one percent of class.
- ------------------
(a) Each stockholder shown on the table has sole voting and investment power
    with respect to the shares beneficially owned. Each named person or group is
    deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities which may be acquired within
    60 days through the exercise or conversion of options, if any, and such
    securities are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the
    percentage beneficially owned by such person or group. Such securities are
    not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of
    class beneficially owned by any other person or group. Accordingly, the
    indicated number of shares includes shares issuable upon exercise of options
    (including employee stock options) and any other beneficial ownership of
    securities held by such person or group.
 
(b) Includes shares held in a Trust created by Arthur Rudolph for the benefit of
Scott Rudolph and others.
 
                                       43

<PAGE>
                  DESCRIPTION OF THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
 
     The Company has received a commitment letter from The Chase Manhattan Bank
with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility
will be provided by a syndicate of banks and other financial institutions led by
The Chase Manhattan Bank, as administrative agent (the 'Agent'), and will
provide for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million
(of which up to $5.0 million will be available in the form of letters of credit
and up to $5.0 million may be extended in the form of swingline loans). The
Company will use a portion of the Revolving Credit Facility to pay the
Promissory Notes. The following summary of the Revolving Credit Facility does
not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
     Security, Guarantees.  The obligations of the Company under the Revolving
Credit Facility will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed, jointly and
severally, by each direct and indirect domestic subsidiary of the Company and
each subsequently acquired or organized domestic subsidiary of the Company. In
addition, the obligations of the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility and
the guarantees thereunder will be secured by substantially all of the non-real
estate assets of the Company and the guarantors.
 
     Interest.  The Revolving Credit Facility will be a six-year facility and
will bear interest at a rate per annum equal (at the Company's option) to: (i)
the Agent's Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin, (ii) an alternate base
rate plus an applicable margin or (iii) the Agent's Eurocurrency rate plus an
applicable margin. Principal amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility not
paid when due shall bear interest at a default rate equal to 2.00% per annum
above the otherwise applicable rate. Other amounts not paid when due under the
Revolving Credit Facility shall bear interest at the interest rate then
applicable to alternate base rate loans under the Revolving Credit Facility plus
2.00% per annum.
 
     Prepayments.  Voluntary prepayments of borrowings under the Revolving
Credit Facility and voluntary reductions of the unutilized portions of the
Revolving Credit Facility will be permitted at any time in minimum principal
amounts to be agreed upon.
 
     Fees.  The Company will be required to pay the lenders, on a quarterly
basis, a commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.50% per annum on the undrawn
portion of the commitments, based upon the Company's ratio of (i) consolidated
total debt as of the date of determination and (ii) consolidated EBITDA for the
period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended as of such date
of determination. The Company will also be required to pay (a) a per annum
letter of credit fee, on a quarterly basis, equal to the applicable Eurodollar
loan margin on the amount available to be drawn under standby letters of credit,
(b) a fee, on a quarterly basis, equal to 0.25% of the aggregate face amount of
outstanding commercial letters of credit, (c) a fronting bank fee, and (d)
agent, arrangement and other similar fees.
 
     Covenants.  The Revolving Credit Facility will contain a number of
covenants that, among other things, will restrict the ability of the Company and
its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, to dispose of assets, incur

additional indebtedness, incur guarantee obligations, prepay other indebtedness
or amend other debt instruments, make distributions or pay dividends on
partnership interests or capital stock, redeem and repurchase partnership
interests or capital stock, create liens on assets, enter into sale and
leaseback transactions, make investments, loans or advances, make acquisitions,
engage in mergers or consolidations, change the business conducted by the
Company or its subsidiaries, make capital expenditures or engage in certain
transactions with affiliates and otherwise restrict certain business activities.
In addition, the Company will be required to comply with specified financial
ratios and tests, including minimum fixed charge coverage ratios, maximum
leverage ratios and minimum net worth tests.
 
     The Revolving Credit Facility will also contain provisions that will
prohibit any modification of the Indenture in any manner adverse to the lenders
and that will limit the Company's ability to refinance or otherwise prepay the
Notes without the consent of such lenders.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
     Events of Default.  The Revolving Credit Facility will contain customary
events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and
warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults and cross-acceleration to certain
other indebtedness, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency, Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 events, judgment defaults, actual or
asserted invalidity of any security documents or guarantees, change of control,
the voluntary creation of security interests relating to partnership interests
in the Company or the voluntary creation of any prohibition on the creation of
such security interests.
 
                                       45

<PAGE>
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
     The Notes will be issued under an Indenture (the 'Indenture') to be dated
as of September 23, 1997 between the Company and IBJ Schroder Bank and Trust
Company, as trustee (the 'Trustee'). The following summary of certain provisions
of the Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended (the 'Trust Indenture Act'), and to all of the provisions of the
Indenture, including the definitions of certain terms therein and those terms
made a part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act, as in
effect on the date of the Indenture. The definitions of certain capitalized
terms used in the following summary are set forth below under 'Certain
Definitions.' References in this 'Description of the Notes' section and the
'Registration Rights,' 'Transfer Restrictions,' 'Book-Entry; Delivery and Form'
and 'Plan of Distribution' sections to 'the Company' mean only NBTY, Inc. and
not any of its Subsidiaries.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Notes will be unsecured, senior subordinated obligations of the
Company. The Notes will be issued only in registered form, without coupons, in
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. Pursuant to the
Indenture, the Trustee, initially, will serve as registrar and paying agent. No
service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the
Notes, except for any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection therewith.
 
RANKING
 
     The Notes will rank junior to, and be subordinated in right of payment to,
all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company, pari passu in right
of payment with all senior subordinated Indebtedness of the Company and senior
in right of payment to all Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company. At June 30,
1997, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Transaction, the Company
would have had approximately $31.1 million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding
(excluding unused commitments) and no senior subordinated Indebtedness, other
than the Notes. All debt incurred under the Revolving Credit Facility will be
Senior Indebtedness of the Company, will be guaranteed by the Company's domestic
Subsidiaries and will be secured by substantially all of the assets of the
Company and its Subsidiaries.
 
MATURITY, INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL OF THE NOTES
 
     The Notes will be limited to $150 million aggregate principal amount and
will mature on September 15, 2007. Cash interest on the Notes will accrue at a
rate of 8 5/8% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on each
September 15 and March 15, commencing on March 15, 1998, to the holders of
record of Notes at the close of business on September 1 and March 1,
respectively, immediately preceding such interest payment date. Interest will
accrue from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been
paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance. Interest will
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
 

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
     The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, at any time on or after September 15, 2002, at the redemption prices
(expressed as a percentage of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued
and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the
right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due
on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the 12-month period
beginning on September 15, of the years indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       REDEMPTION
YEAR                                                                                                     PRICE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
2002................................................................................................     104.313%
2003................................................................................................     102.875%
2004................................................................................................     101.438%
2005 and thereafter.................................................................................     100.000%
</TABLE>
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
     In addition, at any time and from time to time on or prior to September 15,
2000, the Company may redeem in the aggregate up to 33 1/3% of the originally
issued aggregate principal amount of the Notes with the net cash proceeds of one
or more Public Equity Offerings by the Company at a redemption price in cash
equal to 108.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, if any, to the date of redemption (subject to the right of
Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the
relevant interest payment date); provided, however, that at least 66 2/3% of the
originally issued aggregate principal amount of the Notes must remain
outstanding immediately after giving effect to each such redemption (excluding
any Notes held by the Company or any of its Affiliates). Notice of any such
redemption must be given within 60 days after the date of the closing of the
relevant Public Equity Offering of the Company.
 
SELECTION AND NOTICE OF REDEMPTION
 
     In the event that less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time
pursuant to an optional redemption, selection of such Notes for redemption will
be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal
national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the
Notes are not then listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata
basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate;
provided, however, that no Notes of a principal amount of $1,000 or less shall
be redeemed in part; provided, further, however, that if a partial redemption is
made with the net cash proceeds of a Public Equity Offering by the Company,
selection of the Notes or portions thereof for redemption shall be made by the
Trustee only on a pro rata basis or on as nearly a pro rata basis as is
practicable (subject to the procedures of The Depository Trust Company), unless
such method is otherwise prohibited. Notice of redemption shall be mailed by
first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption

date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any
Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to
such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be
redeemed. A new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion
thereof will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of
the original Note. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to
accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption as long as the Company
has deposited with the paying agent for the Notes funds in satisfaction of the
applicable redemption price pursuant to the Indenture.
 
SUBORDINATION OF THE NOTES
 
     The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes
is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in
the Indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash of all Senior Indebtedness.
 
     Upon any payment or distribution of assets or securities of the Company of
any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities (excluding any
payment or distribution of Permitted Junior Securities and excluding any payment
from funds deposited in accordance with, and held in trust for the benefit of
Holders pursuant to, 'Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance' (a 'Defeasance
Trust Payment')), upon any dissolution or winding up or total liquidation or
reorganization of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary or in
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all Senior
Indebtedness then due shall first be paid in full in cash before the Holders of
the Notes or the Trustee on behalf of such Holders shall be entitled to receive
any payment by the Company of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on
the Notes, or any payment by the Company to acquire any of the Notes for cash,
property or securities, or any distribution by the Company with respect to the
Notes of any cash, property or securities (excluding any payment or distribution
of Permitted Junior Securities and excluding any Defeasance Trust Payment).
Before any payment may be made by, or on behalf of, the Company of the principal
of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes upon any such dissolution or
winding up or total liquidation or reorganization, whether voluntary or
involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, any
payment or distribution of assets or securities of the Company of any kind or
character, whether in cash, property or securities (excluding any payment or
distribution of Permitted Junior Securities and excluding any Defeasance Trust
Payment), to which the Holders of the Notes or the Trustee on their behalf would
be
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
entitled, but for the subordination provisions of the Indenture, shall be made
by the Company or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidation trustee,
agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, directly to the
holders of the Senior Indebtedness (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the
respective amounts of Senior Indebtedness held by such holders) or their
representatives or to the trustee or trustees or agent or agents under any
agreement or indenture pursuant to which any of such Senior Indebtedness may
have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, to the extent
necessary to pay all such Senior Indebtedness in full in cash after giving
effect to any prior or concurrent payment, distribution or provision therefor to
or for the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.

 
     No direct or indirect payment (excluding any payment or distribution of
Permitted Junior Securities and excluding any Defeasance Trust Payment) by or on
behalf of the Company of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the
Notes, whether pursuant to the terms of the Notes, upon acceleration, pursuant
to an Offer to Purchase or otherwise, shall be made if, at the time of such
payment, there exists a default in the payment of all or any portion of the
obligations on any Senior Indebtedness, whether at maturity, on account of
mandatory redemption or prepayment, acceleration or otherwise, and such default
shall not have been cured or waived or the benefits of this sentence waived by
or on behalf of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness. In addition, during the
continuance of any non-payment event of default with respect to any Designated
Senior Indebtedness pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be immediately
accelerated, and upon receipt by the Trustee of written notice (a 'Payment
Blockage Notice') from the holder or holders of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness or the trustee or agent acting on behalf of the holders of such
Designated Senior Indebtedness, then, unless and until such event of default has
been cured or waived or has ceased to exist or such Designated Senior
Indebtedness has been discharged or repaid in full in cash or the benefits of
these provisions have been waived by the holders of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness, no direct or indirect payment (excluding any payment or
distribution of Permitted Junior Securities and excluding any Defeasance Trust
Payment) will be made by or on behalf of the Company of principal of, premium,
if any, or interest on the Notes, whether pursuant to the terms of the Notes,
upon acceleration, pursuant to an Offer to Purchase or otherwise, to such
Holders, during a period (a 'Payment Blockage Period') commencing on the date of
receipt of such notice by the Trustee and ending 179 days thereafter.
Notwithstanding anything in the subordination provisions of the Indenture or the
Notes to the contrary, (x) in no event will a Payment Blockage Period extend
beyond 179 days from the date the Payment Blockage Notice in respect thereof was
given, (y) there shall be a period of at least 181 consecutive days in each
360-day period when no Payment Blockage Period is in effect and (z) not more
than one Payment Blockage Period may be commenced with respect to the Notes
during any period of 360 consecutive days. No event of default that existed or
was continuing on the date of commencement of any Payment Blockage Period with
respect to the Designated Senior Indebtedness initiating such Payment Blockage
Period (to the extent the holder of Designated Senior Indebtedness, or trustee
or agent, giving notice commencing such Payment Blockage Period had knowledge of
such existing or continuing event of default) may be, or be made, the basis for
the commencement of any other Payment Blockage Period by the holder or holders
of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the trustee or agent acting on behalf
of such Designated Senior Indebtedness, whether or not within a period of 360
consecutive days, unless such event of default has been cured or waived for a
period of not less than 90 consecutive days.
 
     The failure to make any payment or distribution for or on account of the
Notes by reason of the provisions of the Indenture described under this
'Subordination of the Notes' heading will not be construed as preventing the
occurrence of any Event of Default in respect of the Notes. See 'Events of
Default' below.
 
     By reason of the subordination provisions described above, in the event of
insolvency of the Company, funds which would otherwise be payable to Holders of
the Notes will be paid to the holders of Senior Indebtedness to the extent

necessary to pay the Senior Indebtedness in full in cash, and the Company may be
unable to meet fully or at all its obligations with respect to the Notes.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
     At the time of the issuance of the Notes, the Revolving Credit Facility
will be the only outstanding Senior Indebtedness of the Company. Subject to the
restrictions set forth in the Indenture, in the future the Company may issue
additional Senior Indebtedness.
 
OFFER TO PURCHASE UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Following the occurrence of a Change of Control (the date of such
occurrence being the 'Change of Control Date'), the Company shall notify the
Holders of the Notes of such occurrence in the manner prescribed by the
Indenture and shall, within 20 days after the Change of Control Date, make an
Offer to Purchase all Notes then outstanding at a purchase price in cash equal
to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, if any, to the Purchase Date (subject to the right of Holders
of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant
interest payment date).
 
     If a Change of Control occurs which also constitutes an event of default
under the Revolving Credit Facility, the lenders under the Revolving Credit
Facility would be entitled to exercise the remedies available to a secured
lender under applicable law and pursuant to the terms of the Revolving Credit
Facility. Accordingly, any claims of such lenders with respect to the assets of
the Company will be prior to any claim of the Holders of the Notes with respect
to such assets.
 
     If the Company makes an Offer to Purchase, the Company will comply with all
applicable tender offer laws and regulations, including, to the extent
applicable, Section 14(e) and Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other
applicable Federal or state securities laws and regulations and any applicable
requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes are listed, and any
violation of the provisions of the Indenture relating to such Offer to Purchase
occurring as a result of such compliance shall not be deemed a Default or an
Event of Default.
 
     Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the
Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the Notes to
require that the Company repurchase or redeem the Notes in the event of a
takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     Limitation on Indebtedness.  The Company shall not, and shall not cause or
permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness
(including Acquired Indebtedness), except for Permitted Indebtedness; provided,
however, that the Company may Incur Indebtedness if, at the time of and
immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence of Indebtedness and
the application of the proceeds therefrom, the Consolidated Coverage Ratio would
be greater than (x) 2.375 to 1.00 if such Indebtedness is Incurred prior to the
first anniversary of the Issue Date; (y) 2.5 to 1.00 if such Indebtedness is

Incurred on or after the first anniversary of the Issue Date and prior to the
second anniversary of the Issue Date; and (z) 2.625 to 1.00 if such Indebtedness
is Incurred thereafter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, after October 17, 1997,
the Company shall not permit to be outstanding the Promissory Notes or the
letters of credit issued to collateralize such Promissory Notes.
 
     The limitations contained in the preceding paragraph will not apply to the
Incurrence of any of the following (collectively, 'Permitted Indebtedness'),
each of which shall be given independent effect:
 
          (a) Indebtedness under the Notes;
 
          (b) Indebtedness of the Company Incurred under the Revolving Credit
     Facility in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not
     to exceed $60 million;
 
          (c) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary of the Company owed to and held by
     the Company or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary, and Indebtedness of the Company
     owed to and held by any Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is unsecured and
     subordinated in right of payment to the payment and performance of the
     Company's obligations under any Senior Indebtedness, the Indenture and the
     Notes; provided, however, that an Incurrence of Indebtedness that is not
     permitted by this clause (c) shall be deemed to have occurred upon (i) any
     sale or other disposition of any Indebtedness of the Company or any
     Subsidiary of the Company referred to in this clause (c) to a Person (other
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
     than the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary), (ii) any sale or other
     disposition of Equity Interests of any Subsidiary which holds Indebtedness
     of the Company or another Subsidiary;
 
          (d) Interest Rate Protection Obligations; provided, however, that such
     Interest Rate Protection Obligations have been entered into for bona fide
     business purposes and not for speculation;
 
          (e) Purchase Money Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations of
     the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and other Indebtedness of the
     Company, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not
     to exceed $20 million;
 
          (f) Indebtedness of the Company under Currency Agreements; provided,
     however, (i) that such Currency Agreements have been entered into for bona
     fide business purposes and not for speculation and (ii) that in the case of
     Currency Agreements which relate to Indebtedness, such Currency Agreements
     do not increase the Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries
     outstanding other than as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency
     exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and compensation payable
     thereunder;
 
          (g) Indebtedness to the extent representing a replacement, renewal,
     refinancing or extension (collectively, a 'refinancing') of outstanding
     Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness Incurred under clauses (b), (c), (d),
     (e), (f) or (h) of this covenant); provided, however, that (i) any such

     refinancing shall not exceed the sum of the principal amount (or accreted
     amount (determined in accordance with GAAP), if less) of the Indebtedness
     being refinanced, plus the amount of accrued interest thereon, plus the
     amount of any reasonably determined prepayment premium necessary to
     accomplish such refinancing and such reasonable fees and expenses incurred
     in connection therewith, (ii) Indebtedness representing a refinancing of
     Indebtedness other than Senior Indebtedness shall have a Weighted Average
     Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to
     Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced; (iii) Indebtedness that is
     pari passu with the Notes may only be refinanced with Indebtedness that is
     made pari passu with or subordinate in right of payment to the Notes and
     Subordinated Indebtedness may only be refinanced with Subordinated
     Indebtedness; and (iv) Indebtedness of the Company may only be refinanced
     by Indebtedness of the Company and Indebtedness of a Subsidiary of the
     Company may only be refinanced by Indebtedness of Subsidiaries or by the
     Company; and
 
          (h) guarantees by a Subsidiary of the Company of Senior Indebtedness
     Incurred by the Company so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is
     otherwise permitted by the terms of the Indenture.
 
     Limitation on Senior Subordinated Indebtedness.  The Company shall not,
directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness that by its terms would expressly
rank senior in right of payment to the Notes and subordinate in right of payment
to any other Indebtedness of the Company.
 
     Limitation on Restricted Payments.  The Company shall not, and shall not
cause or permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly,
 
          (i) declare or pay any dividend or any other distribution on any
     Equity Interests of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or make
     any payment or distribution to the direct or indirect holders (in their
     capacities as such) of Equity Interests of the Company or any Subsidiary of
     the Company (other than any dividends, distributions and payments made to
     the Company or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company and dividends or
     distributions payable to any Person solely in Qualified Equity Interests of
     the Company or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase Qualified
     Equity Interests of the Company);
 
          (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any
     Equity Interests of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other
     than any such Equity Interests owned by the Company or any Subsidiary of
     the Company); or
 
          (iii) make any Investment in any Person (other than Permitted
     Investments)
 
(any such payment or any other action (other than any exception thereto)
described in (i), (ii) or (iii) (a 'Restricted Payment'), unless
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
          (a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
     continuing at the time or immediately after giving effect to such

     Restricted Payment;
 
          (b) immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the
     Company would be able to Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than
     Permitted Indebtedness) under the Consolidated Coverage Ratio of the first
     paragraph of 'Limitation on Indebtedness' above; and
 
          (c) immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the
     aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments declared or made on or after
     the Issue Date does not exceed an amount equal to the sum of (1) 50% of
     cumulative Consolidated Net Income determined for the period (taken as one
     period) from the beginning of the first fiscal quarter commencing after the
     Issue Date and ending on the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter
     immediately preceding the date of such Restricted Payment for which
     consolidated financial information of the Company is available (or if such
     cumulative Consolidated Net Income shall be a loss, minus 100% of such
     loss), plus (2) the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company
     either (x) as capital contributions to the Company after the Issue Date or
     (y) from the issue and sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of
     its Qualified Equity Interests after the Issue Date (excluding the net
     proceeds from any issuance and sale of Qualified Equity Interests financed,
     directly or indirectly, using funds borrowed from the Company or any
     Subsidiary of the Company until and to the extent such borrowing is
     repaid), plus (3) the principal amount (or accreted amount (determined in
     accordance with GAAP), if less) of any Indebtedness of the Company or any
     Subsidiary of the Company Incurred after the Issue Date which has been
     converted into or exchanged for Qualified Equity Interests of the Company
     (minus the amount of any cash or property distributed by the Company or any
     Subsidiary of the Company upon such conversion or exchange), plus (4) in
     the case of the disposition or repayment of any Investment constituting a
     Restricted Payment made after the Issue Date, an amount equal to 100% of
     the net cash proceeds thereof (or dividends, distributions or interest
     payments received in cash thereon).
 
     The foregoing provisions will not prevent (i) the payment of any dividend
or distribution on, or redemption of, Equity Interests within 60 days after the
date of declaration of such dividend or distribution or the giving of formal
notice of such redemption, if at the date of such declaration or giving of such
formal notice such payment or redemption would comply with the provisions of the
Indenture; (ii) the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any
Equity Interests of the Company in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds
of the substantially concurrent issue and sale (other than to a Subsidiary of
the Company) of, Qualified Equity Interests of the Company; provided, however,
that any such net cash proceeds and the value of any Qualified Equity Interests
issued in exchange for such retired Equity Interests are excluded from clause
(c)(2) of the preceding paragraph (and were not included therein at any time)
and are not used to redeem the Notes pursuant to '--Optional Redemption' above;
(iii) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition for value of shares of
capital stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) or options
on such shares held by officers or employees or former officers or employees (or
their estates or beneficiaries under their estates) upon the death, disability,
retirement or termination of employment of such current or former officers or
employees pursuant to the terms of an employee benefit plan or any other
agreement pursuant to which such shares of capital stock or options were issued

or pursuant to a severance, buy-sell or right of first refusal agreement with
such current or former officer or employee; provided, however, that the
aggregate cash consideration paid, or distributions made, pursuant to this
clause (iii) do not in any one fiscal year exceed $1 million; and (iv)
Investments constituting Restricted Payments made as a result of the receipt of
non-cash consideration from any Asset Sale made pursuant to and in compliance
with '--Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales' below; provided however, that in
the case of each of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing or would arise therefrom.
 
     In determining the amount of Restricted Payments permissible under this
covenant, amounts expended pursuant to clauses (i) and (iv) of the immediately
preceding paragraph shall be included as Restricted Payments. The amount of any
non-cash Restricted Payment shall be deemed to be equal to the Fair Market Value
thereof at the date of the making of such Restricted Payment.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
     Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting
Subsidiaries.  The Company shall not, and shall not cause or permit any
Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause
or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of any Subsidiary of the Company to (a) pay dividends or make any other
distributions to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company on its
Equity Interests or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or
measured by, its profits, or pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any
other Subsidiary of the Company, (b) make loans or advances to, or guarantee any
Indebtedness or other obligations of, or make any Investment in, the Company or
any other Subsidiary of the Company or (c) transfer any of its properties or
assets to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company, except for such
encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) the Revolving
Credit Facility as in effect on the Issue Date, any other agreement of the
Company or its Subsidiaries outstanding on the Issue Date as in effect on the
Issue Date and any other agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries
outstanding from time to time governing Senior Indebtedness provided that such
encumbrances or restrictions are no more adverse to the Company than those
contained in the Revolving Credit Facility as in effect on the Issue Date, and
any amendments, restatements, renewals, replacements or refinancings thereof;
provided, however, that any such amendment, restatement, renewal, replacement or
refinancing is no more restrictive with respect to such encumbrances or
restrictions than those contained in the agreement being amended, restated,
reviewed, replaced or refinanced; (ii) applicable law; (iii) any instrument
governing Indebtedness or Equity Interests of an Acquired Person acquired by the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company as in effect at the time of such
acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness was Incurred by such
Acquired Person in connection with, as a result of or in contemplation of such
acquisition); provided, however, that such encumbrances and restrictions are not
applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, or the properties or
assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, other than the Acquired
Person; (iv) customary non-assignment provisions in leases entered into in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices; (v) Purchase
Money Indebtedness for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that
only imposes encumbrances and restrictions on the property so acquired; (vi) any
agreement for the sale or disposition of the Equity Interests or assets of any

Subsidiary of the Company; provided, however, that such encumbrances and
restrictions described in this clause (vi) are only applicable to such
Subsidiary or assets, as applicable, and any such sale or disposition is made in
compliance with 'Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales' below to the extent
applicable thereto; (vii) refinancing Indebtedness permitted under clause (g) of
the second paragraph of 'Limitation on Indebtedness' above; provided, however,
that such encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements governing
such Indebtedness are no more restrictive in the aggregate than those contained
in the agreements governing such Indebtedness being refinanced immediately prior
to such refinancing; or (viii) the Indenture.
 
     Limitation on Liens.  The Company shall not, and shall not cause or permit
any Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Liens of any
kind against or upon any of their respective properties or assets now owned or
hereafter acquired, or any proceeds therefrom or any income or profits
therefrom, to secure any Indebtedness unless contemporaneously therewith
effective provision is made to secure the Notes and all other amounts due under
the Indenture, equally and ratably with such Indebtedness (or, in the event that
such Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes prior to such
Indebtedness) with a Lien on the same properties and assets securing such
Indebtedness for so long as such Indebtedness is secured by such Lien, except
for (i) Liens securing Senior Indebtedness and (ii) Permitted Liens.
 
     Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales.  The Company shall not, and shall
not cause or permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly,
make any Asset Sale, unless (i) the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may
be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the
Fair Market Value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of and (ii) at least
85% of such consideration consists of (A) cash or Cash Equivalents or (B)
properties and capital assets that replace the properties and assets that were
the subject of such Asset Sale or in properties and capital assets that will be
used in the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as existing on the
Issue Date or in businesses reasonably related thereto (as determined in good
faith by the Company's Board
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
of Directors) ('Replacement Assets'), provided that if the property or assets
subject to such Asset Sale were directly owned by the Company such Replacement
Assets also shall be so directly owned. The amount of any Indebtedness (other
than any Subordinated Indebtedness) of the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company that is actually assumed by the transferee in such Asset Sale and from
which the Company and its Subsidiaries are fully and unconditionally released
shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of determining the percentage of cash
consideration received by the Company or its Subsidiaries.
 
     The Company or such Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, may (i)
apply the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale within 180 days of receipt thereof
to repay Senior Indebtedness and permanently reduce any related commitment, or
(ii) make an Investment in Replacement Assets; provided, however, that such
Investment occurs or the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company enters into
contractual commitments to make such Investment, subject only to customary
conditions (other than the obtaining of financing), on or prior to the 180th day
following the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds and Net Cash Proceeds

contractually committed are so applied within 270 days following the receipt of
such Net Cash Proceeds.
 
     To the extent all or part of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale are
not applied as described in clause (i) or (ii) of the immediately preceding
paragraph within the time periods set forth therein (the 'Net Proceeds
Utilization Date') (such Net Cash Proceeds, the 'Unutilized Net Cash Proceeds'),
the Company shall, within 20 days after such Net Proceeds Utilization Date, make
an Offer to Purchase all outstanding Notes up to a maximum principal amount
(expressed as a multiple of $1,000) of Notes equal to such Unutilized Net Cash
Proceeds, at a purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the Purchase Date;
provided, however, that the Offer to Purchase may be deferred until there are
aggregate Unutilized Net Cash Proceeds equal to or in excess of $5 million, at
which time the entire amount of such Unutilized Net Cash Proceeds, and not just
the amount in excess of $5 million, shall be applied as required pursuant to
this paragraph.
 
     With respect to any Offer to Purchase effected pursuant to this covenant,
among the Notes, to the extent the aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered
pursuant to such Offer to Purchase exceeds the Unutilized Net Cash Proceeds to
be applied to the repurchase thereof, such Notes shall be purchased pro rata
based on the aggregate principal amount of such Notes tendered by each Holder.
To the extent the Unutilized Net Cash Proceeds exceed the aggregate amount of
Notes tendered by the Holders of the Notes pursuant to such Offer to Purchase,
the Company may retain and utilize any portion of the Unutilized Net Cash
Proceeds not required to be applied to repurchase Notes tendered pursuant to
such Offer for any purpose consistent with the other terms of the Indenture.
 
     In the event that the Company makes an Offer to Purchase the Notes, the
Company shall comply with any applicable securities laws and regulations,
including any applicable requirements of Section 14(e) of, and Rule 14e-1 under,
the Exchange Act, and any violation of the provisions of the Indenture relating
to such Offer to Purchase occurring as a result of such compliance shall not be
deemed an Event of Default or an event that with the passing of time or giving
of notice, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
 
     Each Holder shall be entitled to tender all or any portion of the Notes
owned by such Holder pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, subject to the
requirement that any portion of a Note tendered must be tendered in an integral
multiple of $1,000 principal amount and subject to any proration among tendering
Holders as described above.
 
     Merger, Sale of Assets, etc.  The Indenture will provide that the Company
shall not consolidate with or merge with or into any other entity and the
Company shall not and shall not cause or permit any Subsidiary to, sell, convey,
assign, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the
Company's and its Subsidiaries' properties and assets (determined on a
consolidated basis for the Company and its Subsidiaries) to any entity in a
single transaction or series of related transactions, unless: (i) either (x) the
Company shall be the Surviving Person or (y) the Surviving Person (if other than
the Company) shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the
laws of the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of
Columbia, and shall, in any such case, expressly

 
                                       53
<PAGE>
assume by a supplemental indenture, the due and punctual payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes and the performance
and observance of every covenant of the Indenture and the Registration Rights
Agreement to be performed or observed on the part of the Company; and (ii)
immediately thereafter, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing.
 
     For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or
otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or
substantially all the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the
Company the Equity Interests of which constitutes all or substantially all the
properties and assets of the Company shall be deemed to be the transfer of all
or substantially all the properties and assets of the Company.
 
     Transactions with Affiliates.  The Company shall not, and shall not cause
or permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly, conduct any
business or enter into any transaction (or series of related transactions) with
or for the benefit of any of their respective Affiliates or any officer,
director or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (each an
'Affiliate Transaction'), unless (i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms
which are no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may
be, than would be available in a comparable transaction with an unaffiliated
third party and (ii) if such Affiliate Transaction (or series of related
Affiliate Transactions) involves aggregate payments or other consideration
having a Fair Market Value in excess of $500,000, such Affiliate Transaction is
in writing and a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors
of the Company shall have approved such Affiliate Transaction and determined
that such Affiliate Transaction complies with the foregoing provisions. In
addition, any Affiliate Transaction involving aggregate payments or other
consideration having a Fair Market Value in excess of $2.5 million will also
require a written opinion from an Independent Financial Advisor (filed with the
Trustee) stating that the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are fair, from a
financial point of view, to the Company or its Subsidiaries involved in such
Affiliate Transaction, as the case may be.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the restrictions set forth in this covenant
shall not apply to (i) transactions with or among the Company and any Wholly
Owned Subsidiary or between or among Wholly Owned Subsidiaries; (ii) reasonable
fees and compensation paid to and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers,
directors, employees or agents of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
as determined in good faith by the Company's Board of Directors; (iii) any
transactions undertaken pursuant to any contractual obligations in existence on
the Issue Date (as in effect on the Issue Date); and (iv) any Restricted
Payments made in compliance with 'Limitation on Restricted Payments' above.
 
     Limitation on the Sale or Issuance of Equity Interests of
Subsidiaries.  The Company shall not sell any Equity Interest of a Subsidiary of
the Company, and shall not cause or permit any Subsidiary of the Company,
directly or indirectly, to issue or sell or have outstanding any Equity
Interests, except to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company is permitted to sell all the Equity Interest of a

Subsidiary of the Company as long as the Company is in compliance with the terms
of the covenant described under 'Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales' and, if
applicable, 'Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc.' above.
 
     Provision of Financial Information.  Whether or not the Company is subject
to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision
thereto, the Company shall file with the SEC (if permitted by SEC practice and
applicable law and regulations) the annual reports, quarterly reports and other
documents which the Company would have been required to file with the SEC
pursuant to such Section 13(a) or 15(d) or any successor provision thereto if
the Company were so subject, such documents to be filed with the SEC on or prior
to the respective dates (the 'Required Filing Dates') by which the Company would
have been required so to file such documents if the Company were so subject. The
Company shall also in any event (a) within 15 days of each Required Filing Date
(whether or not permitted or required to be filed with the SEC) (i) transmit (or
cause to be transmitted) by mail to all Holders, as their names and addresses
appear in the Note register, without cost to such Holders, and (ii) file with
the Trustee, copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents
which the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to the preceding
sentence, or, if such filing is not so permitted, information and data of a
similar nature, and (b) if, notwithstanding the preceding
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
sentence, filing such documents by the Company with the SEC is not permitted by
SEC practice or applicable law or regulations, promptly upon written request
supply copies of such documents to any Holder. In addition, for so long as any
Notes remain outstanding and prior to the later of the consummation of the
Exchange Offer and the filing of the Initial Shelf Registration Statement, if
required, the Company will furnish to the Holders and to securities analysts and
prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be
delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act, and, to any
beneficial holder of Notes, if not obtainable from the SEC, information of the
type that would be filed with the SEC pursuant to the foregoing provisions, upon
the request of any such Holder.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     The occurrence of any of the following will be defined as an 'Event of
Default' under the Indenture: (a) failure to pay principal of (or premium, if
any, on) any Note when due (whether or not prohibited by the provisions of the
Indenture described under 'Subordination of the Notes' above); (b) failure to
pay any interest on any Note when due, continued for 30 days or more (whether or
not prohibited by the provisions of the Indenture described under 'Subordination
of the Notes' above); (c) default in the payment of principal of or interest on
any Note required to be purchased pursuant to any Offer to Purchase required by
the Indenture when due and payable or failure to pay on the Purchase Date the
Purchase Price for any Note validly tendered pursuant to any Offer to Purchase
(whether or not prohibited by the provisions of the Indenture described under
'Subordination of the Notes' above); (d) failure to perform or comply with any
of the provisions described under 'Certain Covenants-Merger, Sale of Assets,
etc.' above; (e) failure to perform any other covenant, warranty or agreement of
the Company under the Indenture or in the Notes, continued for 30 days or more
after written notice to the Company by the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in

aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; (f) default or defaults
under the terms of one or more instruments evidencing or securing Indebtedness
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries having an outstanding principal amount
of $5.0 million or more individually or in the aggregate that has resulted in
the acceleration of the payment of such Indebtedness or failure by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries to pay principal when due at the stated maturity of
any such Indebtedness and such default or defaults shall have continued after
any applicable grace period and shall not have been cured or waived; (g) the
rendering of a final judgment or judgments (not subject to appeal) against the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount of $5.0 million or more (net of
any amounts covered by reputable and creditworthy insurance companies) which
remains undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days after the date on which
the right to appeal has expired; or (h) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency
or reorganization affecting the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries.
 
     Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Notes, unless
such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to
such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee, the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes will have the
right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on
such Trustee.
 
     If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes (other than an Event of
Default described in clause (h) of the preceding paragraph) occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding Notes, by notice in writing to the Company may declare
the unpaid principal of (and premium, if any) and accrued interest to the date
of acceleration on all the outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately
and, upon any such declaration, such principal amount (and premium, if any) and
accrued interest, notwithstanding anything contained in the Indenture or the
Notes to the contrary, will become immediately due and payable. If an Event or
Default specified in clause (h) of the preceding paragraph occurs under the
Indenture, the Notes will ipso facto become immediately due and payable without
any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder of the
Notes.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
     Any such declaration with respect to the Notes may be rescinded and
annulled by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes upon the conditions provided in the Indenture. For information
as to waiver of defaults, see 'Modification and Waiver' below.
 
     The Indenture provides that the Trustee shall, within 30 days after the
occurrence of any Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes
outstanding, give the Holders of the Notes thereof notice of all uncured
Defaults or Events of Default thereunder known to it; provided, however, that,
except in the case of a Default or an Event of Default in payment with respect
to the Notes or a Default or Event of Default in complying with 'Certain
Covenants-Merger, Sale of Assets, etc.' above, the Trustee shall be protected in

withholding such notice if and so long as a committee of its trust officers in
good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of
the Holders of the Notes.
 
     No Holder of any Note will have any right to institute any proceeding with
respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall
have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of
Default thereunder and unless the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes shall have made written request, and
offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding, and
the Trustee shall have not have received from the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of such outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent
with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60
days. However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a Holder of
such a Note for enforcement of payment of the principal of and premium, if any,
or interest on such Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in such
Note.
 
     The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement
as to the performance by the Company of certain of its obligations under the
Indenture and as to any default in such performance.
 
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, INCORPORATOR, MANAGER
AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
     No director, officer, employee, incorporator, manager or stockholder of the
Company or any of its Affiliates, as such, shall have any liability for any
obligations of the Company under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim
based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.
Each holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.
The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.
 
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
     The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have its
obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes ('Legal
Defeasance'). Such Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to
have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding
Notes, except for (i) the rights of Holders to receive payments in respect of
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments
are due, (ii) the Company's obligations with respect to the Notes concerning
issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payments, (iii) the
rights, powers, trust, duties and immunities of the Trustee and the Company's
obligations in connection therewith and (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of
the Indenture. In addition, the Company may, at its option and at any time,
elect to have the obligations of the Company released with respect to certain
covenants that are described in the Indenture ('Covenant Defeasance') and
thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a
Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant
Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy,
receivership, reorganization and insolvency events) described under 'Events of
Default' will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the
Notes.

 
     In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i)
the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit
of the Holders cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. government obligations,
or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion
of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the stated date for
payment thereof or on the applicable
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
redemption date, as the case may be; (ii) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United
States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (A) the Company has
received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a
ruling or (B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the
applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based
thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the Holders will not
recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of
such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same
amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; (iii) in the case of Covenant
Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of
counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming
that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal
income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; (iv) no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of
such deposit or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency
events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the
date of deposit; (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not
result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Indenture
or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
bound; (vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers'
certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent
of preferring the Holders over any other creditors of the Company or with the
intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of
the Company or others; (vii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all
conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the
Covenant Defeasance have been complied with; (viii) the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that (A) the trust
funds will not be subject to any rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness,
including, without limitation, those arising under the Indenture and (B)
assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Company between the date of deposit
and the 91st day following the date of the deposit and that no Holder is an
insider of the Company, after the 91st day following the date of the deposit,
the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally; and (ix) certain other customary conditions precedent are satisfied.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the opinion of counsel required by clause (ii)
above need not be delivered if all Notes not theretofore delivered to the

Trustee for cancellation (x) have become due and payable, (y) will become due
and payable on the maturity date within one year or (z) are to be called for
redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for
the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the
expense, of the Company.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Indenture and the Notes will be governed by the laws of the State of
New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
 
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
 
     Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in
connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes); provided,
however, that no such modification or amendment to the Indenture may, without
the consent of the Holder of each Note affected thereby, (a) change the maturity
of the principal of or any installment of interest on any such Note or alter the
optional redemption or repurchase provisions of any such Note or the Indenture
in a manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes; (b) reduce the principal amount
of (or the premium of) any such Note; (c) reduce the rate of or extend the time
for payment of interest on any such Note; (d) change the place or currency of
payment of principal of (or premium) or interest on any such Note; (e) modify
any provisions of the Indenture relating to the waiver
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
of past defaults (other than to add sections of the Indenture or the Notes
subject thereto) or the right of the Holders of Notes to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any such Note or the
modification and amendment provisions of the Indenture and the Notes (other than
to add sections of the Indenture or the Notes which may not be modified,
amended, supplemented or waived without the consent of each Holder affected);
(f) reduce the percentage of the principal amount of outstanding Notes necessary
for amendment to or waiver of compliance with any provision of the Indenture or
the Notes or for waiver of any Default in respect thereof; (g) waive a default
in the payment of principal of, interest on, or redemption payment with respect
to, the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders
thereof as provided in the Indenture and a waiver of the payment default that
resulted from such acceleration); (h) modify the ranking or priority of any Note
or modify the definition of Senior Indebtedness or amend or modify the
subordination provisions of the Indenture in any manner adverse to the Holders
of the Notes; or (i) modify the provisions of any covenant (or the related
definitions) in the Indenture requiring the Company to make an Offer to Purchase
in a manner materially adverse to the Holders of Notes affected thereby
otherwise than in accordance with the Indenture.
 
     The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
Notes, on behalf of all Holders of Notes, may waive compliance by the Company
with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. Subject to certain rights
of the Trustee, as provided in the Indenture, the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes, on behalf of all Holders, may waive any

past default under the Indenture (including any such waiver obtained in
connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes), except a
default in the payment of principal, premium or interest or a default arising
from failure to purchase any Notes tendered pursuant to an Offer to Purchase, or
a default in respect of a provision that under the Indenture cannot be modified
or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Note that is affected.
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
     Except during the continuance of a Default, the Trustee will perform only
such duties as are specifically set forth in the Indenture. During the existence
of a Default, the Trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it
under the Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as
a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such
person's own affairs.
 
     The Indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated by
reference therein contain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it
become a creditor of the Company or any other obligor upon the Notes, to obtain
payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by
it in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee is
permitted to engage in other transactions with the Company or an Affiliate of
the Company; provided, however, that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as
defined in the Indenture or in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate such
conflict or resign.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference
is made to the Indenture for a full definition of all such terms, as well as any
other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
 
     'Acquired Indebtedness' means Indebtedness of a Person (a) assumed in
connection with an Acquisition from such Person or (b) existing at the time such
Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Company or is merged or consolidated with or
into the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.
 
     'Acquired Person' means, with respect to any specified Person, any other
Person which merges with or into or becomes a Subsidiary of such specified
Person.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
     'Acquisition' means (i) any capital contribution (by means of transfers of
cash or other property to others or payments for property or services for the
account or use of others, or otherwise) by the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company to any other Person, or any acquisition or purchase of Equity Interests
of any other Person by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in either
case pursuant to which such Person shall become a Subsidiary of the Company or
shall be consolidated with or merged into the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company or (ii) any acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
of the assets of any Person which constitute substantially all of an operating
unit or line of business of such Person or which is otherwise outside of the
ordinary course of business.

 
     'Affiliate' of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, 'control'
(including, with correlative meanings, the terms 'controlling,' 'controlled by'
and 'under common control with'), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean
the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.
 
     'Asset Sale' means any direct or indirect sale, conveyance, transfer, lease
(that has the effect of a disposition) or other disposition (including, without
limitation, any merger, consolidation or sale-leaseback transaction) to any
Person other than the Company, in one transaction or a series of related
transactions, of (i) any Equity Interest of any Subsidiary of the Company (other
than directors' qualifying shares, to the extent mandated by applicable law);
(ii) any assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company which constitute
substantially all of an operating unit or line of business of the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company; or (iii) any other property or asset of the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company outside of the ordinary course of business
(including the receipt of proceeds paid on account of the loss of or damage to
any property or asset and awards of compensation for any asset taken by
condemnation, eminent domain or similar proceedings). For the purposes of this
definition, the term 'Asset Sale' shall not include (a) any transaction
consummated in compliance with 'Certain Covenants--Merger, Sale of Assets, etc.'
above and the creation of any Lien not prohibited by 'Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Liens' above; (b) sales of property or equipment that
has become worn out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise unsuitable for use in
connection with the business of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, as
the case may be; and (c) any transaction consummated in compliance with 'Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments' above. In addition, solely for
purposes of 'Certain Covenants--Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales' above,
any sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of (i) the Company's
cosmetic pencil business or (ii) any property or asset, whether in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, involving assets with a Fair
Market Value not in excess of $100,000 in any fiscal year, shall be deemed not
to be an Asset Sale.
 
     'Attributable Indebtedness' in respect of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted according
to GAAP at the cost of indebtedness implied in the lease) of the total
obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the
lease included in such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction (including any period for
which such lease has been extended).
 
     'Board Resolution' means, with respect to any Person, a duly adopted
resolution of the Board of Directors of such Person.
 
     'Capital Lease Obligation' means, at the time any determination thereof is
to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would
at such time be so required to be capitalized on the balance sheet in accordance
with GAAP.
 
     'Cash Equivalents' means: (a) U.S. dollars; (b) securities issued or

directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or
instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than six months from the
date of acquisition; (c) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits
with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition, bankers'
acceptances with maturities not exceeding six months and overnight bank
deposits, in each case with any domestic
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500 million; (d)
repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying
securities of the types described in clauses (b) and (c) above entered into with
any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (c)
above; (e) commercial paper rated P-1, A-1 or the equivalent thereof by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation, respectively, and in
each case maturing within six months after the date of acquisition; and (f) in
the case of any Subsidiary of the Company whose jurisdiction of incorporation is
not the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia,
Investments: (i) in direct obligations of the sovereign nation (or any agency
thereof) in which such foreign Subsidiary is organized and is conducting
business or in obligations fully and unconditionally guaranteed by such
sovereign nation (or any agency thereof) or (ii) of the type and maturity
described in clauses (a) and (b) above of foreign obligors, which Investment or
obligors (or the parents of such obligors) have ratings described in such
clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies.
 
     'Change of Control' means the occurrence of any of the following events
(whether or not approved by the Board of Directors of the Company): (i) any
Person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act,
including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of
securities within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other
than one or more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the 'beneficial owner' (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a Person
shall be deemed to have 'beneficial ownership' of all shares that any such
Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately
or only after the passage of time, upon the happening of an event or otherwise),
directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the total voting power of the then
outstanding Voting Equity Interests of the Company; (ii) the Company
consolidates with, or merges with or into, another Person (other than a Wholly
Owned Subsidiary) or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries sells, assigns,
conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated
basis) to any Person (other than the Company or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary),
other than any such transaction where immediately after such transaction the
Person or Persons that 'beneficially owned' (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5
under the Exchange Act, except that a Person shall be deemed to have 'beneficial
ownership' of all securities that such Person has the right to acquire, whether
such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time)
immediately prior to such transaction, directly or indirectly, a majority of the
total voting power of the then outstanding Voting Equity Interests of the
Company 'beneficially own' (as so determined), directly or indirectly, a
majority of the total voting power of the then outstanding Voting Equity
Interests of the surviving or transferee Person; (iii) during any period of two
consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted

the Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose
election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the
shareholders of the Company was approved by a vote of a majority of the
directors of the Company then still in office who were either directors at the
beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was
previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the
Board of Directors of the Company then in office; or (iv) the Company is
liquidated or dissolved or adopts a plan of liquidation or dissolution other
than in a transaction which complies with the provisions described under
'--Merger, Sale of Assets, etc.'
 
     'Change of Control Date' has the meaning set forth under 'Offer to Purchase
upon Change of Control' above.
 
     'Consolidated Coverage Ratio' as of any date of determination means the
ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA for the four quarter
period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior to the
date of such determination (the 'Four Quarter Period') to (ii) Consolidated
Interest Expense for such Four Quarter Period; provided, however, that (1) if
the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company has incurred any Indebtedness since
the beginning of such Four Quarter Period that remains outstanding on such date
of determination or if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the
Consolidated Coverage Ratio is an Incurrence of Indebtedness, Consolidated
EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such Four Quarter Period shall be
calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such Indebtedness as if
such Indebtedness had
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
been Incurred on the first day of such Four Quarter Period and the discharge of
any other Indebtedness repaid, repurchased or otherwise discharged with the
proceeds of such new Indebtedness as if such discharge had occurred on the first
day of such Four Quarter Period, (2) if since the beginning of such Four Quarter
Period the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall have made any Asset
Sale, the Consolidated EBITDA for such Four Quarter Period shall be reduced by
an amount equal to the Consolidated EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable
to the assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale for such Four Quarter
Period or increased by an amount equal to the Consolidated EBITDA (if negative)
directly attributable thereto for such Four Quarter Period and Consolidated
Interest Expense for such Four Quarter Period shall be reduced by an amount
equal to the Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company repaid, repurchased
or otherwise discharged with respect to the Company and its continuing
Subsidiaries in connection with such Asset Sale for such Four Quarter Period
(or, if the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of the Company are sold, the
Consolidated Interest Expense for such Four Quarter Period directly attributable
to the Indebtedness of such Subsidiary to the extent the Company and its
continuing Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Indebtedness after such
sale), (3) if since the beginning of such Four Quarter Period the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company (by merger or otherwise) shall have made an Investment
in any Subsidiary of the Company (or any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the
Company) or an acquisition of assets, including any acquisition of assets
occurring in connection with a transaction causing a calculation to be made
hereunder, which constitutes all or substantially all of an operating unit of a

business, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such Four
Quarter Period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto
(including the Incurrence of any Indebtedness) as if such Investment or
acquisition occurred on the first day of such Four Quarter Period and (4) if
since the beginning of such Four Quarter Period any Person (that subsequently
became a Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Company since the beginning of such Four Quarter Period) shall have made any
Asset Sale or any Investment or acquisition of assets that would have required
an adjustment pursuant to clause (2) or (3) above if made by the Company or a
Subsidiary of the Company during such Four Quarter Period, Consolidated EBITDA
and Consolidated Interest Expense for such Four Quarter Period shall be
calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Asset Sale,
Investment or acquisition of assets occurred on, with respect to any Investment
or acquisition, the first day of such Four Quarter Period and, with respect to
any Asset Sale, the day prior to the first day of such Four Quarter Period. For
purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to an
acquisition of assets, the amount of income or earnings relating thereto and the
amount of Consolidated Interest Expense associated with any Indebtedness
Incurred in connection therewith, the pro forma calculations shall be determined
in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act as in effect on the
date of such calculation. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest
and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Indebtedness
shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had
been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any
agreement under which Interest Rate Protection Obligations are outstanding
applicable to such Indebtedness if such agreement under which such Interest Rate
Protection Obligations are outstanding has a remaining term as at the date of
determination in excess of 12 months); provided, however, that the Consolidated
Interest Expense of the Company attributable to interest on any Indebtedness
Incurred under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall
be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the
Four Quarter Period.
 
     'Consolidated EBITDA' means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income
for such period, plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such
Consolidated Net Income: (i) Consolidated Income Tax Expense for such period;
(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period; and (iii) Consolidated
Non-cash Charges for such period less (A) all non-cash items increasing
Consolidated Net Income for such period and (B) all cash payments during such
period relating to non-cash charges that were added back in determining
Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
     'Consolidated Income Tax Expense' means, with respect to the Company for
any period, the provision for Federal, state, local and foreign income taxes
payable by the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
 
     'Consolidated Interest Expense' means, with respect to the Company for any
period, without duplication, the sum of (i) the interest expense of the Company
and its Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP, including, without limitation, (a) any amortization of
debt discount, (b) the net cost under Interest Rate Protection Obligations

(including any amortization of discounts), (c) the interest portion of any
deferred payment obligation, (d) all commissions, discounts and other fees and
charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance
financing, (e) all capitalized interest and all accrued interest, (f) non-cash
interest expense and (g) interest on Indebtedness of another Person that is
guaranteed by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company actually paid by the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and (ii) the interest component of
Capitalized Lease Obligations paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or
accrued by the Company and its Subsidiaries during such period as determined on
a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
 
     'Consolidated Net Income' means, for any period, the consolidated net
income (loss) of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that there
shall not be included in such Consolidated Net Income: (i) any net income (loss)
of any Person if such person is not a Subsidiary of the Company, except the
Company's equity in a net loss of any such Person for such period shall be
included in determining such Consolidated Net Income; (ii) any net income (loss)
of any person acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company in a
pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such
acquisition; (iii) any net income (but not loss) of any Subsidiary of the
Company if such Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly,
on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Subsidiary,
directly or indirectly, to the Company to the extent of such restrictions; (iv)
any gain or loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of any asset of the
Company or its Subsidiaries (including pursuant to any sale/leaseback
transaction) outside of the ordinary course of business including, without
limitation, on or with respect to Investments (and excluding dividends,
distributions or interest thereon); (v) any extraordinary gain or loss; (vi) the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles after the Issue Date; and
(vii) any restoration to income of any contingency reserve of an extraordinary,
non-recurring or unusual nature, except to the extent that provision for such
reserve was made out of Consolidated Net Income accrued at any time following
the Issue Date.
 
     'Consolidated Non-cash Charges' means, with respect to any Person, for any
period the sum of (A) depreciation, (B) amortization and (C) other non-cash
expenses of such Person and its Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of
such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP (excluding, for purposes of clause (C) only, such
charges which require an accrual of or a reserve for cash charges for any future
period.)
 
     'Currency Agreement' means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap
agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company against fluctuations in currency
values.
 
     'Default' means any event that is or with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both would be an Event of Default.
 
     'Designated Senior Indebtedness' means (a) any Indebtedness outstanding
under the Revolving Credit Facility and (b) any other Senior Indebtedness which,
at the time of determination, has an aggregate principal amount outstanding,
together with any commitments to lend additional amounts, of at least $25.0

million, if the instrument governing such Senior Indebtedness expressly states
that such Indebtedness is 'Designated Senior Indebtedness' for purposes of the
Indenture and a Board Resolution setting forth such designation by the Company
has been filed with the Trustee.
 
     'Disposition' means, with respect to any Person, any merger, consolidation
or other business combination involving such Person (whether or not such Person
is the Surviving Person) or the sale,
 
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assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or
substantially all of such Person's assets.
 
     'Disqualified Equity Interest' means any Equity Interest which, by its
terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which
it is exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening
of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund
obligation or otherwise, or redeemable, at the option of the holder thereof, in
whole or in part, or exchangeable into Indebtedness on or prior to the earlier
of the maturity date of the Notes or the date on which no Notes remain
outstanding.
 
     'Equity Interest' in any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights
to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or
interests in (however designated) corporate stock or other equity
participations, including partnership interests, whether general or limited, in
such Person, including any Preferred Equity Interests.
 
     'Exchange Act' means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.
 
     'Expiration Date' has the meaning set forth in the definition of 'Offer to
Purchase' below.
 
     'Fair Market Value' means, with respect to any asset, the price (after
taking into account any liabilities relating to such assets) which could be
negotiated in an arm's-length free market transaction, for cash, between a
willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of which is under any
compulsion to complete the transaction; provided, however, that the Fair Market
Value of any such asset shall be determined conclusively by the Board of
Directors of the Company acting in good faith, and shall be evidenced by
resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company delivered to the Trustee.
 
     'Four Quarter Period' has the meaning set forth in the definition of
'Consolidated Coverage Ratio' above.
 
     'GAAP' means, at any date of determination, generally accepted accounting
principles in effect in the United States which are applicable at the date of
determination and which are consistently applied for all applicable periods.
 
     'guarantee' means, as applied to any obligation, (i) a guarantee (other
than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary
course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of

such obligation and (ii) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, the practical effect of which is to assure in any way the payment or
performance (or payment of damages in the event of non-performance) of all or
any part of such obligation, including, without limiting the foregoing, the
payment of amounts drawn down by letters of credit.
 
     'Holders' means the registered holders of the Notes.
 
     'Incur' means, with respect to any Indebtedness or other obligation of any
Person, to create, issue, incur (including by conversion, exchange or
otherwise), assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such
Indebtedness or other obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP
or otherwise, of any such Indebtedness or other obligation on the balance sheet
of such Person (and 'Incurrence,' 'Incurred' and 'Incurring' shall have meanings
correlative to the foregoing). Indebtedness of any Acquired Person or any of its
Subsidiaries existing at the time such Acquired Person becomes a Subsidiary of
the Company (or is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company), whether or not such Indebtedness was Incurred in
connection with, as a result of, or in contemplation of, such Acquired Person
becoming a Subsidiary of the Company (or being merged into or consolidated with
the Company or any Subsidiary), shall be deemed Incurred at the time any such
Acquired Person becomes a Subsidiary or merges into or consolidates with the
Company or any Subsidiary.
 
     'Indebtedness' means (without duplication), with respect to any Person,
whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person and whether
or not contingent, (a) every obligation of such
 
                                       63
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Person for money borrowed; (b) every obligation of such Person evidenced by
bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations
incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses;
(c) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of
credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of
such Person; (d) every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the
deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts
payable incurred in the ordinary course of business and payable in accordance
with industry practices, or other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary
course of business); (e) every Capital Lease Obligation of such Person; (f)
every net obligation under Interest Rate Protection Obligations or similar
agreements or Currency Agreements of such Person; (g) Attributable Indebtedness;
(h) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (a) through (g) of
another Person and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in
either case, such Person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable for,
directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (i) any and all
deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of, or amendments, modifications
or supplements to, any liability of the kind described in any of the preceding
clauses (a) through (h) above. Indebtedness (i) shall not be calculated taking
into account any cash and cash equivalents held by such Person; (ii) shall not
include obligations of any Person (x) arising from the honoring by a bank or
other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument
inadvertently drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of
business, provided that such obligations are extinguished within two Business

Days of their incurrence, (y) resulting from the endorsement of negotiable
instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past business practices and (z) under stand-by letters of credit to the
extent collateralized by cash or Cash Equivalents; (iii) which provides that an
amount less than the principal amount thereof shall be due upon any declaration
of acceleration thereof shall be deemed to be Incurred or outstanding in an
amount equal to the accreted value thereof at the date of determination; and
(iv) shall not include obligations under performance bonds, performance
guarantees, surety bonds and appeal bonds, letters of credit or similar
obligations, incurred in the ordinary course of business.
 
     'Independent Financial Advisor' means a nationally recognized accounting,
appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant (i) which does not, and whose
directors, officers and employees or Affiliates do not, have a direct or
indirect financial interest in the Company and (ii) which, in the judgment of
the Board of Directors of the Company, is otherwise independent and qualified to
perform the task for which it is to be engaged.
 
     'Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding' means, with respect to any Person,
any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of such Person, or any bankruptcy,
reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding with respect to
such Person, whether voluntary or involuntary.
 
     'interest' means, with respect to the Notes, the sum of any cash interest
and any Liquidated Damages (as defined under 'Registration Rights' below) on the
Notes.
 
     'Interest Rate Protection Obligations' means, with respect to any Person,
the Obligations of such Person under (i) interest rate swap agreements, interest
rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements, and (ii) other
agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations
in interest rates.
 
     'Investment' means, with respect to any Person, any direct or indirect
loan, advance, guarantee or other extension of credit or capital contribution to
(by means of transfers of cash or other property or assets to others or payments
for property or services for the account or use of others, or otherwise), or
purchase or acquisition of capital stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other
securities or evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any other Person. For
purposes of the 'Limitation on Restricted Payments' covenant above, the amount
of any Investment shall be the original cost of such Investment, plus the cost
of all additions thereto, but without any other adjustments for increases or
decreases in value, or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs with respect to such
Investment; reduced by the payment of dividends or distributions in connection
with such Investment or any other amounts received in respect of such
Investment; provided, however, that no such payment of dividends or
distributions or receipt of any such other amounts shall reduce the amount of
any Investment if such payment of dividends or
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
distributions or receipt of any such amounts would be included in Consolidated
Net Income. In determining the amount of any Investment involving a transfer of
any property or asset other than cash, such property shall be valued at its fair

market value at the time of such transfer, as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors (or comparable body) of the Person making such transfer.
 
     'Issue Date' means the original issue date of the Notes.
 
     'Lien' means any lien, mortgage, charge, security interest, hypothecation,
assignment for security or encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional
sale or capital lease or other title retention agreement, any lease in the
nature thereof, and any agreement to give any security interest).
 
     'Maturity Date' means the date, which is set forth on the face of the
Notes, on which the Notes will mature.
 
     'Net Cash Proceeds' means the aggregate proceeds in the form of cash or
Cash Equivalents received by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in
respect of any Asset Sale, including all cash or Cash Equivalents received upon
any sale, liquidation or other exchange of proceeds of Asset Sales received in a
form other than cash or Cash Equivalents, net of (a) the direct costs relating
to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and
investment banking fees, and sales commissions) and any relocation expenses
incurred as a result thereof; (b) taxes paid or payable as a result thereof
(after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax
sharing arrangements); (c) amounts required to be applied to the repayment of
Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of
such Asset Sale; (d) amounts deemed, in good faith, appropriate by the Board of
Directors of the Company to be provided as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP,
against any liabilities associated with such assets which are the subject of
such Asset Sale; including, without limitation, pension and other
post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental
matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with
such Asset Sale, all as reflected in an officers' certificate delivered to the
Trustee (provided that the amount of any such reserves shall be deemed to
constitute Net Cash Proceeds at the time such reserves shall have been reversed
or are not otherwise required to be retained as a reserve); and (e) with respect
to Asset Sales by Subsidiaries, the portion of such cash payments attributable
to Persons holding a minority interest in such Subsidiary.
 
     'Net Proceeds Utilization Date' has the meaning set forth in the second
paragraph under 'Certain Covenants--Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales'
above.
 
     'Obligations' means any principal, interest (including, without limitation,
Post-Petition Interest), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursement
obligations, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation
governing any Indebtedness.
 
     'Offer' has the meaning set forth in the definition of 'Offer to Purchase'
below.
 
     'Offer to Purchase' means a written offer (the 'Offer') sent by or on
behalf of the Company by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to each holder at
his address appearing in the register for the Notes on the date of the Offer
offering to purchase up to the principal amount of Notes specified in such Offer
at the purchase price specified in such Offer (as determined pursuant to the

Indenture). Unless otherwise required by applicable law, the Offer shall specify
an expiration date (the 'Expiration Date') of the Offer to Purchase, which shall
be not less than 20 Business Days nor more than 60 days after the date of such
Offer, and a settlement date (the 'Purchase Date') for purchase of Notes to
occur no later than five Business Days after the Expiration Date. The Company
shall notify the Trustee at least 15 Business Days (or such shorter period as is
acceptable to the Trustee) prior to the mailing of the Offer of the Company's
obligation to make an Offer to Purchase, and the Offer shall be mailed by the
Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name and at the
expense of the Company. The Offer shall contain all the information required by
applicable law to be included therein. The Offer shall also contain information
concerning the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries which the Company in
good faith believes will enable such Holders to make an informed decision with
respect to the Offer to Purchase (which at a minimum will include (i) the most
recent annual and quarterly financial statements and 'Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
Results of Operations' contained in the documents required to be filed with the
Trustee pursuant to the Indenture (which requirements may be satisfied by
delivery of such documents together with the Offer), (ii) a description of
material developments in the Company's business subsequent to the date of the
latest of such financial statements referred to in clause (i) (including a
description of the events requiring the Company to make the Offer to Purchase),
(iii) if applicable, appropriate pro forma financial information concerning the
Offer to Purchase and the events requiring the Company to make the Offer to
Purchase and (iv) any other information required by applicable law to be
included therein). The Offer shall contain all instructions and materials
necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Offer to
Purchase. The Offer shall also state: (1) the Section of the Indenture pursuant
to which the Offer to Purchase is being made; (2) the Expiration Date and the
Purchase Date; (3) the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes
offered to be purchased by the Company pursuant to the Offer to Purchase
(including, if less than 100%, the manner by which such amount has been
determined pursuant to the Section of the Indenture requiring the Offer to
Purchase) (the 'Purchase Amount'); (4) the purchase price to be paid by the
Company for each $1,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes accepted for payment
(as specified pursuant to the Indenture) (the 'Purchase Price'); (5) that the
Holder may tender all or any portion of the Notes registered in the name of such
Holder and that any portion of a Note tendered must be tendered in an integral
multiple of $1,000 principal amount; (6) the place or places where Notes are to
be surrendered for tender pursuant to the Offer to Purchase; (7) that interest
on any Note not tendered or tendered but not purchased by the Company pursuant
to the Offer to Purchase will continue to accrue; (8) that on the Purchase Date
the Purchase Price will become due and payable upon each Note being accepted for
payment pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and that interest thereon shall cease
to accrue on and after the Purchase Date; (9) that each Holder electing to
tender all or any portion of a Note pursuant to the Offer to Purchase will be
required to surrender such Note at the place or places specified in the Offer
prior to the close of business on the Expiration Date (such Note being, if the
Company or the Trustee so requires, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the
Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in

writing); (10) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw all or any portion of
Notes tendered if the Company (or its Paying Agent) receives, not later than the
close of business on the fifth Business Day next preceding the Expiration Date,
a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of
the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder tendered, the
certificate number of the Note the Holder tendered and a statement that such
Holder is withdrawing all or a portion of his tender; (11) that (a) if Notes in
an aggregate principal amount less than or equal to the Purchase Amount are duly
tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the Company shall
purchase all such Notes and (b) if Notes in an aggregate principal amount in
excess of the Purchase Amount are tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the
Offer to Purchase, the Company shall purchase Notes having an aggregate
principal amount equal to the Purchase Amount on a pro rata basis (with such
adjustments as may be deemed appropriate so that only Notes in denominations of
$1,000 principal amount or integral multiples thereof shall be purchased); and
(12) that in the case of any Holder whose Note is purchased only in part, the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the
Holder of such Note without service charge, a new Note or Notes, of any
authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in an aggregate principal
amount equal to and in exchange for the unpurchased portion of the Note so
tendered.
 
     An Offer to Purchase shall be governed by and effected in accordance with
the provisions above pertaining to any Offer.
 
     'Opinion of Counsel' means a written opinion from legal counsel who is
reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or
counsel to the Company or the Trustee.
 
     'Permitted Holder' means Scott Rudolph and Arthur Rudolph and members of
either of their immediate families and trusts of which such persons are the
beneficiaries.
 
     'Permitted Indebtedness' has the meaning set forth in the second paragraph
of 'Certain Covenants-Limitation on Indebtedness' above.
 
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<PAGE>
     'Permitted Investments' means (a) Cash Equivalents; (b) Investments in
prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility
and workers' compensation, performance and other similar deposits; (c) Interest
Rate Protection Obligations and Currency Agreements; (d) Investments received in
connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers and
in settlement of delinquent obligations of, and other disputes with, customers
and suppliers, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business; (e)
Investments in the Company and direct or indirect loans, advances, guarantees or
other extensions of credit in the ordinary course of business to or on behalf of
a Subsidiary of the Company and cash Investments in a Person that, as a result
of or in connection with such Investment, is merged with or into or consolidated
with the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary; (f) Investments paid for in
Common Stock of the Company; and (g) loans or advances to officers or employees
of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business for bona
fide business purposes of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including travel and
moving expenses) not in excess of $1 million in the aggregate at any one time

outstanding.
 
     'Permitted Junior Securities' means any securities of the Company or any
other Person that are (i) equity securities without special covenants or (ii)
debt securities expressly subordinated in right of payment to all Senior
Indebtedness that may at the time be outstanding, to substantially the same
extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Notes are subordinated as provided
in the Indenture, in any event pursuant to a court order so providing and as to
which (a) the rate of interest on such securities shall not exceed the effective
rate of interest on the Notes on the date of the Indenture, (b) such securities
shall not be entitled to the benefits of covenants or defaults materially more
beneficial to the holders of such securities than those in effect with respect
to the Notes on the date of the Indenture and (c) such securities shall not
provide for amortization (including sinking fund and mandatory prepayment
provisions) commencing prior to the date six months following the final
scheduled maturity date of the Senior Indebtedness (as modified by the plan of
reorganization of readjustment pursuant to which such securities are issued).
 
     'Permitted Liens' means (a) Liens on property of a Person existing at the
time such Person is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company; provided, however, that such Liens were in existence
prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not secure any
property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company other than
the property or assets subject to the Liens prior to such merger or
consolidation; (b) Liens imposed by law such as carriers', warehousemen's and
mechanics' Liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of
business which secure payment of obligations not more than 30 days past due or
which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings; (c)
Liens existing on the Issue Date and Liens in favor of the lenders under the
Revolving Credit Facility; (d) Liens securing only the Notes; (e) Liens in favor
of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; (f) Liens for taxes,
assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or
that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently concluded; provided, however, that any reserve or
other appropriate provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall
have been made therefor; (g) easements, reservation of rights of way,
restrictions and other similar easements, licenses, restrictions on the use of
properties, or minor imperfections of title that in the aggregate are not
material in amount and do not in any case materially detract from the properties
subject thereto or interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the
Company and its Subsidiaries; (h) Liens resulting from the deposit of cash or
notes in connection with contracts, tenders or expropriation proceedings, or to
secure workers' compensation, surety or appeal bonds, costs of litigation when
required by law and public and statutory obligations or obligations under
franchise arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business; (i)
Liens securing Indebtedness consisting of Capitalized Lease Obligations,
Purchase Money Indebtedness, mortgage financings, industrial revenue bonds or
other monetary obligations, in each case incurred solely for the purpose of
financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or
installation of assets used in the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries,
or repairs, additions or improvements to such assets, provided, however, that
(I) such Liens secure Indebtedness in an amount not in excess of the original
purchase price or the original cost of any such assets or repair, addition or
improvements thereto (plus an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses

in connection with the incurrence of such
 
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Indebtedness), (II) such Liens do not extend to any other assets of the Company
or its Subsidiaries (and, in the case of repair, addition or improvements to any
such assets, such Lien extends only to the assets (and improvements thereto or
thereon) repaired, added to or improved), (III) the Incurrence of such
Indebtedness is permitted by 'Certain Covenants-Limitation on Indebtedness'
above and (IV) such Liens attach within 90 days of such purchase, construction,
installation, repair, addition or improvement; and (j) Liens to secure any
refinancings, renewals, extensions, modifications or replacements (collectively,
'refinancings') (or successive refinancings), in whole or in part, of any
Indebtedness secured by Liens referred to in the clauses above so long as such
Lien does not extend to any other property (other than improvements thereto).
 
     'Person' means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, limited liability company, limited liability
limited partnership, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof.
 
     'Post-Petition Interest' means, with respect to any Indebtedness of any
Person, all interest accrued or accruing on such Indebtedness after the
commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding against such Person in
accordance with and at the contract rate (including, without limitation, any
rate applicable upon default) specified in the agreement or instrument creating,
evidencing or governing such Indebtedness, whether or not, pursuant to
applicable law or otherwise, the claim for such interest is allowed as a claim
in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
 
     'Preferred Equity Interest,' in any Person, means an Equity Interest of any
class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of
dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over Equity
Interests of any other class in such Person.
 
     'principal' of a debt security means the principal of the security plus,
when appropriate, the premium, if any, on the security.
 
     'Public Equity Offering' means, with respect to the Company, an
underwritten public offering of Qualified Equity Interests of the Company
pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act
(excluding registration statements filed on Form S-8).
 
     'Purchase Amount' has the meaning set forth in the definition of 'Offer to
Purchase' above.
 
     'Purchase Date' has the meaning set forth in the definition of 'Offer to
Purchase' above.
 
     'Purchase Money Indebtedness' means Indebtedness of the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company Incurred for the purpose of financing in the ordinary
course of business all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of
construction or improvement of any property; provided, however, that the

aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness does not exceed the lesser of
the Fair Market Value of such property or such purchase price or cost, including
any refinancing of such Indebtedness that does not increase the aggregate
principal amount (or accreted amount, if less) thereof as of the date of
refinancing.
 
     'Purchase Price' has the meaning set forth in the definition of 'Offer to
Purchase' above.
 
     'Qualified Equity Interest' in any Person means any Equity Interest in such
Person other than any Disqualified Equity Interest.
 
     'Redemption Date' has the meaning set forth in the third paragraph of
'Optional Redemption' above.
 
     'Replacement Assets' has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph under
'Certain Covenants--Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales' above.
 
     'Revolving Credit Facility' means the credit and guarantee agreement, dated
as of the Issue Date, by and among the Company, the Subsidiaries of the Company
identified on the signature pages thereof and any Subsidiary of the Company that
is later added thereto, the lenders named therein, and The Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. as Agent, as amended, including any deferrals, renewals,
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
extensions, replacements, refinancings or refundings thereof, or amendments,
modifications or supplements thereto and any agreement providing therefor,
whether by or with the same or any other lender, creditor, group of lenders or
group of creditors, and including related notes, guarantee and note agreements
and other instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith.
 
     'Sale and Lease-Back Transaction' means any arrangement with any Person
providing for the leasing by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of any
real or tangible personal Property, which property has been or is to be sold or
transferred by the Company or such Subsidiary to such Person in contemplation of
such leasing.
 
     'SEC' means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
     'Senior Indebtedness' means, at any date, (a) all Obligations of the
Company under the Revolving Credit Facility; (b) all Interest Rate Protection
Obligations of the Company and all Obligations of the Company under Currency
Agreements; (c) all Obligations of the Company under stand-by letters of credit;
and (d) all other Indebtedness of the Company, including principal, premium, if
any, and interest (including Post-Petition Interest) on such Indebtedness,
unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness of the Company is Incurred
expressly provides that such Indebtedness for money borrowed is not senior or
superior in right of payment to the Notes, and all renewals, extensions,
modifications, amendments or refinancings thereof. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Senior Indebtedness shall not include (a) to the extent that it may
constitute Indebtedness, any Obligation for Federal, state, local or other
taxes; (b) any Indebtedness among or between the Company and any Subsidiary of
the Company or any Affiliate of the Company or any of such Affiliate's

Subsidiaries; (c) to the extent that it may constitute Indebtedness, any
Obligation in respect of any trade payable Incurred for the purchase of goods or
materials, or for services obtained, in the ordinary course of business; (d)
that portion of any Indebtedness that is Incurred in violation of the Indenture;
(e) Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes; (f) Indebtedness of the Company that is
expressly subordinate or junior in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of
the Company; (g) to the extent that it may constitute Indebtedness, any
obligation owing under leases (other than Capitalized Lease Obligations) or
management agreements; and (h) any obligation that by operation of law is
subordinate to any general unsecured obligations of the Company. No Indebtedness
shall be deemed to be subordinated to other Indebtedness solely because such
other Indebtedness is secured.
 
     'Significant Subsidiary' means, at any date of determination, (a) any
Subsidiary of the Company that, together with its Subsidiaries (i) for the most
recent fiscal year of the Company accounted for more than 10.0% of the
consolidated revenues of the Company and its Subsidiaries or (ii) as of the end
of such fiscal year, owned more than 10.0% of the consolidated assets of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, all as set forth on the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and the Subsidiaries for such year prepared in
conformity with GAAP, and (b) any Subsidiary of the Company which, when
aggregated with all other Subsidiaries of the Company that are not otherwise
Significant Subsidiaries and as to which any event described in clause (h) of
'Events of Default' above has occurred, would constitute a Significant
Subsidiary under clause (a) of this definition.
 
     'Stated Maturity' means, when used with respect to any Note or any
installment of interest thereon, the date specified in such Note as the fixed
date on which the principal of such Note or such installment of interest is due
and payable.
 
     'Subordinated Indebtedness' means, with respect to the Company, any
Indebtedness of the Company which is expressly subordinated in right of payment
to the Notes.
 
     'Subsidiary' means, with respect to any Person, (a) any corporation of
which the outstanding Voting Equity Interests having at least a majority of the
votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors shall at the time be
owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person, or (b) any other Person of which
at least a majority of Voting Equity Interests are at the time, directly or
indirectly, owned by such first named Person.
 
     'Surviving Person' means, with respect to any Person involved in or that
makes any Disposition, the Person formed by or surviving such Disposition or the
Person to which such Disposition is made.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
     'United States Government Obligations' means direct non-callable
obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which the full
faith and credit of the United States is pledged.
 
     'Unutilized Net Cash Proceeds' has the meaning set forth in the third
paragraph under 'Certain Covenants--Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales'

above.
 
     'Voting Equity Interests' means Equity Interests in a corporation or other
Person with voting power under ordinary circumstances entitling the holders
thereof to elect the Board of Directors or other governing body of such
corporation or Person.
 
     'Weighted Average Life to Maturity' means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the
products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required scheduled payment
of principal, including payment of final maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii)
the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse
between such date and the making of such payment, by (b) the then outstanding
aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness.
 
     'Wholly Owned Subsidiary' means any Subsidiary of the Company all of the
outstanding Voting Equity Interests (other than directors' qualifying shares) of
which are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.
 
                                       70

<PAGE>
                              REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
     The following description of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement
is a summary only, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to all provisions of the Exchange and Registration Rights
Agreement, a copy of the form of which is available from the Initial Purchaser
upon request.
 
     The Company and the Initial Purchaser will enter into the Exchange and
Registration Rights Agreement prior to or concurrently with the issuance of the
Notes offered hereby (the 'Issue Date'). Pursuant to the Exchange and
Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will agree to (i) file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission') on or prior to 60 days
after the Issue Date a registration statement on Form S-1 or Form S-4, if the
use of such form is then available, or any other available form (the 'Exchange
Offer Registration Statement'), relating to a registered exchange offer (the
'Exchange Offer') for the Notes under the Securities Act and (ii) use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be
declared effective under the Securities Act within 150 days after the Issue
Date. As soon as practicable after the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement, the Company will offer to the holders of Transfer
Restricted Securities (as defined) who are not prohibited by any law or policy
of the Commission from participating in the Exchange Offer the opportunity to
exchange their Transfer Restricted Securities for an issue of a second series of
notes (the 'Exchange Notes'), identical in all material respects to the Notes
(except that the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer
restrictions), that would be registered under the Securities Act. The Company
will keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than 30 days (or longer, if
required by applicable law) after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is
mailed to the holders of the Notes. If a change in law or applicable
interpretations of the staff of the Commission do not permit the Company to
effect the Exchange Offer or do not permit any holder of the Notes (including
the Initial Purchaser) to participate in the Exchange Offer, the Company will
use its reasonable best efforts to file with the Commission a shelf registration
statement (the 'Shelf Registration Statement') to cover resales of Transfer
Restricted Securities by such holders who satisfy certain conditions relating to
the provision of information in connection with the Shelf Registration
Statement. For purposes of the foregoing, 'Transfer Restricted Securities' means
each Note until (i) the date on which such Note has been exchanged for a freely
transferable Exchange Note in the Exchange Offer; (ii) the date on which such
Note has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in
accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement; or (iii) the date on which
such Note is distributed to the public in accordance with Rule 144 under the
Securities Act or is salable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.
 
     The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to have the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement
(each, a 'Registration Statement') declared effective by the Commission as
promptly as practicable after the filing thereof. Unless the Exchange Offer
would not be permitted by a policy of the Commission, the Company will commence
the Exchange Offer and will use its reasonable best efforts to consummate the
Exchange Offer as promptly as practicable, but in any event prior to 185 days
after the Issue Date. If applicable, the Company will use its best efforts to

keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective for a period of two years after
the Issue Date, or such shorter period as may be required to permit Holders to
sell the Notes in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act. If (i)
either an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement
is not filed with the Commission on or prior to 60 days after the Issue Date;
(ii) either an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or a Shelf Registration
Statement is not declared effective within 150 days after the Issue Date; or
(iii) the Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to 185 days after the
Issue Date in respect of tendered Notes and a Shelf Registration Statement has
not been declared effective or a Shelf Registration Statement is filed and
declared effective within 150 days after the Issue Date but shall thereafter
cease to be effective (at any time that the Company is obligated to maintain the
effectiveness thereof) without being succeeded within 60 days by an additional
Registration Statement filed and declared effective (each such event referred to
in clauses (i) through (iii), a 'Registration Default'), the Company will pay
liquidated damages ('Liquidated Damages') to each holder of Transfer Restricted
Securities, during the period
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
of one or more such Registration Defaults, in an amount equal to $0.192 per week
per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes constituting Transfer Restricted
Securities held by such holder until a Registration Statement is filed, an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement is
declared effective or the Exchange Offer is consummated or the Shelf
Registration Statement is declared effective or again becomes effective, as the
case may be. All accrued Liquidated Damages shall be paid to holders in the same
manner as interest payments on the Notes on semi-annual payment dates which
correspond to interest payment dates for the Notes. Following the cure of all
Registration Defaults, the accrual of Liquidated Damages will cease.
 
     The Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement also will provide that the
Company (i) shall make available for a period of 180 days after the consummation
of the Exchange Offer a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities
Act to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale of any such
Exchange Notes and (ii) shall pay all expenses incident to the Exchange Offer
(including the expense of one counsel to the holders of the Notes) and will
indemnify certain holders of the Notes (including any broker-dealer) against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. A
broker-dealer which delivers such a prospectus to purchasers in connection with
such resales will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under
the Securities Act and will be bound by the provisions of the Exchange and
Registration Rights Agreement (including certain indemnification rights and
obligations).
 
     Each holder of Notes who wishes to exchange such Notes for Exchange Notes
in the Exchange Offer will be required to make certain representations,
including representations that (i) any Exchange Notes to be received by it will
be acquired in the ordinary course of its business; (ii) it has no arrangement
or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the
Exchange Notes and (iii) it is not an affiliate of the Company or an Exchanging
Dealer (as defined) not complying with the requirements of the next paragraph,
or if it is an affiliate, that it will comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable.

 
     If the holder is not a broker-dealer, it will be required to represent that
it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution of the
Exchange Notes. If the holder is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange
Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes that were acquired as a result
of market-making activities or other trading activities (an 'Exchanging
Dealer'), it will be required to acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus
in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes.
 
     Holders of the Notes will be required to make certain representations to
the Company (as described above) in order to participate in the Exchange Offer
and will be required to deliver information to be used in connection with the
Shelf Registration Statement in order to have their Notes included in the Shelf
Registration Statement and benefit from the provisions regarding Liquidated
Damages set forth in the preceding paragraphs. A holder who sells Notes pursuant
to the Shelf Registration Statement generally will be required to be named as a
selling securityholder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to
purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under
the Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound by the
provisions of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement which are
applicable to such a holder (including certain indemnification obligations).
 
     For so long as the Notes are outstanding, the Company will continue to
provide to holders of the Notes and to prospective purchasers of the Notes the
information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act ('Rule 144A').
The Company will provide a copy of the Exchange and Registration Rights
Agreement to prospective purchasers of Notes identified to the Company by the
Initial Purchaser upon request.
 
                                       72

<PAGE>
                             TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
 
     Each purchaser of Notes from the Initial Purchaser, by its acceptance
thereof, will be deemed to have acknowledged, represented to and agreed with the
Company and the Initial Purchaser as follows:
 
     1. It understands and acknowledges that the Notes have not been registered
under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law, and that the
Notes are being offered for resale in transactions not requiring registration
under the Securities Act or any other securities laws, including sales pursuant
to Rule 144A, and, unless so registered, may not be offered, sold or otherwise
transferred except in compliance with the registration requirements of the
Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws, pursuant to any
exemption therefrom or in a transaction not subject thereto and in each case in
compliance with the conditions for transfer set forth in paragraph (4) below.
 
     2. It is not an 'affiliate' (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities
Act) of the Company or acting on behalf of the Company and is a 'Qualified
Institutional Buyer,' as defined in Rule 144A ('QIB'), and is aware that any
sale of the Notes to it will be made in reliance on Rule 144A and such
acquisition will be for its own account or for the account of another QIB.
 
     3. It acknowledges that none of the Company, the Initial Purchaser nor any
person representing the Company or the Initial Purchaser has made any
representation to it with respect to the Company or the Offering, other than the
information contained in this Offering Memorandum, which has been delivered to
it and upon which it is relying in making its investment decision with respect
to the Notes. It has had access to such financial and other information
concerning the Company and the Notes as it has deemed necessary in connection
with its decision to purchase the Notes, including an opportunity to ask
questions of and request information from the Company and the Initial Purchaser.
 
     4. It is purchasing the Notes for its own account, or for one or more
investor accounts for which it is acting as a fiduciary or agent, in each case
not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution
thereof in violation of the Securities Act, subject to any requirement of law
that the disposition of its property or the property of such investor account or
accounts be at all times within its or their control and subject to its or their
ability to resell such Notes pursuant to Rule 144A or any exemption from
registration available under the Securities Act. It agrees on its own behalf and
on behalf of any investor account for which it is purchasing the Notes, and each
subsequent Holder of the Notes by its acceptance thereof will agree, to offer,
sell or otherwise transfer such Notes prior to the date which is two years after
the later of the date of original issue of the Notes and the last date that the
Company or any affiliate of the Company was the owner of such Notes (or any
predecessor thereto) (the 'Resale Restriction Termination Date') only (a) to the
Company, (b) pursuant to a registration statement that has been declared
effective under the Securities Act, (c) for so long as the Notes are eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, to a person it reasonably believes is a QIB
that purchases for its own account or for the account of a QIB to whom notice is
given that the transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, (d) to an
institutional 'Accredited Investor' within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2),
(3) or (7) under the Securities Act (an 'Institutional Accredited Investor')

that is purchasing for its own account or for the account of such an
Institutional Accredited Investor, in each case in a minimum principal amount of
the Notes of $250,000 or (e) pursuant to any other available exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act, subject in each of the
foregoing cases to any requirement of law that the disposition of its property
or the property of such investor account or accounts be at all times within its
or their control. The foregoing restrictions on resale will not apply subsequent
to the Resale Restriction Termination Date. If any resale or other transfer of
the Notes is proposed to be made pursuant to clause (d) above prior to the
Resale Restriction Termination Date, the transferor shall deliver a letter from
the transferee substantially in the form of Annex A hereto to the Company and
the Trustee, which shall provide, among other things, that the transferee is an
Institutional Accredited Investor that is acquiring such Notes not for
distribution in violation of the Securities Act. Each purchaser acknowledges
that the Company and the Trustee reserve the right prior to any offer, sale or
other transfer prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date of the Notes
pursuant to clauses (d) or (e) above to require the delivery of an opinion of
counsel, certifications and/or other information satisfactory to the Company and
the Trustee. Each purchaser acknowledges that each Note will contain a legend
substantially to the following effect:
 
     THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED (THE 'SECURITIES ACT'), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS
SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD,
ASSIGNED,
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH
REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO,
REGISTRATION.
 
     THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES TO OFFER, SELL
OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE 'RESALE RESTRICTION
TERMINATION DATE') WHICH IS TWO YEARS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE
HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS
THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY), ONLY (A) TO
THE ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED
EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE
ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS
A 'QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER' AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED
INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN
RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL 'ACCREDITED INVESTOR' WITHIN THE
MEANING OF RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT IS
ACQUIRING THE SECURITY FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, IN EACH CASE IN A MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
THE SECURITIES OF $250,000, FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO OR
FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE
SECURITIES ACT, OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER'S AND THE
TRUSTEE'S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES
(D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION
AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND IN THE CASE OF THE

FOREGOING CLAUSE (D), A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER (A FORM OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED
FROM THE ISSUER OR THE TRUSTEE) COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR TO THE
ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE
HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.
 
     5. It acknowledges that the Company, the Initial Purchaser and others will
rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing acknowledgments,
representations and agreements and agrees that, if any of the acknowledgments.
representations or agreements deemed to have been made by it by its purchase of
Notes is no longer accurate, it shall promptly notify the Company and the
Initial Purchaser. If it is acquiring any Notes as a fiduciary or agent for one
or more investor accounts, it represents that it has sole investment discretion
with respect to each such account and that it has full power to make the
foregoing acknowledgments, representations and agreements on behalf of each such
account.
 
                                       74

<PAGE>
                         BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY AND FORM
 
     Except as described in the next paragraph, the Notes initially will be
represented by one or more permanent global certificates in definitive, duly
registered form (the 'Global Notes'). The Global Notes will be deposited on the
Issue Date with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New
York ('DTC') and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. The Global Notes
will be subject to certain restrictions on transfer set forth therein and will
bear the legend regarding such restrictions set forth under the heading
'Transfer Restrictions' herein.
 
     The Global Notes.  The Company expects that pursuant to procedures
established by DTC (i) upon the issuance of the Global Notes, DTC or its
custodian will credit, on its internal system, an interest in such Global Notes
to the respective accounts of persons who have accounts with DTC and (ii)
ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the
transfer of such ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by
DTC or its nominee (with respect to interests of participants) and the records
of participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants).
Such accounts initially will be designated by or on behalf of the Initial
Purchaser and ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be
limited to persons who have accounts with DTC ('participants') or persons who
hold interests through participants. QIBs and institutional Accredited Investors
who are not QIBs may hold their interests in the Global Notes directly through
DTC if they are participants in such system, or indirectly through organizations
which are participants in such system.
 
     So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of the
Notes, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole
owner or holder of the Notes represented by such Global Notes for all purposes
under the Indenture. No beneficial owner of an interest in the Global Notes will
be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with DTC's procedures, in
addition to those provided for under the Indenture with respect to the Notes.
 
     Payments of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Global
Notes will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered
owner thereof. None of the Company, the Trustee or any Paying Agent will have
any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes
or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such
beneficial ownership interest.
 
     The Company expects that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of
principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Global Notes, will credit
participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the Global Notes as
shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. The Company also expects that
payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes
held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practice, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. Such payments
will be the responsibility of such participants.
 

     Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way
through DTC's same-day funds system in accordance with DTC rules and will be
settled in same-day funds. If a holder requires physical delivery of a
Certificated Security for any reason, including to sell Notes to persons in
states that require physical delivery of the Notes, or to pledge such
securities, such holder must transfer its interest in a Global Note in
accordance with the normal procedures of DTC and with the procedures set forth
in the Indenture.
 
     DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a Holder of Notes (including the presentation of Notes for exchange as
described below) only at the direction of one or more participants to whose
account the DTC interests in the Global Notes are credited and only in respect
of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of Notes as to which such
participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there
is an Event of Default under the Indenture, DTC will exchange the Global Notes
for Certificated Securities, which it will distribute to its participants and
which will be legended as set forth under the heading 'Transfer Restrictions.'
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
     DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a 'clearing corporation' within the meaning of the
Uniform Commercial Code and a 'Clearing Agency' registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry
changes in accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and certain other
organizations. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to others such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly
('indirect participants').
 
     Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in the Global Note among participants of DTC, it is under
no obligation to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be
discontinued at any time. Neither the Company nor the Trustee will have any
responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants or indirect
participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures
governing their operations.
 
     Certificated Securities.  If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as a depositary for the Global Note and a successor depositary is not
appointed by the Issuer within 90 days, Certificated Securities will be issued
in exchange for the Global Notes, which certificates will bear the legends
referred to under the heading 'Transfer Restrictions.'
 
                                       76

<PAGE>
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement
(the 'Purchase Agreement') by and between the Company and Chase Securities Inc.
(the 'Initial Purchaser'), the Company has agreed to sell to the Initial
Purchaser, and the Initial Purchaser has agreed to purchase, the entire
principal amount of the Notes.
 
     The Purchase Agreement provides that the obligations of the Initial
Purchaser thereunder are subject to certain conditions precedent, and that the
Initial Purchaser is committed to take and pay for all of the Notes, if any are
taken. The Company has agreed in the Purchase Agreement to indemnify the Initial
Purchaser, its employees, representatives, agents, partners and controlling
persons against certain liabilities in connection with the offer and sale of the
Notes, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to
payments that the Initial Purchaser may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
     The Initial Purchaser proposes to offer the Notes for resale in
transactions not requiring registration under the Securities Act or applicable
state securities laws, including sales pursuant to Rule 144A. The Initial
Purchaser proposes to offer the Notes for resale initially at the offering price
set forth on the cover page of this Offering Memorandum. After the initial
offering, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed at any time
without notice. The Initial Purchaser will not offer or sell the Notes except to
persons they reasonably believe to be QIBs. Each purchaser of the Notes offered
hereby in making its purchase will, by its purchase, be deemed to have made
certain acknowledgments, representations, warranties and agreements as set forth
under 'Transfer Restrictions.'
 
     The Notes have been designated for trading by QIBs in the PORTAL market.
The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be
offered or sold except as set forth above. The Initial Purchaser has advised the
Company that it currently intends to make a market in the Notes; however, it is
not obligated to do so and any market making may be discontinued by the Initial
Purchaser at any time without notice. In addition, such market making activity
may be limited during the Exchange Offer described below and the pendency of the
effectiveness of the applicable Registration Statement. Accordingly, no
assurance can be given as to the liquidity of or the trading market for the
Notes.
 
     The Company has covenanted with the Initial Purchaser that within 60 days
after the issuance of the Notes, the Company will file with the Commission an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to
an issue of Exchange Notes, will use its reasonable best efforts to cause such
Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities
Act within 150 days after the issuance of the Notes and, upon effectiveness of
that Exchange Offer Registration Statement, will offer to the holders of the
Notes the opportunity to exchange their Notes for a like principal amount of
Exchange Notes, which Exchange Notes will be issued without the legend described
above under 'Transfer Restrictions' and generally (other than by an affiliate)
may be reoffered and resold by the holder without restrictions or limitations
under the Securities Act. See 'Registration Rights.'
 

     The Chase Manhattan Bank, an affiliate of Chase Securities Inc., will be
administrative agent and a lender under the Revolving Credit Facility, will act
as Escrow Agent in connection with the Escrow Agreement and has issued letters
of credit in support of the Promissory Notes. See 'Description of the Revolving
Credit Facility,' 'Use of Proceeds' and 'The Transaction.' In addition, the
Initial Purchaser, or affiliates thereof, acted as financial advisor to the
Company in connection with the Acquisition and has participated, and in the
future may participate, in various investment banking, general financing and
banking transactions for the Company.
 
     In connection with the Offering of the Notes, the Initial Purchaser may
engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions and short covering
transactions in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering
size, which creates a short position for the Initial Purchaser. Stabilizing
transactions permit bids to
 
                                       77
<PAGE>
purchase the Notes in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or
maintaining the price of the Notes. Short covering transactions involve
purchases of the Notes in the open market after the distribution has been
completed in order to cover short positions. Such stabilizing transactions and
covering transactions may cause the price of the Notes to be higher than it
would otherwise be in the absence of such transactions. Such activities, if
commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, Washington, D.C. Certain legal matters in
connection with the Offering will be passed upon for the Initial Purchaser by
Cahill Gordon & Reindel (a partnership including a professional corporation),
New York, New York.
 
                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     The consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 1996 and 1995 and the
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1996 of NBTY, Inc. and
Subsidiaries included in this Offering Memorandum have been audited by Coopers &
Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, as stated in their report appearing
herein.
 
     The consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 1997 and 1996 and the
consolidated profit and loss accounts, statements of total recognized gains and
losses, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30,
1997 of Holland & Barrett Holdings Ltd. included in this Offering Memorandum
have been audited by KPMG, chartered accountants and registered auditors, as
stated in their report appearing herein.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     Each purchaser of the Notes from the Initial Purchaser will be furnished a

copy of this Offering Memorandum and any related amendments or supplements to
this Offering Memorandum. Each person receiving this Offering Memorandum
acknowledges that (i) such person has been afforded an opportunity to request
from the Company, and to review and has received, all additional information
considered by it to be necessary to verify the accuracy and completeness of the
information herein, (ii) such person has not relied on the Initial Purchaser or
any person affiliated with the Initial Purchaser in connection with its
investigation of the accuracy of such information or its investment decision and
(iii) except as provided pursuant to (i) above, no person has been authorized to
give any information or to make any representation concerning the Notes offered
hereby other than those contained herein and, if given or made, such other
information or representation should not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company or the Initial Purchaser.
 
     While any Notes remain outstanding the Company will make available, upon
request, to any holder and any prospective purchaser of Notes the information
required pursuant to Rule 144A(d) (4) under the Securities Act during any period
in which the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Any such request should be directed to Harvey Kamil, Secretary, NBTY, Inc., 90
Orville Drive, Bohemia, New York 11716-2510.
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. Such material may be inspected and copied at
prescribed rates at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission
at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549,
and at the following Regional Offices of the Commission: Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048; and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. The Commission maintains a Web site
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission, as does the Company; the address of such site is http://www.sec.gov.
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will furnish copies of the periodic
reports required to be filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act to the
holders of the Notes. If the Company is not subject to the periodic reporting
and informational requirements of the Exchange Act, it will, to the extent such
filings are accepted by the Commission, and whether or not the Company has a
class of securities registered under the Exchange Act, file with the Commission,
and provide the Trustee and the holders of the Notes within 15 days after such
filings with, annual reports containing the information required to be contained
in Form 10-K promulgated under the Exchange Act, quarterly reports containing
the information required to be contained in Form 10-Q promulgated under the
Exchange Act, and from time to time such other information as is required to be
contained in Form 8-K promulgated under the Exchange Act. If filing such reports
with the Commission is not accepted by the Commission or prohibited by the
Exchange Act, the Company will also provide copies of such reports, at its cost,
to prospective purchasers of the Notes promptly upon written request.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 

     The following documents, which have been filed by NBTY with the Commission,
are incorporated herein by reference:
 
          1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
     1996.
 
          2. Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended
     December 31, 1996, March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997.
 
          3. Report on Form 8-K, dated August 21, 1997.
 
     All documents filed by NBTY with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Offering
Memorandum and prior to the termination of the sale of the Notes offered hereby
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Offering Memorandum and
to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement
contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Offering Memorandum to the extent that a statement contained herein or in
any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this Offering Memorandum.
 
     NBTY will provide without charge to each person to whom this Offering
Memorandum is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a copy
of any or all of the documents which have been or may be incorporated by
reference in this Offering Memorandum, other than exhibits to such documents not
specifically described above. Requests for such documents should be directed to
Harvey Kamil, Executive Vice President and Secretary, at the address of NBTY.
 
                                       79

<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             PAGE
                                                                                                             ----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Accountants.........................................................................    F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 and 1995.............................................    F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994...................    F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994.....    F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 1996, 1995
  and 1994................................................................................................    F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................................................    F-8
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1997 (Unaudited) and September 30, 1996..............   F-18
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 1997 and
  1996....................................................................................................   F-19
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended
  June 30, 1997 and 1996..................................................................................   F-20
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements......................................................   F-22
 
HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
  (FORMERLY HOLLAND & BARRETT RETAIL LIMITED)
  A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG
Independent Auditors' Report..............................................................................   F-24
Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996
  and 1995................................................................................................   F-25
Consolidated Statements of Total Recognised Gains and Losses for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and
  1995....................................................................................................   F-26
Reconciliation of Movements in Group Shareholders' Funds for the Years Ended
  June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995............................................................................   F-26
Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1997 and 1996.....................................................   F-27
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the Years Ended June 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995........................   F-28
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements............................................................   F-29
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1

<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors of NBTY, Inc.:
 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of NBTY, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as listed on page F-1. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of NBTY,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended September 30, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Melville, New York
November 5, 1996
 
                                      F-2

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                          SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1996            1995
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>
                                    ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents....................................................   $  9,292,374    $ 10,378,476
  Short-term investments.......................................................     11,024,624
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $793,669 in 1996
    and $576,579 in 1995.......................................................     11,625,112      12,354,545
  Inventories..................................................................     38,070,071      36,972,592
  Deferred income taxes........................................................      3,155,163       1,846,875
  Prepaid catalog costs and other current assets...............................      5,682,874       6,170,243
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total current assets.......................................................     78,850,218      67,722,731
Property, plant and equipment, net.............................................     61,731,625      48,324,576
Intangible assets, net.........................................................      3,974,573       5,813,031
Other assets...................................................................        993,785       1,668,309
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total assets...............................................................   $145,550,201    $123,528,647
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
                     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations..............   $    934,887    $    358,675
  Accounts payable.............................................................     10,943,228      16,411,562
  Accrued expenses.............................................................     14,704,507      10,287,989
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total current liabilities..................................................     26,582,622      27,058,226
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
Long-term debt.................................................................     15,178,412       9,705,534
Obligations under capital leases...............................................      3,219,127       1,218,920
Deferred income taxes..........................................................      2,827,198       2,161,537
Other liabilities..............................................................        792,985         768,985
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total liabilities..........................................................     48,600,344      40,913,202
                                                                                  ------------    ------------

Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.008 par; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 20,079,676
    shares in 1996 and 19,207,676 shares in 1995 and outstanding 18,592,119
    shares in 1996 and 17,766,119 shares in 1995...............................        160,638         153,662
  Capital in excess of par.....................................................     56,012,910      54,151,206
  Retained earnings............................................................     44,008,465      30,656,586
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
                                                                                   100,182,013      84,961,454
  Less 1,487,557 and 1,441,557 treasury shares at cost, in 1996 and 1995,
    respectively...............................................................      2,648,256       2,346,009
  Stock subscriptions receivable...............................................        583,900
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total stockholders' equity.................................................     96,949,857      82,615,445
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................................   $145,550,201    $123,528,647
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-3

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                 YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996            1995            1994
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
 
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>             <C>
Net sales...................................................   $194,403,040    $178,759,871    $156,057,056
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales.............................................     95,638,272      93,875,162      79,891,302
  Catalog printing, postage and promotion...................     17,634,801      19,261,733      14,786,217
  Selling, general and administrative.......................     58,515,059      56,728,368      49,207,943
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                                171,788,132     169,865,263     143,885,462
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
Income from operations......................................     22,614,908       8,894,608      12,171,594
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
Other income (expenses):
  Interest, net.............................................     (1,445,036)     (1,084,331)       (913,583)
  Miscellaneous, net........................................      1,203,061         571,098       1,284,953
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                                   (241,975)       (513,233)        371,370
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
Income before income taxes..................................     22,372,933       8,381,375      12,542,964
Income taxes................................................      9,021,054       3,245,517       4,766,526
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
     Net income.............................................   $ 13,351,879    $  5,135,858    $  7,776,438
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
Net income per share........................................   $       0.67    $       0.26    $       0.38
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
Weighted average common shares outstanding..................     19,975,678      19,974,270      20,257,325
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                               ------------    ------------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-4

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                 YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 COMMON STOCK                                          TREASURY STOCK
                             ---------------------                                 -----------------------       STOCK
                             NUMBER OF                CAPITAL IN      RETAINED     NUMBER OF                 SUBSCRIPTIONS
                               SHARES      AMOUNT    EXCESS OF PAR    EARNINGS      SHARES       AMOUNT       RECEIVABLE
                             ----------   --------   -------------   -----------   ---------   -----------   -------------
<S>                          <C>          <C>        <C>             <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Balance, September 30,
  1993.....................  18,717,676   $149,742    $ 52,970,926   $17,744,290   1,213,404   $  (862,722)
  Net income for year ended
    September 30, 1994.....                                            7,776,438
  Expenses associated with
    prior year public
    offering of stock......                               (225,000)
  Exercise of stock
    options................      60,000        480          29,520
  Tax benefit from exercise
    of stock options.......                                433,200
                             ----------   --------   -------------   -----------   ---------   -----------   -------------
Balance, September 30,
  1994.....................  18,777,676    150,222      53,208,646    25,520,728   1,213,404      (862,722)
  Net income for year ended
    September 30, 1995.....                                            5,135,858
  Exercise of stock
    options................     430,000      3,440         211,560
  Tax benefit from exercise
    of stock options.......                                731,000
  Purchase of treasury
    stock, at cost.........                                                          228,153    (1,483,287)
                             ----------   --------   -------------   -----------   ---------   -----------   -------------
Balance, September 30,
  1995.....................  19,207,676    153,662      54,151,206    30,656,586   1,441,557    (2,346,009)
  Net income for year ended
    September 30, 1996.....                                           13,351,879
  Exercise of stock
    options................     872,000      6,976         587,904                                             $(583,900)
  Tax benefit from exercise
    of stock options.......                              1,273,800
  Purchase of treasury
    stock, at cost.........                                                           46,000      (302,247)
                             ----------   --------   -------------   -----------   ---------   -----------   -------------
Balance, September 30,
  1996.....................  20,079,676   $160,638    $ 56,012,910   $44,008,465   1,487,557   $(2,648,256)    $(583,900)
                             ----------   --------   -------------   -----------   ---------   -----------   -------------
                             ----------   --------   -------------   -----------   ---------   -----------   -------------

<CAPTION>
 
                                TOTAL
                             -----------
<S>                          <C>
Balance, September 30,
  1993.....................  $70,002,236
  Net income for year ended
    September 30, 1994.....    7,776,438
  Expenses associated with
    prior year public
    offering of stock......     (225,000)
  Exercise of stock
    options................       30,000
  Tax benefit from exercise
    of stock options.......      433,200
                             -----------
Balance, September 30,
  1994.....................   78,016,874
  Net income for year ended
    September 30, 1995.....    5,135,858
  Exercise of stock
    options................      215,000
  Tax benefit from exercise
    of stock options.......      731,000
  Purchase of treasury
    stock, at cost.........   (1,483,287)
                             -----------
Balance, September 30,
  1995.....................   82,615,445
  Net income for year ended
    September 30, 1996.....   13,351,879
  Exercise of stock
    options................       10,980
  Tax benefit from exercise
    of stock options.......    1,273,800
  Purchase of treasury
    stock, at cost.........     (302,247)
                             -----------
Balance, September 30,
  1996.....................  $96,949,857
                             -----------
                             -----------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-5

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1996            1995            1994
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income.................................................   $ 13,351,879    $  5,135,858    $  7,776,438
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
     operating activities:
     Loss on disposal/sale of property, plant and
       equipment.............................................            422         374,126             519
     Depreciation and amortization...........................      5,623,277       4,840,570       4,243,985
     Provision (recovery) for allowance for doubtful
       accounts..............................................        217,090         (17,943)         89,968
     Deferred income taxes...................................       (642,627)        684,426       3,046,493
     Changes in assets and liabilities:
       Accounts receivable...................................      1,615,504      (2,119,589)       (454,841)
       Inventories...........................................     (2,035,883)      4,453,583     (10,770,809)
       Income tax receivable.................................                      1,300,198       3,089,929
       Prepaid catalog costs and other current assets........        487,369        (264,253)     (2,297,276)
       Other assets..........................................        674,524       1,123,818      (2,465,151)
       Accounts payable......................................     (5,468,334)      3,160,180      (2,828,998)
       Accrued expenses......................................      5,690,318       2,809,518       3,226,894
       Other liabilities.....................................         24,000         274,999        (353,225)
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
          Net cash provided by operating activities..........     19,537,539      21,755,491       2,303,926
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
Cash flows from investment activities:
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment..................    (15,750,517)    (11,547,570)    (11,592,662)
  Increase in intangible assets..............................        (66,691)     (1,063,953)       (253,772)
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment........          4,270                          11,000
  Purchase of short-term investments.........................    (11,024,624)
  Receipt of payments on notes from sale of direct mail
     cosmetics business......................................        741,303
  Proceeds from sale of direct mail cosmetic business........        350,000
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
          Net cash used in investing activities..............    (25,746,259)    (12,611,523)    (11,835,434)
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net (payments) borrowings under line of credit agreement...                     (5,000,000)      5,000,000
  Borrowings under long-term debt agreements.................      6,000,000       2,400,000
  Principal payments under long-term debt agreements and
     capital leases..........................................       (586,115)       (797,799)       (221,307)
  Purchase of treasury stock.................................       (302,247)     (1,292,287)
  Proceeds from stock options exercised......................         10,980          24,000          30,000
  Proceeds from public offering, less expenses...............                                       (225,000)
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing
            activities.......................................      5,122,618      (4,666,086)      4,583,693
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents.........     (1,086,102)      4,477,882      (4,947,815)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...............     10,378,476       5,900,594      10,848,409
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.....................   $  9,292,374    $ 10,378,476    $  5,900,594
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Cash paid during the period for interest...................   $  1,454,380    $  1,085,647    $    913,145
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
  Cash paid during the period for income taxes...............   $  5,386,714    $  1,648,765    $  2,349,198
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                                ------------    ------------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-6

<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING INFORMATION:
 
          The Company entered into capital leases for machinery and equipment
     aggregating $2,635,412 during fiscal 1996 and $1,416,472 in fiscal 1995.
 
          During fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, options were exercised with shares
     of common stock issued to certain officers and directors. Accordingly, the
     tax benefit of approximately $1,274,000, $731,000 and $433,000 for the
     years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, was recorded
     as an increase in capital in excess of par and a reduction in taxes
     currently payable. (See Note 11.)
 
          On October 9, 1995, the Company sold certain assets of its direct-mail
     cosmetics business for approximately $2,495,000. The Company received
     $350,000 in cash and non-interest bearing notes aggregating approximately
     $2,145,000 for inventory, a customer list and other intangible assets. The
     notes will be paid over a three-year period based on a predetermined
     formula with guaranteed minimum payments. A final payment for the remaining
     outstanding balance will be made on September 30, 1998.
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-7

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Business operations
 
     NBTY, Inc., formerly Nature's Bounty, Inc. (the 'Company'), manufactures
and distributes vitamins, food supplements and health and beauty aids. The
processing, formulation, packaging, labeling and advertising of the Company's
products are subject to regulation by one or more federal agencies, including
the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer
Product Safety Commission, the United States Department of Agriculture, the
United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Postal
Service.
 
  Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
 
  Revenue recognition
 
     The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment or, with respect to its own
retail store operations, upon the sale of products. The Company has no single
customer that represents more than 10% of annual net sales or accounts
receivable as of September 30, 1996.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
on a first-in, first-out basis. The cost elements of inventory include
materials, labor and overhead. One supplier provided approximately 12% of the
Company's purchases in 1996.
 
  Prepaid catalog costs
 
     Mail order production and mailing costs are capitalized as prepaid catalog
costs and charged to income over the catalog period, which typically
approximates three months.
 
  Property, plant and equipment
 
     Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided
on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.
Expenditures which significantly improve or extend the life of an asset are
capitalized.
 
     Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense in the year incurred. Cost
and related accumulated depreciation for property, plant and equipment are
removed from the accounts upon sale or disposition and the resulting gain or
loss is reflected in earnings.

 
  Intangible assets
 
     Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of
identifiable net assets of companies acquired. Goodwill and other intangibles
are amortized on a straight-line basis over appropriate periods not exceeding 40
years.
 
  Income taxes
 
     The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected
future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial
statements or tax returns. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined
based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets
and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the
differences are expected to reverse.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
1. BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
   POLICIES--(CONTINUED)

  Cash and cash equivalents
 
     For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three
months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
  Short-term investments
 
     Short-term interest bearing investments are those with maturities of less
than one year but greater than three months when purchased. These investments
are readily convertible to cash and are stated at market value, which
approximates cost. Realized gains and losses are included in other income on a
specific identification basis in the period they are realized.
 
  Common shares and earnings per share
 
     Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents are not included
in income per share computations since their effect on the calculation is
immaterial.
 
  Stock-based plans
 
     In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, 'Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation,' which establishes financial accounting and reporting standards
for stock based plans. The Statement, which becomes effective in fiscal 1997,
requires the Company to choose between accounting for issuances of stock and
other equity instruments to employees based on their fair value or to continue

to use an intrinsic value based method and disclosing the pro forma effects such
accounting would have had on the Company's net income and earnings per share.
The Company will continue to use the intrinsic value based method, which
generally does not result in compensation cost.
 
  Reclassifications
 
     Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior year amounts to
the current year presentation.
 
2. SALE OF DIRECT-MAIL COSMETICS BUSINESS
 
     On October 9, 1995, the Company sold certain assets of its direct-mail
cosmetics business for approximately $2,495,000. The Company received $350,000
in cash and non interest bearing notes aggregating approximately $2,145,000 for
inventory, a customer list and other intangible assets. The notes will be paid
over a three-year period based on a predetermined formula with guaranteed
minimum payments. A final payment for the remaining outstanding balance will be
made on September 30, 1998. Revenues applicable to this marginally unprofitable
business were $136,648, $8,283,517 and $13,276,045 for fiscal 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.
 
3. INVENTORIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                --------------------------
                                                                   1996           1995
                                                                -----------    -----------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
Raw materials................................................   $17,131,532    $15,898,215
Work-in-process..............................................     1,522,803      1,848,629
Finished goods...............................................    19,415,736     19,225,748
                                                                -----------    -----------
                                                                $38,070,071    $36,972,592
                                                                -----------    -----------
                                                                -----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-9

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                --------------------------
                                                                   1996           1995
                                                                -----------    -----------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
Land.........................................................   $ 4,764,965    $ 3,064,965
Buildings and leasehold improvements.........................    38,087,461     31,830,638
Machinery and equipment......................................    28,560,427     22,279,226
Furniture and fixtures.......................................     8,484,103      6,065,382
Transportation equipment.....................................       640,982        200,982
Computer equipment...........................................     8,544,945      7,296,395
                                                                -----------    -----------
                                                                 89,082,883     70,737,588
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization...............    27,351,258     22,413,012
                                                                -----------    -----------
                                                                -----------    -----------
                                                                $61,731,625    $48,324,576
</TABLE>
 
     Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment for the
years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was approximately $4,974,000,
$4,064,000 and $3,190,000, respectively.
 
     Property, plant and equipment includes approximately $4,052,000 and
$1,416,000 for assets recorded under capital leases for fiscal 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
     Intangible assets, at cost, acquired at various dates are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                          --------------------------
                                                             1996           1995        AMORTIZATION
                                                          -----------    -----------       PERIOD
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>
Goodwill...............................................   $   469,400    $   469,400       20-40
Customer lists.........................................     8,783,475     10,540,017        6-15
Trademark and licenses.................................     1,201,205      1,134,514        2-3
Covenants not to compete...............................     1,304,538      1,304,538        5-7
                                                          -----------    -----------
                                                           11,758,618     13,448,469
  Less accumulated amortization........................     7,784,045      7,635,438
                                                          -----------    -----------
                                                          $ 3,974,573    $ 5,813,031
                                                          -----------    -----------
                                                          -----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
     Amortization included in the consolidated statements of income under the
caption 'selling, general and administrative expenses' in 1996, 1995 and 1994
was approximately $649,000, $776,000 and $1,054,000, respectively.
 
     Effective October 1, 1993, the Company changed its estimates of the lives
of certain customer lists. Customer list amortization lives that previously
averaged 6 years were increased to an average of 15 years. This change was made
to better reflect the estimated periods during which an individual will remain a
customer of the Company. The change had the effect of reducing amortization
expense by approximately $500,000 and increasing the net income by $310,000 in
1994.
 
                                      F-10

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
6. ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                --------------------------
                                                                   1996           1995
                                                                -----------    -----------
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
Payroll and related payroll taxes............................   $ 2,730,453    $ 2,166,355
Customer deposits............................................     1,862,837      2,034,175
Accrued purchases............................................     1,765,420      1,734,844
Income taxes payable.........................................     2,670,270         39,815
Other........................................................     5,675,527      4,312,800
                                                                -----------    -----------
                                                                $14,704,507    $10,287,989
                                                                -----------    -----------
                                                                -----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                 -------------------------
                                                                    1996           1995
                                                                 -----------    ----------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>
Mortgages:
  First mortgage, payable in monthly principal and interest
     (10.375%) installments (a)...............................   $ 7,447,859    $7,566,144
  First mortgage payable in monthly principal and interest
     (9.73%) installments of $25,396 (b)......................     2,257,729     2,338,432
  First mortgage, payable in monthly principal and interest
     (7.375%) installments of $55,196 (c).....................     5,926,038
                                                                 -----------    ----------
                                                                  15,631,626     9,904,576
  Less current portion........................................       453,214       199,042
                                                                 -----------    ----------
                                                                 $15,178,412    $9,705,534
                                                                 -----------    ----------
                                                                 -----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) In September 1990, the Company obtained an $8,000,000 first mortgage,
    collateralized by the underlying building, issued through the Town of Islip,
    New York Industrial Development Agency. The taxable bond, held by an
    insurance company, has monthly principal and interest payments of $74,821

    for ten years through 2000, with a final payment of $6,891,258 in September
    2000.
 
(b) In November 1994, the Company purchased a building which it previously
    occupied under a long-term lease. The purchase price of approximately
    $3,090,000 was funded with $690,000 in cash and the balance through a
    15-year mortgage note payable. This agreement contains restrictive covenants
    identical to the covenants noted under the revolving credit facility
    described below.
 
(c) In April 1996, the Company obtained a $6,000,000 first mortgage with a fixed
    interest rate of 7.375%, collateralized by the underlying real estate. The
    mortgage has monthly principal and interest payments of $55,196 for fifteen
    years through 2011.
 
     On April 3, 1996, the Company renewed a revolving credit agreement (the
'Agreement') with two banks that provides for unsecured borrowings up to
$15,000,000 which expires March 31, 1999. As of September 30, 1996, there were
no borrowings under this Agreement. Under the most restrictive covenants of the
Agreement, the Company is required to maintain tangible net worth of at least
$84,000,000, a current ratio of at least 1.75 to 1.00 and has a limitation on
the amount of capital expenditures.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
7. LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)

     Required principal payments of long-term debt are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       YEARS ENDED
                      SEPTEMBER 30,
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>
1997......................................................   $   453,214
1998......................................................       494,324
1999......................................................       539,266
2000......................................................     7,419,600
2001......................................................       443,875
Thereafter................................................     6,281,347
                                                             -----------
                                                             $15,631,626
                                                             -----------
                                                             -----------
</TABLE>
 
8. CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
 
     The Company entered into six capital leases for machinery and equipment
aggregating $2,635,412 during fiscal 1996 and two capital leases for machinery

and equipment aggregating $1,416,472 in fiscal 1995. The leases provide the
Company with bargain purchase options at the end of such lease terms.
 
     Future minimum payments under capital lease obligations as of September 30,
1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1997.......................................................   $  758,872
1998.......................................................      758,872
1999.......................................................      758,872
2000.......................................................      758,872
2001.......................................................      758,872
Thereafter.................................................      870,186
                                                              ----------
                                                               4,664,546
Less, amount representing interest.........................      963,746
                                                              ----------
Present value of minimum lease payments
(including $481,673 due within one year)...................   $3,700,800
                                                              ----------
                                                              ----------
</TABLE>
 
9. INCOME TAXES
 
     Provision for income taxes consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             --------------------------------------
                                                                1996          1995          1994
                                                             ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>
Federal
  Current.................................................   $7,551,755    $2,224,935    $  856,774
  Deferred................................................     (501,249)      636,516     3,156,289
 
State
  Current.................................................    2,111,926       336,156       515,893
  Deferred................................................     (141,378)       47,910       237,570
                                                             ----------    ----------    ----------
Total provision...........................................   $9,021,054    $3,245,517    $4,766,526
                                                             ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                             ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
9. INCOME TAXES--(CONTINUED)

     The following is a reconciliation of the income tax expense computed using
the statutory federal income tax rate to the actual income tax expense and its
effective income tax rate.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1996                        1995                        1994
                                ------------------------    ------------------------    ------------------------
                                              PERCENT OF                  PERCENT OF                  PERCENT OF
                                                PRETAX                      PRETAX                      PRETAX
                                  AMOUNT        INCOME        AMOUNT        INCOME        AMOUNT        INCOME
                                ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Income tax expense at
  statutory rate.............   $7,830,527        35.0%     $2,849,668        34.0%     $4,390,037        35.0%
State income taxes, net of
  federal income tax
  benefit....................    1,280,856         5.7%        253,483         3.0%        489,751         3.9%
Other, individually less than
  5%.........................      (90,329)     ( 0.4)%        142,366         1.7%       (113,262)     ( 0.9)%
                                ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
Actual income tax
  provision..................   $9,021,054        40.3%     $3,245,517        38.7%     $4,766,526        38.0%
                                ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                                ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
     The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1996           1995
                                                                 -----------    -----------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Current:
     Inventory capitalization.................................   $   243,000    $   178,034
     Accrued expenses and reserves not currently deductible...     2,591,137      1,049,584
     Tax credits..............................................       321,026        555,822
     Miscellaneous............................................                       63,435
                                                                 -----------    -----------
          Current deferred tax assets.........................     3,155,163      1,846,875
                                                                 -----------    -----------
  Noncurrent:
     Intangibles..............................................       334,820        231,701
     Reserves not currently deductible........................       200,070        342,910
                                                                 -----------    -----------
          Total noncurrent....................................       534,890        574,611
                                                                 -----------    -----------
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Property, plant and equipment...............................    (3,362,088)    (2,736,148)
                                                                 -----------    -----------
          Net deferred tax asset (liability)..................   $   327,965    $  (314,662)
                                                                 -----------    -----------
                                                                 -----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
     Available state tax credits of $321,026 and $555,822 in 1996 and 1995,
respectively, are scheduled to expire through fiscal 2002.
 
10. COMMITMENTS
 
  Leases
 
     The Company conducts retail operations under operating leases which expire
at various dates through 2011. Some of the leases contain renewal options and
provide for additional rentals based upon sales plus certain tax and maintenance
costs.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
10. COMMITMENTS--(CONTINUED)

     Future minimal rental payments under the retail location and automotive
leases that have initial or noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at
September 30, 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       YEAR ENDING
                      SEPTEMBER 30,
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>
1997......................................................   $ 3,319,803
1998......................................................     3,010,636
1999......................................................     2,807,311
2000......................................................     2,375,884
2001......................................................     1,660,407
Thereafter................................................       811,796
                                                             -----------
                                                             $13,985,837
                                                             -----------
                                                             -----------
</TABLE>
 
     Operating lease rental expense, including real estate tax and maintenance
costs and leases on a month to month basis, was approximately $1,979,000,
$1,248,000 and $1,200,000 for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
  Purchase commitments
 
     The Company was committed to make future purchases under various purchase
order arrangements with fixed price provisions aggregating approximately
$12,923,000 and $972,000 at September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
  Employment and consulting agreement agreements
 
     The Company has employment agreements with two of its officers. The
agreements, which expire in January 2004, provide for minimum salary levels, as
adjusted for cost of living changes, as well as contain provisions regarding
severance and changes in control of the Company. The commitment for salaries as
of September 30, 1996 was approximately $749,000 per year.
 
     The Company also has a two-year consulting agreement with its former
chairman and current director which expires on December 31, 1996. Such agreement
required annual payments of approximately $300,000. The parties are presently
negotiating a renewal of the agreement under substantially comparable terms. In
addition, an entity owned by a relative of an officer received sales commissions
of $417,000, $510,000 and $351,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
11. STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
     The Board of Directors approved the issuance of 1,608,000 non-qualified
stock options on December 11, 1989, exercisable at $0.50 per share, which
options terminated on December 10, 1994. The Board also approved the issuance of
2,220,000 non-qualified options on September 23, 1990, exercisable at $0.63 per
share, which options terminate on September 23, 2000. In addition, on March 11,
1992, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of an aggregate of 1,800,000
non-qualified stock options to directors and officers, exercisable at $0.92 per
share, and expiring on March 10, 2002. The exercise price of each of the

aforementioned issuances was in excess of the market price at the date such
options were granted.
 
     During fiscal 1996, options were exercised with 872,000 shares of common
stock issued to certain officers and directors for $10,980 and interest bearing
notes in the amount of $583,900. As a result of the exercise of these options,
the Company is entitled to a compensation deduction for tax purposes of
approximately $3,145,000 which should ultimately result in a tax benefit to the
Company of approximately $1,273,800. Accordingly, the Company has recorded an
increase in capital in excess of par and has adjusted its current liability to
recognize the effect of this tax benefit.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
11. STOCK OPTION PLANS--(CONTINUED)

     During fiscal 1995, options were exercised with 430,000 shares of common
stock issued to certain officers and directors for $24,000 and an interest
bearing note in the amount of $191,000. The promissory note, including interest,
was paid by the surrender of 23,153 NBTY common shares to the Company at the
prevailing market price. As a result of the exercise of these options, the
Company was entitled to a compensation deduction of approximately $1,827,500
which resulted in a tax benefit of approximately $731,000. Such benefit was
recorded as an increase in capital in excess of par and a reduction to taxes
currently payable.
 
     During fiscal 1994, options were exercised with 60,000 shares of common
stock issued to certain directors for $30,000. As a result of the exercise of
these options, the Company was entitled to a compensation deduction for tax
purposes of approximately $1,140,000 which resulted in a tax benefit of
approximately $433,200. Such benefit was recorded as an increase to capital in
excess of par and a reduction to taxes currently payable.
 
     A summary of stock option activity is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    COMMON      EXERCISE PRICE
                                                                    SHARES        PER SHARE
                                                                   ---------    --------------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Shares under option, September 30, 1994 (fully exercisable).....   2,825,000      $.50-$.92
     Exercised in 1995..........................................     430,000         $.50
                                                                   ---------    --------------
                                                                   2,395,000      $.63-$.92
Shares under option, September 30, 1995 (fully exercisable).....
     Exercised in 1996..........................................     872,000      $.63-$.92
                                                                   ---------    --------------
Shares under option, September 30, 1996 (fully exercisable).....   1,523,000      $.63-$.92
                                                                   ---------    --------------
                                                                   ---------    --------------
</TABLE>
 
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
     The Company maintains a defined contribution savings plan, which qualifies
under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, and an employee stock
ownership plan. The accompanying financial statements reflect contributions to
these plans in the approximate amount of $489,000, $498,000 and $103,000 for the
years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
13. LITIGATION
 
  L-tryptophan
 
     The Company and certain other companies in the industry, including
distributors, wholesalers and retailers (the 'Indemnified Group') had been named
as defendants in cases arising out of the ingestion of products containing
L-tryptophan. The Company had been named in more than 265 lawsuits, 4 of which
are still pending against the Company. The Indemnified Group has entered into an
agreement with the Company's supplier of bulk L-tryptophan, Showa Denko America,
Inc. (the 'Supplier'), under which the Supplier, a U.S. subsidiary of a major
Japanese corporation, Showa Denko K.K., has assumed the defense of all claims
against the Indemnified Group and has agreed to pay the legal fees and expenses
in that defense. The Supplier and Showa Denko K.K. has agreed to indemnify the
Indemnified Group against any judgments and to fund settlements arising out of
those actions and claims.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
13. LITIGATION--(CONTINUED)

     The Supplier has posted a revolving, irrevocable letter of credit of $20
million to be used for the benefit of the Indemnified Group in the event that
the Supplier is unable or unwilling to satisfy any claims or judgments.
 

     While not all of these suits quantify the amount demanded, it can
reasonably be assumed that the amount required to either settle these cases or
to pay judgments rendered therein will be paid by the Supplier or by the
Company's product liability insurance carrier. To date, no cases in which the
Company is a party have reached trial.
 
     While the outcome of any litigation is uncertain, it is the opinion of
management and legal counsel of the Company that it is remote that the Company
will incur a material loss as a result of the L-tryptophan litigation and
claims. Accordingly, no provision for liability, if any, that may result
therefrom has been made in the Company's financial statements.
 
  Shareholder litigation
 
     In October 1994, litigation was commenced in the U.S. District Court,
Eastern District of New York, against the Company and two of its officers. The
complaint alleges that false and misleading statements and representations were
made concerning the Company's sales and earnings estimates for the fourth fiscal
quarter and the year ended September 30, 1994. The allegations are that: (a)
sales were artificially inflated; (b) costs were improperly capitalized; (c)
sales and profit margins were materially declining; (d) inventory and accounts
receivable were overstated; and (e) that because of the foregoing, the Company
would incur a loss in its fourth fiscal quarter. The Plaintiffs seek Class
Action certification and an unspecified amount of monetary damages. The Company
and its officers deny the allegations of the complaints and intend to vigorously
contest the litigation. In 1994, prior to commencement of these lawsuits, the
Company purchased a directors and officers Indemnity Policy. Special counsel has
been retained to represent the Company and its officers. Since the outcome of
any litigation is uncertain, the Company is unable to predict (i) whether it
will ultimately prevail; (ii) whether it will be fully or partially indemnified,
if at all; (iii) the amount of loss, if any, that may be attributable to the
above, and (iv) the amount of expense which may be incurred in the defense of
these actions.
 
  Other litigation
 
     The Company is also involved in miscellaneous claims and litigation which,
taken individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial position or its business.
 
                                      F-16

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
14. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
     The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations
for fiscal 1996 and 1995 (dollars in thousands, except per share data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      QUARTER ENDED
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------
                                                  DECEMBER 31,    MARCH 31,    JUNE 30,    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                  ------------    ---------    --------    -------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>
1996:
  Net sales....................................     $ 38,589       $55,605     $ 47,900       $52,309
  Gross profit.................................       17,779        27,760       24,453        28,773
  Income (loss) before income taxes............         (412)        7,502        6,503         8,780(a)
  Net income (loss)............................         (251)        4,576        3,763         5,264
  Earnings (loss) per share....................     $  (0.01)      $  0.23     $   0.19       $  0.26
 
1995:
  Net sales....................................     $ 37,478       $50,945     $ 41,650       $48,687
  Gross profit.................................       18,380        25,220       20,564        20,720
  Income before income taxes...................        1,648         4,336        2,004           394(b)
  Net income...................................          939         2,552        1,152           493
  Earnings per share...........................     $   0.05       $  0.13     $   0.06       $  0.02
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) 1996 year-end adjustments resulting in an increase to pre-tax income of
    approximately $2 million related to adjustments of inventory amounts.
 
(b) 1995 year-end adjustments resulting in a charge to operations included
    approximately $1,475,000 for various accruals and for the write-off of
    certain equipment associated with the Company's cosmetic pencil operation,
    and $900,000 pertaining to the identification of obsolete inventory.
 
                                      F-17

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              
                                                                                                              
                                                                                   JUNE 30,      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                     1997            1996     
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                              <C>             <C>
                                    ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...................................................   $  2,915,318    $   9,292,374
  Short-term investments......................................................     15,540,808       11,024,624
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $996,491
     in 1997 and $793,669 in 1996.............................................     13,012,095       11,625,112
  Inventories.................................................................     58,682,289       38,070,071
  Deferred income taxes.......................................................      3,155,163        3,155,163
  Prepaid catalog costs and other current assets..............................      7,648,111        5,682,874
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
Total current assets..........................................................    100,953,784       78,850,218
Property, plant and equipment.................................................     99,846,582       89,082,883
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization................................     31,398,648       27,351,258
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
                                                                                   68,447,934       61,731,625
Intangible assets, net........................................................      3,748,030        3,974,573
Other assets..................................................................        514,845          993,785
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
Total assets..................................................................   $173,664,593    $ 145,550,201
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
                     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations.............   $    995,225    $     934,887
  Accounts payable............................................................     22,807,676       10,943,228
  Accrued expenses............................................................     15,258,867       14,704,507
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
Total current liabilities.....................................................     39,061,768       26,582,622
Long-term debt................................................................     14,782,083       15,178,412
Obligations under capital leases..............................................      2,863,638        3,219,127
Deferred income taxes.........................................................      2,827,198        2,827,198
Other liabilities.............................................................        792,985          792,985
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
Total liabilities.............................................................     60,327,672       48,600,344

Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.008 par; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 20,116,676
     shares in 1997 and 20,079,676 in 1996 and outstanding 18,628,491 shares
     in 1997 and 18,592,119 shares in 1996....................................        160,934          160,638
Capital in excess of par......................................................     56,303,677       56,012,910
Retained earnings.............................................................     60,061,732       44,008,465
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
                                                                                  116,526,343      100,182,013
Less 1,488,185 and 1,487,557 treasury shares at cost, in 1997 and 1996,
  respectively................................................................      2,663,167        2,648,256
Stock subscriptions receivable................................................        526,255          583,900
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
Total stockholders' equity....................................................    113,336,921       96,949,857
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity....................................   $173,664,593    $ 145,550,201
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
                                                                                 ------------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-18

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                                                                                        ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                                 ----------------------------
                                                                                     1997            1996
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
<S>                                                                              <C>             <C>
Net sales.....................................................................   $184,107,656    $142,093,552
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales...............................................................     88,205,269      72,101,151
  Catalog printing, postage and promotion.....................................     14,580,501      13,240,001
  Selling, general and administrative.........................................     53,884,692      42,782,415
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
                                                                                  156,670,462     128,123,567
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
Income from operations........................................................     27,437,194      13,969,985
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
Other income (charges):
  Interest expense............................................................     (1,294,232)     (1,017,497)
  Miscellaneous, net..........................................................        612,483         640,730
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
                                                                                     (681,749)       (376,767)
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
Income before income taxes....................................................     26,755,445      13,593,218
Income taxes..................................................................     10,702,178       5,505,398
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
Net income....................................................................   $ 16,053,267    $  8,087,820
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
Earnings per common share and common share equivalents........................          $0.80           $0.41
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents...................     20,052,391      19,939,042
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
                                                                                 ------------    ------------
</TABLE>
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-19

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       FOR THE NINE MONTHS
                                                                                          ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                                    --------------------------
                                                                                       1997           1996
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>
Net income.......................................................................   $16,053,267    $ 8,087,820
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
  (Gain), Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment..........................        25,526         (2,250)
  Depreciation and amortization..................................................     4,582,566      4,003,164
  Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts..................................       202,822        169,481
  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquistions:
     (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable..................................    (2,636,906)       797,534
     (Increase) decrease in inventories..........................................   (20,612,218)       229,671
     Increase in prepaid catalog costs and other current assets..................    (1,965,237)    (4,499,475)
     Decrease other assets.......................................................       453,343      2,547,275
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.....................................    11,864,448     (5,083,382)
     Increase in accrued expenses................................................       880,193      2,298,094
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................................     8,847,804      8,547,932
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
Cash flow from investing activities:
  Increase in intangible assets..................................................                      (40,047)
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment......................................   (11,092,412)   (11,494,483)
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment............................        20,150          2,250
  Purchase of short-term investments.............................................    (4,516,184)
  Proceeds from sale of direct-mail cosmetics business...........................                      350,000
  Receipt of payments from direct-mail cosmetics business........................     1,047,101        499,670
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
  Net cash used in investing activities..........................................   (14,541,345)   (10,682,610)
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Borrowings under long term debt agreements.....................................                    6,000,000
  Principal payments under long-term debt agreements and capital leases..........      (691,479)      (368,248)
  Purchase of treasury stock.....................................................       (14,911)      (302,247)
  Proceeds from stock options exercised..........................................        22,875         10,980
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities..............................      (683,515)     5,340,485
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents.............................    (6,377,056)     3,205,807
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...................................     9,292,374     10,378,476
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter......................................   $ 2,915,318    $13,584,283
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
                                                                                    -----------    -----------

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
  Cash paid during the period for interest.......................................   $ 1,294,232    $ 1,012,622
  Cash paid during the period for taxes..........................................   $11,067,626    $ 2,178,025
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
                                                                                    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-20

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING INFORMATION:
 
     The Company entered into capital leases for machinery and equipment
aggregating $2,635,412 for the nine months ended June 30, 1996.
 
     During the first nine months of 1997, options were exercised with 37,000
shares of common stock issued to certain officers for $22,875 and a note for
$10,980. As a result of the exercise of those options, the Company received a
compensation deduction for tax purposes of approximately $643,000 and a tax
benefit of approximately $257,200. An additional 628 NBTY common shares were
surrendered to the Company, at market price, in payment of a stock subscription
receivable and interest in 1997. The average cost of shares was $22.50 in 1997.
 
     During the first nine months of fiscal 1996, options were exercised with
872,000 shares of common stock issued to certain officers for $10,980 and
interest bearing notes in the amount of $583,900. As a result of the exercise of
those options, the Company received a compensation deduction for tax purposes of
approximately $3,150,000 and a tax benefit of approximately $1,230,000.
 
     On October 9, 1995, the Company sold certain assets of its direct-mail
cosmetics business for approximately $2,495,000. The Company received $350,000
in cash and non-interest bearing notes aggregating approximately $2,145,000 for
inventory, a customer list and other intangible assets. The inventory note was
repaid in full in October 1996. In April 1997, the Company received $725,000 as
a final payment of the customer list note.
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-21

<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present
fairly its financial position as of June 30, 1997 and results of operations for
the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 and statements of cash flows for
the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996. The consolidated condensed balance
sheet as of September 30, 1996 has been derived from the audited balance sheet
as of that date. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company's
annual report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996.
 
2.  The results of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended June 30,
1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full
year.
 
3. Sale of Direct-Mail Cosmetic Business:
 
     On October 9, 1995, the Company sold certain assets of its direct-mail
cosmetics business for approximately $2,495,000. The Company received $350,000
in cash and non-interest bearing notes aggregating approximately $2,145,000 for
inventory, a customer list and other intangible assets. The inventory note was
repaid in full in October 1996. In April 1997, the Company received $725,000 as
a final payment of the customer list note.
 
4.  Inventories have been estimated by using the gross profit method for the
interim periods. The components of the inventories are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            
                                                                                            
                                                                 JUNE 30,      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                   1997            1996     
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
Raw materials and work-in-process............................   $35,023,137     $ 18,654,335
Finished goods...............................................    23,659,152       19,415,736
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                $58,682,289     $ 38,070,071
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                -----------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
5.  Intangible assets, at cost, acquired at various dates are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            
                                                                                            
                                                                 JUNE 30,      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                   1997            1996     
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
Goodwill.....................................................   $   469,400     $    469,400
Customer lists...............................................     8,783,475        8,783,475
Trademark and licenses.......................................     1,201,205        1,201,205
Covenants not to compete.....................................     1,304,538        1,304,538
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                 11,758,618       11,758,618
Less, accumulated amortization...............................     8,010,588        7,784,045
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                $ 3,748,030     $  3,974,573
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                -----------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
6. Accrued expenses:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            
                                                                                            
                                                                 JUNE 30,      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                   1997            1996     
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>
Payroll and related payroll taxes............................   $ 3,286,118     $  2,730,453
Customer deposits............................................     2,499,656        1,862,837
Accrued purchases............................................       935,110        1,765,420
Income taxes payable.........................................     2,115,214        2,670,270
Other........................................................     6,422,769        5,675,527
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                $15,258,867     $ 14,704,507
                                                                -----------    -------------
                                                                -----------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                          NBTY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
       NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
7.  The Company purchased 46,000 shares of its common stock for $302,247 for the
nine months ended June 30, 1996 in open market transactions. The average price
per share was $6.57. An additional 628 NBTY common shares were surrendered to
the Company at market price in payment of a stock subscription receivable and
interest in 1997. The average cost of shares was $22.50 in 1997.

 
8.  Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares
and common equivalent shares outstanding during the three and nine month periods
ended June 30, 1997 and 1996. The calculation of earnings per share include
1,441,560 and 1,501,084 common stock equivalent shares for the nine month
periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
9.  During the first nine months of 1997, options were exercised with 37,000
shares of common stock issued to certain officers and a director for $22,875 and
a note for $10,980. As a result of the exercise of those options, the Company
received a compensation deduction for tax purposes of approximately $643,000 and
a tax benefit of approximately $257,200. An additional 628 NBTY common shares
were surrendered to the Company, at market price, in payment of a stock
subscription receivable and interest in 1997. The average cost of shares was
$22.50 in 1997.
 
     During the first nine months of 1996, options were exercised with 872,000
shares of common stock issued to certain officers for $10,980 and interest
bearing notes in the amount of $583,900. As a result of the exercise of those
options, the Company received a compensation deduction for tax purposes of
approximately $3,150,000 and a tax benefit of approximately $1,230,000.
 
     In November 1995, options were exercised with shares of common stock issued
to certain officers for an interest bearing note in the amount of $437,500. As a
result of the exercise of those options, the Company received a compensation
deduction for tax purposes of approximately $2,362,500 and a tax benefit of
approximately $920,000.
 
     The following is a summary of changes in outstanding options for the
Company's Stock Option Plans for the nine month period ended June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                EXERCISE PRICE
                                                                                ---------------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Shares under option, September 30, 1996 (fully exercisable).....   1,523,000      $.63 - $.92
Options exercised...............................................     (37,000)        $.92
                                                                   ---------
Shares exercisable, June 30, 1997 (fully exercisable)...........   1,486,000      $.63 - $.92
                                                                   ---------
                                                                   ---------
</TABLE>
 
10. Subsequent event:
 
     The Company has entered into negotiations to acquire a vitamin and health
food retailer that operates 410 stores in the United Kingdom. The Company would
finance the purchase with bonds and borrowings through a U.S. bank. The Company
has not reached an agreement in principle in connection with this potential
transaction.
 
                                      F-23

<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To: The Directors and shareholders of Holland & Barrett Holdings Limited
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Holland &
Barrett Holdings Limited (formerly Holland & Barrett Retail Limited) and its
subsidiaries ('the Group') as at 30 June 1996 and 1997 and the related
consolidated profit and loss accounts, cash flow statements, statements of total
recognised gains and losses and changes in shareholders' funds for each of the
years in the three year period ended 30 June 1997. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Group's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
in the United Kingdom which do not differ in any material respects from
generally accepted auditing standards in the United States. Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the aforementioned consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Holland & Barrett
Holdings Limited and subsidiaries as of 30 June 1996 and 1997, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year
period ended 30 June 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United Kingdom.
 
Generally accepted accounting principles in the United Kingdom vary in certain
significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States. Application of generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States would have affected results of operations for each of the years in the
two year period ended 30 June 1997 and shareholders' equity as of 30 June 1997
and 1996, to the extent summarised in Note 3 of the consolidated financial
statements.
 
KPMG
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditors
Birmingham, England
 
4 August 1997,
  except for Note 23
  which is as of
  7 August 1997
 
                                      F-24

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
                     CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS
                       FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 30 JUNE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE
                                                                        ------------------------------------------
                                                                           1997            1996            1995
                                                                          POUNDS          POUNDS          POUNDS
                                                             NOTE          '000            '000            '000
                                                            ------      ----------      ----------      ----------
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>
Turnover...............................................                   102,880          90,632          77,124
Cost of sales..........................................                   (53,578)        (47,968)        (41,077)
                                                                        ----------      ----------      ----------
Gross profit...........................................                    49,302          42,664          36,047
Distribution costs.....................................                   (39,365)        (33,860)        (28,729)
Administrative expenses................................                    (2,232)         (1,532)         (1,512)
Other operating income.................................                        --              46               1
                                                                        ----------      ----------      ----------
Operating profit.......................................          4          7,705           7,318           5,807
Loss on sale of fixed assets...........................                      (372)            (46)           (230)
Other interest receivable and similar income...........          7             92              --               2
Interest payable and similar charges...................          8             (7)           (393)           (387)
                                                                        ----------      ----------      ----------
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation..........                     7,418           6,879           5,192
Taxation on profit on ordinary activities..............          9         (2,575)         (2,493)         (1,725)
                                                                        ----------      ----------      ----------
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation...........                     4,843           4,386           3,467
Dividend written back/(proposed).......................                     8,100          (8,100)         (2,395)
                                                                        ----------      ----------      ----------
Retained profit/(loss) for the financial year..........      10,19         12,943          (3,714)          1,072
                                                                        ----------      ----------      ----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
There are no discontinued activities.
 
The effect of acquisitions on turnover and operating profit is considered to be
not material.
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-25

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
                     FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 30 JUNE 1997
 
     During the three years ended 30 June 1997 there were no gains or losses
other than the profit for the financial year.
 
            RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN GROUP SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE
                                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                                            1997          1996          1995
                                                                           POUNDS        POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                                            '000          '000          '000
                                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
Profit for the year...................................................      4,843         4,386         3,467
Dividends written back/(proposed).....................................      8,100        (8,100)       (2,395)
                                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                                           12,943        (3,714)        1,072
Other recognised gains and losses relating to the year:
  Goodwill written off................................................       (130)           --          (595)
                                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
  Net movement in shareholders' funds.................................     12,813        (3,714)          477
  Shareholders' funds at beginning of year............................      4,095         7,809         7,332
                                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
  Shareholders' funds at end of year..................................     16,908         4,095         7,809
                                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.

                                      F-26

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                            AT 30 JUNE 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     
                                                                                 NOTE        1997            1996
                                                                                 ----     ----------      ----------
                                                                                            POUNDS          POUNDS
                                                                                             '000            '000
<S>                                                                              <C>      <C>             <C>
FIXED ASSETS:
  Tangible assets.............................................................    11         22,988          20,042
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Stocks......................................................................    13         11,479          12,037
  Debtors.....................................................................    14         10,684           8,559
  Cash at bank and in hand....................................................                5,668           2,748
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
                                                                                             27,831          23,344
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year................................    15        (31,354)        (24,734)
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
Net current liabilities.......................................................               (3,523)         (1,390)
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
Total assets less current liabilities.........................................               19,465          18,652
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year.......................    16             --         (12,500)
Provisions for liabilities and charges........................................    17         (2,557)         (2,057)
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
NET ASSETS....................................................................               16,908           4,095
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
Capital and reserves
  Called up share capital.....................................................    18          1,050           1,050
  Goodwill write off reserve..................................................    19           (680)           (582)
  Consolidated goodwill.......................................................    19           (715)           (715)
  Capital reserve.............................................................    19          4,587           4,587
  Profit and loss account.....................................................    19         12,666            (245)
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
Equity shareholders' funds....................................................               16,908           4,095
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
                                                                                          ----------      ----------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-27

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
                       CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
                     FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 30 JUNE 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1997       1996       1995
                                                                                    POUNDS     POUNDS     POUNDS
                                                                                     '000       '000       '000
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                                                        <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES...............................    20(a)    10,994     11,050      6,087
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE:
  Interest received.....................................................                 92         --          2
  Interest paid.........................................................                 (7)      (393)      (387)
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
                                                                                         85       (393)      (385)
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
TAXATION
Corporation tax (paid)/received.........................................             (1,368)        21     (1,795)
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets...............................             (6,817)    (6,787)    (6,141)
Receipts from sales of tangible fixed assets............................                156        153         79
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
                                                                                     (6,661)    (6,634)    (6,062)
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
Acquisition of businesses and subsidiaries..............................               (130)        --       (388)
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing and increase/(decrease) in
  cash and cash equivalents.............................................    20(b)     2,920      4,044     (2,543)
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
                                                                                    -------    -------    -------
</TABLE>
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

                                      F-28

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements of Holland & Barrett Holdings Limited
(formerly Holland and Barrett Retail Limited), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gehe
AG (the 'Parent') have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United Kingdom
('UK GAAP'). Transfers of net assets between entities under the common control
of the Parent have been accounted for at historical cost in a manner similar to
pooling of interests with the financial statements restated to give effect to
the transactions as if such entities had always been combined.
 
     On 11 October 1996, Holland & Barrett Holdings Limited was incorporated
under the Laws of England and Wales. On 11 April 1997 it acquired the investment
in Holland & Barrett Retail Limited ('Retail') from Lloyds Chemists plc, a
fellow subsidiary company.
 
     On 30 June 1995, Holland & Barrett Retail Limited ('Retail') acquired the
trade and assets of the Holland & Barret Distribution ('Distribution') from
Barclay Pharmaceutical Limited at book value, a fellow subsidiary of Lloyds
Chemists plc.
 
     On 11 April 1997 Retail acquired Holland & Barrett Limited ('H&B') and
Lifecycle Limited ('Lifecycle'), two dormant subsidiaries of Lloyds Chemists plc
for pounds 50,000. The net assets of H&B and Lifecycle were pounds 4,637,000,
being amounts due from Lloyds Chemists plc. The excess of net assets over the
purchase price was treated as a capital transaction.
 
     The results and assets of Distribution, H&B and Lifecycle have been
included in the consolidated financial statements for the three year period
ended 30 June 1997.
 
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     The following accounting policies conform with UK Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles ('UK GAAP') and have been applied consistently in dealing
with the items which are considered material in relation to the consolidated
financial statements:
 
  Consolidation
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of
all wholly owned subsidiaries, all of which are made up to 30 June each year.
Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
  Fixed assets
 
     Fixed assets are stated at cost, less appropriate depreciation and
provisions. Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the gross book value
less estimated residual value of tangible fixed assets over their estimated

useful lives. The principal rates used are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>
Short leasehold property               --     period of the lease
Motor vehicles                         --     25% on a reducing balance
Fixtures, fittings and equipment       --     10%-20% on a straight time basis
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)

  Leased assets
 
     All leases are operating leases and the rental charges are taken to the
profit and loss account on a straight tine basis over the life of the lease.
 
  Stocks
 
     Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost for
this purpose consists of materials and an appropriate proportion of overheads.
 
  Pensions
 
     The company sponsors a defined contribution pension scheme operated as part
of Lloyds Chemists Group. The assets of the scheme are held separately in an
independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents
contributions payable during the year.
 
  Taxation
 
     The charge for taxation is based on the profit for the year and takes into
account taxation deferred because of timing differences between the treatment of
certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. Provision is made for
deferred tax only to the extent that it is probable that an actual liability
will crystallise.
 
  Goodwill
 
     Goodwill relating to the acquisition of businesses is written off
immediately against reserves.
 
  Turnover
 
     Turnover represents amounts invoiced by the group to third parties in
respect of goods sold during the year, excluding value added tax and trade
discounts. In the opinion of the directors there is only one class of business.
All turnover is within the UK.
 

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN UK GAAP AND US GAAP
 
     The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
UK GAAP which differs in certain significant respects from generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States ('US GAAP'). This summary should not
be taken as a complete list of all differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP. The
significant differences between UK GAAP and US GAAP which affect the Group's net
profit and shareholders' funds are set out below:
 
          (a) Goodwill and other intangibles
 
          Under UK GAAP, the Group writes off goodwill, being the excess of cost
     over the fair value attributable to the net assets acquired, to
     consolidated equity in the year of acquisition. In calculating any gain or
     loss resulting from a disposal of assets, attributable goodwill previously
     written off is included. Under US GAAP, goodwill is capitalised and
     amortised through the statement of income over a period representing its
     estimated useful life of 25 years.
 
          (b) Deferred taxation
 
          Under UK GAAP, provision is made for deferred taxation under the
     liability method unless there is reasonable certainty that such deferred
     taxation will not become payable or receivable in the foreseeable future.
     Under US GAAP, deferred taxation is provided on all temporary differences
     which will result in taxable or tax deductible amounts in future years,
     subject to a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if it is
     more likely than not that the related tax benefit will not be realised.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN UK GAAP AND US GAAP--(CONTINUED)

          (c) Dividends
 
          Under UK GAAP, dividends are provided for in the year to which they
     relate. These dividends are deducted from current year earnings, US GAAP
     recognises dividends as a reduction of retained earnings in the accounting
     period in which they are formally declared.
 
          (d) Cash flows
 
          Under UK GAAP, the Group complies with Financial Reporting Standard
     No. 1 (revised), 'Cash flow statements' ('FRSI'). Its objectives and
     principles are similar to US GAAP as set out in Statement of Financial
     Accounting Standards No 95, 'Statement of Cash flows' ('SFAS No 95'). The
     principal difference between the standards is in respect of classification.
     Under FRSI, the Group presents its cash flows for a) operating activities,
     b) returns on investments and servicing of finance, c) taxation, d) capital
     expenditure and financial investment, e) acquisitions and disposals, f)

     equity dividends paid, g) management of liquid resources and h) financing.
     SFAS No 95 requires only three categories of cash flow activity: a)
     operating activities, b) investing activities and c) financing activities.
 
     Under FRSI, cash includes deposits and overdrafts, repayable on demand
while movements on short term investments are included in management of liquid
resources. SFAS No 95 defines cash and cash equivalents as also including short
term highly liquid investments.
 
     Cash flows arising from taxation and returns on investments and servicing
of finance under FRSI would be included as operating activities under SFAS No
95. Cash flows relating to capital expenditure and financial investment and
acquisitions and disposals would be included as investing activities under SFAS
No 95. Equity dividend payments would be included as a financing activity under
SFAS No 95.
 
     A summarised consolidated cash flow under US GAAP is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  
                                                                                  
                                                                       1997          1996   
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                      POUNDS        POUNDS  
                                                                       '000          '000     
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Cash inflow from operating activities............................       9,711        10,678
Cash (outflow) on investing activities...........................      (6,791)       (6,634)
Cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities..................          --            --
                                                                    ----------    ----------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents............................       2,920         4,044
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...................       2,748        (1,296)
                                                                    ----------    ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.........................       5,668         2,748
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN UK GAAP AND US GAAP--(CONTINUED)

     The following is a summary of the material adjustments to net income and
shareholders' funds which would have been required if US GAAP had been applied
instead of UK GAAP.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         
                                                                   YEARS ENDED 30 JUNE        
                                                              -----------------------------
                                                                 1997               1996 
                                                              ----------         ----------
                                                                POUNDS             POUNDS
                                                                 '000               '000 
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>
Profit after tax--UK GAAP..................................      4,843              4,386
Adjustments to conform with US GAAP
  Amortization of goodwill.................................        (59)               (43)
  Deferred tax.............................................        (35)               (51)
                                                              ----------         ----------
Net income--US GAAP........................................      4,749              4,292
                                                              ----------         ----------
                                                              ----------         ----------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               AT 30 JUNE
                                                                            ----------------
                                                                             1997      1996 
                                                                            ------    ------
                                                                            POUNDS    POUNDS
                                                                             '000      '000 
<S>                                                                         <C>       <C>
Shareholders' funds, UK GAAP.............................................   16,908     4,095
  Adjustment to conform to US GAAP:
     Goodwill............................................................    1,326     1,255
     Deferred tax........................................................       96       131
     Dividends...........................................................       --     8,100
                                                                            ------    ------
Shareholders' funds, US GAAP.............................................   18,330    13,581
                                                                            ------    ------
                                                                            ------    ------
</TABLE>
 
4. OPERATING PROFIT
 
     This is stated after charging the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997          1996          1995
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                       POUNDS        POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                        '000          '000          '000
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
Depreciation......................................      3,343         2,659         1,619
Directors' emoluments (see note 6)................        181           128           121
Payments under operating leases:
  Land and buildings..............................     13,981        11,864        10,162
  Plant and machinery.............................        510           113           145
Auditors' renumeration:
  Audit...........................................         15            19            15
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-32

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
5. STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS:
 
     The average number of persons employed by the group (including directors)
during the year, was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1997      1996      1995
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
                                                                  NUMBER    NUMBER    NUMBER
<S>                                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
Administration.................................................       99       127      120
Retail.........................................................    1,979     1,786    1,539
Distribution...................................................      117       109      100
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
                                                                   2,195     2,022    1,759
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
                                                                  pounds    pounds    pounds
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:       '000      '000     '000
  Wages and salaries...........................................   12,947    10,720    8,899
  Social security costs........................................      844       702      581
  Other pension costs..........................................       40        31       25
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
                                                                  13,831    11,453    9,505
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
</TABLE>
 
6. EMOLUMENTS OF DIRECTORS
 
     The emoluments (excluding pension contributions) including estimated
benefits in kind of the director who served as chairman during the year were
pounds Nil (1996: pounds Nil; 1995: pounds Nil).
 
     Excluding pension contributions, the emoluments of the highest paid
director were pounds 99,246 (1996: pounds 75,750; 1995: pounds 64,000).
Excluding pension contributions but including benefits in kind the emoluments of
the directors were within the following ranges:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1996      1995
                                                                   1997     ------    ------
                                                                  ------    NUMBER    NUMBER
                                                                  NUMBER
<S>                                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
pounds      0 - pounds   5,000................................         8         6        6
pounds  5,001 - pounds  10,000.................................        1        --       --
pounds 45,001 - pounds  50,000.................................       --         1        1
pounds 60,001 - pounds  65,000.................................        1        --       --
pounds 70,001 - pounds  75,000.................................       --        --        1
pounds 75,001 - pounds  80,000.................................       --         1       --
pounds 95,001 - pounds 100,000.................................        1        --       --
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
</TABLE>
 
7. OTHER INTEREST RECEIVABLE AND SIMILAR INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996          1995
                                                                   ----------    ----------
                                                        1997         POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                     ----------       '000          '000
                                                       POUNDS
                                                        '000
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
Bank Interest.....................................         92            --             2
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
8. INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996          1995
                                                                   ----------    ----------
                                                        1997         POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                     ----------       '000          '000
                                                       POUNDS
                                                        '000
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
On bank overdrafts................................         7           393           387
                                                       -----         -----         -----
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-33

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
9. TAX ON PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
 
     Taxation based on the profit for the year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995          1997
                                                                   ----------    ----------
                                                        1996         POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                     ----------       '000          '000
                                                       POUNDS
                                                        '000
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
Corporation tax at 33% (1996: 33%; 1995: 33%).....      2,196         1,558           979
Deferred taxation.................................        310           733           752
Adjustments in respect of prior years:
  Corporation tax.................................       (121)          430            (6)
  Deferred taxation...............................        190          (228)           --
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                        2,575         2,493         1,725
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
10. RETAINED PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996          1995
                                                                   ----------    ----------
                                                        1997         POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                     ----------       '000          '000
                                                       POUNDS
                                                        '000
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
Holland and Barrett Holdings Limited..............     12,812        (3,914)        1,218
Subsidiaries......................................        131           200          (146)
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                       12,943        (3,714)        1,072
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 SHORT                    FIXTURES,
                                               LEASEHOLD     MOTOR        LININGS,       TOTAL
                                               PROPERTY     VEHICLES        TOOLS        ------
                                               ---------    --------    AND EQUIPMENT
                                   FREEHOLD                             -------------    POUNDS
                                     LAND       POUNDS       POUNDS                       '000
                                   --------      '000         '000       POUNDS '000
                                    POUNDS
                                     '000
<S>                                <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>              <C>
Cost
At 1 July 1996..................      130        4,712         261          24,373       29,476
  Additions.....................       --           --           5           6,812        6,817
  Disposals.....................       --         (361)         --          (1,435)      (1,796)
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
At 30 June 1997.................      130        4,351         266          29,750       34,497
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
Depreciation
At 1 July 1996..................       --        2,717          41           6,676        9,434
  Charged in year...............       --          225          44           3,074        3,343
  Disposals.....................       --         (292)         --            (976)      (1,268)
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
At 30 June 1997.................       --        2,650          85           8,774       11,509
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
Net book value
At 30 June 1997.................      130        1,701         181          20,976       22,988
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
At 30 June 1996.................      130        1,995         220          17,697       20,042
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
                                   --------    ---------    --------    -------------    ------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-34

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
12. SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The investments in subsidiary undertakings, which are all wholly owned
directly by Holland and Barrett Retail Limited, are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                          PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY     SHARES
- -------------------------------------------   ---------------------  -------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>                    <C>
Holland & Barrett (Franchising) Limited....   Dormant company        50,000 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
Natural Health & Beauty Stores Limited.....   Dormant company        100 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
                                                                     100 preferred ordinary shares of pounds 1
                                                                     each
Hillstart Limited..........................   Dormant company        160,000 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
Nature's Way Limited.......................   Dormant company        100 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
Beaumonts Health Stores Limited............   Retailer Healthfood    100 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
                                              produces
Naplers of Edinburgh Limited...............   Dormant company        99 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
Neals Yard (Wholefoods) Limited............   Retailer Health food   100 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
                                              products               234,900 redeemable preference shares of
                                                                     pounds 1 each
Holland & Barrett Limited..................   Dormant company        5,533,398 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
Lifecycle Limited..........................   Dormant company        1,500,000 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each
</TABLE>
 
     With the exception of Holland & Barrett (Franchising) Limited which is
registered in Scotland, all of these companies are registered in England and
Wales.
 
13. STOCKS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997          1996
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                      POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                                       '000          '000
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Goods for resale.................................................     11,479        12,037
                                                                    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>

14. DEBTORS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997          1996
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                      POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                                       '000          '000
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Trade debtors....................................................         98           282
Amounts owed by the Parent and its subsidiary undertakings.......      2,846         1,110
Other debtors....................................................        288           431
Corporation tax recoverable......................................         --            92
Prepayments......................................................      7,452         6,644
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                      10,684         8,559
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
15. CREDITORS; AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997          1996
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                      POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                                       '000          '000
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Trade creditors..................................................     15,039        15,457
Amounts owed to the Parent and its subsidiary undertakings.......     11,123         5,933
Other taxation and social security...............................        902           276
Other creditors and accruals.....................................      2,102         1,495
Corporation tax..................................................      2,188         1,573
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                      31,354        24,734
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>

                                      F-35

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                       1997         POUNDS
                                                                    ----------       '000
                                                                      POUNDS
                                                                       '000
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Amounts owed to the parent and its subsidiary undertakings.......         --        12,500
                                                                    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
17. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DEFERRED TAXATION
                                                                              -----------------
                                                                                 POUNDS '000
<S>                                                                           <C>
At 1 July 1996.............................................................         2,057
Charge for the year........................................................           500
                                                                                  -------
At 30 June 1997............................................................         2,557
                                                                                  -------
                                                                                  -------
</TABLE>
 
     The amounts provided for deferred taxation and the full potential liability
are set out below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                       1997         POUNDS
                                                                    ----------       '000
                                                                      POUNDS
                                                                       '000
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Accelerated capital allowances...................................      2,559         2,094
Short term timing differences....................................         (2)          (37)
Chargeable gains rolled over.....................................         73            73
                                                                    ----------    ----------
Full potential liability.........................................      2,630         2,130
Amounts provided in financial statements.........................     (2,557)       (2,057)
                                                                    ----------    ----------
Amounts for which no provisions have been made...................         73            73
                                                                    ----------    ----------
                                                                    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
 
18. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                       1997         POUNDS
                                                                    ----------       '000
                                                                      POUNDS
                                                                       '000
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Authorized, allotted, called up and fully paid:
  1,050,000 ordinary shares of pounds 1 each.....................      1,050         1,050
                                                                    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>

19. RESERVES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 GOODWILL
                                                                  WRITE                  PROFIT
                                                                   OFF       CAPITAL    AND LOSS
                                                                 RESERVE     RESERVE    ACCOUNT
                                                 CONSOLIDATED    --------    -------    --------
                                                   GOODWILL       POUNDS                 POUNDS
                                                   RESERVE         '000                   '000
                                                 ------------
                                                 POUNDS '000
<S>                                              <C>             <C>         <C>        <C>
At 1 July 1996................................       (715)         (582)      4,587        (245)
Goodwill written off..........................         --          (130)         --          --
Goodwill transferred to profit and loss
  account.....................................         --            32          --         (32)
Retained profit for the year..................         --            --          --      12,943
                                                   ------        --------    -------    --------
At 30 June 1997...............................       (715)         (680)      4,587      12,666
                                                   ------        --------    -------    --------
                                                   ------        --------    -------    --------
</TABLE>
 
20. CASH FLOW NOTES
 
     (a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating
activities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1996          1995
                                                                   ----------    ----------
                                                        1997         POUNDS        POUNDS
                                                     ----------       '000          '000
                                                       POUNDS
                                                        '000
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
Operating profit..................................      7,705         7,318         5,807
Depreciation......................................      3,343         2,659         1,619
Decrease/(increase) in stocks.....................        558        (3,921)         (855)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors....................       (210)       (3,170)       (1,957)
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors..................       (402)        8,164         1,473
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                       10,994        11,050         6,087
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>
                                      F-36

<PAGE>
                       HOLLAND & BARRETT HOLDINGS LIMITED
                     (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF GEHE AG)
          NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
     (b) Analysis of change in cash and cash equivalents during the year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  CASH     OVERDRAFT     NET
                                                                 ------    ---------    ------
                                                                 POUNDS     POUNDS      POUNDS
                                                                  '000       '000        '000
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>          <C>
Balance at 1 July 1994........................................    1,247          --      1,247
Net Cash inflow...............................................   (1,209)     (1,334)    (2,543)
                                                                 ------    ---------    ------
Balance at 30 June 1995.......................................       38      (1,334)    (1,296)
Net cash inflow...............................................    2,710       1,334      4,044
                                                                 ------    ---------    ------
Balance at 30 June 1996.......................................    2,748          --      2,748
Net cash inflow...............................................    2,920          --      2,920
                                                                 ------    ---------    ------
Balance at 30 June 1997.......................................    5,668          --      5,668
                                                                 ------    ---------    ------
                                                                 ------    ---------    ------
</TABLE>
 
21. COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES
 
     Annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases in respect of
assets other than land and buildings are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1997
                                                                                   ----------
                                                                                     POUNDS
                                                                                      '000
<S>                                                                                <C>
Commitments which expire
  Within one year...............................................................        669
  Within two to five years......................................................      1,602
  After five years..............................................................     12,089
                                                                                   ----------
                                                                                     14,360
                                                                                   ----------
                                                                                   ----------
</TABLE>
 
22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     In the three year period ended 30 June 1997 Lloyds Chemists plc charged the
following management fees to the Group 1997 pounds Nil, 1996 pounds 362,000,

1995 pounds 430,000, representing the cost of central services, including legal,
company secretarial, property maintenance and management, personnel and payroll
services and data processing departments. Such fees are included within
administrative expenses in the profit and loss account.
 
23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
     On 7 August 1997 the whole of the issued share capital of Holland & Barrett
Holdings Limited was acquired by NBTY Inc. for an aggregate consideration of
approximately $169 million.
 
                                      F-37

<PAGE>
                                    FORM OF
                      TRANSFEREE LETTER OF REPRESENTATION
 
NBTY, Inc.
c/o IBJ Schroder Bank and Trust Company
1 State Street
New York, New York 10004
 
Dear Sirs:
 
This certificate is delivered to request a transfer of $            principal
amount of the 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the 'Notes') of NBTY,
Inc. (the 'Company').
 
Upon transfer, the Notes would be registered in the name of the new beneficial
owner as follows:
 
        Name:
 
        Address:
 
        Taxpayer ID Number:
 
The undersigned represents and warrants to you that:
 
1.  We are an institutional 'accredited investor' (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1),
(2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the 'Securities Act'))
purchasing for our own account or for the account of such an institutional
'accredited investor at least $250,000 principal amount of the Notes, and we are
acquiring the Notes not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with,
any distribution in violation of the Securities Act. We have such knowledge and
experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the
merits and risk of our investment in the Notes and we invest in or purchase
securities similar to the Notes in the normal course of our business. We and any
accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of our
or its investment.
 
2.  We understand that the Notes have not been registered under the Securities
Act and, unless so registered, may not be sold except as permitted in the
following sentence. We agree on our own behalf and on behalf of any investor
account for which we are purchasing Notes to offer, sell or otherwise transfer
such Notes prior to the date which is two years after the later of the date of
original issue and the last date on which the Company or any affiliate of the
Company was the owner of such Notes (or any predecessor thereto) (the 'Resale
Restriction Termination Date') only (a) to the Company, (b) pursuant to a
registration statement which has been declared effective under the Securities
Act, (c) in a transaction complying with the requirements of Rule 144A under the
Securities Act, to a person we reasonably believe is a qualified institutional
buyer under Rule 144A (a 'QIB') that purchases for its own account or for the
account of a QIB and to whom notice is given that the transfer is being made in
reliance on Rule 144A, (d) to an institutional 'accredited investor' within the
meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act that is
purchasing for its own account or for the account of such an institutional

'accredited investor,' in each case in a minimum principal amount of Notes of
$250,000 or (e) pursuant to any other available exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act, subject in each of the foregoing cases to
any requirement of law that the disposition of our property or the property of
such investor account or accounts be at all times within our or their control
and in compliance with any applicable state securities laws. The foregoing
restrictions on resale will not apply subsequent to the Resale Restriction
Termination Date. If any resale or other transfer of the Notes is proposed to be
made pursuant to clause (d) above prior to the Resale Restriction Termination
Date, the transferor shall deliver a letter from the transferee substantially in
the form of this letter to the Company and the Trustee, which shall provide,
among other things, that the transferee is an institutional 'accredited
investor' within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the
Securities Act and that it is acquiring such Notes for investment purposes and
not for distribution in violation of the Securities Act. Each purchaser
acknowledges that the Company and the Trustee reserve the right prior to any
offer, sale or other transfer prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
of the Notes pursuant to clause (d) or (e) above to require the delivery of an
opinion of counsel, certificates and/or other information satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
Dated:                                                    TRANSFEREE: -------------------------------------
 
                                                          BY: -------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
                     [This page intentionally left blank]
<PAGE>
                     [This page intentionally left blank]

<PAGE>
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM, AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO
SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE
SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM NOR
ANY OFFER OR SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN
IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE
THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY
TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
Summary.......................................................       1
Risk Factors..................................................      11
Use of Proceeds...............................................      17
The Transaction...............................................      17
Capitalization................................................      18
Selected Historical Financial Data............................      19
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data...................      21
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
  and Results of Operations...................................      27
Business......................................................      31
Management....................................................      41
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
  Management .................................................      43
Description of the Revolving Credit Facility..................      44
Description of the Notes......................................      46
Registration Rights...........................................      71
Transfer Restrictions.........................................      73
Book-Entry; Delivery and Form.................................      75
Plan of Distribution..........................................      77
Legal Matters.................................................      78
Independent Accountants.......................................      78
Available Information.........................................      78
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference...............      79
Index to Financial Statements.................................     F-1
Form of Transferee Letter of Representation...................     A-1
</TABLE>

OFFERING MEMORANDUM
 
$150,000,000
 
NBTY, INC.
 
8 5/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
DUE 2007

[LOGO]
 
CHASE SECURITIES INC.

SEPTEMBER 17, 1997



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